BFFL Best Friends For Life

Oh Jack, what a shitty family life you've had. Your brother tried to kill you off last year and nearly succeeded, and now it looks like the plot line is a continuation of last years story line - the ultra far right forcing a "terrorist action" to suspend the Constitution, and hence declaring martial law. I have am having problems with the shallowness of character these far right neocons are portrayed in the white house. I am also have issues with all of the political correctness. Damn people, a nuclear bomb was detonated in the US,(a bit of historical reference here, the first two were dropped in Japan compliments of the USA back in 1945) and the government is worried we might offend some people?

I just have keep telling myself, we have people with spines in government don't we? Hmmm, maybe or maybe not.

In typical 24 fashion, we now have another character being set up via a family member. Remember Edgar last year with him mommy? But we all know what happened to his mom and eventually Edgar. I predict the same fate for Chloe's ex. Pretty bold of me eh?

Now let me tell you what I enjoyed about this episode. The Vice President. Powers Booth from Deadwood fame is the VP, and if I needed a good VP, I would definitely select the head of the Bella Union as my VP. A sort of no nonsense get your ass back to work type of an individual.

Now Jack's dad (again from HBO fame of 6 feet under) is the true villain - he didn't bat an eye when he gave his other son and injection to stop his heart. What a messed up family - they played Jack - good cop bad cop routine, and now Jack not only has to worry about the suitcase nukes, he has to keep an eye over his shoulder and on his dad. Again, let me go out on a limb here, but this might be the last season for this particular story line, so, Jack will probably end up killing his dad to save the world (or save the cheerleader - sorry couldn't resist.)

Labels: 24, tv

I have to admit that when I first heard about the concept for this show, I was excited about the program, but I was worried about whether or not you could really get more than one season out of breaking out of prison. Then when they ended the first season with the actual prison break, I thought "I'm not sure how much more you can get out of this. The road has got to be running out soon." Well let me say that happily I was wrong. Even after the winter break, this show has kept going and going and without getting to the point where it seemed contrived.

The season opener was as strong as ever. Last season ended with Agent Kellerman shooting Mahone to rescue Scofield and his brother. Kellerman shot Mahone. Mahone survived. Mr. Kim threatened Mahone's family and now Mahone is on the warpath as well. It seems that all the forces in the world are lining up against the President and her grand conspiracy. It will be fun to see how the writers keep this going. Even with all they have done so far, I'm still trying to figure out how you get a third season oput of this...

Labels: 24, tv

Holy Evil Twin Brothers Batman! Talk about piling on the drama. First they have Jack kill Curtis.. then they have a nuke go off in Valencia California... then as it that were not enough, they bring back the mastermind from last season to add a dash of salt only to stun us with the revelation that the guy who wanted Jack dead last season was in fact, JACK'S BROTHER!!!!!! (DUHN DUHN DUHNNNNNN -dramatic music).

Where did all these new relatives come from? So far, we've added a sister to the Presidential Palmer family and a father and a brother to the Bauer family. We have added a long lost love of Jack's and possibly, one of Jack illegitimate sons. It seems that Evil Bauer is every bit as smart as Good Bauer. We don't know if daddy dearest is good or evil. With sons on both ends of the spectrum, who knows. In the nurture versus nature debate, this certainly makes us lean towards nature.

We haven't even hit lunchtime yet and I'm breaking into a sweat...

Labels: 24, tv

When will they finally start listening to Jack? For crying out loud, every season we have Jack desperately asking for the guys in charge to just listen to him. Each season they don't. And of course, each season, they utter the phrase "Jack was right".

Should we keep a scorecard this season? So far, Jack has asked that they listen to him that Fayed is the guy in charge. They didn't listen. He tried to get Curtis to treat Assad like part of the operation. He isn't listening. He tried to tell them to follow the courier back to Fayed instead of trying to take him at the self storage place. They didn't listen.

And since we are talking about bad calls, can I say that the husband who brought the "component" to the terrorists is still the winner of the "bad call" award through the first 4 hours. If he had not done that, his son "might" have died, but Valencia would still be a good place to get oranges...

Do the writers of this show really expect us to believe that a president could get advice from long time trusted advisors and then decide he was just going to stay the course?? But I digress.

It looks like Joe was right about nuclear...

