It may have taken three full episodes to properly configure this new direction, but as the first 'real' episode of the season proves it is well worth the wait. Although unlike its preceding episodes, “A Missing Link” (which marks the episodic-writing debut of both Monica Breen and Alison Schapker) is the first genuine attempt to address the issue of Sydney’s missing time and continues with the character relationships from "Reunion" instead of once again re-hashing the plot of the series. As the name might suggest, Syd uncovers a link to what happened to her during her blackout, in the form of freelance criminal Simon Walker (played by the very talented Justin Theroux). It seems that Sydney, or Julia Thorne as she was known, done some work with Simon during the time she was presumed dead by the CIA.

Quick to establish that Simon Walker is in fact a bad guy (he is sealing biological weapons for the deadly terrorist group The Covenant) and not one of those grey-villains Alias is so famous for, “A Missing Link” dives straight in, dangling just enough answers of the missing time questions to keep the suspense at an all time high and the urgency of each mission at a premium. But like many shows, such as The X-Files, for every answer revealed another two questions are created, causing a rather large and complex mythology to develop. Was Syd really in control during those two years, was she a baddie just like Simon and just what does Sloane have to do with it all? And with so many dark and disturbing questions, the need for answers is paramount.

The episode has so many levels, with all the characters sporting their own agenda’s and motivations in true Alias fashion, some deep cover assignments and absolutely breathtaking stunts (including a high dive from the top of a building).

As previously noted, and abundance of conflicting agendas is something Alias thrives on, and rather than continue along with what has already been established, “A Missing Link” mixes them up further causing more internal conflict than before. As we’ve learned, Lauren is investigating the murder of a Russian diplomat – a diplomat Syd killed during her missing time. So when Jack drops the bombshell on Dixon that it was Sydney, Vaughn is soon pitted against his own wife by interfering with her investigation. It’s a little more soap opera than what Alias has gone for in the past, but since all three characters involved are in the intelligence business, the situation is obviously going to become very volatile indeed...and I'm sure there is an explosion on the horizon just waiting for the right moment.

Even Arvin Sloane’s true colours were let out for some fresh air with some very compelling and intriguing dialogue between Lauren Reed. Both actors performed flawlessly and for the first time worked to create an aura of sympathy for Lauren – her father stood in her way of becoming field rated and her only crime was falling in love with Vaughn...and now the manipulative Sloane gets to take a few shots at the poor helpless agent. Its not the same as those classic Sydney and Sloane moments in the belly of SD-6 , but it is a nice addition to the series as Lauren shows she is more than a match for the ambiguously good humanitarian.

But perhaps the most notable feature of the episode is how it ends – a good old fashioned shock filled cliff-hanger – another Alias trademark. Only this time, the repercussions will be bigger than those of any single episode cliff-hanger and will no doubt act as a turning point for everyone involved. So after a bit of a cold start it seems the season is all falling into place in a creatively inspiring and heart stopping addictive fashion.