Our friends here at LTA had the fun idea to do a series rewatch. I wish I had time to do it with y'all (6-month old baby will do that to ya), but I wanted to give a new post for such a forum and say, enjoy!! I personally have watched the series back-to-back at least 3 times through with some extra watchings of my favorite seasons (1-3). Just don't do it on Netflix where the music is all wrong. ;-)
121 comments:
SRM, at 6 months, I thought babies pretty much looked after themselves. HAHAHAHAHAHA!!
Funny you should mention the Netflix abomination. I just stumbled on a Tumblr (somebody needs to explain to me why Tumblr is a thing) where an "Alias" newbie was about to embark on her first ever run thru the series. Her source?? Netflix. Nooooo. Imagine if that was your introduction to "Alias" and you didn't know any better. Oh the humanity.
I've participated in a series rewatch, and it's fun when it involves a thriving community of die-hards. But, truth be told, we at LTA come up short in that department nowadays, and even a modest 2-episode-per-week schedule would require a year-long commitment. I don't see that as a realistic scenario, absent a full-blown revival at LTA.
Somehow, I missed this interview with JJ while he was flogging his book project, "S", last fall.
The only part I was interested in was his comments about Sydney Bristow.
Irina Derevko.....stuck in sitcom hell.
Watching that clip was painful. Watching the series won't happen in this lifetime. See ya, Lena.
Steven Moffat promising precious little serialization in the new season of "Doctor Who".
Well, thanks for nothing Stevie. It's hardly news, though, since the previous season was mostly standalones. I miss those cracks in Amelia's bedroom wall.
One man's opinion of TNT's "Legends", which debuts on Aug 13th.
I just watched the pilot (cuz I'm not good at waiting and it's available on the internet). Considering what's out there right now for us spy freaks, I thought it was well worth keeping an eye on in weeks to come.
The reviewer has obviously seen at least 2 episodes and is unimpressed with the fact that 1.02 didn't follow up on 1.01's cliffhanger. Well, I would be equally disappointed with that myself. I don't know why so many people are reluctant to get down and dirty with serialized stories, but it seems to be a common problem.
Nevertheless, I'm going to stick around and see where "Legends" goes.
We've had a long time to get used to it, but I still have trouble wrapping my head around the idea of Bad Robot moving to HBO.
In my mind, Bad Robot exists in an entirely different world than HBO. Still, Jonathan Nolan and BR work very well together on POI, so maybe "Westworld" will also work out well, but HBO will surely be the end of the innocence for our old friend, the Robot.
One thing that troubles me about a lot of projects lately involving Bad Robot is that they are, in one way or another, adapted from other people's stories.
I felt that earlier this week as I watched "The Amazing Spiderman 2". Although not an official BR effort, it tied up a lot of BR talent writing yet another Spiderman movie, while their time would be much better spent penning original material for a TV series, IMO.
Spiderman just isn't that special to me. Sure, I watch and enjoy (to a degree), but to me every Spiderman movie is essentially the same. And then, there is "Star Trek" and "Star Wars" eating up a lot of Bad Robot's time nowadays.
The way I see it, nothing Bad Robot has adapted from other people's work can hold a candle to the Robot's best original material, so obviously that's where I would like to see them focus their efforts.
I was never fond of the Brosnan years when it came to James Bond, though it had less to do with Brosnan himself than it did with the caliber of Bond movies in those days.
Now it seems an older Brosnan is back in the spy game in "November Man", only this time he's badass former CIA material. I'll probably find time to watch it, but I don't have great expectations.
Need another reason to watch MAOS?
You got it!
And, she gets a good "Alias" name to boot.
Will Tippin, crime-fighting vigilante???
I've never heard of "Mack Bolan" or "The Executioner", but this sounds like it could be a big deal for Bradley Cooper.
Designed to compete with Bourne and Bond? Well, we'll see about that, but one thing is for sure: we won't live long enough to see Jen anywhere near a project like this.
Nadia gets a 2nd season of "The Strain".
Not to be outdone by the successes of her "Alias" counterparts, Jen gets busy starring in the summer blockbuster "The Ice Bucket Challenge".
Well, at least it's a step in the right direction. I wonder if that was Shauna Duggins who ended up in the pool.
"Covert Affairs" in excellent mid-season form. That can only mean one thing: 'mid-season finale' has to be coming soon.
8 month "Doctor Who" drought ends tomorrow night. Will the new Doctor impress?
