In the penultimate episode of The CW's "Wild Cards" Season 1, titled "Inside (Con)Man," Max Mitchell finds herself in the midst of a tense bank robbery at Everfield Banks. The episode's title is inspired by Spike Lee's film "Inside Man," and it sets the stage for a thrilling and high-stakes scenario. Two armed and masked robbers, Derek and Ben, take everyone hostage, including Max, who quickly calls Detective Cole Ellis for help before her phone is destroyed.
The hostages include a pregnant woman, Tracey, a quarrelling couple Karl (the bank manager) and Irma, Mrs. Field and Mr. Simpson, who are familiar with each other, and a young runaway teen, Rain. Max tries to calm the situation, reminding everyone that the bank is insured and they will be safe if they remain calm.
Ellis, defying Chief Li's orders, enters the bank through the back door to help Max and the other hostages. He sends photos of the robbers to Li, who passes them on to the tactical team, helping them identify the criminals. Derek, one of the robbers, grew up in a foster home, and his foster mother's background becomes a key part of the investigation.
As the situation escalates, Max and Ellis finally see each other from a distance. Ellis points out Rain's earphone and asks Max to retrieve it. Rain explains that she ran away with her mother's card to get money for a concert, and Max promises to help her. Ellis connects his phone to the earphones, patching in Li with Max, allowing them to communicate more effectively. The robbers, fearing a police raid, move the hostages to a more compact meeting room. However, Derek discovers Ellis and shoots him. Max, showing her devotion to her partner, rushes to check on him, relieved to find that his bulletproof vest saved him.
Simmons and Yates uncover that Derek's foster mother owns an antique stamp worth millions, preserved in the bank's safety deposit. According to her will, Derek and the other foster kids will inherit the money after her death. The robbers take Tracey outside with a gun to their head, demanding a car for their escape. Max advises Tracey to duck down, allowing the snipers to take out the robbers, who are minorly injured and arrested.
In a surprising twist, it is revealed that Tracey was in cahoots with the robbers and is her real mother. Tracey had planned to use the robbery as a distraction to steal the stamp from the deposit box, deceiving Karl to learn about the bank's security systems. Ellis and Max detect various instances that give Tracey away, leading to her arrest.
The episode concludes with an intimate moment between Max and Ellis, as they realize their romantic feelings for each other. However, just as they are about to kiss, it is revealed that Max has a husband, adding a dramatic twist to their relationship.
"Inside (Con)Man" is a gripping episode that tests the partnership and trust between Max and Ellis. The high-stakes bank robbery scenario, combined with the unexpected twists and turns, keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The episode not only advances the main plot but also deepens the characters' development, particularly in their personal struggles and relationships. With its blend of action, suspense, and emotional depth, "Inside (Con)Man" sets the stage for a thrilling finale.