#second double

Passing the Bechdel: Sydney tells “Francie” the truth about her job. Irina tells Sydney that she’ll be needing a favor.

Female Characters:

Sydney Bristow

“Francie Calfo”

Irina Derevko

Sarah

Male Characters:

Michael Vaughn

Sark

Will Tippin

McCain

Jack Bristow

Marshall Flinkman

Kendall

Marcus Dixon

Garth

Hans Jurgen

Jens

Arvin Sloane

 Additional Notes:

We’re told early this episode that Will now qualifies for a senior analyst position, and I don’t believe a word of it, given that he’s been an analyst for all of four minutes. 

The details surrounding doubling are slightly different from those given in “Double Agent.” We were told then that double’s eyes were made intentionally different, in order to be able to tell who was who, but here it’s just “doubles have particular proteins.” Similarly, provacilium, the drug mentioned here used by doubles, was not mentioned at all in that previous episode.   

Alias characters have never been careful about ensuring that they’re not able to be overheard, but even so Sydney’s behavior in front of Faux Francie is especially egregious—especially after she’d told her that she was barred from sharing information.  Be a better spy, Sydney. And while you’re at it, actually suspect Francie, if you’re not going to believe Will is a double? 

Remember when Will was arguably the show’s deuteragonist, with his own supporting cast, setting, and mini-show-within the show?  Alias sure has, and has been stuck pretending that it’s still interested in him. And it’s a damn shame, too, because there was a real spark in his story, especially near the end.