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The Oregonian
September 11, 2003
Vartan needs a new 'Alias': How about, hot, hot hot!
by Kristi Turnquist
It may not capture "CSI"-style ratings, but when it comes to
coolness, "Alias" just may be the top show on TV. Packed with
international spy vs. spy intrigue, whomping fight scenes, and
Jennifer Garner in all her kicking, running, tight-dress-sporting,
wig-wearing glory, "Alias" has enough stuff going on in it for any
three series.
Which is part of the fun. And part of what makes newbies feel like
they've walked into a hyperspeed maze. As a matter of fact, even the
cast and crew get confused, as the commentary on the recently
released "Alias: The Complete First Season" DVD box-set reveals.
And this just in, classified intel, from a highly placed source: "I
think one of the appeals of the show is that it is hard to follow,"
Michael Vartan says. "I've been told by certain ABC people not to say
that. But there are times when I read the script and I have to
go, 'What? Who's he working for? Who is this?' And I'm in the show!"
Vartan, taking a few minutes to call from the Los Angeles set where
the show is in production on its third season, plays Agent Vaughn,
CIA action guy and love interest for fellow agent Sydney Bristow
(Garner). Since "Alias" premiered in 2001, the show has built
momentum not just for Garner but also for the French-born Vartan.
Previously best known for playing Drew Barrymore's Shakespeare-
quoting hunk of a high school teacher in "Never Been Kissed," Vartan
has a new alias -- heartthrob.
His chiseled face has popped up in People magazine's "most eligible
bachelors," In Touch Weekly's "10 Sexiest Men on Television" and in
the hearts and minds of "Alias" female fans who would love to soothe
his perpetually concern-furrowed brow. Or, as a posting on the
Internet Movie Database puts it, "He is one hot hot HOT guy!"
And in the mania for celebrity couples, Vartan has walked into an
even brighter spotlight now that he and Garner are dating. In the
spirit of "Bennifer," USA Today dubbed the "Alias" duo "Gartan,"
while reporting that bad sushi forced Vartan to make an early exit
from a publicity event for the series' first-season DVD.
"It makes me laugh," Vartan says, sounding amazed and amused. "What
happened was, I ate sushi that wasn't great, and I got up and left
the room. My manager got a call from the National Enquirer
saying, 'We heard Michael Vartan collapsed!' You've got to be kidding
me. With what's going on in the world, there's not better things to
be writing about?"
The "Alias" DVD set is hitting stores just in time for the third
season debut, 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, on KATU 2. Last season ended
on a shocker: Sydney woke from a mysterious two-year coma only to
discover her beloved Vaughn is -- gasp! -- married. Fans protested:
What kind of bum would get hitched that soon?
Vartan feels your pain. "Naturally, after a couple years you get
attached to your character and protective of him," he says. "I told
(show creator) J.J. Abrams, 'I don't understand why Vaughn couldn't
just be seeing someone. Why is he married?' " Vartan says with a
laugh. "It wasn't about not mourning Sydney, but having to move on
with his life. I think back to where I was two years ago, and two
years is a long time."
Beyond that, he says, "It's typical J.J. Just when you get
comfortable with 'Alias,' something like this happens."
While the show's plotlines may be complicated, the first-season DVD
at least allows viewers to catch up on how it all started. Highlights
include episode commentaries by cast and crew, who make amiable
wisecracks about bad hair, talky scenes and just how much stage
veteran Victor Garber (who plays Sydney's father and fellow spy,
Jack) hates props and action scenes.
"We really do get along that well," Vartan says. "You hear about
other sets and tensions and cliques and groups, and we have none of
that. There are times I can't believe I'm getting paid for this." He
laughs. "Sounds sickening, doesn't it?"
Break time is over, and Vartan is called back to the set. But on
behalf of all female fans of the show, one last question: When will
we get to hear Agent Vaughn speak French again?
"Well, I would be happy to do it," Vartan says. "But that's a request
you have to file with the writers' department."
Oui, monsieur.
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