Every film or TV show we watch has the potential to teach us something if we pay close attention. Today, let’s focus on NBC’s The Enemy Within and explore the life lessons we can learn from it.
1. Family ties run deep
There’s a saying that you shouldn’t judge someone’s actions without understanding their reasons. Erica is considered the nation’s biggest traitor after she helps Tal, a most wanted terrorist, kill four CIA agents. Later, she explains to Will that she had no choice, as Tal threatened to kill her daughter. We often write people off for doing something we think is unforgivable, but rarely do we ask them why they did it. When faced with ultimatums involving loved ones, our hearts often make the decision for us.
2. Time can heal wounds and soften hearts
Will initially despises Erica for her role in his fiancée’s death. However, as he spends more time with her, his feelings begin to change. When Erica’s daughter asks for her mother to attend her school recital, Will not only allows it but also attends himself. While time may not erase the scars of past betrayals, it can help to lessen the pain and allow us to see the good in those who have hurt us.
3. We sometimes choose comforting lies over harsh truths
When Keaton discovers that Dennis is the cartel’s informant, he needs hard proof, which can only be obtained through Dennis’ wife, Elizabeth. Erica convinces Elizabeth to help the FBI by pointing out that she must have known about her husband’s activities. We often defend people even when we suspect there’s truth in the accusations against them. However, once we’ve known someone for a long time, we may choose to forgive or ignore their misdeeds rather than face the truth. This is why many criminals go free, as no one is willing to testify against them.
4. Trust your instincts
As a former CIA agent, Erica has developed a keen ability to read people. When she meets Anna, she immediately becomes suspicious. Later, when Anna tries to breach the system and fails, she taunts Erica, who still doesn’t trust her. Erica eventually tells Will that Anna is the mole, not her. Our instincts are a gift that we often brush off, but they exist for a reason: to keep us grounded when our emotions threaten to cloud our judgment.
5. Trust must be earned
Anna consistently undermines her team’s efforts. She alerts a handyman to their presence at Dean’s storage unit, leading to an attempted murder. She also facilitates Viktor’s death in his cell by turning off the security cameras, eliminating the FBI’s only witness. Will realizes that his team may be sabotaging his efforts to bring down Tal. We’re often warned not to be too trusting unless we’re sure someone deserves it. However, we can be easily fooled by others’ hypocrisy, leading us to regret our misplaced trust. Trusting someone with your secrets or relying on them in times of need can sometimes lead to disappointment.
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