This was among the best of the Alias-commentaries so far. Even though, with 6 participants, It runs the risk of degenerating into a shout-match it actually manages not to go overboard. This may be due to the involvement of J.J Abrams who keeps things on track while still maintaining a relaxed atmosphere. And it just so happens that this was a perfect episode for him to spill his wisdom on (not by coincidence I'm sure) as it was decided late in the game that it was gonna be the season opener. This required some changes to the episodes that J.J gets to expand on (among other things they had to make some slight changes to the ending).

The most negative thing I can point to regarding this commentary is probably that Victor Garber's involvement (over the phone) doesn't add up to much and he only offers up a few choice words when being prodded by the others. Apart from that minor annoyance this was a very acceptable listen.

Very cool that you get to see the alternative take of the fight where Sydney hurts the stuntman by the way.

Another fine Alias-commentary! The speakers are having fun (often at each others expenses) while still maintaining to serve up some interesting factoids and trivia about the show.

The third season 2 commentary is, while not terrible, nothing to write home about. After a slow start they eventually get up to speed and, apart from Carl Lumbly whose mind seems to be somewhere else (a fact that gives the others multiple opportunities to have some fun with him), the commentators offer a reasonably funny & interesting 40 minutes.

J.J Abrams pushes this one to above average again, his inclusion in a commentary is a sure sign that it'll be a worthwhile listen. Here he obviously has a lot to say being that it is the season-finally that he wrote and directed, and the way that he conveys the information does not disappoint. His enthusiasm is commendable and affects the entire commentary making it a joy to listen to.

I've started to notice a recurring pattern in the Alias commentaries; there is often one person attending via telephone and that person (in this case Ron Rifkin) is very passive, often being silent until being called out by one of the others to which he/she utters a word or two then goes back to being silent. I hope this has become apparent to the producing team and they nix the long-distance commentators in the future.

Another frequent occurrence is that one of the participators (Merrin Dungey here) is made the butt of the others jokes. This I don't mind as I frequently find it hilarious and this commentary was one of the best in that regard, the "forget about Mark" comments made for a great comedic bit without ruining the flow of the commentary.