I'll consider the new guy a success if they can match Matt Smith's first season. Promising a string of standalones is already not a step in the right direction.
Well, the new Doctor has launched overseas and I've been trying to avoid spoilers while, at the same time, getting a feel for the public reaction. Reviews seem mixed so far. I'll be deciding for myself in a little over an hour.
After DW, I'll be sure to check out BBC America's "Intruders", which, as luck would have it, stars DW's "The Master", only with an American accent.
Also starring in "Intruders" is a guy from "Fringe" and "Sleepy Hollow", a guy from "Heroes", Mira Sorvino, and a kid who would have you believe that "what goes around, comes around".
It's official. I'm giving the new Doctor the all clear. It's hard to accept new Docs and new companions every couple of years, but it's what allows the show to continue for so many years. That's the tradeoff.
"Intruders" was not quite so immediately likable. I'll have to keep watching for a while to see if it makes sense to continue. The first episode did little or nothing to explain the whole intruder phenomenon.
The first couple of eppies of "Legends" is in the books. I'm glad that it appears to be a serial, but I haven't found it to be riveting by any means. One thing that stands out is that the main character (Sean Bean) is so much older than the rest of the cast.
Another interesting note is that their computer geek (every spy show has a Marshall Flinkman) was also the computer geek in "Veronica Mars".
Ali Larter (Bean's handler) is 2 for 2 in going under cover as slutty women. Let's hope she can branch out over the course of the season or that will just get old.
What worries me most about the show is that the main mystery seems to be whether or not Bean's character is really who he thinks he is. Is that something I should really care about over the duration of the series, let alone the first season?
Article ranking JJ's TV shows.
While I agree with the shows making up the top 4, I disagree with the order this guy ranks them in. I mean "Alias" at #4??
Hmmmmmmmmm, thought I would freshen up my avatar to more accurately reflect my current status at LTA.
I could have gone with a Gilbert O'Sullivan theme, but I thought I might be dating myself. And, let's face it, Billy was wayyyyyy badder.
So, let's sink another drink, cuz it'll give me time to think...
Highlights from the past month here at LTA.
Can't sleep? Hey, we can help! That's what we're here for.
OK, I just noticed that we started a new topic and that I haven't been getting emails.
Page, which of the new shows should I watch?
Now, let's see if my formula for embedding links still works.
I saw this article and thought, "at least Jen is taking being a mom seriously.
I'm with Jen when it comes to her kids not needing cell phones. Nobody's kids need cell phones. I have a cell phone that I don't need. I use it as a watch.
The one thing I'll give her about that new movie is that at least it's not a rom-com. Still no need for me to see it, though.
Uncle, which new shows should you watch?
I could always be mistaken, but as far as the big 4 networks, this could be the worst new season of TV shows ever.
Which ones will I try? Probably CBS's "Scorpion", although it strikes me as somewhat juvenile.
Maybe I'll give Maggie Q. a look-see in "Stalker", but honestly, if it wasn't Nikita herself, I wouldn't even consider it. It looks hopelessly like a run of the mill cop procedural.
I'll watch FOX's "Gracepoint", having watched the original "Broadchurch". They promise a different ending than the British series, so it should be safe to watch.
"Agent Carter" is on my list, but I'm about ready to draw the line at any more comic book adaptations. I'm not convinced that we need "The Flash" or "Gotham" or a gazillion new Marvel entries. Too many remakes and adaptations right now. How about we go back to original programming ideas??
It's a rare year that doesn't see Bad Robot throwing any poop at the wall.
So, it looks like I'll be relying heavily on returning shows and hope for some decent mid-season replacements. And, of course, I'll be watching to see what SyFy comes up with, like "Twelve Monkeys", etc...
As an Anna Torv fan, pardon me for thinking this is excellent news.
This frees her up to (hopefully) get involved in something worthwhile.
Page,
Excellent news indeed.
Is Youtube a gift from God or what?
Probably my favourite Sinead performance ever.
Check out the backup singers and the girl playing guitar. Four Irish sisters. How cool is that?
Watched this week's "Legends" last night. Easily the best episode so far. No coincidence that they dropped the case-of-the-week and focused on the more interesting part of the story. Hopefully that continues for the balance of S1.
Looks like "Covert Affairs" is moving to Thursday nights when it returns on November 6th.
Page,
Is CA going to be back on sooner than usual? I really hat those short seasons.
I just checked my first season (1964/65) Man From UNCLE dvds and saw that it was a 29 episode season.
