24: Season 4
I’m a big fan of the TV series “24,” which chronicles in real time a series of days in the life of Jack Bauer, an American counter-terror agent. The first episode back in November of 2001 really impressed me. The fact that it was aired less than 2 months after the September 11th attacks really gave the show relevance, and when the second season’s plot involved the invasion of a Muslim country based on intelligence that turned out to be false, it almost seemed like the world was taking its cues from the show (those episodes aired in the weeks before the American invasion of Iraq). Kiefer Sutherland masterfully plays a very conflicted character, who often has to cross the line in order to make things happen. You’ll disagree with a lot of things he does, but you won’t be able to leave the edge of your seat.
Season three was somewhat disappointing. The plot meandered, and things that seemed relevant in the beginning of the season turned out to be pointless diversions by the end. It had its moments, such as when a soft-spoken female agent is stuck in a hotel that has been attacked by a viral agent and she rises to the occasion, and kicks some serious butt.
Season four started with four episodes in two days, back-to-back. No time was wasted getting into the thick of things, and while some of the basic plot themes seem recycled (such as agents at CTU banding together and working against “by-the-book” agents), the central attraction (Jack Bauer, and his “shoot first, ask questions later” attitude) is back in all its glory.
As always, the show doesn’t shy away from current events, or dumb stuff down for the sake of political correctness. The Secretary of Defense yells at his peace-activist son “Spare me your sixth-grade Michael Moore logic. The world is a little more complicated than that, Richard! We do not live in a Utopia… America has enemies!” Sphincters nationwide tightened.
I have high hopes for this season. Many of the past cast members have been cut, which might actually be a good thing, as it allows the show to be free to create new relationships and new enemies, taking away an element of familiarity. And as attractive as I think she is, I’m glad that Elisha Cuthbert will apparently not be making a significant appearance this season as Kim Bauer, Jack’s daughter. Her character was too featherbrained and contrived, especially in the third season, which had her working in the CTU with her father.
