In This Section
TV Guide Spotlight
Also on TVGuide.com
|
« 24
March 5, 2007: 5 pm — 6 pm
“This is the price of war. Make no mistake — that is what this is.” With President Palmer II down — possibly for the count — a new sheriff rode into 24-town this week, and with him, VP Noah Daniels brought a new attitude, and a whole new set of rules.
Honestly, I’m not sure quite what to think of this change of power yet. On the one hand, things did seem to be heading “to hell in a handbasket” under President Wayne, and Powers Boothe’s Daniels does feel like a far more commanding commander in chief. On the other hand, he just looks kind of, you know, evil (if only because of his uncanny resemblance to one of Lost’s fake-bearded Others). And that whole “loss of personal freedoms” thing is always a little scary.
Either way, I’ve got a feeling Lennox will decide to take Daniels’ olive branch and help the VP get his plan through; he’s just too calculating to throw it all away for the benefit of Assad’s “good name.” Of course, Lennox did take me by surprise (pleasantly) when he straightened his shirt and tie — and promptly turned in would-be assassins Chad Lowe and That Other Guy, so who knows what old Tommy will pull next.
With all of the White House machinations in this episode (just how many presidents, current and former, can you squeeze into one hour of TV?), Jack seemed to take an uncharacteristic backseat. That is, until he decided to pull one of his crazy invade-a-hostile-country’s-consulate-on-American-soil stunts, which are now becoming a JB trademark.
And while, as usual, all of the breaking, entering and hostage-taking looks like it will prove successful — as long as those darn Russkies don’t kill everyone he tells — our beloved Bauer is starting to feel less like a do-whatever-it-takes agent and more like a crazy guy with a gun (and a cigar cutter, and whatever else is handy). As a 24 fan from the very beginning — and of Kiefer’s work long before — it’s definitely getting disturbing to watch our all-American hero slowly become a cold-blooded, finger-chopping torture machine.
On a lighter note, it was interesting to have a kinder, gentler, less treasonous Logan in the mix, especially because he seems to have had a genuine change of heart — along with, by his own admission, a slight loss of sanity. And who knows, maybe their little backseat heart-to-heart will pay off and Jack will find his way down the road to some kind of healing. Though, judging by next week’s preview, it doesn’t look like Martha’s really buying into Charles’ Zen routine. Maybe it’s just that new beard that’s putting her off.
Todd Thatcher is filling in this week for the 24 blog’s usual writer, Chana Shwadlenak, who is on vacation.
|
TVGuide Links:
|
|
|
|
Mar 5, 2007 10:57 PM
|
|
You've got the time wrong in the header. The March 5 episode took place between 5 pm and 6 pm.
|
|
Mar 5, 2007 11:41 PM
|
What annoyed me about last episode, and this episode as well, is that the previews were the most exciting part of the episode. The rest felt like a set-up to the real action, which appears to be next week.
Last week, we learned in the previews that Jack was going to torture the Russian Consulate (can't Fox make names which are easier to remember?!). I highly anticipated that this episode. Yet, it was rather underwhelming, compared to the other Jack torture scenes we've had this season.
And the previews for next week...you said it in your final paragraph, Todd, I can't see how it couldn't dissappoint.
But alas, previews are all a part of getting the view to watch the episode...24 has a knack at succeding in that department.
But as a whole, the episode was good, but definately not as good as others in the season.
|
|
Mar 5, 2007 11:45 PM
|
|
I really agree that Jack has become a different person this season. I am not sure if it is intentional, or if the writing is just not as good this season. It just feels as if Jack isn't as smart and strategic as he always was. I really thought it was a stupid move for him to raid that consulate and make that mistake again. However, he did get the information that he wanted, he definetely should have called someone right away. What does he do instead? He walks right over to the exploding door and gets caught. Overall this was an OK episode. I feel that is was sort of a setup episode for some awesome action to come. A lot of changes happened tonight: New President, violations of civil liberties, Jack held hostage, Karen Hayes returning to the White House to raise hell, and the exposure of the assisination attempt. I really hope that the show delivers on the tension that is building, especially with only 2 hours before the nukes are launched!
|
|
Mar 6, 2007 1:26 AM
|
Well, you can count me as one who was surprised by Tom's actions. I thought he would go along with Reed for awhile and eventually turn him in, but he actually did the right thing immediately. I really did not see that happening.
As for Powers Boothe, no matter the rationales behind his actions(basically framing Assad),you can't take away the fact that he is a charismatic and commanding presence. Same qualities as David Palmer. And ones that Wayne never possesed.