Also, it looks like we found the first guy working undercover. If he was working at the detention center, does that mean that we have our first traitor working for homeland security? Wasn't Karen's group homeland security and didn't they get infiltrated last season?

And with Curtis dead in the first week (is he dead?), we can only impagine who else will die. Makes you wonder if these guys are nervous when they are given each new week's script. One down, my guess is at least one more to go.

The stakes this season are incredibly high. This one will be a nail biter.

Labels: 24, tv

Welcome back Jack Bauer! (spoilers below)

The season started off with a bang to say the very least. America is under attack - suicide bombings happening all over the country - this has to be one of the most realistic, plausible settings for our CTU show.

The show acts as a prism of what we are facing as a nation. We have Islamic fundamentalists attacking our country, the political correctness of racial profiling, civil liberties coming under attack, mention of the ACLU, simple minded chief of staff at the White House (Dr. Harry Fleinhardt from Numb3rs), and a very large debate happening in the White House between Homeland Security and civil liberties.

We find out the Jack is coming back via a negotiated release from the new President Palmer (the kid brother Wayne) but only to sacrifice his life for the location of the suspected ring leader of these terrorist attacks.

I am not going to recap the entire episode, there are plenty of good sources out there but I am going to note the predictable plot themes.

Sympathy for our English speaking next door neighbors. I knew immediately the kid was dirty once I saw him make is appearance. Interesting how the FBI did have the right family, just the wrong member.

Chief of Staff - the villain of the show - there needs to be a major character in the plot line to create the drama and he so far is the guy to create the tension between Grandma Hays and himself.

Jack will always be Jack - In spite of his 20 month ordeal (being tortured by the Chinese) Jack always finds away to bounce back and do what he does best - KILL people. Got to love him, did ya get a good laugh on how he escaped? That had to be one of the best scenes in 24 so far!

The hanging chard theme. The way Jack looked back to his Chinese tormentor, you know this isn't the end between them. Let's just say, I am sure payback will be a bitch.

Heroes will be villains and vis versa. How long before one of our good guys ends up being really a bad guy?

As I mentioned earlier, the sympathy theme. The President's sister is an attorney, representing an Islamic - American alliance will not turn over personnel records to the FBI - plus she has a relationship with Commander Lock from the Matrix movies. This may be the major plot theme of the story as it progresses throughout the day. Is Lock dirty? Is Ms. Congeniality 2 being duped? Ahh, only time will tell.

My plot predictions

1. A nuclear dirty bomb will go off somewhere in the US and Jack will not be able stop it.
2. There is a spy working as a staff member in the White House
3. CTU still doesn't know how to screen employees as I am sure one of them will end up being a double agent.
4. Chloe will break some rules (she has already) but Henderson will protect her.
5. Many of these new characters will die! - that's a really bold prediction by me eh?
6. Jack will get his mojo back.
7. Jack will not go to the bathroom this entire day.
8. Jack will not eat anything for the rest of the day

I think that's it for now.

Labels: 24, tv

In usual fashion, some threads were closed, others were left open, a new character was introduced, and we now know the plot line for next year.

I was a little disappointed in the season finale - we could have had some more drama in it - President Insurance was killed off in the opening show - wouldn't it have been poetic justice if President Wimp was shot?

Ok, I knew the show was in trouble when Jack had to "convince" a military dude he had to kill someone. Have any of the writers ever heard of a little thing called basic training? Just because they stick you in a sub in the engineering department, doesn't mean they don't teach you how to kill. That's job number one you learn in the military, but I digress.

Good ole Jack though, he has no problems pulling the trigger - Robo Cop dude finally paid Jack a compliment and he knew his geese were cooked.

Jack did have some strong WWF wrestling moves though. I counted two sleeper holds, a scissors broken neck lock, and my new favorite, take the face and place it in a stream of hot steam. How did you those veggies cooked? Al dente? Does anyone keep track of the body count? Jack is a one man killing machine. I'd hate to get on his bad side.

Chloe, I heart Chloe, glad she survived the show but I don't know if she'll be around much next season - seems whenever we start to like someone, they get killed off or, sign onto another show. So, who's left from the original cast? Only Jack and Agent Pierce. What are the odds on Pierce for next season?

