Probably the biggest “stars” to come out of Alias were Bradley Cooper and J.J. Abrams. Interestingly, Bradley Cooper started the show as probably the sixth lead, unrecognizable in bleach blonde hair. He was a complete newcomer. Yet, as season one winded down, things started happening with his character and Cooper was able to show a lot more of his skills. His role and work expanded further in Season 2 and he was very good. He would ultimately leave after S2 and come back to guest in two more episodes in the series. Three years after the end of the show, he would appear in the first Hangover movie which would change his career.
J.J. Abrams deserves a lot of praise for creating a spy show in Alias that was multi-layered, featured interesting characters and relationships, intriguing villains and a good mix of action, betrayal, mystery and even the coming of age of a young woman, Sydney Bristow. Abrams showed his chops that would serve him as he went on to write/direct Mission Impossible 3, plus the new Star Trek and Star Wars films.
Jennifer Garner as Sydney Bristow did a fine job in carrying the show through its five seasons. When the show originally aired from 2001-2006, I watched it periodically, liking the show and her performance. Viewing the show now in a streaming format, I appreciate the show and Jennifer Garner’s work even more. This is a great show for many reasons, at least in the first two seasons that I have completed. Victor Garber, as Sydney’s father Jack, is probably the most complex character in the whole show and his work was great.
Like Miami Vice, the show Alias featured many intriguing guest stars in key appearances. The first two seasons I have viewed featured guest spots by Quentin Tarantino, Roger Moore, Gina Torres, Faye Dunaway, Ethan Hawke, Christian Slater, David Carradine and Danny Trejo. Tarantino was especially good as a villain who led a group that invaded the agency headquarters. Respected actress Lena Olin was an outstanding addition to the cast in Season 2, playing Sydney’s long lost Mother with a shady past.
It is always great to watch a show, truly enjoy season one and then have season two be even better. Alias, Season 2 was excellent leading to an intriguing ending and set up for S3. It will be interesting to see how the show progresses through Seasons 3-5. This is the type of show that really for me is enhanced by watching it in the streaming format. I think something is lost in viewing this show weekly, stretching out over an 8-9 month season.