Season three in general has been lacking in the fifteenth century prophet storyline, focusing mainly on Syd’s missing time arc and then later the solo Covenant stories. Now while these have had their relative successes and failures, its Rambaldi that sets Alias apart from other such spy endeavours. The likes of James Bond, Mission Impossible and 24 are all very much involved with the action packed spy game, whereas the fantasy element of Rambaldi brings a fresh idea to the table. Given how popular the Rambaldi story is with fans, I'm surprised they even remove it from the show at all.

That’s not to say that the previously mentioned spy-adventures are lacking anything, its just that Alias is able to form its own separate mythos that can be developed without becoming too weighed down with the current global political situation.

So its great having Rambaldi back. Vaughn’s mysterious contact, hidden maps and obscure tombs all bring back a familiarity from the Alias of old.

And Melissa George and her Lauren Reed character have sunk to new lows. What happened to the character who had so much potential at the start of the year? The dynamic duo who go on car chases and trade acidic comments with Arvin Sloane is dead, leaving behind a very 2-dimension scenario that does nothing for the series. Each week Lauren does something evil, backstabs Vaughn and has a go at Syd. The formula is getting old so something new is needed to spice it up a little.

Having her go after her own father was a daring move, going to show just how much humanity is left in the character. But perhaps what is worse than that is her gift to Vaughn – his fathers watch fixed and like new. Syd/Vaughn shippers should be hissing at their screens more than usual every time they see that little scene. And I have to admit I was among them. I miss the Lauren Reed who could kick ass for the good guys.

Although it isn’t all bad…compared with Peggy Liptons performance as Lauren’s mother, Melissa George is a God send. Once again Alias finds itself missing something – there was a time where the Alias casting was spot on and the actors found themselves able to work off of one another to create a truly exhilarating hour of damn good TV.

With most of that gone now, its up to Jack Bristow and his suspicions about Miss Reed’s true loyalties to save the series. I know Victor Garber is up to the challenge, but are the writers?