Season 1 Draw me a map

V

verdantheart

Guest
Pray God you can cope
I stand outside
This woman's work
This woman's world
Oooh, it's hard on the man
Now his part is over
Now starts the craft of the father

~ Kate Bush, “This Woman’s Work”

As “So It Begins” (1:02) opens, we find Sydney continuing the brain dump to Vaughn that she began the previous episode. She discusses arms deals, including those with a certain Ineni Hassan, a particularly ruthless character.

When Vaughn attempts to break in and give Sydney her instructions, Sydney insists on outlining her plan for him. Vaughn tries to explain that it’s his job to give her the plan and begins to describe the dead drop protocol: Sydney is to write the SD-6 mission on a paper bag, drop it in a trash can, call a certain number and press a number to identify the trash can; then she waits for a wrong number from Joey’s pizza for countermission instructions.

Sydney is upset by Vaughn’s approach and informs Vaughn that she will hand them SD-6 in “record time,” “two months, tops.”

Vaughn responds by challenging Sydney, “Draw me a map.”

Sydney complains, “Do I look like I’m in junior high?” and so on, but eventually draws a very small, simple map of SD-6 and Vaughn pulls down a map of his own--a very large, complex map. Sydney is taken aback. Vaughn says, “This is not about cutting off an arm of the monster. This is about killing the monster.”

Sydney goes home to unpack and finds Francie with her boyfriend Charlie planning a party to celebrate his job offer at a law firm. Will is there and helps her unpack. He wants to help and asks about Amy. Sydney asks him to accept that she imagined things, to please don’t investigate. “I’m trying to move on here.”

But her beeper went off and she has to scoot off to SD-6. Sloane assigns Sydney and Dixon to intercept stolen files that are about to be sold in Moscow. After the meeting, Sloane pulls Sydney aside and tells her that he needs to show her something. What he needs to show her is her father.

Jack has arranged with Sloane to reveal the fact that he is working with SD-6 because it will make it easier for them to work together as double agents. He asks her to act surprised as she leaves. Sydney admits that she’s been full of questions, but the foremost on her mind is whether he knew that SD-6 was going to kill Danny. Jack admits that he did, and Sydney slaps him and stalks out.

As Sydney unpacks a framed photo of herself and Danny, she gets a call from Joey’s Pizza. She meets Vaughn at a supermarket and picks up her countermission.

At the news office, Jenny is hitting on a reluctant Will. He asks her to pull the file on Danny Hecht.

In Moscow, Sydney poses as a maid to steal the money from the buyer while Dixon poses as the buyer. When the real buyer enters the hotel room, Sydney must dispatch him with Marshall’s sleeper dot and discovers that the money was fake. She hurries down and switches the disks for coasters. Still, they have to fight their way out. At the airport, Sydney drops off the disks for copying as they move through customs.

At home, Sydney puts on her engagement ring and takes a long bath.

At Charlie’s celebration party, Will pulls Sydney aside and confesses that he’s been looking into Danny’s death. He’s found one fact, that Danny was booked on a flight from LAX to Singapore. Sydney claims that she knew about it and that it was for a medical conference and begins to cry, asking, “Please let this go.” Will promises he will, saying, “I feel horrible.”

Later, in Sloane’s office, Sloane explains to Sydney that the disks were about Doomsday 6, an operation to smuggle 6 nuclear weapons into the US and hide them. Six were found, but there was a seventh. The partially-decrypted disk yielded an address of a Milovich Ivanov in Buckingham, Virginia. Sloane tells Sydney to go and report back on her findings.

Sydney calls Vaughn to tell him where she’s going and hangs up. A higher official wants to move on the address, but Vaughn talks him into waiting for 5 hours. Weiss observes this, impressed.

In Virginia, Sydney discovers that the address is a graveyard. She digs up the grave, but when she opens the coffin, the nuke is activated. She calls Marshall and swiftly describes the situation. Marshall gets her out of that frying pan, but she finds herself in the fire.

Vaughn is angry, pointing out that the CIA has experts who could have helped her. The bomb has been sold to none other than Ineni Hassan and has been exported to Cairo. Sydney insists on fixing her mistake.

Sydney meets with Jack. She asks him for his help in making an excuse to cover for her absence. Then she asks him if he was the one who bought Danny the ticket. Jack admits that he did, but that he got to Danny too late to save him.

Back at the CIA, Vaughn is told that he’s been pulled off of Sydney’s case because Devlin agrees that Sydney’s important. They want a more senior officer to handle her. Vaughn is to make a presentation at a non-proliferation conference instead.

