"Ask Matt"

The latest "Ask Matt" column on TVGuide.com has a few Alias Q & A's.

Question: I would just like to comment on Lena Olin's amazing performance on the March 2 episode of Alias. What a brilliant actress — and phenomenal writing. Just when they reel us in enough to begin trusting Irina, you see her true character: one of cunning, intelligence and deceit. Telling Sydney goodbye, seducing Jack and making us all believe she was changing was perfect. And then we saw the hunger and lust in her eyes as she beheld the Rambaldi book. Stunning performance. In my opinion, that's what good acting is. Not just reciting brilliant monologues or crying on cue, but allowing the audience to see a range of emotions without much dialogue. I am a huge fan of Alias and its exceptional cast and was so pleased it was renewed for a third season. Thank you for reading my rave. — Valerie

Matt: This expresses pretty much my reaction to the latest sizzling twist on the show, and this episode also effectively addressed a recent concern among many viewers that Olin and Victor Garber (Jack) were being underused lately. Can't say that any longer.

Karen F., also rocked by the episode, wrote, "How do you think Jack and Sydney are going to survive this, professionally and personally? Do you think Irina had a specific plan for this moment all along, or did she just take advantage of Jack's temporary insanity? And isn't the irony of Jack's new situation truly exquisite? As always, I can't wait for the next show." I feel the same way. And because of that, I wouldn't dream of speculating about all of the fallout from this apparent betrayal. And I say "apparent" because on Alias, you never know what to believe.

Elizabeth P. underscores this with her questions: "Do you think that she is betraying Sydney, Jack and the CIA? Or do you think that she has her own agenda? I really hope that she isn't joining with Sloane. Also, did you notice when Irina was in her CIA cell and she was sketching something? Maybe the copies she gave to Sloane were actually fake?" No, I didn't notice that. (But anything's possible.) And yes, I also wonder if she has her own agenda. I would be disappointed if she merely became a third wheel to the Sloane-Sark circus. Can't wait to see what the show has in store for us.
 
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