Caffeinated Clint
“Alias” to end after 5 Seasons
Finally, Jennifer Garner can help hubby Ben Affleck get that long-awaited “Gigli” sequel off-the-ground. Why? Because come May, she’ll be as free as a jungle boar.
“Alias”, I’m afraid to tell my wife, is gone. ABC announced that they’ve chopped the series, with the final episode set to air in May.
Stephen McPherson, president, ABC Entertainment, says the Emmy-Winning series has had quite the life.
“Right out of the box, ‘Alias’ attracted a cult following of fans that were completely invested in the show,” he said. “J.J. Abrams and his team developed characters that were compelling and storylines that were intricate and engaging, and Jennifer and the rest of the cast brought them to life. We owe both the storytellers and the fans a send-off worthy of a show that has been such a big part of the pop culture vernacular. J.J., Jeff Pinkner, Ken Olin, Jesse Alexander and Jeffrey Bell have an amazing story arc planned for the remainder of the season. ‘Alias is not going to wind down as it comes to an end, it’s going to rev up, and we’re going to make it the event it deserves to be.”
Added Mark Pedowitz, president, Touchstone Television: “‘Alias’ has sustained its identity as a critical favorite because J.J. Abrams and everyone involved in this series set the bar for quality entertainment. We have been honored to work with them all, especially Jennifer Garner, who has our eternal admiration and appreciation for her dedication to the role and unarguably the best demeanor in the business.”
Alias executive producer Jeff Pinkner added: “This news, and its timing, is a mixed-blessing. Though we’re obviously very saddened to face the reality that ‘Alias’ is coming to an end, the lasting quality of every good story is determined by its conclusion—this news gives us the freedom to end the series in the climactic way it deserves.”
“Five years ago J.J. Abrams designed ‘Alias’ to encompass a unique and challenging blend of spy-adventure, family drama and love story that contained deeper mythological elements,” he continued. “The arc we have planned for the remainder of the season will honor all of these disparate elements, as we wrap up the story of Sydney Bristow in a surprising and, we think, thrilling way.”
“J.J., and all of us here feel blessed by our fans, the brilliant cast we’ve been fortunate to work with, our amazing crew and the support of Touchstone and ABC.”
There were rumours that the show might go on for a further season and be headed by new cast members Rachel Nichols as Rachel Gibson and Balthazar Getty as Thomas Grace, but that was obviously an unripe idea.
Original co-star Michael Vartan hasn’t been confirmed for the final episode. He’s currently filming “Rogue” in Australia, but I’d say there’s a chance he could return for a quick cameo.
