Alias Season Two

THE FLICK: Like it or not, season two of “Alias” was defined by the post-Super Bowl spectacular that featured superspy Sydney Bristow (Jennifer Garner) in even more revealing outfits than usual. The fact that it spun the series into a completely different direction was a fringe benefit. Give creator J.J. Abrahms credit for not letting his show sit on its laurels and keeping audience’s guessing just when they thought things were starting to make sense. Plot threads that will pique regular viewers interest: the return of Syndey’s mother (and her mysterious motivations), shifting personal and professional alliances, a budding romance with CIA handler Vaughn and plenty of one-shot supervillians and good guys like Ethan Hawke, Christian Slater and Rutger Hauer. Although the sense of discovery that made Season One appointment television is lacking and the formula is becoming a bit transparent, how do these next 22 episodes stand up? Very well, thank you very much. Many of the juicy secrets that kept you drooling are finally revealed while even more are kept under lock and key. And it’s about time Sydney and Vaughn took their relationship to the next level. If none of this makes sense, what the hell are you waiting for! Get out there and start watching the best show still on television. THE FEATURES: Since fans of “Alias” are loyal to a fault, it’s only right they should be rewarded with a healthy slate of extras. “The Making of ‘The Telling’” is a 45-minute featurette on the final episode of the season (written and directed by Abrahms) that sets up the big cliffhanger for the current season 3. “The Look of Alias” runs through Syndey’s ever-changing wardrobe and wigs. The “Deleted Scenes” present some choice personal conversations between characters that didn’t make the cut (and in many cases, should have). “KROQ Radio Interviews” compiles several segments with the cast. Audio commentaries with cast and crew and included on four episodes. A blooper reel, TV spots and “Making of the Video Game” feature make up the rest of the point-and-click extras. A scriptscanner feature is available on DVD-ROM. Oh, and lest we forget the best part: every episode is present in widescreen anamorphic with 5.1 surround sound. If only all TV shows looked and sounded this good! FINAL SCORE: For anyone that already bought Season One, I won’t waste my breath trying to convince you to pick this up – it’s already on your shelf. But anyone still in the dark about what “Alias” is all about should take this chance to catch up on all the intrigue before Season Three kicks into high gear!