The CW has released the official synopsis for the eighth episode of Nikita‘s third season, titled “Aftermath.”

The official press release had the following information about the episode:

NIKITA AND OWEN TEAM UP TO TAKE DOWN A ROGUE “CLEANER” — Nikita (Maggie Q) and Owen (Devon Sawa) face off against a rogue “cleaner” named Liam (guest star Pedro Pascal), while Michael (Shane West) takes a new position at Division. Michael and Nikita’s relationship becomes strained as he watches her work with Owen. Lyndsy Fonseca, Aaron Stanford and Noah Bean also star. Brad Turner directed the episode written by Carlos Coto (#308).

Owen, of course, is a former cleaner who killed Nikita’s former civilian fiance, prompting her to leave Division.

We know that the relationship between Michael and Nikita will hit a snag in the upcoming episodes, as promised by executive producer Craig Silverstein. An upcoming issue for Michael “comes up as a consequence of that and of [their] going after” Amanda, he says. “It’s a really interesting problem” that will “for sure” change the Mikita relationship.

Though the tension in this episode does not sound Amanda-related, we’re guessing lingering tension over Nikita and Owen’s continued close relationship will only add fuel to whatever fire Amanda eventually starts between Nikita and Michael.

Nikita returns from winter hiatus with “Intersection,” the originally planned mid-season finale, on January 18. Read the episode synopsis for the first episode of 2013 here.

“Aftermath” airs Friday, January 25 at 8 p.m. ET.