Sunday nights around Northwestern can be pretty tedious. Most of us students mope around all day, pretending to read or study, miserably procrastinating until we come to the realization that reading is more of a suggestion than a requirement. (Note to my professors: Of course, I take my reading very seriously and always get it done … eventually.)

These days, the only thing that motivates me through a long uneventful Sunday is the promise of great television, and I’m not talking about “Sex and the City.” I know we’re all still a little dewy-eyed from the “end of an era,” but come on, people, let’s get on with our lives. What I’m referring to is the kick-butt spy drama “Alias,” with its jaw-dropping plot twists, eye-opening stunts and mind-boggling conspiracies. It’s a damn good show and nobody’s watching it.

Sure, “Alias” might be a challenge to watch because it demands your complete attention for the full hour between 8 and 9 p.m. on ABC. It’s pretty much a given that nobody is allowed to talk or ask questions until commercial breaks. But, just like having to put down a great book in the middle of a great chapter, “Alias” has a tendency to end each Sunday installment on a high note, with nothing resolved. After last Sunday’s episode, I ranted at the television for a good 20 minutes when the coming attractions announced that the next show wouldn’t be headed my way for another three weeks.

Even without secrets, spies, betrayals, conspiracies, dry humor, intriguing subjects, more gadgets and gizmos than James Bond, not to mention a pretty intriguing love triangle, “Alias” would still be one of the most watchable shows on TV today. Stripped of its plot and dialogue, there is still a knock-out cast with eye candy for everyone — Jennifer Garner is in a new, provocative get-up each week, and Michael Vartan, well … he’s just damn sexy.

Here’s the problem though — it’s tough to jump right into the show, which is probably why its viewer base is so low. Tuning in one random week this season might be enough to hook you, but you know you’re missing out on 95 percent of the story, and that is just too much effort for most TV viewers. Consider it this way: “Alias” is your warm-up to the upcoming week of homework. It may provide a great dose of entertainment, but it also requires critical thinking and recollection skills.

My best advice is to embrace your Sunday unproductiveness these next few weeks before the latest and greatest episode hits ABC and just bite the bullet. Head over to Blockbuster, rent seasons one and two on DVD and enjoy. Sure, you’ll still be a little lost — this season is extremely complicated, even for loyal viewers — but I know you’ll be a fan.

Unless, that is, you would rather do your homework.

Medill senior and PLAY TV columnist Katherine White might be in the CIA, too, but she’s not telling. She can be reached at [email protected].