TV REVIEWS: The Alias

The third season of Alias kicks-off tonight on ABC at 9pm/8c and Chuck the Movieguy was able to check out the new episode, titled "The Two", and has provided a very positive review. The review does include some spoilers.

I saw the season opener of Alias. It was incredible. It is titled "The Two" and is numbered E-721. It was written by J.J. Abrams and directed by Ken Olin.

Alias is my favorite show and last season they ended it with Sydney waking up in Hong Kong after a fierce gun battle with Francie and Vaughn tells her she has been missing for two years and that he is married.

This episode takes place seconds after last season's finale. J.J. has done it again, he is constantly re-inventing Alias without scaring away newcomers to the show.

A lot has happened in the two years Sydney was missing, besides Vaughn's marriage, we find out he no longer works for the CIA.

Dixon (Carl Lumbly) is now in charge replacing Kendall.

Marshall is still Marshall and wait till you see the change in his life.

Sydney's dad (Victor Garber) didn't fare well in the two years, in fact the last year has been the worst for him.

Wait till you see the plot twist with Sloane (Ron Rifkin). Amazing.

There is no sign of Marcy or Will but we hear about them, in fact Merrin Dungey's (Marcy) name is not in the beginning but Melissa George's is (Lauren Reed) so I suspect she will be a major player. There is also no Lena Olin. I spoke with her last year for Hollywood Homicide and she says she may only be in a few episodes this season if any at all.

J.J. uses Amanda Foreman from Felicity as a love interest to one of the cast members.

We learn the fate of the Rambaldi artifacts as well. (Yea, like I believe that).

Sydney woke up with a mysterious scar on her stomach, it's pretty big and I am saddened that her perfect waist will be spotted all season.

Oh yea and Sean (Greg Gunberg) has lost weight (or so Syd says). It looks like his part has gotten bigger and deservedly so.

This was an incredible episode, full of action and the usual costume changes by Sydney complete with wigs that we all love.

Many people die in this episode.

It has an INCREDIBLE last 5 minutes that will shock fans. (I have never seen Sydney so mad. Garner should get another Emmy nod for this episode alone).

We are in for a roller coaster season. Expect the unexpected. Take nothing for granted. Alias is the best show on television. A big budget looking movie on your TV every week. Fasten your seat belts, we are in for one heck of a ride.

As a film critic, I am amazed how the best writing and directing is not at the theaters but on TV and Alias is the best example of this.