In the fifth episode of The CW's "Wild Cards," titled "The Accountant of Monte Cristo," Max Mitchell and Detective Cole Ellis find themselves entangled in a complex case involving the mob and a high-stakes witness. The episode begins with a stern warning from Chief Li, who reminds the duo to play by the book, despite their recent success in solving crimes through unconventional means.
The plot thickens when Ellis receives an urgent call from Rachel Cisco, his ex-fiancée and a federal agent. Rachel is in dire need of help to retrieve Albert Ripley, also known as The Accountant or The Count, who is set to testify against mob captains the following day. However, Albert is arrested the day before his testimony, and Rachel enlists Ellis's help to prevent the situation from becoming a public embarrassment.
Max's father, George, directs them to Cassandra, also known as The Fortune Teller, who has a past connection with George. Despite initial skepticism from Rachel about Max's involvement, Ellis recognizes Max's value as a con artist in such situations. Cassandra, recognizing Max, agrees to help, leading them to Bobby Za, one of the hired guns involved in Albert's kidnapping. Bobby is apprehended while playing chess in the park, and a note in his possession confirms that Albert staged his own kidnapping.
Following Bobby's leads, Max and Ellis discover a secure florist shop where the florist is found dead. The florist was operating an illicit passport-forging business, and Max finds a note from Albert to someone named Maya, who works at the Westbrook Union. The trio apprehends Albert there, but they narrowly escape when Charles, Albert's old bodyguard from the syndicate, attempts to kill him.
At Max's safehouse, Albert explains his relationship with Maya, whom he met ten years ago and fell in love with. He became entangled with the syndicate and eventually turned himself in, breaking up with Maya in the process. He wanted to disappear and see her one last time. Meanwhile, Rachel and Ellis discuss their past relationship, with Ellis revealing that the death of his brother, Daniel, drove him into a shell, ultimately ending their affair. Despite their shared history, Rachel remains distrustful of Max. In a moment of vulnerability, Ellis and Rachel share a passionate kiss, which Max witnesses, prompting her to retreat.
Albert propositions Max with a flash drive containing recordings of sensitive conversations, offering her significant leverage. They devise a plan where Max lets Albert go, pretending that the mob attacked the house. Max places a tracking device under Ellis's car to cover her tracks. Charles takes Albert hostage, but Max offers him the flash drive in exchange for Albert's life. However, Charles attempts to kill Albert after taking the drive, forcing Albert to jump off a bridge.
The episode concludes with Max delivering tickets from Albert to Maya for a new life in Bali. Rachel offers Ellis a fresh start, while Albert hides the flash drive for Max outside the bank as part of their deal. In the final scene, Ellis invites Max onto his boat, sharing the story of how Daniel acquired it. The episode ends with a longing look between Max and Ellis, interrupted by Marc.
"The Accountant of Monte Cristo" is a character-driven episode that delves into the emotional depths of Ellis and Max's partnership, testing their loyalty and trust in each other. The episode also explores themes of love, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to protect those they care about. With its blend of action, romance, and intrigue, "The Accountant of Monte Cristo" keeps viewers engaged and eager for more.