Blogger is being especially annoying today. My last post just completely vanished.

Anyway. Matt has the same idea as me! And the flack that an Irina recast actress would get, was one of my huge concerns. I know I would certainly be analysing and criticising her every move, and whining that she's not as good as Lena. Because, damnit, that woman may be a bitch over the contracts and a damn bizarre actress in most other matters, but she was brilliant as Irina. I can't imagine anyone else in the role. But, hell, maybe JJ'll pull another miracle out of his casting hat, huh? Just please not the same hat that produced Melissa George and the OmniAccent, please.

Question:
With regard to Alias and the very obvious absence of Lena Olin, do you think it would be wise to recast the part? I think the family dynamic that dominated much of the second season was some of the most compelling television that I've ever seen. I miss Olin, but I miss the character of Irina Derevko so much that I might be willing to see another actress in the role if Lena's decision not to return is final. I could maybe see Lindsay Frost in that role because I really think she could muster up some menace, although she could never be as good as the original. — Dannie

Matt:
I pity any actress who tries to take over for Lena Olin. If Melissa George thinks she has it rough as the interloper Mrs. Vaughn, just wait. That said, this is an intriguing notion, and given the existence of an evil Francie double, I suppose they could easily explain that Irina has altered her appearance for her own protection. The dilemma here is to balance the negative reaction a new actress is going to get against the positives of reintroducing the character into a story that could really use her. I'd be willing to go with this, but the risks are plentiful.

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Question:
I am a huge fan of Alias, and have always enjoyed the show, but am I the only one who thinks the fight scenes have been getting a little implausible? I am all for suspending belief — especially when it is for Jennifer Garner — but a little less sword-wielding please. Also, Victor Garber does a fantastic job with Jack Bristow. You noted in an earlier column that he was whipped for typing "I miss you" to Irina Derevko — I would urge you to remember that we have also "lost" two years. Who knows what has happened between them since we last saw them interact? Isn't it possible that in those two years, Jack has come to terms with her deception and to respect her as a peer? I can't wait until she returns to the cast. — Brian O.

Matt:
If she returns to the cast, that is. Which doesn't appear likely right now, at least not with Lena Olin. As for calling Jack "whipped" — apparently that word was used by one of my colleagues who contributes to our Watercooler columns. Myself, I pretty much agree with your assessment of their relationship. There is a mutual dependence as well as a residual emotional connection between these characters but also an understandable mistrust (as there is between so many on this show). There is lots more story to tell about these people, which is why I think it's imperative for Irina to return to the world of Alias in some form or other. As for the fight scenes: I live for them, the more outlandish the better. The show is fantasy, and part of the fantasy is Sydney's superheroic gifts when it comes to hand-to-hand combat. Talk about getting whipped.