Alias, the gripping spy series that enthralled audiences for five seasons, concluded over a decade ago, but it left fans with more questions than answers. The show initially followed the story of Sydney Bristow, a graduate student turned spy, but it evolved into a complex narrative that intertwined ancient prophecies, immortality, and mysterious artifacts.
The series finale, titled “All the Time in the World,” left many viewers perplexed and in need of clarity. However, with the series now available for streaming, a whole new generation can delve into the enigmatic ending of Alias and unravel the fate of Sydney Bristow (played by Jennifer Garner), her allies, and her adversaries.
What happens to Sydney in the ‘Alias’ finale?
At the core of Alias’ final episodes was Arvin Sloane (played by Ron Rifkin), Sydney’s former mentor turned archenemy. His obsession with 15th-century philosopher Milo Rambaldi and his thirst for power shaped the culmination of the series. Sloane devised a wicked plan involving the acquisition of two nuclear missiles, which he intended to launch at densely populated cities. By profiting from the subsequent reconstruction efforts, Sloane aimed to amass a fortune that would last for decades, thanks to his newfound immortality. To achieve eternal life, he activated Rambaldi’s most powerful device, the Horizon, at the philosopher’s tomb in Mongolia. But who was Milo Rambaldi exactly?
Milo Rambaldi was a philosopher, inventor, alchemist, and prophet who lived during the late 15th century. His vision of world peace inspired him to create various interconnected devices, sought after by individuals and organizations throughout the centuries. However, Sloane, Sydney’s mother Irina Derevko (played by Lena Olin), and their respective factions were primarily interested in harnessing Rambaldi’s inventions to consolidate their own power.
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Throughout the series, Sydney embarked on missions to recover Rambaldi’s devices and decipher his prophecies. Rambaldi’s writings mentioned a “Chosen One” who could have been either Sydney or her mother, as well as a “Passenger” destined to confront the Chosen One, later revealed to be Sydney’s half-sister, Nadia Santos (played by Mía Maestro). In the climax, Sydney faced numerous obstacles, including a cave-in caused by her nemesis. Thankfully, she was saved by Michael Vaughn (played by Michael Vartan), and together with her father Jack Bristow (played by Victor Garber) and loyal allies Marshall (played by Kevin Weisman), Dixon (played by Carl Lumbly), and Rachel (played by Rachel Nichols), she tracked Sloane to Rambaldi’s tomb. Sydney managed to acquire the Horizon, but at a great cost—Sloane fatally shot Jack to force her to drop the device.
Jack Bristow’s sacrificial act to save his daughter Sydney is a defining moment in the series. After being shot by Sloane, Jack concealed his worsening condition, urging Sydney to continue her mission. He expressed his love for her and recognized her unique abilities. Jack summoned his last ounce of strength to return to the underground chamber and trigger an explosion that sealed Sloane underground forever. With his final words, “You beat death, Arvin, but you couldn’t beat me,” Jack concluded their long-standing power struggle and demonstrated his unwavering love for Sydney. In retaliation, Sydney unleashed her fury on Sloane, seemingly killing him. However, she soon had to confront her mother in Hong Kong. The final encounter between Sydney and Irina was intense, culminating in Irina’s demise as she prioritized power over her daughter.
What happens to the core cast?
Sydney’s allies also played crucial roles throughout the series, and in the finale, their fates were revealed. Francie (played by Merrin Dungey) had tragically died earlier in the series, while Will entered witness protection after Season 2 but made occasional appearances. Marshall, accompanied by his wife Carrie, had a growing family, and Dixon had risen to the position of deputy director. Rachel was mentioned to be on a deep-cover mission, showcasing the continued dedication of these allies to the cause.
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Alias showcased various adversaries for Sydney, including her mother Irina Derevko and rival spy Anna Espinosa (played by Gina Torres), who underwent a procedure to resemble Sydney but was ultimately killed. Kelly Peyton (played by Amy Acker), after assisting APO, was imprisoned, while Julian Sark (played by David Anders) managed to escape and continued his shady activities, with the CIA in pursuit. Sloane’s complicated relationship with his daughter Nadia added another layer of intrigue. Although Nadia died while attempting to make Sloane choose her over a Rambaldi artifact, her spirit seemingly haunted Sloane throughout the series. In the finale, as Sloane found himself trapped in Rambaldi’s tomb, Nadia faded away, leaving him alone. Whether Nadia’s presence was a hallucination or a mystical connection remains ambiguous, but her abandonment mirrored Sloane’s abandonment of her during her life.
Flashbacks played a significant role in the finale, offering glimpses into Sydney’s past and her father’s reluctance to involve her in the world of espionage. Jack’s final acceptance of Sydney’s chosen path resonated with the thematic emphasis on family throughout the series. The contrasting actions of Jack and Irina, who turned away from Sydney, showcased the true meaning of parental love. The finale underscored the importance of chosen family and highlighted the supportive network Sydney had created with Vaughn and her friends. Alias explored the themes of fate and free will, heavily influenced by Rambaldi’s prophecies. Jack’s unexpected victory over Sloane, defying his belief in eternal life, demonstrated the power of choice. Sydney’s daughter Isabelle’s act of dismantling the Project Christmas puzzle suggested that she, too, possessed the potential for a different path, despite her inherited abilities.
Years later, Sydney and Vaughn welcomed a son named Jack, in honor of Sydney’s late father. While Dixon occasionally tried to lure Sydney back to the CIA, she consistently declined his offers. Vaughn’s character underwent significant transformations throughout the series. Starting as Sydney’s handler at SD-6, he became her romantic partner and, after his presumed death, her fiancé and the father of her child. Ultimately, it was revealed that Vaughn’s death had been staged to protect him from a dangerous organization known as Prophet Five. His true identity as André Michaux was disclosed, and he joined forces with Sydney for a final mission following the destruction of Prophet Five. Vaughn played a crucial role in stopping the missile launch while Sydney fought with Irina. At the end of the series, Vaughn retired to the beach with Sydney and their two children.
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The ending of Alias had a lasting impact as it unraveled character arcs, resolved conflicts, and explored intricate themes that defined the series. It provided closure while leaving room for the imagination to contemplate the future of Sydney and her chosen family. The finale reinforced the idea that while certain events may seem predetermined, free will can triumph over destiny.
