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]

Can Alias work on a weekly basis? While the Alias pilot plunges forward effortlessly, it also leads to some fairly complicated twists involving Sydney's father (Victor Garber) and the nature of her agency. These twists could make future episodes overly layered, or too dependent on backstory. Also, any CIA suspense series, with or without a flashy pilot, faces the challenge of coming up with 20 or so fresh espionage plots each season - no easy task.

Somehow it works, thanks in part to a tangled intrigue that pulls this lowly matriculator into a conspiracy of the highest order. [29 Sept 2001, p.E1]

Garner has an appeal that transcends implausibility.

Alias suffers from a split personality. It's half John LeCarre, half comic book. In the field, Sydney, who looks about as formidable as your average Vogue cover girl, becomes a spike-heeled super-spy who shoots and karate-kicks her way through a horde of terrorist storm troopers as if they were targets in a video game. She's preposterous, and so is half the show. But viewers who just want to see bad guys die may not mind.

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.

"Alias" is one of my favorite shows. Spy shows are usually a dime a dozen, but the difference with "Alias" is that 1) each episode ends with a cliff-hanger, 2) is features consistently sharp writing, and 3) the characters are always relatable. Sure, there might be a bit too much action once in a while, but the show in always thrilling and dependable. The cast gives great performances and Jennifer Garner as the beautiful protagonist is perfect.

This show is awesome! The entire season is like a roller coaster ride that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The twist and turns will leave you in awe. The acting is superb from Jennifer Garner to Bradley Cooper. The Bradley Cooper storyline was amazing. I knew he was going to be a star one day from this season alone. This show is light-hearted version of 24 with more drama and sexy costumes. The pilot episode is arguably the greatest pilot episode ever---well may be only J.J. Abrams' other hit show Lost is better.

Alias seems to not have received enough credit. It is continuously captivating, though I will not make the claim that its consistent. It on the contrary, continuously has these crazy twists (that are sometimes ridiculous) and after 5 seasons of running after the same guy you never really come to care about, I can understand the complaints people have; however, I think the show has gripping individual stories and is still able to preserve so much mystery, suspense and drama in every episode. Spy shows claiming to be more "realistic" have come out since Alias last aired, but this "spy-fi" show stands its own ground rather well.

The first two seasons of Alias were a nonstop, jaw-breaking thrill ride. The acting on this show was superb with numerous emmy nominations. Jennifer Garner, Victor Garber, Ron Rifkin, Lena Olin, and Bradley Cooper was terrific. Steven Spielberg and Quentin Tarantino were big fans of the show. Steven requested Jennifer Garner to make a cameo in his film Catch Me If You Can and even did commentary for the series dvd boxset. Quentin, on the other hand, guest star in two awesome episodes in season one and one in season three. However, Alias went downhill after season two due to various reasons. J.J. Abrams left the show to work on Lost and MI:3. Ratings forced the producers to dumb down the show. Lena Olin and Bradley Cooper did not return after season two. Garner got pregnant which eventually ended the show. And not unlike Lost, the mythology just got out of hand---too the point not only did it confused the fans but also the writers and producers. Watch the first two and a half seasons and skip to the series finale. The cliffhangers for season one and two will leave you on the edge of your seat. Season 1: 10 Season 2:10 Season 3: 7 Season 4: 6 Season 5: 6

Convoluted plot that makes the story progression ridiculous to follow and prevents any real depth or structure to most of the characters. But the camera work is good, the action scenes are effective and fun, and the dialogues are not bad. So if you like spies, double spies, triple spies and have an extremly disfunctional family, maybe you can relate to this show.