If you pick up any of the many bios on JJ Abrams they all mention how it was shows like Alias that helped launch him to icon status.
But that is not enough information. Too many gaps.
The fact is that JJ has a knack for taking shows that start with a simple premise -- almost as if he understands the Hollywood money boys have a weakness for funding "simple stupid predictable" pilots -- and then, once in actual production, raising the stakes every few hands, until you suddenly realize that you have a show that is nothing like what you started watching.
This episode is a case in point. Connected in name only to the original premise of Season 1, you have complex relationships inter-weaving with complex relationships.
Not only do you get here a last-minute, Hail Mary, "save" but also a tiny clue tossed to the audience which (if you were paying attention) sets up the second (and surprise!) final climax.
And this episode also shows the signature JJ casting acumen, which is arguably the most astute in the business. Backing up Garner (as if she needs backing up) are three of the greatest actresses (and greatest faces) of the late 20th century: Dunaway, Olin, and Irving.
A perfect episode, and ready for the TV Hall of Fame.
But that is not enough information. Too many gaps.
The fact is that JJ has a knack for taking shows that start with a simple premise -- almost as if he understands the Hollywood money boys have a weakness for funding "simple stupid predictable" pilots -- and then, once in actual production, raising the stakes every few hands, until you suddenly realize that you have a show that is nothing like what you started watching.
This episode is a case in point. Connected in name only to the original premise of Season 1, you have complex relationships inter-weaving with complex relationships.
Not only do you get here a last-minute, Hail Mary, "save" but also a tiny clue tossed to the audience which (if you were paying attention) sets up the second (and surprise!) final climax.
And this episode also shows the signature JJ casting acumen, which is arguably the most astute in the business. Backing up Garner (as if she needs backing up) are three of the greatest actresses (and greatest faces) of the late 20th century: Dunaway, Olin, and Irving.
A perfect episode, and ready for the TV Hall of Fame.