Crisis has been an intense thrill ride over the first four episodes, but one that actually provides answers.

Too often shows continue to raise new questions without providing any payoff, but not on Crisis. I think that's why I'm enjoying it so much. Each week the parents' actions provide insight into Gibson's overall plan and more importantly his psyche. 

On Crisis Season 1 Episode 4, information about what's going on and the different players added multiple layers to the story. It wasn't an information dump; rather it provided enlightenment on several factors in play. If anything, the new aspects make the mystery all the more intriguing.

Watch Crisis Season 1 Episode 4 Online

Is Gibson a bad guy? I don't think so. Yes, he kidnapped the kids, but he's gone out of his way to protect them and keep them safe. Even the mindless, time intensive activities like sorting clothes and packing the money has kept them out of trouble. The more active they are, the less likely they are to be disruptive or try to escape.

When the Senator was killed, Gibson was quick to remind the FBI that the death was on the CIA and not him. He's right. Unless I'm remembering it incorrectly, he hasn't been directly responsible for anyone's death. He did want Pakistan Ambassador to kill the guard, but that man was probably an enemy of the country. And, Dunn and Finley saved his life.

When the kidnapping first happened, I assumed that Hurst didn't kill Finley because he was a good shot. Now, I wonder if he was ordered by Gibson to purposely avoid a kill shot. It would be in line with Gibson's other moves. Though, I'm not sure how Gibson can get away with setting up Hurst to be the fall guy if the secret service agent remains alive.

Regardless, it hasn't happened yet. Over these first few episodes, Gibson's goal has appeared to be noble. He wants to expose Operation Lennox for what it is (whatever that may be). It was his daughter who was threatened by the CIA and he's fighting back against that dangerous organization.

The three parents involved this week were sent to the CIA to get the Operation Lennox video file that the General gave up on Crisis Season 1 Episode 3. These parents were perfectly positioned to get into the CIA and steal the file. The only possible problem was an alarm would be set off.

Enter the distraction -- a fake suicide bomb vest. Parent after parent has given into the kidnapper's demand. The Senator's inability to put on the fake suicide bomb vest rang true. It wasn't a sign of not loving his daughter enough, rather he just didn't have the personal strength to do it. Was he a coward? Perhaps. 

The mother's decision to put on the vest instead showed her strength and determination to save their daughter's life. Not all parents are going to be able to follow through and I was glad to see that play out. It provided authenticity to the situation. The President said he would have to let his son die before doing anything to threaten the country. He took that pledge, but as the First Lady told Meg, she didn't. 

Speaking of Meg, what's up with her? She lied to her sister and there doesn't seem to be a purpose for it. Could she be complicit in Operation Lennox? Gibson's desire to keep Amber could be directly related to that. I originally thought that Meg was on a mission from Gibson when she got the FBI files, instead it appeared she did have her own team investigating the kidnapping.

Meg's company did work for the CIA and she was sleeping with the company's CIA contact. Those are two good reasons for her to be aware of what the kidnapping is all about. I don't think she's made the connection to Gibson, but it's likely in the files she received since he's a parent and a former CIA employee.

Now that Dunn, Finley and FBI Director Olsen are aware of the CIA connection, will they make the connection to Gibson? With the various targets, the CIA has to know he's behind it, right? The CIA will do whatever they need to protect their disastrous Operation Lennox, so it will be interesting to see if they make a move against the FBI.

Right now, it's a mixed bag regarding who is in the right and who is in the wrong. The parents accused the FBI of interfering in their opportunity to save their kids. They viewed the FBI as a negative force in the whole situation. Whether that will change now that the Senator's been killed, I'm not sure.

Each of the sides believes they are doing what's best. Gibson wants to reveal a wrong, the FBI wants to find and save the kids, the parents want to get their own kids back, and the CIA is acting out of national security concerns. Operation Lennox is at the heart of it all. We are just at the beginning of the series, so I hope it's able to maintain this level of suspense and intrigue until the end.

Pick a side: Gibson or CIA? Which one at this point appears to be on the right side?

Carla Day is a staff writer for TV Fanatic. Follow her on Twitter and on Google+.