At SD-6, Jack makes excuses for Sydney, saying she headed up north because she needed some time to get used to the idea of his working for SD-6. Sloane, seeming to sense something, asks Jack if he’s all right.

In Cairo, Sydney goes after the nuke. She locates it and pulls the core. And then she notices the barrel of a gun next to her head . . .


Analysis . . .

Sydney thinks she’s going to take on the world and pin it to the mat in five seconds flat. She doesn’t pause to think that her father’s been doing what she proposes to do for years and hasn’t yet accomplished what she expects to do in “two months, tops.” Does she really think that her father is that incompetent and has managed to survive? No, she hasn’t thought about her father at all--certainly not as an agent. She’s probably avoided thinking about him in any kind of objective manner. But even if Sydney attempted to picture her father as an agent, she has no clue as to his abilities.

But Jack is thinking about Sydney’s role as a double. As an agent, her job was dangerous enough. As a double agent, the risk skyrockets. Jack feels compelled to do everything he can to lessen her risk, and one thing he can do is ask Sloane if he can reveal that he is also an SD-6 agent. If SD-6 knows that they know that they are both agents, they can then communicate about SD-6 business without suspicion. Jack can get close enough to keep watch over Sydney.

But this is not Sydney’s concern. Sydney has a good many questions, which leads to the following exchange:

(Sydney approaches Jack, gazing at him intently. Jack briefly glances downward under the pressure of her gaze.)

Sydney: Since I’ve known the truth about you, I’ve asked myself questions, thousands of questions, but this one I have to ask you now. When Danny was killed--Dad, did you know--did you know that’s what they were going to do?

Jack: Yes.

Sydney: (Slaps him) Don’t you ever talk to me again. (Stalks out)

This scene points out how different Jack’s behavior is from a typical person. A typical person would attempt to defend himself, explain that he tried to save Danny, but failed. But Jack can’t or won’t. Does Jack feel that he deserves Sydney’s anger because of his failure to save Danny? Or that his efforts to save him are meaningless because they failed? Or is it simply that Jack is unable to speak at any kind of length about emotionally charged matters?

At any rate, Will discovers the fact that a ticket was booked for Danny. Sydney bursts into tears, but it’s not because Danny’s death has been brought back to her mind--it’s because she realizes what has happened. Her father tried to save Danny. Her father isn't the monster that she thought he was.

The scene in which Sydney asks Jack about the ticket is fascinating. They meet at a location where we can see two smoke stacks. One, on the side that Jack drives up on, is smoking. These stacks say something about the father and daughter that they tower over. They stand separate yet inseparable, forever facing, forever linked. Sydney and Jack cannot yet find a way connect, but they cannot ever sever the bond that exists between them. You could also draw the further analogy that Jack’s stack is “live” whereas Sydney’s is “cold.” Sydney has, up to this point, attempted to remain estranged from her father, or “cold,” whereas Jack has attempted, in his fumbling fashion, a certain amount of rapprochement. He also seems to be hiding true fatherly concern for his daughter (as evidenced by his rescue attempts). There is a heart, a furnace, hidden there.

Their conversation:

Sydney: Thanks for meeting me here. I’m sorry about hitting you.

Jack: You’re going to Cairo. Devlin told me.

Sydney: Yeah. That’s why I had them call you. I heed your help. SD-6 can’t know that’s where I’m going.

Jack: I’ll take care of it.

Sydney: (pause) Dad, it was you, wasn’t it? . . . Who bought the ticket . . . to Singapore?

Jack: You were in Taipei. I’d arranged a flight for you as well. From Singapore you could have gone anywhere. I went to Danny’s apartment, except that I got there too late--just minutes too late.

Sydney: Thank you . . . I have to go, obviously. (leaves)

The scene illustrates how difficult communication between father and daughter is. Sydney is deeply grateful for her father’s efforts, but can only utter a simple “Thank you.” But it’s not enough. She can’t find the words and has to leave. On Jack’s part, it’s almost like a confession. You can hear grief in his voice as he begins, “You were in Taipei.” It seems as though that possibility (of his daughter's escape, freedom, and happiness) is too great a loss to discuss. Maybe this is the secret to this taciturn man, for we later learn that Jack holds his losses close and does not easily discuss them.

But Sloane doesn’t have the same problem communicating with Jack that Sydney does. When Jack relays Sydney’s excuses to Sloane, the following exchange results:

Jack: I think it’s hard for her, that’s all, accepting the news about what I do.

Sloane: You all right?

Jack: Yeah. Of course. Why?

Sloane: I don’t know. You seem a little . . .

