The Secret World of Alex Mack (1994–1998) User Reviews (19)

Puberty memories.

[insomniac_rod · 7/10 · 25 July 2009]

Oh I remember watching this show at 4:00 p.m. During my junior high days. It was not a pleasant experience because I remember watching it when I made my homework.

Still, the show caught my attention when Alex displayed her special powers and dealt with the typical junior high problems.

But the show wasn't all about adventures and special powers; it was more of an educational effort for a younger audience in order to get more interested in school and biology overall.

The lead actress, the charismatic Larisa Oleynik; delivered a fantastic performance. She made the show watchable.

They just don't make shows like this one anymore...

Pretty good show

[Catherine_Grace_Zeh · 8/10 · 19 July 2006]

I used to watch this show when I was growing up. When I think about it, I remember it pretty well. If you ask me, it was a pretty good show. Anytime I think about it, I don't remember the opening sequence and theme song very well. In addition to that, everyone was ideally cast. Also, the writing was very strong. The performances were top-grade, too. I hope some network brings it back so I can see every episode. Before I wrap this up, I'd like to say that I'll always remember this show in my memory forever, even though I'm not sure if I've seen every episode. Now, in conclusion, if some network ever brings it back, I hope that you catch it one day before it goes off the air for good.

What a great show!

[bennettz · 29 June 1999]

"The Secret World of Alex Mack" was, in my opinion, one of the best shows in the twenty-year history of the Nickelodeon television network. It was well-produced, well-written, and not at all corny (like most other Nick shows of its generation such as "All That" and "Kenan and Kel"). The show portrayed two very different ways of life in the same fictional town of Paradise Valley, California. The chemical plant (along with Danielle, Vince, and Lars) portrayed the dark, evil side of town while the Mack family, along with Alex's friends, showed the bright, cheerful side. When these two sides met, it made for some great dramatic scenes and sometimes hilarious dialogue (although the show was not a comedy). Another beauty of this show was that Alex's superpowers were completely scientific, not supernatural. We have seen so many shows in which the hero has supernatural powers, but the scientific aspect hasn't really been showcased since the days of Steve Austin on "The Six Million Dollar Man". The show could not have had a better cast with any more chemistry. I found myself at times believing that the Macks were a real family somewhere. What adds to this fact was that each child in the family was attached to one parent moreso than the other. Annie could relate with her brainy, scientific dad while Alex was closer to her down-to-earth, practical mother. All in all, the show was great in every aspect. 10/10

"A wonderful show! I loved this show as a kid. I wish the whole series were available on DVD"

[simon-trek · 10/10 · 7 June 2010]

I watched this show as a kid and I really enjoyed it.

This show takes place in the fictional town of Paradise Valley. Alex Mack who is 13 when the series starts, walks home from her first day of high school and her life is changed forever when she is nearly hit by a truck from the Paradise Valley Chemical Plant. The truck crashes and the mysterious top-secret chemical spills out of the truck drenching Alex. Alex runs home and discovers that the mysterious chemical has given her special powers including telekinetic powers, she can shoot electricity from her hands and she can morph into a puddle of silver liquid and travel anywhere she wants. She also has another ability that is very inconvenient for her, she glows golden yellow when she gets nervous. She reveals her powers to only two people, her best friend Ray (who thinks her powers are pretty cool) and her older sister Annie who is a scientific genius. Annie does tests on Alex to understand how her powers work and considers Alex to be her secret science project. Alex endeavours to keep her powers a secret from everyone else she knows including her parents. Also Danielle Atron the corrupt CEO of the Chemical Plant knows that a child in Paradise Valley was drenched in the top-secret chemical and has these powers. She is determined to find the child. So Alex struggles with the pressures of teenage life while secretly using her powers for her own personal gain or to help other people. She also tries to avoid and outwit employees from the Chemical Plant who Danielle Atron hires to identify the kid who was drenched in the chemical. Danielle was a great antagonist for the show. I also liked two of Alex's friends. The African-American and strong willed Nicole and the nervous and talkative orange haired Robyn. I felt that Robyn provided a bit of comedy relief here and there.

So this show was a very cool idea. Besides who wouldn't want to have those great powers (except for glowing when you get nervous). The only thing that disappoints me is that this show isn't available on DVD. I've heard that only the first season of this show was released on DVD in the U.S. But this show isn't available on DVD in Australia. So I still love this show, I will never forget it and I recommend it to anyone. I certainly hope that one day this show is available on DVD in Australia.

