The "solution" of the title has a double meaning - it could refer to the liquid that enabled CIA to read the blank page 47 from Rambaldi's book, or it could refer to the way Sydney finds a way to draw Khasinau out of his hiding place: she and Vaughn break into an Algerian museum and "borrow" some Rambaldi artifacts; a rumor spreads that among them is another bottle of the same liquid; Khasinau is interested and sends his representative, Mr. Sark, to buy it. But SD-6 also gets informed of that same meeting....Meanwhile, Will realizes that Jack Bristow was his kidnapper a few weeks earlier, Jack realizes that there might be a leak within the CIA feeding Will with information, and Sloane finds himself in the unfortunate position where he has put others in the past, trying to save the life of his hospitalized wife when a recorded conversation with Sydney reveals that she has known that her husband works for SD-6 for years. This is the best "Alias" episode since "Page 47". It works on multiple levels: plot advancement, action, mystery, drama. It also requires a strong memory of past events from the viewer. All the actors, but especially Ron Rifkin, are at the top of their game. *** out of 4.
3 Reviews
sometimes you stalk the tiger...
A_Different_Drummer24 February 2015
.... and sometimes the tiger stalks you.
The same applies to writing for TV.
This review written in 2015 at a time when we already know this series was a hit.
What interests me as a student of the electronic arts is that this series is and always will be a construct of its time, that is, it will be always be TV version 1.01 in the JJ ABRAMS stable of hits.
One thing I noticed about Alias which you do not see in POI for example is the over-writing. Much of the scripting in Alias is about throwing arcs against the wall and seeing what sticks.
You can argue, as one reviewer did, this is writing on multiple levels. Or you can argue, as I am, it is simply overkill.
One thing we know for certain, current hit drama series are much more restrained and less convoluted.
The same applies to writing for TV.
This review written in 2015 at a time when we already know this series was a hit.
What interests me as a student of the electronic arts is that this series is and always will be a construct of its time, that is, it will be always be TV version 1.01 in the JJ ABRAMS stable of hits.
One thing I noticed about Alias which you do not see in POI for example is the over-writing. Much of the scripting in Alias is about throwing arcs against the wall and seeing what sticks.
You can argue, as one reviewer did, this is writing on multiple levels. Or you can argue, as I am, it is simply overkill.
One thing we know for certain, current hit drama series are much more restrained and less convoluted.
Trapping a rat
Tweekums13 March 2012
Warning: Spoilers
When Francie and Will think they saw a rat they tell Sydney and what they say about catching a rat gives Sydney an idea on how the CIA can get Khasinau... they just need a trap with the right bait. The bait in question will be the vial of Rambaldi solution acquired when Cole was captured. In order to make him believe there is a second vial Sydney and Vaughn arrange a break in at an art gallery then contact Khasinau to let him know they have a vial for sale. There is a slight problem though; SD-6 learns of the sale and sends Dixon to get the vial; Sydney will have to hope he doesn't see through her disguise! In a secondary plot thread Will is contacted by 'the voice on the phone' and told that it was Jack Bristow who kidnapped him and that he must start work on the story again. He confronts Jack, who believes the Voice is almost certainly CIA, most likely Haladki.
This episode contained the action scenes we've come to expect in Alias as well as some poignant scenes where it comes to the Alliance's attention that Sloane's wife is aware of SD-6; Ron Rifkin does a fine job when security section tell him what the consequences will be. The ending was one of the best cliff hangers yet; it will be interesting to see how Sydney avoids being recognised!
This episode contained the action scenes we've come to expect in Alias as well as some poignant scenes where it comes to the Alliance's attention that Sloane's wife is aware of SD-6; Ron Rifkin does a fine job when security section tell him what the consequences will be. The ending was one of the best cliff hangers yet; it will be interesting to see how Sydney avoids being recognised!
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