Given that Slone has spent 90% of his screen time discussing it so far this season, I'm sure it's far from over.

Come on, folks. Clearly, Slone has something up his sleeve. The Rambaldi device gave him some info (... and you can bet your ass it wasn't the word "PEACE"). He's changing his image and doing other stuff behind the scenes to take advantage of whatever info he's now received.

This show has been all twists and turns for over 2 years now. Does anyone really believe that the writers made Slone a 'good guy' and are going to leave it at that?

About Jack being reinstated so fast and everything, I think it's important to note that he was imprisoned by the NSC, NOT the CIA. So it's believable to think that the CIA welcomed him back with open arms after their "rival" agency had held him for so long.

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think that they have really talked about him pissing off the CIA, mainly just the NSC.

He learned about SD-6 at the end of season one. His life was in danger in parts of season two, yet he still stayed where he was. And now that SD-6 doesn't even exist anymore and Sloane is a "good guy", there would be no one for him to testify against (not to mention that he wouldn't have anything to testify about in the first place).

Did anyone see "Left Behind: The Movie" - I haven't read any of the books, but from what I remember of the movie is really starting to make me think of the similar ideas I'm seeing in Alias.

Long story short, in the movie, the devil comes to Earth as the ultimate UN Peacekeeper, talking about all the wonderful unity people of the world can have if they just rebuild the temple in Israel. Of course, he is put in charge and never questioned, in addition to his "powers." So, he knocks people off who get in his way, or convinces others that they are trying to harm this wonderful process.

Translated to Alias, Slone is evil (the devil). He is accepted by the world for the amazing good he wants to do in the name of Peace. So, his past is over looked, his methods are not questionned and he gains international power. Any attempt at taking him out is viewed as being against Peace, so it is Syd v Slone and the world. The Rambaldi device allows Slone to "see" things (that Syd was coming and what she was going to ask, that Jack was coming, etc.) thus giving him special "powers" in addition to his world image.

Don't mean to get too symbolic or spiritiual, but that is my two cents (more like ten cents).

Figures. I was going to start watching this year and wasn't impressed with the season opener and forgot all about this until it was too late (Cubs/Braves game). Not so sure I will get back into it now.

My wife and I started watching this season after hearing about the awesome season 2 ender. Wished we'd been watching it regular last year or two, but so far so good. This is now a staple, and we're thinking of getting caught up with the dvds.

Wow, you've started with these 2 episodes and you're loving it? I would be confused as all hell...

Anyway, if you are enjoying it, do yourself a HUGE favor and grab the Season 1 box right now. You'll be able to watch the whole thing just in time for the Season 2 box to show up. You'll love 'em.

well they did sort of explain the "ending" in the "prieviously on" in the priemiere.

just to let you know (spoiler for next episode)

Does anyone remember if this series has ever made a reference to real events in the world ie 9/11? The reason I ask is because I wonder if the show is now currently set in the year 2005.

I seem to recall once Sydney made a reference to heightened security since 9/11. And then last season they had a sub-plot about Echelon, the global surveillance system used to gather intelligence about terrorists.