Glad its finally out on dvd

[AdrienneGrayceMusic · 10/10 · 4 October 2018]

I grew up watching this show. it came out when I was 14. I loved the special powers she had. I look back on shows I watched when I was younger, and I laugh at how bad the acting was on some of them. I just got the DVD set for this show recently want binge watched all of them. I am surprised on how GOOD the acting really was on this show. The show had an entertaining feel to it. Never knowing whether Vince was going to find her kept you on edge each episode. Most tv shows didn't last long on Nickelodeon but this one managed to do 4 seasons, and with good reason.

Verdict is in... 90 shows are better than present shows.

[ThunderKing6 · 10/10 · 27 June 2020]

Sad but true.

These shows were so good and humble. It had its serious, adventure and funny moments.

Today if it doesn't have Lgbt, dark or blood then it doesn't get mde because people today don't know whats good for them.

Today a girl can't lead without it being about female empowerment and feminism.

Nickelodeon's First Real Show

[jayarebee · 10/10 · 23 February 2011]

I remember 1994, still being in grade school about 4th or 5th grade. Always watched Nickelodeon for cartoons or game shows as a kid. I was never interested in sitcoms or the likes, but I remember the first night I saw a preview for the Alex Mack show. I figured wow very hot girl I will check it out. As a child I rarely cared about watching things on a schedule, but this was definitely the first show besides Beavis and Butt-head that I grew to love and found myself watching every episode when it aired it's new episodes. This was the 1st show Nick aired that actually had a sophisticated story, great acting, comedy, grew with the audience over 4 years, used very cool graphics and animation, and just stuck to it for a couple seasons (4 I believe). I remember anticipating the final episodes while I was in middle school. I remember wondering what movies with Larisa Oleynik be in, how popular will she become, and was very disappointed to only see her in 3rd Rock from the Sun and honestly no movies I have ever cared about. Larisa Oleynik was without a doubt one of the prettiest child actresses growing up, she was also very sophisticated finishing high school and continuing throughout college. Yea my 1st boy crush on a girl I would never meet but always dreamed of, I probably set my standards and likings to every girl that resembled Larisa (or really Alex with the chewing gum, happy attitude, good sense of humor). Larisa without a doubt turned into a beautiful women, and I am glad she still acts and does material she loves and enjoys even if it isn't the biggest most expensive material. Nickelodeon was at it's prime back in the mid to late 90's. Larisa helped carry this network along with Melissa Joan Hart and the cast of All That.

To say I liked this show....Understatement of the Year award goes to....

[Gladtobesaved6 · 9/10 · 6 September 2006]

My favorite show of all time! Yeah, I thought this was so cool, and Larisa Oleynik was the first crush I ever had (AAAAWWWWWW). It was well written, funny-except when it it wanted to be serious, and just a great show overall. But since we couldn't afford to keep Nick, I couldn't see any episodes after Feb. 1996, and maybe that makes me think more of the show than I should. To me it's more the epidemy (now that doesn't look spelled right!) of having to say "Goodbye" to someone that you love, and KNOW you'll never see them again. And I still think that, because as far as I know, there are no plans to release this on DVD any time soon...yeah, life is mean! I've found that out for sure (though you can find an odd episode every here or there...but I never liked the bootleg copies of things much either).

So enough of my sad life:(....Most kids in 7th grade don't NEED powers like Alex gets to get them through life (unrealistic--for sure) but then again, how many towns have a super-evil chemical plants that is willing to do anything for "Progress at ANY cost"? Gee this show was fun to watch! Though I'd agree the diaglouge is a bit over developed (and even a little Politically Correct sometimes). My favorite parts were when the kids would have some reason to break into the plant (a video tape or something like that) like a kid's version of "Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six" (which years later I got hooked on that game series for probably the same reason) almost! Then you've got the plant's "security" team who are trying desperately to find the "kid from the accident"...very mean dudes (at least when I first watched the show...they seem more sympathetic to me now). I feel rather sad for Larisa Oleynik, not sure if she minds this role type-casting her.....but it's what I'll always remember her by.

Oh and BTW, the actor that plays Aaron Peirce from "24" is on here too as a school coach or something....too cool! Maybe he can get the producers of that show to get Larisa in next season of "24". I only bring it up 'cuz Jack Bauer is my other TV hero and I'd just love to see cross-over things, lol:). Both are set in California, so I'll just keep on dream'n...I can see it now, "Let me alone with that suspect for a few minutes....no, I don't need a car battery!"

Outrageously good

[LoonRanger · 10/10 · 23 August 2007]

This is probably my favourite TV show ever. I love all the characters, especially Alex, who is the PERFECT woman! Always makes me laugh and feel good when I watch this show. There is just something about it that is amazing, hard to describe.

It seems some or all of the episodes synchronise with music albums as well. Here are a few examples. (The episodes start again when they end - but DON'T play end credits until the very end, but always play the opening credits. With most the episodes the album plays once and the episodes play twice, but some go on further.)

