Last year was the only season that they waited until January to start. In the past, being on Sundays, it was often pre-empted by other stuff and would miss several weeks of episodes in a row. It was very annoying, and the thought was that ratings might impvove. They went up a lot, but it didn't hurt that it followed Lost on the schedule.
This year, the decided early on to premiere early in the season, on Thursday nights, hoping that it would carry the momentum over from last season. That allows Lost to bring ratings success to Invasion (jury is still out on that one), and Alias might be able to help out The Nightstalker, which premieres following Alias tomorrow night.
I've been an Alias fan since Season 1, which when combined with Season 2 makes for some of the best TV from the past few years. Season 3 wasn't so good, as the show kind of lost it's way some while Abrams went off to other projects. Season 4 was better, but not up to the high levels of 1 and 2.
As for Season 5, I'm trying to be optimistic. Working Garner's baby into the show doesn't seem like a good idea to me. It will chance Sidney's character, and probably mean the end of the show, or at least the end of Garner on the show. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt for now, but it has a very "Jumped The Shark" feeling to it for me. I hope I'm wrong though, as I still love the show. Jack and Slaon are awesome.
