Alias

The whole show is complicated in a fun, brain-teasing way, and having seen the second episode, I can say it only gets funner. I know that's not a word, but I'm saying it anyway.

One of the best new series of the season. [30 Sept 2001, p.H01]

Sunday's Alias premiere plays out as a high-energy adventure wrapped in a mystery -- and it's better than a lot of theatrical films of the genre. Whether the series holds up is open to question. But the premiere is a gas. And the show could well turn out to be a good one. [28 Sept 2001, p.C08]

It's a taut, action-filled opener, and Garner's charisma and agility in this demanding role give it a special glow. If America's in the mood at all for spies and terrorists, this show's the semi-Superwoman version. [29 Sept 2001, p.9]

As realistic a series as you're bound to see in which a beautiful, smart, athletic and resourceful young woman moonlights for an ultrasecret wing of the Central Intelligence Agency in between her grad school studies. [28 Sept 2001, p.48]

There's plenty of espionage action and kick-boxing but little concern for political authenticity. The appeal rests in the heroine, played by Jennifer Garner with an attractive combination of vulnerability and entrepreneurial self-protectiveness. This lively piece of entertainment is too cartoonish to feel threatening.

For me, the problem really is casting. Next time one of these shows gets developed, I hope producers will resist the temptation to cast one of these skinny little pouty actresses in these commando-type roles.

College student Sydney Bristow (played by the lovely Jennifer Garner) is recruited by an international spy organisation and trained to carry out top secret espionage missions. Alias is one of those rare shows that seemed to hit the ground running right from the start with a pilot that not only set up the characters but also, most likely thanks to the involvement of JJ Abrams, demonstrated that the action sequences would be able to match those you’d expect in big budget movies. It’s hard to pick many faults with this opening season, and the shocking finale was just the icing on the cake.

Alias can be best described as action / espionage thriller series with some mystery and drama elements. The main story is about the agent Sydney Bristol played by Jennifer garner and her struggles. I wanted to go into details but there are so much spoilers and revelations that would ruin the series for you. Lets say that the plot twists are magnificent and gave this series a unique touch. There are many game changers and surprises that are so believable and interesting that you don't want to stop watching. The overarching story arc of the series is about Rambaldi who lived in the 15th century and can be best described as mixture of Leonardo da Vinci and Nostradamus. He was far ahead of his time and in some cases even far ahead of our current technology. He left countless documents, prophecies and artifacts distributed all over the world which various organizations want to recover. There are rumors that his biggest discovery can change the world forever. The characters are involved in this if they want or not. Than there is the spy work. The plots, twist and rivalry between organization are exciting. It is so enjoyable to watch them to outmaneuver the others (or get outmaneuvered). For the actors: I like the dynamics in Sydneys family and circle of friends / colleagues. The relationship with her estranged father is really good. I will praise Victor Garber (Jack Bristow) for his performance. The side characters are also well chosen. If I had to chose favorites I would pick Carl Lumbly (Marcus Dixon), Kevin Weismann (Marshall Flinkmann) and of cause Ron Rifkin (Arvin Sloane). Arvin Sloane is maybe the most interesting character. His arcs and developments are breathtaking. He is a tortured soul and a driven man. For the villains: A show like this needs good and interesting bad guys. This series delivered a good amount of memorable bad guys (Wont spoil). Overall this is good popcorn cinema for your home. If you like spy movies, enjoy good plot twist and well done character development / interactions than this series is for you.