In This Section
TV Guide Spotlight
Also on TVGuide.com
|
« Ausiello Report
Exclusive: Janeane Garofalo on 24? No Joke!
No, Ashton Kutcher has not commandeered my keyboard, and no, this is not a really early April Fool's Day gag: Funny lady Janeane Garofalo is joining the cast of 24.
Although details of the casting are few and far between at this point, what I can tell you is this: 1) come fall, she'll be a regular, 2) her character is a government agent who is part of the team investigating the crisis befalling Jack Bauer and Co. in the upcoming season, and 3) since the comedienne's persona often brings to mind Mary Lynn Rajskub's prickly Chloe, the potential for on-screen fireworks is greater than it has been during any of the show's previous bomb threats.
For that matter, there's a good chance that there will be a few explosions behind the scenes, too, since the Ben Stiller Show alumna is legendarily liberal, and 24's executive producer, Joel Surnow, is notoriously conservative. (Keep an eye out for future blind items. I kid. I kid!)
So what do you think, folks? Is Garofalo the fresh blood that 24 needs to get itself pumping again? Or should she hit the set running because of that shark she's going to be asked to jump? Don't hold back.
|
|
|
|
Aug 20, 2007 9:41 PM
|
|
No, she's not. What the show needs is to not rehash old storylines yet again. That means no more assassination attempts, no more "even bigger big bad" every 5 episodes, no more Jack going rogue. It's not the actors or characters, it's the lack of an original idea since season 2.
|
|
Aug 20, 2007 10:02 PM
|
I think that's great news!
I love Janeane Garofalo, and I think she'll bring an interesting vibe to the show.
|
|
Aug 20, 2007 10:02 PM
|
|
She's a terrific actress. But the success of the season will depend on what they come up with for Season 7.
|
|
Aug 20, 2007 10:21 PM
|
|
She's a cool lady, but I'm looking forward to more interesting casting news and, um, a more interesting plot this time around.
|
|
Aug 20, 2007 10:50 PM
|
|
I'm surprised you didn't mention their previous connection on "The Larry Sanders Show." I'm pretty sure they crossed paths for at least one season where Garafalo was playing the often prickly booker and Rajskub a new, shy receptionist for Hank.
|
|
Aug 20, 2007 11:12 PM
|
|
I was hoping she'd go on The View - just kidding - I like her too much for that. You could have knocked me over with a feather when I read this. Wow. Interesting. I'm certain we'll be hearing more.
|
|
Aug 20, 2007 11:21 PM
|
I'll be honest, I've only really seen her act in an episode of "NewsRadio" where she plays Dave's crazy girlfriend. (But she was good then!)
Seriously though, this DOES sound like a joke. I have no doubt she can pull it off and she and Jack will make good eye candy for a season, but... it still reads like a prank!
24 has jumped so many sharks, including a big one called "Season Six," so that's not even an issue. I dunno... I think it'll be okay, once I convince myself that this is for real. (Interesting, though, that with an election coming up that Garofalo would do something to DISTANCE herself from politics. I wonder what THAT's all about!)
|
|
Aug 20, 2007 11:56 PM
|
For any who doubt her acting ability, check out the Tim Allen movie (based on a Dave Barry book) "Big Trouble." She's hilarious.
If you know she can be funny but aren't sure about her dramatic chops, check out the last two seasons of West Wing.
I think this should be fun, and if played right, she could be a fun rival for Chloe
|
|
Aug 21, 2007 12:26 AM
|
I'm surprised you didn't mention their previous connection on "The Larry Sanders Show."
Hey now! I completely forgot about that.
|
|
Aug 21, 2007 12:55 AM
|
|
I was leary of Jean Smart from "Designing Women" taking on the role of First Lady. But look what a surprise and incredible performance she made of that role. If there is any show on T.V. where an actor or actress can show their range, it is '24'. I think Ms. Garofalo has a great chance of surprising everyone. I am interested. I could also see her and Chloe as sisters.
|
|
Aug 21, 2007 1:41 AM
|
|
More stunt-casting is the last thing that show needs. They kept shoveling people on board last season and look where that got them. A severely underused James Cromwell, and a useless, aborted Regina King story that wasted her time AND ours. They need to put their focus on telling a quality story, and actually plan an entire season out beforehand. Season 5 was clearly a fluke.
|
|
Aug 21, 2007 5:33 AM
|
|
At first the cating might not seem a fit but J.G. did a pretty good job on West Wing without being joke-funny but sarcastic. I think with the right writing her character could add a dynamic - a good female bada$$ with smarts, wit, and not going to get entangle in a romance plot, she actually could be the female version of Jack. I think this could be brillant!
|
|
Aug 21, 2007 8:38 AM
|
|
As a big fan of the show I'm very worried about its future after the mess that was last season and that concern isn't limited to the inclusion of Garofalo. I get a sense that this show is foundering.
|
|
Aug 21, 2007 8:54 AM
|
I smell blood in the water with this hire.
I can just barely stand to look at this woman much less listen to her.
|
|
Aug 21, 2007 8:58 AM
|
|
|
