It's no secret that Alias has been missing something this season - maybe its Lena Olin, or parhaps the new terrorist organisation, The Covenant, isn't as close to home as SD-6 or Sloane. Whatever it is, "The Nemesis" definately had it!

Alias has always been female dominated in terms of the discussions on emotional and relationship issues. The series lead is female, so it makes sense for those relationships revolve around Jennifer Garner herself. In times past, Sydney would confide in her good friend Francie. Meanwhile, Jack would be crusading against SD-6 or his ex...so when this episode makes a complete U-turn, and shows the same issues from a male perspective, while Syd goes head to head against her very own mirror image, it is a much welcomed treat.

As of late, Weiss has been the confidant to Sydney, following the departures of both Will and Francie from the series. But lets not forget that Weiss was Vaughn’s partner at the CIA, and has been his friend for a number of years. So seeing the dynamics revert to what they once were was a natural move to get Vaughn the emotional outcry he so much deserved – the man is keeping a secret from his wife. A secret she is determined to uncover. Both Michael Vartan and Greg Grunberg were incredibly entertaining during their ice-capades, Grunberg in particular who was sporting his usual witty responses and dry wit which made him a pleasure to watch in the second season.

And as usual, Kevin Weisman was spot on in the episode, delivering his usual comedy entertainment as Marshall performs the song he intends to play when he proposes to his now pregnant girl friend Carrie. You can’t ignore just how much Weisman brings to the series – his goofy comedy role is something which cannot be replaced and helps split the tone of the episode. On one side you have the highly action oriented dilemmas with larger than life stakes, but at the other you have these people trying to get through their day at the office. Even Sloane’s ironic position as a double agent for the CIA had a humorous feel to it.

Unfortunately, Lauren’s building investigation into the Lazarey murder was down-played and the whole thing was kept running in the background as a sub-plot. Maybe it was for the best with Doren's reappearance, but I for one have enjoyed watching Lauren get inches closer to Syd's dark secret each week and I have high hopes for when it is all exposed.

The entire episode had a feel about it which made it seem like more of an out-take from season two. Merrin Dungey is back as Allison Doren, or as many people have dubbed her 'The Francinator', there was some much needed references to Rambaldi and there was even a few flashbacks from the events of “Phase One”. Dungey is back and she's in ass-kicking mode. And so is Alias!