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ARTICLES - "Vartan needs a new 'Alias': How about, hot, hot hot!"

Vartan needs a new 'Alias': How about, hot, hot hot! by Kristi Turnquist
The Oregonian, September 11, 2003

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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