I don't think I've ever seen Legends.
And thanks for the Sinead link. I'll watch it soon.
I've watched the first episode of the new Doctor Who. I haven't warmed to the new Doctor yet. The previous on was my first, so I'm not used to changing Doctors.
At least we still have Clara. :)
Uncle, revolving Doctors is hard to get used to. And the rumours of Clara's departure have already been swirling for a few weeks.
I'm on my 4th Doctor and at least my 5th companion. So far, I think Matt Smith remains my favourite Doc over all, especially for that first season storyline about the crack in Amy's wall.
Slowly but surely working my way through my "Fringe" rewatch. Just finished 2.15, the episode where Olivia looks at Peter and sees that he is from 'over there'. Hard to believe it's been 4.5 years since that episode originally aired.
I'm finding myself much more appreciative of this show the second time around. And, to think that it's not even based on a comic book. How about that?
Hmmmmmm. Interesting website that let's you chart TV shows based on their IMDB ratings. Each dot represents a single episode. If you mouse over the dot, the eppie info is displayed. Trend lines can be applied for both individual seasons and for the series overall.
I decided to graph the top 4 Bad Robot shows in order of their debut.
1) "Alias"
2) "Lost"
3) "Fringe"
4) POI
Worthy of note is that both "Alias" and "Lost" trended down through the duration of each series, while "Fringe" and POI both trended up, with POI showing the steepest incline.
Highest single episode rating for each series:
1) "Alias" S02E13 "Phase One" rated 8.7 (shockingly low, IMO)and the series had only 4 eppies rated 8.5 or higher
2) "Lost" had 2 episodes tied at 9.7 with 26 episodes at 9 or higher
3) "Fringe" had 2 episodes clocking in at 9.2, including the series finale. It also had a total of 10 episodes registering 9 or higher
4) POI (a work in progress) hit 9.8 three times, including the 3rd season finale. POI has 31 episodes with ratings of 9 or higher.
Just my hunch, but I suspect that the poor showing by "Alias" is simply a result of the show airing during a time when social media was in its infancy. "Alias" missed out on what are now routine activities surrounding TV shows. Activities such as weekly podcasts, live-tweeting by cast members during episodes, multitudes of sneak peeks, etc..., all of which serve to whip up viewer interest.
And then there is IMDB itself.
1) "Alias" rates 7.6 overall based on a paltry 32,450 votes. The earliest user review posted for "Truth Be Told" is from 2008
2) "Lost" rates 8.6 based on 288,439 votes
3) "Fringe" rates 8.5 with 144,261 votes
4) POI rates 8.4 with 79,224 votes and it's only 3 seasons old
I believe that, if "Alias" aired today with all of the advantages available to current TV shows, that its overall numbers would be much more competitive with the later Bad Robot series.
However, even today, I believe "Alias" would suffer from an overall downtrend from start to finish, almost guaranteed by S4's standalones fiasco followed by S5's casting problems (bye bye Vaughn and Weiss, hello Tom and Rachel) along with Jen's pregnancy.
I agree with all 11 shows mentioned here. Most of them never needed to make it to air in the first place.
Page,
I can honestly say that the only of those shows I have ever watched were:
- Big Bang theory (late night reruns every now and then)
- NCIS (a couple of episodes that were a crossover with another show I liked, but I can't remember which one that was...could it have been JAG?)
"Alias" going mano a mano with "Beauty and the Beast" in the Spoiler TV poll. And losing badly. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
What a joke!
Another excellent episode of "Legends" this week.
Trust NO ONE.
Page,
I haven't watched Legends. What's it about?
Uncle, "Legends" is based on a boook, "Legends: A Novel of Dissimulation" by Robert Littel.
Without giving too much away, it's a spy thriller about a guy, Martin Odum (played by Sean Bean) who specializes in deep cover operations using aliases or 'legends'.
In the pilot, he is stalked and confronted by an apparent homeless guy, who tells him he is not really Martin Odum and to trust no one. Spoilery things happen which I won't get into.
This sets Odum off on a personal investigation to find out WTF is going on. The first 3 episodes basically showcase Odum undercover in different situations, but the episodes since then have seen Martin (on official leave of absence) digging deeper into the unraveling mystery of who he really is and why he can't remember his past.
It turns out people close to him know more than they are letting on. As more than one person has advised Martin, trust no one.
It's also a serial, so we don't have to reboot after each episode, we just carry on where we left off.
