Alias - Season 1 Reviews

An excellent spy series

I was unsure about this series at first; there was no doubt it had an engaging plot right from the start and the characters were all well played and the dialogue well written. However it also had a very banal side to it, comprised of the main character's (Sydney Bristow) social circle, who unaware of Sydney's true identity as a CIA agent live out their ordinary lives involved in such mundane activities as school, gossip, weddings, and affairs. There is a stark contrast between the secretive highly dangerous life Sydney leads as an undercover agent, to that of her 'home' life when not on a mission, when we are subjected to the trivial details of her friends social lives. I can only imagine that this was created in order to appeal to a wider audience; those that enjoy spy thrillers, and to those that enjoy soap operas.

Fortunately for the show the good outweighs the bad by a large degree. The action and suspense is brutal and realistic, the plots are convoluted and will keep you guessing all the way. And certainly by disc 4 onwards it seems the writers have a better understanding of their characters and the overall storyline, as things begin to get very interesting and the more mundane characters and aspects of the show thankfully take a back seat.

The primary characters are excellent in each of their roles, and certainly one of the best is Sydney's enstranged father, a cynical verteran CIA agent who keeps everyone at arms length yet obviously is desperate to strengthen ties with his now grown-up daughter. I can only imagine that the 2nd series will get even better.

Genius

I've just watched all 22 episodes of the first series over the past two days and frankly it blew me away. How anyone can wait a week between episodes is beyond me.

First, the plot. Conspiracy and intrigue, "X-Files" meets "24" with a helping of 007, twists and turns, a surprise around every corner. The writers must be having a ball with each episode and they keep it coming at a rattling pace.

Garner is superb. The perfect all action, high kicking, fast thinking super spy with a conscience. She trained as a dancer before turning to acting and the training obviously paid off with fight scenes taking on an almost balletic quality. Ans she looks great, no matter what colour her hair. The supporting cast of Rifkin, Varter, Garber et al are outstanding - more of what we've come to expect from US drama in recent years. Special mention must go to Kevin Weisman as Alias' version of 'Q', Genius.

The stunts, the gadgets, the fight sequences all meet the expectations of modern big screen movies. Add to that award winning acting and more gripping plot line than "24" and you've got TV dynamite.

The series made me laugh, cry, cheer, shout at the TV, miss meals, miss sleep, miss a deadline for work and I still crave more.

Rent the whole series, book time off work, pre-order the second series and plan some sick leave for early December.

11/10.

Excerlent...

If you liked 24 you'll like this just as much, You've got to take a couple of days of work and just watch every single episode one after the other as you'll be hooked.

Great Series to watch on a Saturday afternoon as it doesn't require to much Brain Power but enjoyable for this...if you never seen this try it, it won't disapoint.

Great Series to watch on a Saturday afternoon as it doesn't require to much Brain Power but enjoyable for this...if you never seen this try it it won't disapoint.