Jack really made a huge mistake by not calling CTU the second he got the location for the drones. He had to know his time was running out and every second counted. Of course, you knew that one agent was going to be stopped before he made the phone call to CTU. In "24 world" it never is that easy is it?
|
|
Mar 6, 2007 2:15 AM
|
|
Tonight's episode was only okay but I was thrilled to see Aaron Pierce in the previews for next week, although it would have been a nice suprise it will be nice to have him back on the show!
|
|
Mar 6, 2007 2:57 AM
|
|
Gee Jack, don't you ever learn? Next time, pick up your phone and make the call to CTU before you do anything else.
|
|
Mar 6, 2007 6:19 AM
|
Has anyone wondered if the reason why we don't see much of Aaron or Mike is because they are they are the only ones from season one? I wonder if Kiefer Sutherland (who is the producer) dosn't keep actors from season one around because they steal his thunder. It would explain some of the deaths from season five.
Anyway, I hope the writters do a good job with the Martha/Aaron story line. Please don't kill either of them off!!
|
|
Mar 6, 2007 7:32 AM
|
Come on Writers!
Do you really think that the VP would be sent to a place where The Prez was just the target of an assassination attempt? No Frakkin Way! Get real! For that matter, they wouldn't even be close to each other.
I am sorry, this show doesn't surprise anymore. You can call way ahead of time what is going to happen.
Why would they do the Consulate thing again?
|
|
Mar 6, 2007 8:10 AM
|
I agree with Zinger that it would be nice if the whole episode wasn't filler for the previews.
Remember Agent man that Jack has only had less then 24 hours since he was freed from a Chinese prison. He has had a drill punch [or was it a scalpel] a hole in his shoulder. We've yet to see Jack eat a bit of food, drink any water, even go potty, but he did have a suit that perfectly fit waiting for him. Here's another thing Mr Agent whatever - It is no violation of civil liberties if the Prez suspends Habeas Corpus and other rights unless Congress and the Courts tell him. He has the authority and precedent.
Wait until next week when we declare war on Russia [technically] by invading their sovereignty. Talk about breaking the law.
It definitely is easier to allow jack to torture people when we have the inside info the Consulate is dirty. Isn't that a large part of this show - forcing us to discuss and muse over these ethical choices. In this case does the end justify the means? Is it better to cut off a few Russian fingers and save tens of millions of lives or should we stand on principle and wring our hands and feel good because we didn't offend any sensibilities?
Is Aaron married to his former protectee or is still in the protective business? That is worth the wait.
|
|
Mar 6, 2007 8:13 AM
|
Rick freakin' Schroder!!
Wonder if they are bringing in a name actor like that to take over as CTU assault team leader to set up for him possibly being the new agent on 24 next season (or beyond). He has the chops to pull it off. Like Keifer, his career has mainly been in supporting movie roles up to this point, although he obviously has had some TV successes.
I'm just saying, wouldn't it be a good fit. The way this season is playing out, JB will be a zombie by the time all is said and done.
|
|
Mar 6, 2007 8:37 AM
|
Inlo1: It was Morris who had a drill through his shoulder, not Jack. And the producers have said that they skip scenes involving characters eating and going to the bathroom (do you really want to see that?) because such scenes would slow down the pace of the action.
Anyway, I was wondering why Jack would just head for the door after his "interrogation" of the Russian guy, knowing that the others knew he was in there, and waiting for him. A big mental lapse.
I'm also wondering, considering how the vice-president seems like a sinister creep who considers the Constitution a hinderance to his intentions (sound like someone we all know?), why President Palmer II chose him as his veep in the first place.
|
|
Mar 6, 2007 9:14 AM
|
|
Thanks for catching the time mix-up, elibu – I had a bit of a glitch with formatting the header.
|
|
Mar 6, 2007 9:41 AM
|
I loved the episode.I am getting tired of hearing how Jack is using too much torture.A nuclear bomb has gone off in the country and there are more within hours set to cause much more death.
I am excited to see Martha and Aaron back next week.24 is still the best show on television.
|
|
Mar 6, 2007 9:42 AM
|
OK, I liked the ep. Thought it was a good pick up in tempo after watching Morris whine for an hour (he seems to be doing well now). But let's not forget that Jack shouldn't be working today; he should be starting some serious therapy. So who was surprised that he'd go nutcake and invade the consulate? The bad part of the plan was that he had no plan. In the past he's always weighed risk against gain but now he seems to have lost his moral compass. The torture scenes are becoming more disturbing simply because Jack doesn't seem to mind doing it anymore. And for Logan to compare his house arrest with Jack's captivity in China (especially after he gave Jack up) was sickening! Poor pitiful rich man stuck in his sprawling compound. Too bad Jack didn't just punch him. I wanted to. Temporary kudos to Lennox for turning in the would-be assassins but I'm pretty sure he's gonna fall into step with the VP now. Maybe Karen's return will prick his conscience a little...nah, what was I thinking?
I stopped watching the previews this season and have found the show much more enjoyable so could you all mark those comments as spoilers please? Yes, I expect a barrage of hostility for that request so save your fingers. Either you will or you won't.
|
|
Mar 6, 2007 9:42 AM
|
|
|