Page,
Legends sounds like it could be seriously fun and interesting. I'll give the first few episodes a try.
Finally, a new season begins tonight for "Sleepy Hollow" and "The Blacklist". Tomorrow it's POI.
Good times.
Jen now flogging "Capital One" (What's in your wallet?).
Anything but good movies or good TV.
First, HBO, and now Hulu.
Bad Robot teaming up with Stephen King.
Another series based on a book/comic/movie. This one also happens to be based on real events. Sure, I'll be giving it a shot, but where's the next "Alias", "Lost", or "Fringe" in the Robot's quiver?
Re: POI. Would I be mistaken in suggesting that Root is now the backbone of our team?
POI is one show where I don't mind mostly stand alone episodes. I'm realizing this as the plots are getting more and more spread out with too many characters. It's getting a little difficult to follow and to remember everything.
On another note, I'm back from the exhausting Man From U.N.C.L.E. "get together" in LA. I took tons of pictures and met a lot of fans and people who worked on the show. If anyone is interested in details here is a Facebook link where I am posted about it daily. I'm covering items on some of the original props for the show, some of the producers and directors I met and got to spend time with, and some of the interesting Hollywood and normal people I got to know. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Man-From-Uncle-Gun/186395181410983
Ha, Uncle, it looks like you weren't taking any crap at that U.N.C.L.E. convention.
Re: POI, I'm glad they weeded out the HR storyline and now the Vigilance storyline, because it does get complicated trying to keep up. Also, knocking off Carter was necessary, IMO, in order to keep the character count down.
As much as I like the fact that they added Sarah Shahi, I dislike the fact that she seems to me to be almost a clone of Reese (albeit much hotter). When they add a new character, I would prefer that character to bring something different to the game (like Root does).
This season seems to have considerable potential with just the Samaritan angle alone, without layering in 1 or 2 more Big Bads.
One of the tremendous advantages to watching serials these days is the ability to check the internet for detailed episode recaps to clarify some of the plot details that can be more than a little confusing. I frequently take that route when I find myself getting left behind.
In addition to the regulars that are back on,I am liking:
Gothom
The Flash
Legends
Anything else I should keep up with?
Uncle, the only new show I've checked out this season in "Scorpion", the latest Orci/Kurtzman concoction. It's not 'must-see' TV. It seems to be solidly in the procedural category.
I paid Maggie Q. a courtesy call on last night's "Stalker", but I don't think it has anything I'm looking for.
I'll check out "Flash" when it arrives.
I only watched about 15 minutes of the first episode of "Outlander" before I gave up on it, but I notice that it completely devastated POI in the Spoiler TV poll yesterday.
Not what I would call an awesome lineup of new shows this year.
Another excellent week for "Legends". You can always tell when the season finale is just around the corner.
New trailer for USA's "Dig", which is now postponed until 2015.
Looks interesting!
Looks interesting!
A VERY rare conversation about "Alias" over at Roco's seriable.com.
Uncle, I posted a link to your side-by-side photos of the armed and dangerous Lola and Sydney, since Lola came up in the article.
Page,
That's quite a long article compared to most these days.
Thanks for the attribution on the pic.
Uncle, the post certainly meanders a bit. I'm not sure it had THAT much to do with TBT, but still, not many people doing any kind of in depth examination of "Alias" these days. Better take what we can get.
Bad Robot veteran, Monica Breen, delivering an excellent eppie of MAOS tonight, complete with a few scenes reminiscent of Sydney's Credit Dauphine days.
Last month was the 50th anniversary of The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Last night's NCIS was a hat tip to U.N.C.L.E., in which Ducky (David McCallum)was the co-star. It was very nice having this follow the 50th Anniversary celebration I attended in LA a couple of weeks ago.
I'll bet that David McCallum is on a very short list of actors who were series regulars 50 years ago and also series regulars today.
Page,
I have No doubt of that!
Whoa!!! To prove I'm not a robot I have to type 470 into the box!!!!!
Charlie Jane Anders from io9.com says: "When Agents of SHIELD started, I was hoping it would develop into a spy-versus-spy sort of show, especially with a couple of former Alias writers on board. (Including Monica Owusu Breen, who wrote "Making Friends.") With episodes like this one, it's starting to exceed those fond early hopes.
I say: "Isn't that what we all hoped when we started watching MAOS?"
I was kind of on the fence about whether or not to get involved in "The Flash", but it just got a little more compelling with the addition of Victor Garber.
