This was a dark episode. We got a lot of torture, a gloomy asylum, and a crazy killer. I thought this episode was fantastic as it was multi-layered and more importantly, character-driven. I love that combination. Sydney finally has a bit of closure regarding Danny’s murder, Francie is getting married, Will is inching closer to the truth, and Sydney begins to trust Jack. Just what I like to see!

          The asylum scenes were excellent. The set decor truly depicted the feelings that were going on in Shepard’s head. He is a troubled man who was recruited and brainwashed by SD-6. He became their killer. He was given the task of murdering Danny. I loved how the truth rose to the surface. He began remembering a picture in Danny’s house. It was Sydney’s birthday and her name was written on a banner in the background. I love how these little details can make all the difference. When Sydney and Shepard finally escape, Syd was getting closer to him. He, in turn, was remembering the horrid details of his life. The scene when Sydney ran out of the safehouse was powerful. Jennifer Garner really knows how to cry. I was glad she didn’t blame Shepard for her fiancé’s death. It was not his fault. This, in my mind, is an indication of Sydney’s continual maturation after Danny’s death. She’s thinking before acting. She realized that Shepard was tricked the same way she was. Syd promised him that she would take them down. Now, she has more motivation. I wonder if Sloane knew that Shepard was the assassin. Naturally, wouldn’t security section task someone they thought was good for the job? I don’t think that Sloane chose him. I do have one question. What was up with the whole Shepard-is-blind storyline? Was that a component of the programming? Fun stuff.

          Jack had a huge part in this episode. He meets with Vaughn and already, Jack hates him. No kidding. Vaughn should have had no right to pull Jack’s file. He was pissed and I’m glad. He really pinned Vaughn to the floor with his comment on refusing to pull Sydney from the field. Then, he proved to Sydney that he was not part of the KGB. I wished he really did stay for supper. It would be a big thing for Sydney, but she did give him some leftover food. I loved the smile they gave each other. It was so significant, yet very subtle.

          I love holiday episodes. It was great. I loved how in the middle of the Sydney-is-stuck-and-imprisoned-in-a-Romanian-asylum storyline, it’s Thanksgiving. When Sydney came home, the turkey was on fire and Francie is yelling at her. Poor Francie. If she only knew what Sydney was out doing? I don’t know if I’ll be happy if Francie marries Charlie. I don’t want to see Sydney lose her personal life.

Syd’s Tips

-          When being tortured, make a deal with your torturer. Offer him something.

-          When asking for reconciliation with your father, give him some Thanksgiving leftovers.

Mission Files

SD-6 MISSION

ALIAS: Asylum patient, Miss DiCamillo

LOCATION: Bucharest, Romania

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS: None

MARHALL’S GADGETS: None

OBJECTIVE: Locate Parkashoff’s dead body.

CIA COUNTERMISSION: Report SD-6’s findings.

Quotable Quotes

-          Jack: “You’re young and eager, and I understand that. One thing you’re not—and this is something time can provide, really—is wise.” Loved this one.

-          Jack: “Taking them down is what wakes her up in the morning, or did you think it was those meetings with you?” This was even better.

-          Sloane: “I believe in her as if she were my own daughter.” That is creepy. I would smack him is I was Jack.

-          Marshall: “I’ve got a minor form of scoliosis. So the air hugs me.” Great.

-          Sydney: “Hurts, doesn’t it?” That K-Directorate guy deserved that.

-          Vaughn: “I mean I was worried for you.” He likes Sydney.

-          Sydney: “If I hadn’t, thank you for breaking it to me so smoothly.” This was great.

-          Litvack: “Will, are you on dope?” Is he on dope?

-          Sloane: “I’m taking care of it.” He’s going to figure this out soon. Run Syd run.

Some Final Notes

-          Eloise Kurtz is dead. They’re coming for Will next. His boss, Litvack, is scary. She is tough.

-          Loved the Thanksgiving scenes.

-          Are Jenny and Will an item? She kissed him.

-          I don’t trust Charlie.

-          Sloane has contacted the Alliance. He’s going to figure Syd’s secret out. I’m scared.

I loved this episode. It was dark and scary and graphic. I loved this episode. 5 out of 5 stars.

-          Next episode

-          Alias season 1

-          Alias main