JJ Abrams, the creator of ABC’s “Alias,” has some kind of masterplan. One that he’s very, very slow in revealing. Which makeswatching his series infuriating &- and completelycaptivating.

In the second episode of the third season (“Succession”), Sydney(Jennifer Garner) struggled to uncover what exactly she had beendoing during the last two years &- other than killing herenemy/ally Sark’s (David Anders) father. Meanwhile, Sark was heldby the Covenant, a group of Russian nationalists that, in trueAbrams fashion, the viewer knows nearly nothing about, other thanthe implication that the Covenant was at least partly responsiblefor Sydney’s disappearance. Then, Sydney’s life became even morecomplicated when Vaughn (Michael Vartan) returned to the CIA andhis new wife, Lauren Reed (Melissa George), became Sydney’s CIAdivision’s new NSC contact.

Overall, “Succession” was a strong episode. The best episodes of”Alias” are those that leave the viewer with a million frustratingquestions. Sunday’s was one that left me with many:

What, exactly, is the Covenant?

What did they do to Sydney?

Is Sark good or bad now?

And for the love of God, when will Mrs. Vaughn take a hint andleave?

Preferably in the first five minutes of the next episode?Thanks, JJ.

Grade: B