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The Boston Herald
November 10, 2002
He spies; The men of ABC's 'Alias' spill classified info about the cult show
by Amy Amatangelo
My name is Amy Amatangelo. One year ago, I was recruited by the Boston Herald to review ABC's "Alias" (Sundays at 9 p.m. on WCVB, Ch. 5). Now I'm a devoted fan. My current mission: Interview the three actors who play the men who love CIA double agent Sydney Bristow (Jennifer Garner) and are aware of her top-secret life.
- Victor Garber (Sydney's father, Jack Bristow)
"I have read, in my time, many, many pilots," said Victor Garber, who plays Sydney's father. "It was the best written show I've ever come across. I really thought I could play this part. I did go after the role. The pilot is incredibly chockfull. It's a spy show about a family. It's basically a father-daughter relationship with built in restrictions. Jack is blocked emotionally."
This season, Jack's world has been disrupted by the sudden reappearance of his thought-to-be-dead wife (Lena Olin). Not only is she alive, but it turns out she's a KGB agent (real name: Irina Derevko), who married Jack as a way to infiltrate the CIA.
"It throws Jack completely off kilter," Garber said. "He must protect his daughter from the person he believes is the devil. Just the fact that she's there is unbelievably unsettlingly. No one else but Lena could have done this role. She embodies this woman."
- Michael Vartan (Sydney's CIA handler, agent Michael Vaughn)
While Garber represents Sydney's complex and dysfunctional family, Michael Vartan's agent Michael Vaughn gives the show a jolt of sexual tension and repressed romantic feelings. Even the term "handler" suggests a naughty connotation.
Prior to "Alias," Vartan was best known for the movie that aptly describes Sydney's relationship with Vaughn - "Never Been Kissed." The actor can't believe what a wimp his character has been. In the season premiere, Sydney dramatically rescued Vaughn while on a mission. Before abandoning him in the woods, the two intensely stared and smiled at each other. Vartan joined many fans when he thought to himself, "Dude, kiss her!
"The storyline is the most fun thing to play. To be in love with somebody you can't have . . . But my character is all about the job. Vaughn is going to spend most of his days fantasizing about Sydney," he said, then laughing.
Still, Vartan has his own ideas for how the relationship should play out. "I think it would be really fun for them to get together and realize what a mistake it was and then have them have to work together after that."
- Bradley Cooper (Sydney's best friend, Will Tippin)
Bradley Cooper's Will Tippin, an earnest newspaper reporter, has gone through the biggest transformation since the series began. Will's misguided attempt to learn the truth led him to danger and near death. Now, to protect his life, he's had to pretend to be a recovering heroin addict.
"It's almost like I'm playing a different character," Cooper said. "It's always good to play a character who has been through such a traumatic experience. He thought that he understood what was right and what was wrong and now has the wiser recognition that he doesn't know everything. It changed him physically and emotionally. Everything he thought to be true is not. It's so much more fun to play.
"My favorite scene was when Will discovered Sydney for the first time," he said. It's well documented that Will screamed like a girl when he saw his friend in full undercover regalia (wig and slinky outfit). "Ken Olin directed that episode. He told me to just really let it go. He said, 'This is one of the many moments the entire season has been building to.' I had the freedom to make a fool out of myself."
- Case file fact: 'Alias' is a great place to work
To hear the three men talk, the set is a veritable love fest. Garber, whose long career has included movies and Broadway plays, knows how lucky he is to be on a set where everyone gets along.
"I didn't know Jennifer when I got this job," he said. "There's always the possibility of nightmare situations due to the incredible proximity and the number of hours together. We're very, very lucky to have her. She's incredibly talented and great. She makes going to work pleasurable. We laugh a lot and have a lot of fun."
"When I met Jennifer, I thought, 'OK, we're in great shape,' " Vartan said. "Ultimately, this show sinks or swims on the star. After meeting Jennifer, I thought, 'OK, I can buy the house.' "
His crackling onscreen chemistry with Garner is palpable. "I challenge anyone not to have chemistry with Jennifer," Vartan said. "We love her. You should see the crew. The crew brings her candy. We're all just happy to be around her."
"The camaraderie within the cast is kind of unparalleled," Cooper said. "I have this overwhelming feeling of gratitude. It's wonderful. I hear that sets can be really competitive and cutthroat - this set is so far from cutthroat."
Vartan didn't even take another job during his recent summer hiatus because he didn't think anything could live up to the "Alias" atmosphere. "It's truly the greatest working experience I've ever had. I might not work again by choice because I don't want to ruin it."
- Case file fact: They love the fans
"People aren't fans of the show," Cooper said. "People are disciples of the show."
On a recent trip to Boston, Cooper was blown away by the recognition he received. "I would be crossing the street, and I would hear 'Hey, Will, I love your character. I love the show.' I could hear that all day."
A waitress confessed to Garber that she and her boyfriend argue over his character. She told the actor, "He likes you and I don't."
"I'm really delighted by avid fans," Garber said. "People are so committed to 'Alias.' I have friends who are really smart who make a point to watch every week."
For Vartan, the best part is being recognized as part of an ensemble. "People say, 'We love the show.' I used to get, 'I loved you in 'Never Been Kissed,' and it is hard to be singled out."
- Case file mystery: Where are the ratings?
Given all the attention he receives when he's out and about, Vartan can't believe the show isn't winning its time slot. "From my point of view, that's what's weird," he said. "There are days when I go out and feel like a member of the Beatles. I think, 'Who isn't watching this show?' "
Despite rabid fans, Emmy nominations, a Golden Globe victory for Garner, and critical acclaim, "Alias," now in its second season, consistently loses its time slot and has yet to earn the ratings of a hit show.
"My belief is that this season will hopefully secure us," Garber said. "The competition is so stiff on Sunday nights. I never thought I'd care about numbers, but I really do."
"We all want that 'Practice' time slot," Vartan said. "But I'd rather have OK ratings and be on for six years. I hope the show goes on for 20 years and then I can retire."
Vartan had one other idea on how to get more people to tune in. Right before our conversation ended, he asked, "Could you please dye your hair bright red and run around the streets of Boston and become a walking billboard for the show?"
With that, I'm off on my next "Alias" inspired mission.
© Boston Herald Inc.
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