Jack: What?

Sloane: Nothing. Nothing.

Jack: I’ll see you tomorrow.

Sloane: OK.

Sloane knows Jack better than his daughter does and notices that something has changed, although he can’t quite put his finger on it. And, no doubt, Jack’s radar has gone up.


Random thoughts . . .

As Sydney goes on her very first mission, Weiss is forced to remind a fidgety Vaughn, “Your girlfriend’s name’s Alice.”

For your quotes list: “Don’t tell me to hold the phone! I’m sitting on a ticking nuclear bomb!”

Ooh, yeah. This woman’s world: Alias is Sydney’s world. Danny’s part is over. Now begins the craft of a very crafty father, Jack.


Discuss . . .

Should Sydney have called the CIA instead of Marshall, the guy she’s used to working with?

Why do you think Jack didn’t defend himself to Sydney?

If you were Sydney, what would you have said to Jack after you found out what he tried to do? Could you have said any more to him?

Do you think Vaughn is already in love with Sydney? How about vice versa?

Do you think Sloane senses something? What? Why?


Next:
An awkward kiss, Rambaldi, and Anna Espinosa!
 
VH, you are a priceless member of the team. I hope you get "paid well." :rolleyes: Anyway, here's my comments about your comments.

Should Sydney have called the CIA instead of Marshall, the guy she’s used to working with?
Given that the CIA is bureaucratic from the git-go, I would say my first choice would be Marshall. When Jack was being chased by Ariana Kane, he had to look at the swiss bank records and would have to go back to SD-6. Kendall wanted him to get the CIA to do, but Jack said it would take 48 hrs for counsel to sign off. NOPE. Marshall was first and only choice. :smiley:

Why do you think Jack didn’t defend himself to Sydney?

Because he had fortified his emotions for so long that coming to his own defense was not an option. That would have let Sydney know he cared, something she believed he could never do. :(
It took time for her to realize it. (Referring to current season)

If you were Sydney, what would you have said to Jack after you found out what he tried to do? Could you have said any more to him?
Because she never had a normal father/daughter relationship I believe she couldn't say more. That's not to say she wouldn't say now...still they have issues to talk about and haven't. If I had gone thru what she did from the time her mother was "killed", I don't think I could. All converations with him would be stilted. He was like a stranger and you don't say much to a stranger. Mom always warned me "Never talk to strangers. They might hurt you."
:angry:

Do you think Vaughn is already in love with Sydney? How about vice versa?
I think he might be smitten, it's not quite love yet. No, Sydney is not in love with him. She's still in mourning for Danny.

Do you think Sloane senses something? What? Why?
Yes, but I'm not sure that he knows what yet. I think the reason he suspects something's different is that now Jack will no longer use Arvin for sustanance, a reason to continue his meager existence. Instead he now has Sydney who not only knows he works for SD-6, but also knows he is the other double agent. Now he has someone to live for and who might help him break out of the state of mind he had put himself into for so long. Jack has put a stranglehold on his emotions for so many years that it will take time, but for the moment he no longer needs Sloane, he has his daughter close by.

DAD you do good work. (y) (y) (y) I'm glad you're going over the first season (which I didn't tape, darn), but I can use your analyses as a guide when I get my DVD collection. :D

:cool:
 
lenafan said:
VH, you are a priceless member of the team. I hope you get "paid well." :rolleyes:
Only in flattery--but apparently with me flattery will get you anywhere . . .
:blush:
 
Great job as always!

Given that the CIA is bureaucratic from the git-go, I would say my first choice would be Marshall.
I agree

Do you think Sloane senses something? What? Why?
Yes. As we now know, he knew, but how long it took him to find out, we don't know.
 
:groupwave:
and imitation is the sincerest form of flattery...somewhere on the net I have an Irina column. (I would never take on Jack -- he's in your purview)
:cool:
 
Do you think Vaughn is already in love with Sydney? How about vice versa?

Well I think that Vaughn is already in love with Sydney. but I don't know if Sydney is in love with Vaughn but I think so by the way they act because of there feelings towards one another. Look at what Vaughn did? isn't it very clear that he cares for her very much?
 
Should Sydney have called the CIA instead of Marshall, the guy she’s used to working with?

I have to say no. She knows and trusts Marshall (which is a very different thing from trusting SD-6 ;)) At this point, she has no basis to trust the CIA. And, as others have pointed out, the CIA is so bureaucratic, it might have taken more time for them to disable the bomb.

Why do you think Jack didn’t defend himself to Sydney?

