In “Reprisal” when Sloane confronted Sydney under Mount Subasio, who knew that this would prove to be so true for the final hour of Alias? The fact that this is the last episode meant that the writers hands are essentially free to do away with whomever they wish with no consequences to speak of. With Thomas Grace already out of the picture it was only a matter of time before someone else took a bullet to save the world.

But aside from the obvious knocking off as many leading characters as possible, this episode highlights the pure genius of composer Michael Giachinno. The man is nothing less a musical mastermind. The score that played as Sloane activates the Horizon in the Rambaldi tomb and as Sydney rushes to the rescue is undoubtedly his best yet.

When Sloane opened fire on Jack, I literally cried out at the screen!! Not Papa Jack!! Victor Garber is an amazing actor and for five years he has been a pleasure to watch on Alias. His final farewell to Sydney was the most tear-jerking farewell that Alias has ever done and was nothing less than a five star performance from both Garber and Jennifer Garner. Why oh why couldn’t Papa Jack survive to see lil’ Isabelle grow up? I suppose that’s why Alias was such an amazing family drama…nothing ever works out the way you want it to.

Interspersed throughout the unfolding action were short flashback scenes obviously intended to rope the various plot threads from seasons past together for a neat send off. Well surprise surprise, it was an overwhelming success. The Merrin Dungey scene being my particular favourite. I miss the innocence that Francie Calfo brought to the show and the sheer delight of Dungey’s presence.

The one thing in the episode that I don’t understand is why Irina Derevko went from untrustworthy mother to genocidal megalomaniac all in the space of a single season. Last year she helped save the world by taking out her sister Elena Derevko…why destroy it now? Even in her collaboration with Sloane, you would think she would be just a little cheesed off that he killed her youngest daughter (whom I still believe is actually Jack’s daughter too – see “Search and Rescue”). Alas, Nadia didn’t even get a mention. What happened to the Irina who was ready to kill Sloane for merely talking about his affections for Sydney in the second season? No matter, the final fight between Syd and Irina was at least a satisfying one, giving spy-mommy exactly what was coming to her. But I must admit, I had hopes of a happy family walking hand in hand into the sunset.

As part of an ultimate twist, Sloane’s faith in Rambaldi actually saved him in the same way it saved Allison Doren in season three was both disappointing and an amazing revelation. Had the series a future, the development would be great to explore, especially given Arvin’s declining mental stability. I guess we’ll never know what really happens to Sloane although I think its safe to say that all the time in the world won’t help him.

In the end, the world was saved and no one will ever really know who was responsible. And as the new Bristow family strolled out onto the beach with Dixon, I realised that I got the happy family I was hoping for. Even is Isabelle is destined to be a spy like her mother.

I will miss Alias. The adventure, the mystery and the twisted web of lies and deceit. All of it. J.J. Abrams I salute you! To the entire Alias cast and crew…thank you so much for the last five years. It’s been one heck of a journey and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.