RADIOHEAD, PINK FLOYD, BOB Dylan.

2.02 'Double bogey' Kid A / OK Computer (episode plays at least 4 times)

2.14 'Saturn' Kid A / Meddle / Shot Of Love

2.19 'World without Alex' Kid A / Wish You Were Here / Pablo Honey(episode plays at least 4 times)

There are clues in the episodes which tell you which albums synchronise. Kid A may synchronise with EVERY episode!

A Ridiculous Concept Makes For A Really Fun Show

[TheCowSays · 6 October 2000]

This show was fun. I'd completely forgotten about it until I looked up the profile for that girl from "Dark Angel." I think she was that girl that Alex hated because she was dating the guy Alex liked. Something like that. I remember specifically watching the last episode. Although, I didn't know, then, it was the last episode since they marketed it as the season finale, but it was a pretty good finale (which you could expect considering the gimicky concept.) Shows like this, "Clarissa", and "Salute Your Shorts" make me wonder whatever will happen with these shows. They seem like too much fun to just never show again, but there aren't really nearly enough of them to fill a network. Home video, maybe? I think they should show them on TV Land weekly as part of their regular schedual because it seems weird just to let some of these shows which are filled with rising stars just to sit on some shelf.

Awesome Show!!!

[jchall759 · 25 January 2006]

I originally watched this show because of the cute girls, then I realized how well done it was. Great plot line, the characters are hilarious and I loved the different personalities of the characters and how they made light-hearted fun of everyday things like: big business, homeowner's associations, the gym coach, Dave, the environmental wacko friends, the Brainiac sister, dad, and her "nerd" friends. The interaction between Vince and Dave is my favorite part of the show. The parents are fun too.

This is when Nickelodeon was at it's best: Clarissa, Are You Afraid of the Dark?, Doug, All That.

I'm actually watching all of the shows in order on DVD, a couple a week.

Quite possibly the greatest TV show ever

[willydefalco · 22 July 2000]

Where do I begin on explaining the greatness of this show. One of the things I like most about movies or tv shows is the fact when we can relate to said movie or tv show. "The Secret World of Alex Mack" does just that, enabling us to enter the world of a normal teenager thrown out of order due to a unique circumstance of Alex having superpowers. And in a way we can relate to it, because I'm quite certain that all of us in that period of our lives felt out of whack with the world and we all felt as if we were outsiders trying to fit in. We bond with Alex because she is contemplating thoughts and behavior that many of us have done during those periods. But enough about the symbolism of the show. What really made the show shine was the lead actress, Larisa Oleynik. Had it not been for her leading the show, I'm pretty sure that it would have been hard for the show to have the same quality as it did. Larisa brought such talented acting to the part, that I was surprised when I read that during most scenes she would memorize the lines about 20 minutes before the scene would be shot. If that doesn't tell you star quality acting I don't know what does. Another thing that made the show memorable were the storylines. One of my favorite episodes *SPOILER* was the one when the show took place during Christmas, and Alex was forced to take a job to try and help out with the Christmas chores. During the course of the show, she ends up saving a monkey just like herself in superpowers, or at least she thing she does, and later mourns and hopes that the monkey turned out alright, which he does. Then the episode ends with one of the most moving scenes from the series. Alex, after going through so much trouble in the episode, still wants peace and happiness for others by shining a peace sign in the night sky with her powers. She never thinks about herself, only about others. A classic episode. Tragically, the series ended all to early, I'm not sure whether due to Larisa calling it quits or to the all familiar low ratings. And then Nickelodeon about a few months ago took the show off of syndication in its channel, and since then I have not seen a single episode aired since. I only hope that one day Nickelodeon one day decides to open up a channel where they showcase old Nick shows, with "The Secret World of Alex Mack" being in them. Luckily for me I managed to audio tape record eight episodes, and to me they're worth gold. Here's hoping that other people find out about this show and realize that it was quite possibly one of the greatest tv shows ever.

A half hour of pure and wonderful fun!

[Buffy the Vampire Slayer · 26 November 2001]

Spoilers!!!!

This show is very good, its about the life of Alex Mack, a girl who is walking home after her first day in Junior High when a chemical called GC-61 is dumped on her, and this chemical has some unusual side effects...

The show is basically about Alex's life, her sister uses her as a science project, her friend shares her adventures, and her parents have no idea, well not until the final episode...

The show started maturing in the 3rd season, soon Alex had a boyfriend, the show was getting more and more serious than before, and also kept getting better.

It's very tough to place genres for this show, you can call it a comedy but there's too little humor, you can call it a drama but there's too little drama, you can call it an adventure series but... there's too much normal life placed in the episodes.

