Get set for last 8 'Alias' episodes
April 19, 2006
Email this Print this BY MIKE DUFFY
FREE PRESS TV CRITIC
WXYZ-TV (Channel 7), ABC
Sydney Bristow isn't done roughing up the evil weasels.
The stylish, high-kicking CIA spy played by Jennifer Garner has a few more missions to complete when "Alias" returns at 8 tonight on ABC, revving up the suspense and glamour for eight episodes as the show hurtles toward a May series finale.
Off the air since December to accommodate Garner's maternity leave -- she and husband Ben Affleck are now parents to a daughter, 4-month-old Violet -- "Alias" rocks back into action with a two-hour special.
Where we were left cliff-hanging: The last time we saw Syd, she was extremely pregnant and being held hostage on a cargo ship. A sinister organization called Prophet Five was calling the evil shots.
Now what: After receiving a distress call from his daughter, spy daddy Jack Bristow (Vincent Garber) asks agent Eric Weiss (Greg Grunberg) to search for Sydney. But complications ensue. And, yes, Syd's bundle of joy is scheduled for delivery tonight.
Dead man walking & talking: We saw Syd's very own McDreamy, true love Michael Vaughn (Michael Vartan), riddled with bullets and killed last fall. At least we thought he was killed. They had a funeral, didn't they? But Vaughn's been all over the "Alias" promos, so ABC isn't exactly keeping his apparent non-death a secret.
Blasts from the past: The familiar faces visiting Spy World over the final weeks include Syd's scheming spy mother Irina Derevko (Lena Olin), good friend Will Tippin (Bradley Cooper), half-sister Nadia Santos (Mia Maestro), sinister Sark (David Anders) and evil Francie clone (Merrin Dungey).
Loose ends that need tying up: "Alias" had convoluted fun with its crazy, Byzantine mythology. But it sure would be nice to get an explanation for the apocalyptic Rambaldi prophecy. We also want to know whether forever duplicitous Arvin Sloane (Ron Rifkin) is good, bad or in between. Same goes for Syd's mysterious mommy Irina. Evil, noble or a little of both? Maybe she's just been trying to protect her little girl. As if sexy Syd ever needed anyone's protection.
This is the day! This is the day! This is Alias Day! This is Alias Day! :confetti:
:groupwave: 
It might be worth watching the entertainment shows (i.e., ET, Extra, The Insider, AH) tonight. They might run some Alias stories for tonight's comeback. 