Love interests for next year - Old lady Hayes and Bill. Geez Bill, just yesterday you were messing around with Michelle, now you cruising the rest home for chicks. Jack, wakes up in the morning with one woman, and ends up proclaiming his love at the end of the day for another. I guess the sex must have real bad. By Jack telling Audrey he still loves her, that's an automatic trip to the slab for her.

I shouldn't complain too much - the show was good - was it the best season? Nah, but I'd rank it up there. We were just missing the surprise plot twist at the end. Like when we found out Nina was dirty. She became the bitch we all loved to hate.

Labels: 24, tv

After suffering through two back lousy episodes, the writers finally got off of their fat asses and gave us a story line that was exciting.

This particular episode had me sitting on the edge of my seat and working the fast forward button on the remote with such skill, I hardly had to hit the rewind back button. You know its going to be a great show when Miles get bitch slapped by old lady Hayes, that just made my night. What really got me was after Miles was slapped around, he didn't care. He brown nosed his ass to the White House, and he now thinks he's untouchable. There will be a price to pay betraying your country - and Jack Bauer will be the toll collector.

So, the only two people left from the original cast is Jack and agent Pierce. Pierce didn't look too good sitting in the chair, bloodied and all. President Wimp walks in and trys to convince Pierce that there is no evidence and he should play along. Pierce gave a fitting epitaph as he knew he was going to be executed. "There is nothing you have said or done that is acceptable to me in the least. You are a traitor to your country and a disgrace to the office. It is my duty to see you brought to justice for what you have done"....or something like that. But the killer line for me was....is their anything else...CHARLES?

The look of disgust and loathing in Pierce's face as he uttered the ultimate put down to the President was outstanding! President Wimp, not knowing what to say or do, put his tail between his legs and walked out like the little bitch he was.

Martha goes from pill popping to gun popping in a matter of minutes. Wow, Her feelings for Agent Pierce do run deep, I thought for sure they'd kiss after she saved his ass, but I think they are saving that for the two hour finale next week (hopefully, in front of President Wimp).

Now that would be a fine ending to the President's career. You know Jack will exact his revenge, but wouldn't be poetic if Agent Pierce and Martha got all sucky face in front of him?

Robo Cop has more lives than a cat that has fallen from a tall building. Somehow, he misdirects us and makes us think he's back stabbing Jack, when actually, he was helping Jack. Again, an excellent example of good crisp script writing.

So, we now know the final drama - a highjacked Russian sub armed with multiple warheads. Bierco conveniently saved one canister of gas and will use it on the sub.

As an actor, if you get a cameo role with Jack Bauer, don't read past page two, you'll usually not find any dialogue. Case in point last night, Audrey tells Jack who the highest ranking American officer is on the ship and Jack gives him a call. I am yelling at the TV, don't answer the call! You won't last! Damn, did he listen? No! He had to take the phone call. So, please explain to me when you are instructed by CTU to secure the weapons on the sub, why would you stick your fat head up through the top of the sub? I thought the missiles were stored below deck, in the armory.

So, the finale is all set. Jack will have to stop the Russian dude, get Logan to cry uncle, make sure Martha and Arron kiss, and really bitch slap Miles. Oh, and probably set up next season's plot line of non stop action of 24!

Labels: 24, tv

I hate ass kissers with a passion they serve no function at all, other than brown nosing their way to the top. Miles, Miles, Miles, what are you thinking? Do you think Logan gives a rats ass about you? Once the recording is secured, Miles becomes worm food. But when you are blinded by your own ambition you can't see forest in front of you. Miles will suffer a painful death. Even Robo Cop had a back up plan.

We find out that the plot really was about securing the nation's oil supply. Those damn greedy capitalists - how dare them try to manipulate the world's oil supply Can anyone say nuclear power?

I was convinced there was some other sinister plot line with other officials corrupt. But I guess I was wrong. Since Jack is signed on for 3 more seasons, maybe next year's plot will involve the vice president taking over as Logan will off himself, Dr. Ramano still pushing all the buttons, and Jack trying to protect the DOD dude and Audrey.

Labels: 24, tv

This episode is what you'd call a time killer. Sure the lines between the good guys vs the bad guys are pretty well set one still has to wonder though who else is dirty in the administration or at CTU? How else did one arm doctor (ER reference to Dr. Romano)find out Chloe called old lady Hayes at CTU?

