24 Begins - Jack Is Back Bitches!

I really hate to admit this but I have never seen the first season of '24'. I have seen all the subsequent seasons. I got so scared off my the 'events occur in real time' concept. I was afraid that if I missed even one episode I would be too lost to fully enjoy the experience. This is before the time when you could easily download entire seasons. This was before DVRs/PVRs and I am embarrassed to say that it never even crossed my mind to dig out the old VCR and just record the episodes off the tv. CD players didn't have a record feature back then. (I can only imagine what you all think of me now)

Everyone knows that usually once I have seen a movie one time that I rarely see them a second time unless they are particularly great or if they are on television. For example I always watch the 'Matrix' or 'The Hunt For Red October' whenever those are on the satellite and they seem to be every two weeks or so.


Somehow my mother figured that RENTING me the first season of '24' from the library was a better thing than buying it and then having it sit there forever after that.

It's been a trip seeing the whole season one in one shot. All the things you already know about certain characters from later years isn't spoiling my enjoyment now. I am looking for subtle looks, or words, or actions that would have tipped me off earlier to twists I know are already covering. I am hating getting attached to characters knowing that something bad is going to happen to them but comforted by the knowledge that Jack WILL save the day and people who were targeted for death will be okay to be seen in season two.


I particularly like the work of Deniss Haysbert who plays Presidential Candidate David Palmer. He is fantastic in a way I was always hoping Obama would be. I believe that his portrayal of a strong, good man paved the way for the election of Obama and probably tipped the scales in favor of a black President by those who might have been on the fence about the issue. Don't laugh. TV has that kind of power to influence thoughts and behaviors. I love the relationship between President Palmer and Jack Bauer who of course is played by Kiefer Sutherland. The trust between them is fun to see exploited to advance the story. Usually it only took one phone call for Jack to get what he needed to do his job right. Palmer is one of the few who never second guesses Jack.


Haysbert also was very strong for many years in 'The Unit'. He has such a great presence about him. An authority that I find comforting in shows where the characters are always in peril.


I also am loving the first time Elisha Cuthbert became the 'Robin' of this series. If Jack is having the crapiest days anyone can experience, she is a close second. That girl gets kidnapped more than the Boy Wonder ever did. But like her TV Dad she is pretty much indestructible too.

I am so looking forward to the new season beginning in early January. Katee Sackhoff from Battlestar Galactica is joining the cast. I just hope that Jacks granddaughter is not put in any danger but with both her and her mother Kim Bauer showing up in the trailer for the new season I don't hold out much hope that anyone in that family is going to have a 'good' day.

It is going to be great to watch weekly again after getting the full absorption of a season of 24 in one shot. I know like always I will be talking to the screen and screaming like a Beatles's fan with every twist and turn.