We had some sound issues this episode. Really sorry guys. We tried to do what we could, but we didn't want to delay the episode any longer than we already had.

A man named James Kanack stole a special design from his employee Oren Matz, ruining his reputation and the credit he deserves. The team finds out that Kanack is obsessed with the idea of Extraterrestrial life and believes in aliens. They decide to “steal a close encounter” and get him to believe that there’s a message from outer space only they can decipher. They do manage to steal money from him, but that’s not enough for Oren, who cares more about his creation and reputation than money. Can the team take down Kanack for good? How perfect was it that Jonathan Frakes directed this episode? Can you get Hardison and Eliot’s song out of your head? All that and more on this episode of Leverage.

The team is approached by a boy named Danny whose father Craig is a professional hockey player. He’s getting into constant fights while playing and Danny thinks he’s going to die before the end of the season. They find out that his father is being offered more money by his coach to start fights because the crowds like it, and that the coach is making all the doctors clear him even when he’s injured. It’s up to them to find a way to take down the corrupt coach and save Craig from himself. Is Eliot good at all sports? Should Vlad become a regular guest star? And did Sophie really steal the Stanley Cup? All that and more on this episode of Leverage.

The gang is back from their break, and Hardison’s set up a new base and business in Portland, Oregon. Nate agrees this is the right place for them to lay low until they get back on track. Their first client is a grieving widow whose husband died on the job and the airline company got away with it. They target the wealthy executive Scott Roemer, who happens to have an unusual obsession with Howard Hughes. Nate uses this against him by creating a con about Howard Hughes’ famous plane the Spruce Goose. Can Eliot make a teddy bear menacing? Should Sophie start her own theater? Why are Nate and Hardison making top secret plans together? All that and more on this episode of Leverage.