Vince was funny and creepy throughout, and boy could you have chosen a better villain than Ms. Atron, Dave is bound to make you laugh in all scenes that he is in.

Annie and Ray are wonderful sidekicks for Alex.

The Final two episodes are the best, wow! When the bomb was set we certainly thought that Alex was going to die although usually the main character never dies, and Ms. Atron's threatning, vicious speech to Alex, and the wonderful meeting between Dave and Alex at the end, excellent, I rate these 2 episodes 1000/10.

Kids and Teens have to enjoy this excellent humorous, exciting adventure series.

Family Time!

[glitringangel · 19 December 2002]

This show was a great show to watch with your family. There hasn't been another one quite like it. I wish this show was still on. This used to be my favorite show and it's a shame there aren't more like it!

Fabulous!

[Cyprus386 · 15 February 2000]

This was truly an original show. It made a star out of Larisa Oleynik. It wasn't too sappy, and didn't have any horrible story lines. It was just great!!!!! Did I mention that is was fabulous? Oh yeah, I did. Watch it when you get the chance!

A Deeper Meaning or am I just strange?

[Liberty-5 · 20 September 1998]

I always saw this show as just another stupid kid's show aimed at pre-pubescents and people in their early teens. One night, about a week before the finale of the series, something seemed to dawn on me, it hit me like a ton of bricks. Was this another stupid kid's show or did this have a deeper meaning? Allow me to elaborate. Look at the role of Paradise Valley Chemical in this community, it seems to be controlling everything, that much is obvious because it is a corporate community, but more importantly, look at how Paradise Valley Chemical was portrayed. It was portrayed as an evil, mega corporation who's motto was:"Progress at Any Cost." It was headed by a cold-hearted executive named Danielle Atron who would stop at nothing to find the kid who was doused in the chemical. Look at Vince (The former ruthless chief of Security) Look at Lars (The rat faced researcher who was Danielle's right hand man) Look at Dave (The slow witted truck driver who was a mere cog) Look at the logo of the chemical plant, a sinister Black gear-shape. Was this show trying to say something about Capitalism? Was this show trying to show what could happen if Corporations put profit and progress before humanity? (Maybe they already do to some extent) I remember when I first had this thought, I thought I was crazy, maybe I am. I sure would love to know if anyone else ever had this thought. (Bye the way, I'm not someone who worships Senator Mccarthy and sees Red Everywhere)

It was Alright....

[DHMagierXero · 7 August 2005]

Yeah. I remember this one... It was OK, like it was an interesting idea but,... They just didn't do it very well. The actress for Alex Mack was perfect but, the others could've been a lot better. The plot lines were OK for the time, but they probably should've made it more interesting. Like, having her fight crime or go for revenge against the chemical plant. And her powers were a bit unrealistic. I don't think she'd've gotten Physic stuff. The water-puddle makes sense because the Chemical Waste caused the powers, but the electric fingernails didn't make a lot of sense. All in all, it was the kind of show you watched for either one of two reasons: 1) Everything else was on rerun and you thought "Why Not?". or 2) The actress for Alex Mack. But, it was pretty good considering the time it was made in. I'd recommend buying it on DVD and watching it if the mood strikes.

This show is unrealistic and pathetic!

[wishkah7 · 28 August 2000]

I understand why somebody would like a show like this. And that's okay by me. I find this show to be extremely unrealistic. Why? Well, it's about a girl named Alex who's a supposedly 'average' teen. On her first day on junior high a 'cool' girl embarrasses her in front of all the older guys and then she walks home feeling sorry for herself and then eventually gets dumped by a truck full of a secret chemical made by the power plant which gives her the power to morph into a rain-puddle, shoot electricity from her fingers, and telekenesis. (Sort of figures, don't it?)

Alex has ultra-conservative parents who treat her like a three year old, and a genius sister. And the only people who knew about Alex's power were her annoying nerve-wrecking best friend (played by Darris Love) and her sister, they keep it a secret out of fear that she will become the plant's personal lab rat.

If this would've happened in real life, Alex would've been sent to a hospital and her parents would've had to know. Another thing I found unrealistic about this was the way Alex and her friends talk. If you listen to the dialogue carefully, you would notice that Alex and her friends all talk like philosophers, lawyers from Pennsylvania, intellectuals, and Harvard graduates! Alex's wardrobe on this show was downright trendy and she and her friends all act like they're going on 25! And these are supposed to be 'average' teens?

I only watched maybe 4 or 5 episodes when the show was in it's infancy. Then I saw how ridiculous it was and I never bothered with it again. If you like to be entertained with unrealistic teen behavior and fantasy, then watch this show or something like it. If not, watch something else. You would have to watch a movie like "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" if you want to see how kids and teenagers would really act!!!