Looks like VG is going to have parts in more than one series.
Uncle, VG seems to embrace TV work while Jen's idea of TV is limited to talk shows and commercials.
VG won't be showing up until 1.12, so that may be a pre-Christmas cliffhanger.
Watched the season finale of "Legends". Hopefully it gets renewed although viewership has dropped off steadily since it debuted. The better the show gets, the fewer people watch. Go figure.
"Alias" nostalgia runs amok. This time it's a discussion about "Phase One".
I just started getting into Scorpions. I like it!!
Uncle, I know. I "shouldn't" really like "Scorpions" cuz it's kind of simplistic and completely formulaic, but it's fun at the same time so I'm in.
Brand new trailer for The Nerd's new show, "12 Monkeys", cuz sending folks back from the future to alter events ("Terminator", "Continuum"...) never gets old.
Also, for us espionage slaves, AMC has ordered a new mini-series based on a John le Carre novel. Stars Hugh Laurie and Tom Hiddleston. Sounds like AMC is taking a British vacation.
Speaking of AMC, now that Lennie James' "Low Winter Sun" (the stinker that it was) is cancelled, he's freed up to return to the "The Walking Dead". He appeared briefly at the end of 5.01, but hasn't been seen since.
Looking forward to Lennie's character returning, which would make an already excellent S5 even better.
So, Bradley Cooper teaming up with Orci/Kurtzman (who I thought had already severed ties) to co-produce a series based on BC'S movie "Limitless".
Page,
I just found out last week about a new O & K show, Scorpions, and am hooked on it. I just started getting caught up and have already watched 5 episodes.
Orci/Kurtzman (unfortunately) compete with themselves with "Scorpion" and "Sleepy Hollow" on at the same time. I often have to catch "Scorpion" on Tuesday or Wednesday (either that or stay up late to catch a feed from a different time zone on Monday).
I don't know why networks feel the need to cram their whole schedule into one or two nights a week. How about Sunday night, guys?? Thursday, anyone??
They really should spread these shows out. I catch them online from sites that post them the day after with the option to stream or download. I have to be careful on some days to keep from spending too much of the day watching TV and not working.
New trailer for TNT's "The Librarians", debuting next month. I've never seen the "hit" movies, and in fact, never heard of the movies until a year or so ago.
Looks like it could be fun in a "National Treasure", "Warehouse 13" kind of way.
Don't look now, but "Covert Affairs" returns Nov. 6.
A scene from "Agent Carter", which kicks off an 8 episode run on January 6th, while MAOS is on hiatus.
The latest CIA show, "State of Affairs" debuts on Nov. 17.
Like there isn't already enough TV crammed into Monday nights.
Page,
Thanks for the continued updates.
I was looking for something the other day and came across something I wrote about the similarities between Alias and The Pretender some years ago. I am convinced that Alias borrowed these things from The Pretended. I'd love to know who with Alias did it.
Loving Scorpion and the new season of other new and regular shows.
Forgot to post the link to my subject in the previous post;
http://www.amazon.com/gp/cdp/member-reviews/AYUJKJ5UIQPWQ/ref=pd_ys_sf_lf_rev?ie=UTF8&sort_by=MostRecentReview
Part 1-
I was as upset as anyone when the series ended, and by the way it ended. Too many loose ends, unanswered questions, plot holes, etc. Having said that, there has never been a series as intriguing, exciting, and enthralling as Alias. I bought seasons 1-4 as they became available and watched them at least 5 times each. I was not the least bit hesitant to buy the boxed set when it first went on pre-order. I would have liked more extras, but what it has are great.
If you didn't really follow the series when is was broadcast, do yourself a favor and watch it on DVD. If you already are a fan you probably already have other DVD sets. Do YOURSELF a favor and buy the boxed set.
Another word for the true fans. Okay, I became an Alias addict as soon as the first episode aired. I am such an addict that I am writing an Alias novel as therapy after the series ended leaving so many plot holes and unanswered questions. So, I was shocked when I recently watched season one DVD's of The Pretender, which aired from 1996-2000 (ending 1 year before Alias aired). I was totally blown away by the following similarities between the two shows. And since The Pretender came first, it was Alias which copied ideas from The Pretender.