Best line of the night for me was the exchange between Bill and career political appointee Miles:

Miles: What is Bauer doing on Flight #520?
Bill: You have no idea what you are doing you little ass-kisser

Give the writers an Oscar or whatever self congratulations they like to bestow upon themselves.

We did learn that unlike most jets, the luggage compartment was pressurized, so that was good. It's amazing how Jack knew exactly what panel to remove to mess with the aileron cables. Other moments of suspended belief: a passenger was actually going to take Jack down - nice attempt at bravery - don't you know that Jack is a one man swat team? What about the dirty co-pilot saying don't shoot me, I am the only one that can fly this plane? If I know Chloe and Jack, we'd have a Matrix like moment where Jack would call to Chloe and ask her for flight instructions for a Lear Jet - Chloe would do her best imitation of Tank and upload the instructions.

Labels: 24, tv

We now know what the underlying plot is - looks like a bunch of misguided Harvard MBA's with an eye on world domination. (Not a shot at my BFFL). This plot line has taken 20 hours to develop and hold on folks, the last four 4 hours are going to be fun. Thinking about the story line and an exchange with President Wimp, we may find out this plot line goes back to Marwan from last season.

What can I say about my favorite IT geek? She's transformed herself from a geeky IT Just look at her character transformation - Did you see that slick move she pulled by lifting the access card to escape from detention? What about ability to hack into anything and still cover her tracks? Best lines of the night for me was when Chloe was at Bill's house trying to hack in and she turns to him and says, I need to network onto your computer even though it's pathetic- and I hope you don't mind me bossing you around, but technically, you are not my boss. You just got to love her.

The suspension of reality during the show came when Jack, "hid" on top of the fuel truck, didn't the personnel in the tower see him up there? Or what about casually loading some suitcases into the belly of a jet? How about hiding in the belly of the jet? What about lack of oxygen? Never mind, he's signed up for 3 more seasons.

Labels: 24, tv

So we find out that President Wimp really isn't a wimp - he's done one hell of a job acting like a wimp this past season. Robo Cop dude is as dirty as can be. I still think there's another mole or someone duplicitious with the neocon vision of America. Is it Jack's girlfriend? Is it someone else in the DOD? We'll just have to wait and see.

Chloe, my favorite IT geek, manages to re-route military check points to Jack's PDA, while being monitored by the Homeland Security folks. She also manages to set up a "VPN" connection on both ends so no one can listen into their conversations. Yea right! My other moment of yea it could happen is when Robo Cop and President Wimp's telephone conversation was recorded by the First Lady's assistant. Maybe she used one of those recorders you can buy at Radio Shack!

The show stayed true to form by introducing the Bank Manager - and then not to pay his salary for more than one show - proceeded to kill him off by the end. I think milk sitting outside under the blazing sun will last longer than any minor character in 24.

I call this post girl power because of Audrey and Chloe - in concert, they helped out our one man Counter Terrorist Squad. Could you imagine how effective Jack could really be if he had the full support of his government?

Labels: 24, tv

Did you see that one coming? I sure didn't, but I should have known better with all of the clues. The writers of the show wanted us to believe it was the Vice President, and for awhile, I knew it must have been him. Why else manipulate President Wimp to declare martial law other than for his own political aspirations? The Vice President was a bit too slick for me . But did you see how gleeful the president was at the end when he got off the phone with another world leader? It was obvious to me then it was all about himself and not the country.

So here we have the final plot twist - after 18 episodes, it's our man Jack Bauer against the flippin President of the United States of America. Who do you think is going to come on top? The question is rhetorical as we all know Jack will kick ass.

A couple of open ends that I am still not too clear about - why would the Department of Homeland Security want to absorb CTU? Especially when they are after Robo Cop? How wide is this conspiracy? Is the Vice President also dirty?

For those who know me, you know I am a technology geek, Jack and I carry the same phone, Treo 650, except his phone has a custom CTU hack on it. It was funny to see Chloe send to his Treo the active satellite feeds of the hostiles. Did you hear his phone beep? That is actually a true sound the phone makes when you receive an SMS message. I wonder what phone he'll have next season.

Nice body count during the show - we had point blank executions, a throat cut, and Wayne Palmer chalking up his first KIA. Geez, I wonder if Jack will survive next week.

Labels: 24, tv