First thoughts on "24" Season 6
by Brian DiTullioA new day has dawned in the world of Jack Bauer, and to quote the man, "EVERYBODY DOWN!!!!"
Taking a more somber tone, the sixth season of this non-stop thrill ride actually opted for a slower start with just a few little explosions to set the stage for Jack's return from exile. The bearded, beaten Jack only slowly pulls himself back into form, but does it just in time to save the day.
Most shows, by the time they reach their sixth season, usually have mined their respective characters and plotlines for everything they're worth and the audience is left with diminishing returns. This show doesn't appear to have reached that point yet as, in my opinion, that was what happened in the third season (Hated it, thought it was derivative of itself, and not in a good way).
With the structured opening of two, two-hour shots, the writers took their time getting into the show rather than their usual full court press but this allow episode three to drag somewhat. As far as the different plotlines, they're the usual range of quality, that being mostly good with one somewhat boring (Chloe and her boyfriends) and one downright annoying (President Palmer's sister).
I understand that because the writers only plot six episodes ahead, the whole Chloe love triangle may turn out to be a terrorist plan by episode 15, and I accept that as a conceit of the show. However, the president's sister plotline and her stand against civil rights violations just smacks of soapbox preachiness that isn't even being thinly veiled. It's this kind of "in your face" writing that I despise and it killed the end of season two for me.
I want to watch Jack Bauer kill terrorists and torture bad guys; I don't want to be preached at like I'm an idiot. Whether or not I agree with the sermon is irrelevant, I spend all day dealing with politics, I just want to unwind and watch Jack scream "We don't have any time!!!!!" as he crawls through a heating duct while dowloading schematics to his PDA cell phone that never needs to be recharged. As long as the writers remember this, we'll be okay.
So, as the season continues, just remember Jack's mantra, "EVERYBODY DOWN!!!!!"
posted by M. | 8:21 PM
19 Comments:
Brian: Overall, I agree with your observations. For me, this is the best show on the tube. Definitely the fastest one hour program I have ever watched. Good work!
9:07...it's a review, if you didn't know.
I think the character of the president's sister is supposed to be annoying and naive, but I think that only came through clearly on the second evening. The real disappointment for me is the clumsy handling of the Curtis Manning situation. Since his arrival on the show, Manning has always been Mr. By the Book. His actions at the beginning of this season are so far out of line with his character that it's hard to believe the producers let it happen. Also I think Jack's recovery from his Chinese prison experience is a bit rapid. Did you get a load of the bathroom facilities he was given when he got off the plane? It's clearly one of the the "that would never happen" moments the show is famous for.
With all of its obvious writing flaws and gaffs, I love "24."
I too love "24" but its sad to say that its almost true to life in what we seem to be facing. I have no doubt that at some point we will see a major city become the target of a suitcase bomb or other like attack. I dont like to consider myself a "Dooms Dayer" by any means but I think we should all look around,... its coming.
Off the subject a bit, I would like to see Matt do a story on the two border patrol agents. See http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,244193,00.html for additional info.
This is only one reason why our country is falling apart.
7.3.2.
My brother and I talked about the Curtis situation and we both agreed that on a dramatic level, it completely works. Kiefer Sutherland only enhanced the "Oh Shit" moment when Chloe tells him the Curtis/Assad history with his superior acting ability.
Sutherland than takes it up another notch with the shooting scene and his physical reaction to the endgame. (Still trying to avoid spoilers here)
However, this leaves us with another strong supporting character gone, similar to Victor's death last season. I do think the writers sometimes kill for the sake of a dramatic crescendo - not that offing a character for that reason is a bad thing - I just think they don't consider all the ramifications first.
Killing David Palmer last season was a mistake. Period. The actor hasn't been shy about talking about it either and I agree with him. Just think of all the character opportunities lost now that he's dead, especially since they've made his brother president this season.
Back to Curtis: My brother's theory is that the producers killed him to make room for Ricky Schroeder's character, which probably isn't too far from the truth. From a story standpoint, despite Curtis being "by the book," a major theme of 24 always has been "Revenge trumps everything."
My solution: Don't kill Curtis, just wound him and take him out of action. I'm not entirely sure he's dead. We saw him lose conciousness, it's an important distinction. There is some leverage to bring him back.
Brian
You're right, Brian. On "24," nobody is dead until they're in the ground and cold, and even then you have to wonder.
Apparently the show has become a favorite among neoconservatives as well as the general public ;the Heritage Foundation hosted a conference titled "24" and America's Image in Fighting Terrorism: Fact, Fiction, or Does it Matter? Moderated by Rush Limbaugh , guests included Michael Chertoff,
Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security as well as Heritage Foundation members James Carafano and David Heyman.