Here is my list of similarities between The Pretender and Alias- just from the first few episodes of The Pretender:
1- A young boy is at a center where he's being studied and his special abilities are being groomed for use by some secret group (Alias tie- Project Christmas), 2-he builds a tall building out of an erector set(Project Christmas wooden block puzzle)demonstrating his abilities. 3-The man who is directing this use of the boy is a Dr. named Sydney (Alias main character name), 4-who is played by the actor who played Dr. DeSantis in Alias. 5-The boy grows up in the center and eventually escapes. He goes into hiding from this powerful organization, taking on a new alias each week and using his abilities to right wrongs (like Sydney in Alias- see #24). 6-He is a combination of the Sydney Bristow and Marshall Flinkman Character on Alias. 7-The main character is trying to find out who he really is and what happened to his real parents(Alias-Sydney and her mother,Irina). 8-Familiar Alias type phrases, one of which is "decide whether you are going to be a scientist (spy) or a mommy- you can't be both," the female lead says to Dr. Sydney"(very similar to what Irina told Sydney about being a spy and a mother in the last season of Alias). 9-Jerrod speaks many languages (Sydney does too).
Part 2-
10-He flies airplanes(Sydney does too). 11-Jennifer Garner (Sydney in Alias) once guest starred in The Pretender(2 years before Alias aired), playing a character named Billie VAUGHN(her boyfriend in Alias was named Michael VAUGHN). 12-The actor playing Jerrod is MICHAEL WEISS(as in Alias characters MICHAEL Vaughn and another main character, ERIC WEISS), while the name of the actor who plays the creepy bad guy at the Centre trying to hunt down Jerrod is named Richard MARCUS (as in Alias character MARCUS Dixon).13-The female lead, Miss Parker, who is teamed up with Dr. Sydney is a hard, driven, ruthless Alias character Irina Derevko. 14-Some of the graphics in The Pretender are Rambaldi(mysterious 15th century Alias character)-esc. 15-There is a black female director at the Centre(Alias tie- Director Chase at CIA). 16-Sydney Bristow's mother, Irina, was unquestionably the power behind much of the evil in Alias- Miss Parker's father is the head of the Centre. 17-When Miss Parker was young her mother supposedly killed herself, but as the show progresses Parker discovers that her father may have killed her, or that she may actually still be alive (Alias- very like Irina). 18-In one episode the bad guy boss of a law firm is named Mr. Sloane(name of main Alias bad guy for 5 seasons). 19-In the same episode a guy wrongly accused of a murder has the first name Marcus (again, Alias- Marcus Dixon). 20-Sloane goes to jail (also in Alias). 21- Last line spoken to Mr. Sloane in that episode at the end of that episode of The Pretender-"Now you have all the time in the world." (Same last line said to Mr.Sloane in Alias).22- A recurring number holds the key to a mystery behind the Centre- SL-27 (Alias- #47). 23- Dr. Sydney, who feels responsible for his brother's death, speaks to his brother, who appears to him from beyond the grave(Alias- Nadia, Sloane's daughter whose death he is responsible for, appears to him from beyond the grave). 24- They start each episode of The Pretender explaining that the main character is a Pretender- a genius with the ability to become anyone he wishes. That is the essence of creating an effective alias- something Sydney Bristow did every week. In fact, she explained to another Alias character that to pull off an alias you have to become that person. So, the essence of being a Pretender is the same as creating an Alias.
Uncle, since many of those similarities (nowadays I guess we call them Easter Eggs) were set in stone right from the earliest days of "Alias", and since "Alias", unlike recent Bad Robot shows, was JJ's concoction, I assume that he is largely responsible for the considerable amount of borrowing. Was it ALL conscious borrowing? IMO, probably most of it was.
In a similar vein, this week on "The Blacklist", we had another 'John Reese'. On FOX's "The Following", one of the regular characters is FBI agent 'Mike Weston'.
BTW I remember when you originally posted that list. I remember posting a link to your LTA list on another blog (probably Seriable.com) a few years ago when the subject came up.
Another show that I like more than I thought I would is "The 100" on CW, which stars 'Desmond' from "Lost" and 'Zoe' from POI. The second season is underway and gaining momentum.
Page,
Yeah, I bet those links to The Pretender were via JJ.
I caught Reese on TBL, but I haven't been following The Following. I'll give it and The 100 a try.
Uncle, I would consider "The 100" a recommendation, while "The Following" is a show I could very easily do without. It's just a frustrating serial killer chase where every move the FBI makes is a moment too late. Multiply that by 2 (and now 3) seasons and I think you'll get the picture.
