By using some fake Rambaldi documents as bait, the APO team manages to capture Arvin Clone, but only after he has stolen and hidden away a centuries-old orchid which contains some powerful chemical substances. The Clone is still convinced he's Sloane and won't reveal the location of the orchid, but Marshall comes up with a solution: the real Sloane will have to live through a painful memory, which will then be recorded and loaded onto the Clone's brain - this should shock him back to his original identity and then he will talk. "In Dreams" is the only episode of "Alias" directed by its main star, Jennifer Garner, and truth be told, she does a terrific job. Somewhat similar to season 3's "Conscious", this offbeat episode is largely a mind trip; the transitions between reality and memories / fantasies are beautifully done. The acting is superb, not only by Ron Rifkin (as usual), but also by Joel Grey as Arvin Clone - he is SO convincing that for a moment he had me thinking that he could actually be the genuine article! There are also two welcome guest returns of season 1 & 2 cast members. A very good episode - but don't forget to bring your handkerchiefs, you may need them. *** out of 4.
Review of In Dreams...