I agree the show is entertaining but it has also served to fuel the "Be Afraid , Be Very Afraid" doctrine of the Bush administration along with it's ok to turture our eneimies and we need to give up our civil liberties to be safe mentality.
http://www.heritage.org/Press/Events/ev062306.cfm
Chuck Norris could take him.
OK John O...Now that we know you listened to the Rush Limbaugh program on Wednesday the 17th, what are you trying to say, the Bush White is using Hollywood to support/extend their influence? Give me a break, it is only a TV series! Just relax and enjoy it as I'm sure 34 million people did on Monday nite.
Thanks for that info, John O. I do agree that one could watch "24" from the Neo-con perspective and feel largely validated. But other perspectives are supported as well. I think that's what makes the show compelling. It avoids the wishywashiness of politically neutrality while validating any number of political perspectives--all the while avoiding glaring thematic contradictions. It boils down to what the viewer chooses to see and emphasize.
Always wanted to watch this show. As each season goes by I think....yeah, I'll catch up with it on DVD.
Someday.
In the meantime, the increasingly frustrating LOST returns in a week or two. I'll be there.
Agent Cooper--
If you have not taken the plunge into "24," I do recommend that you start with the DVD version of season one. Only with the 2007 season have we decided to watch the commercial broadcasts. I can assure you it is not nearly as interesting when the tension is constantly interrupted by mindless commercial messages.
The show has weaknesses and flaws--ones that those who understand story development can spot easily. Still, it is the kind of show that draws you in and allows for a wide margin of forgiveness.
This term I am teaching Homer's The Odyssey at KSU while watching and thinking about the new season of "24." There is no question in my mind that the series hero, Jack Bauer, can be accurately described as Odysseus with a cell phone.
One more thing--I gave up on "Lost" after viewing the season one DVD. I don't think I've ever seen a series that can turn an hour's worth of plot into six episodes so well.
Yes, I shall one day acquire the seasons of '24' on DVD.....which is pretty much the best way to watch television these days.
The problem will be that it will go into a pile that currently holds seasons of "Deadwood", "Alias", "Carnivale", "House", "The Wire", ect. ect. ect.
Watching serialized (and quality!) television dramas has never been easier. The hard part is acquiring the TIME to watch them.
If you think Season 1 of LOST was able to stretch out an hour of story over 6 episodes....you should see the current season. The beginning 6 episodes of season 3 that aired late last year seemed to carry about 10 minuets of plot.
But the swine have their hooks in me. I'll be back for more.
Off the top of the head...
"Deadwood"--top shelf stuff, great all the way around. Nothing better has ever been done on television.
"Carnivale"--good first season in terms of the weird factor, but the second season was just plain silly. The series was cancelled for very good reasons. It went nowhere.
First season of "The Wire" is slow-paced but complex. Many well-developed characters, all of whom are interesting. It's a great study of inner-city black language and culture. Realism factor = very high. All I know is first season.
"House" looks like it might be interesting, but I haven't seen it.
Good to hear. I'll have to push "Deadwood" to the top of the pile.
I've recently finished the first three seasons of "The Wire". The quality not only held out, but actually improved. The second season's look at port security was timely and interesting. Season three was the best yet, giving an excellent examination on the legalization of drugs and what all that entails for the community. Fantastic characters that get more interesting as it progresses. I'm already looking forward to season four's release later this year.
"House", I've sifted through. I'm normally not one for medical shows, but have been a huge fan of Hugh Laurie since his stint on Rowan Atkinson's "Black Adder" show. His performance in this series is pretty much the only reason to watch, as it is a redundant storyline week after week.
LOST: Loved the first season, liked the second season, loathe the current season.
I don't want to be the "Everything sucks" kind of reviewer but the current season really did stretch about two episodes worth of drama into six episodes. It's been downright painful to watch this year.
That being said, I'm committed. Recent reports that they're negotiating an ending to the series actually give me hope that we won't continually be strung along with the occasional Sweeps Week revelation to make us feel better - Like the X-files turned into in the end.
Deadwood is great drama and is one of the best shows on TV, do yourself a favor and check it out, but be prepared for some foul language. I wonder if they really dropped the "F"-bomb so much back in the old west?
agree with matt,deadwood,wire,excellent shows.also on hbo entourage,curb your enthusiasism,also are excellent shows. i thought sopranos was very slow and boring last year. hopefully the final episodes are alot better.
Ah yes CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM. That would rank as one of my favorites. Very funny show with some sharp writing and improvisation.
Only recently watched ENTOURAGE and was surprised at how quickly I got "into it". Ranks as the only time I've really enjoyed Jeremy Piven in a role.
Sounds like i do need to pop in DEADWOOD. Lots of high praise here amongst the faithful. Look forward to it.
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