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Taking after the J.J. Abrams predecessors Lost and Fringe, Fox’s latest action-thriller, Alcatraz, is rife with echoes of science fiction, suspenseful orchestral music and moments of revelation. The two-part premiere allows for not only the introduction of the show’s major characters, but establishes the serial nature of the show along with the overarching mystery of Alcatraz.

The pilot begins with a flashback to 1963 when two guards enter the ghostly prison, unusually emptied of all inmates and security. Setting the stage for the ominous, eerie series, the premise of Alcatraz prisoners and guards reappearing present day is introduced in the first episode following inmate No. 2024, Jack Sylvane (Jeffrey Pierce).

Tormented detective Rebecca Madsen (Sarah Jones), reminiscent of Fringe’s Anna Torv, pairs up with Alcatraz writer and expert Diego Soto (Lost’s Jorge Garcia) to catch the reappearing dangerous inmates before they wreak havoc on the city. They are directed and strung along with vague clues by the steely demeanor of Emerson Hauser (Sam Neill), a former prison guard. Rebecca finds herself drawn in by the allure of Alcatraz as well as through the revelation that her grandfather was a former inmate who reappeared and killed her former partner.

Jones plays the role of female heroine with proper doses of angst, concentration and verve, while Garcia provides a welcome dose of comic relief.

Today’s television seems to lack storylines that make people return every week, dialogue that makes the characters engaging and plot twists that activate the mind.

J.J. Abrams once again comes to the rescue with this promising new sci-fi historical fantasy that will have viewers coming back for more.

As one of the guards in the beginning says, “This is Alcatraz, no one forgets.” And at this rate, I doubt anyone will.