For one thing, she probably wouldn't believe him. She has no real reason to trust him. And they have no real relationship at this point, so it's hard for him to open up to Sydney (of course Jack doesn't seem to open up to anyone very well, but that's a different matter).

If you were Sydney, what would you have said to Jack after you found out what he tried to do? Could you have said any more to him?

No. As lenafan said, he's a stranger to her, even if he is her father. I don't care if families are supposed to be close; if you weren't close to begin with, it's not going to happen overnight. And this is such an emotionally charged topic, that it would e difficult to say more than thank you to anyone, let alone the father you barely no.

Do you think Vaughn is already in love with Sydney? How about vice versa?

I certainly think Vaughn is attracted to and intrigued by Sydney, but I'd hesitate to call it love. And Sydney's not over Danny.

Do you think Sloane senses something? What? Why?

He seems to sense something, but I'm still trying to figure out what Sloane figured out when. At this point, maybe all Sloane is sensing is Jack's pleasure at reopening the lines of communication with Sydney.

*****

Great job! (y)
 
Katayla said:
At this point, maybe all Sloane is sensing is Jack's pleasure at reopening the lines of communication with Sydney.
I'm not sure I'd characterize it as pleasure. He has a deep-seated need to reestablish a relationship with his daughter, but he also feels that reestablishing that relationship would be dangerous for Sydney (my theory is that a great deal of the reason that they are estranged in the first place comes out of Jacks need to protect Sydney). I would tend to characterize it more as unease--something that Sloane would definitely have his sensitive radar set to pick up on. (Although pleasure is foreign enough to Jack that Sloane would be likely to pick up on that! ^_^ But I don't read much pleasure in Jack's responses to Sydney.)
;)
 
I just watched this episode yesterday and I have to say... first of all, great summary :smiley: and that Vaughn really showed that Sydney wasn't in charge of everything when he showed her that map :lol: ^_^
 
verdantheart said:
I'm not sure I'd characterize it as pleasure. He has a deep-seated need to reestablish a relationship with his daughter, but he also feels that reestablishing that relationship would be dangerous for Sydney (my theory is that a great deal of the reason that they are estranged in the first place comes out of Jacks need to protect Sydney). I would tend to characterize it more as unease--something that Sloane would definitely have his sensitive radar set to pick up on. (Although pleasure is foreign enough to Jack that Sloane would be likely to pick up on that! ^_^ But I don't read much pleasure in Jack's responses to Sydney.)
;)
Yes, but pleasure was the closest word I could think of at the time... :lol: (I need sleep. ;) )

I guess I could said that "Sloane sensed that Jack was reopening the lines of communication with Sydney."

I agree that Jack distanced himself from his daughter to protect Sydney, but that he also desperately wanted to be close to her.
 
Should Sydney have called the CIA instead of Marshall, the guy she’s used to working with?
No, she's used to Marshall and knows his capabilities. Anyways, it might've taken forever for the CIA to get someone on the line.

Why do you think Jack didn’t defend himself to Sydney?
I don't know...maybe he felt that this way, Sydney might never find out about the plane tickets, and they could go back to how their former relationship was. Maybe he felt Sydney was right to be upset at him because he didn't save her love, Danny.

If you were Sydney, what would you have said to Jack after you found out what he tried to do? Could you have said any more to him?
If I had that kind of relationship, I wouldn't have really been able to say more than, that I overreacted, and I was thankful that he tried to save Danny.

Do you think Vaughn is already in love with Sydney? How about vice versa?
No, I think he thinks she's interesing and would like to get to know her better, but that's all.

Do you think Sloane senses something? What? Why?
With Jack talking to his daughter after so long, hopefully Sloane will figure its just that...
 
verdantheart said:
Should Sydney have called the CIA instead of Marshall, the guy she’s used to working with?

Why do you think Jack didn’t defend himself to Sydney?

If you were Sydney, what would you have said to Jack after you found out what he tried to do? Could you have said any more to him?

Do you think Vaughn is already in love with Sydney? How about vice versa?

Do you think Sloane senses something? What? Why?

If she had more time, then yes call the CIA, but she was 'sitting on a ticking bomb' so Marshall as someone she knows and able to help immediately was her option.

I think Jack didn't defend himself against Sydney because like you said communication issues and also he might've thought he deserved that, he gave a little nod of acknowledgement after she stalked off.

If I were Sydney, I'd probably have done something like that too.

I think Vaughn is at least starting to feel.. fascinated? with Sydney, vice versa, Sydney still feels for Danny *obviously*

I think Sloane senses something, he has known Jack a long time.

And your column was great as always!!
 
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