"The 100" is a sci-fi survival piece where delinquent kids who were born and raised in space are jettisoned to a post-nuclear earth to see if mankind can survive. On earth, they encounter numerous obstacles, mostly in the form of hostile survivors. S1 is only 13 episodes, so anyone starting now can easily catch up.
Page,
Thanks for the info. I start getting caught up on the 100.
TNT gives birth to secret operative, "Agent X".
That much I get. Now do these two descriptions (one, two) sound like they're talking about the same show?
One talks about "a good deal of enjoyable silliness", while the other article talks about a "high energy thrill ride with lots of twists and turns, big action sequences and kick-ass stunts".
Either way, we have almost a year to wait before we find out.
I just finished rerererewatch of Armageddon and realized why I like it so much. Besides the cast, it bears the influence of the following -- Michael Bay, Jerry Bruckheimer, and a screenplay by...JJ Abrams. How could this not have good story, good action and great values and emotion?
Yeah, I've seen "Armageddon" more than once as well. Bruce Willis was along for that ride, too.
This week's "Scorpion" written by Nicholas Wootton, writer of almost 8% of all "Chuck" episodes.
I compulsively check the writing credits on every show I watch nowadays. I never used to do that, but, what can I tell ya, now I do.
I'm not any kind of an Alicia Keys fanboy, but I love this performance from the 121212 Hurricane Sandy relief concert.
Just one woman and one piano. Gorgeous.
Got around to watching the Fall Finale of "The Blacklist" last night. I get a little frustrated with this show for a couple of reasons. One reason is the snail's pace at which the 'big picture' plot is moving.
Another thing that I get a little antsy about is how easily Reddington cruises through each episode. He enjoys spot-on intel which never seems to hit a snag. I guess, in fairness, Arvin Sloane had no shortage of intel appearing from thin air as well, but at least "Alias" felt like it was moving forward at a good clip.
The fall finale killed off a couple of recurring characters, so maybe that clears the way for some progress when TB returns (months from now). The fulcrum sounds it may be a source of 2nd half intrigue. The show has good intentions, but I'd like to see it amount to something more.
For some reason I'm good with the pace and lack of unraveling in BL. I guess I think that if they unravel too soon it will all be over.
I did notice a license plat on BL last night that started with 4D7. Not, that's not really 47, but if you say 4D7 what does it sounds like 47. Pretty creative!
Uncle, TB had an "Alias" writer (John Eisendrath) this week, so "4D7" is probably no accident.
I (of course) use "Alias" as a benchmark for every show since then, which is no doubt why the pacing frustrates me a bit.
"The Blacklist" returns Feb 1st, following the Superbowl. We all remember another episode from back in the day that had that same prestigious lead-in midway thru its 2nd season ("Phase One"). I can't help but feel that so much more had been accomplished by the time "Phase One" aired than what TB has achieved thus far.
Of course, not every show can be "Alias" (sigh!!!!)
While TB is on hiatus, "State of Affairs" airs in its place and, if it does well, will presumably remain there, since TB will return on Thursday nights, I believe.
Merrin Dungey joining what has to be the greatest collection of Bad Robot actors to ever appear in a non-Bad Robot show. This season alone OUAT has added actors from "Alias", "Fringe" and "Lost".
Good news for 'Francie', but I gave up on OUAT mid-way through last season, cuz I just couldn't bring myself to care anymore.
Page,
I gave up on OUAT a couple of seasons ago. I liked the first 2 seasons, but when it became dominated by female characters and in one morally ambiguous alliance after another I just found other things to watch. Give me clear cut situations with good guys beating bad guys and drop the feminist attempt to raise Disney heroines to super hero status. My wife can't stand it either, BTW, and she's no shrinking violet.
Uncle, I think that OUAT intends to leave no Disney character unrepresented.
This year is apparently heavily "Frozen" themed, obviously to capitalize on last year's juggernaut movie (which I haven't seen). In other words, had "Frozen" bombed, it seems reasonable to assume that OUAT would have a decidedly different look this season. IMO, that's no way to run a TV show.
I liked OUAT when it was about the residents of Storybrooke slowly awakening to their real origins thanks to Henry's persistence. Once that veil was lifted, it was all downhill.
On a brighter note, I thought this past week's "Scorpion", MAOS, CA and POI were all excellent.
I agree about the other shows, and about the Storybrooke setting episodes.
I saw Frozen. My wife and I both liked it. We saw it at the theater in 3D.
