Sacramento, CA: I know you must be as broken-hearted as I am that Lena Olin isn't returning to "Alias" as Irina Derevko. I wanted to know: What do you think the show should do? Recast Irina Derevko, kill her off, or keep referring to her as they have this year (with IMs and mentions) in the hopes Olin will someday change her mind? Although I adored Olin in the role, I have begun to wonder if a recast might not be the best option; if Irina plays a big part in the long-time story arc, then maybe it's worth the risk. (Also, instant messaging is fun once, but I think it could get gimmicky. Irina isn't Carlton the Doorman!) It's such a great part; maybe other great actresses are available. But -- such a risk! With the wrong person, the magic's gone. What do you hope J. J. Abrams will do? What do you THINK will happen?

Robert Bianco: I think the character will stay off stage until Olin decides to return. They wrote her into the plot; they can write her out without much difficulty. But recasting - that's the one risk they dare not take.