Alias is decent, there's a good bit of commercial because that's the way its targetted early on. But once it gets into the actual season arcs and character drama, it comes together really well. It's JJ Abrams again, so I really enjoy it. It's a kinda of prototype to Fringe and some of his later works. Anime: top recommendations for guys Ghost in the Shell, Death Note, Code Geass. Massive amounts of mindf*** all around and a lot of depth for an anime. They will make you think. For more mainstream: Full Metal Alchemist (Brotherhood > original), Tsubasa Chronicles, Shakugan no Shana, Blood+, Darker Than Black For more off the beaten trail: From the New World, Shiki, xxxHolic, Steins;Gate, Gosick I can recommend more depending on what you end up liking.