I love the last line in this article from just 3 months ago: "Sydney Bristow. Never Forget".
Don't worry, not gonna happen.
Couldn't help but notice that this week's "The Flash" was co-written by grizzled veteran Bad Robot writer, Alison Shapker, who seems to be on board as an exec producer as well.
The most kick-ass spy-girl action seen on ABC since 2006???
Maybe the ONLY kick-ass spy-girl action seen on ABC since 2006.
Either way, I hope the story lives up to the clip.
New trailer for "Kingsman: The Secret Service".
Now that's just a great big ball of crazy!
I've never watched anything "Star Wars" related for more than 5 minutes, but with JJ running this one, I suppose I will.
First trailer out now.
Now, Bad Robot guys, you've got SW out of the way, so let's get back to making the next great TV show for me to watch. Preferably one that lasts for more than your current standard of 13 episodes.
Victor Garber hanging with his "Flash" alter-ego.
I gotta say, I haven't been spending much time following "Flash".
Think about this if you have any doubt that time flies whether or not you're having fun.
I just finished my rewatch of the S2 finale of "Fringe". You know the one, where Altlivia comes back Over Here with the Bishops, while Olivia is left to rot in Walternate's prison.
I just did the math on the days elapsed since that episode aired, and, save for 41 days, there was time to air "Alias" in its entirety.
THAT is just ridiculous.
He'll be back.
First trailer for the new "Terminator Genisys" flick.
Let's hear it for spy shows. "Legends" gets a 2nd season from TNT.
How's this for a spychick on a roll?
Lea Seydoux can now boast roles in James Bond's upcoming "Spectre" and "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol" in the space of just 4 years.
And, as if that's not enough, she looks good doing it.
"Continuum" renewed for a very skimpy 6 episode final season. I suppose we should be grateful, but I expected at least a couple more full seasons.
HI ALL!! It's Girlscout! Just stopped by the blog, as I do on occasion and I am so excited that SRM posted this rewatch! I was just talking to 3 other Let's Talk visitors that I have become friends with over the years and we are planning and reunion of sorts. We have never actually met in person, but I am flying to Indiana in March to meet them and have an Alias marathon. I want to post pictures and recap some of our discussion, so SRM, if you are out there, can you email me??? (onlyK@hotmail.com) I want to get the log in information again since it's been forever since I posted here. Thanks guys and it's so awesome to still see all the same familiar names here after all this time.
Page,
I've been busy with the season uptick in business and haven't had a chance yet to check out your links or reply to posts. But Kendrah shocked me into action! :) Great to hear from you GS!!!
I'll squeeze in some time soon to post a little.
I enjoyed Continuum for a while, but the last season became too complex for me to follow with all of the switching back and forth between alternate timelines.
Uncle, it should free Rachel Nichols up for a spot on POI (but hopefully not on the Bad Robot wasteland known as OUAT).
Page,
Don't count on her not getting sucked into the OUAT black hole.
I just saw a promo for the Agent Carter series. It starts with a picture of Syd followed by a voice over, "First there was Sydney Bristow..."
Uncle, I think ABC is forgetting that Peggy Carter lived in the 1940's, so technically, first there was Agent Carter.
Page,
Nonetheless, it is amazing that they not only remembered SB, but intimate that she paved the way for a show about Carter, and assume that people remember SB.
Uncle, I have mixed feelings about ABC invoking the memory of Sydney in order to plug another show.
On the one hand, it's just nice to hear ANYONE mention Sydney these days.
On the other hand, I'm a little offended that the network who was so anxious to rush "Alias" out the back door is now using that show to promote a new spy show.
Still, if AC is popular with viewers (as I assume it will be), maybe the association with "Alias" will prompt some people who have never seen Sydney in action to seek out some old DVDs and get themselves a proper spychick education.
Who knows, it could be the first baby steps toward that long ago rumoured "Alias 2.0"
One thing I think we can be sure of. "Agent Carter" will be released on BluRay long before "Alias" ever will.
And now, the Sydney Bristow video itself.
Throwing Emma from OUAT in there is a stretch. She ain't no Sydney Bristow.
Page,
This is the most Syd has been seen or mentioned on TV since Alias' final episode.
Uncle, no kidding. Only 3 aspects of TV are of interest to JG:
1) commercials
2) talk shows to flog her crap movies and
3) presenting at awards shows.
So sad.
BTW, we should bump our conversations up to the more recent topic. Just because we can.
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