Last night’s episode was definitive in terms of where this season is going for a number of reasons. Mostly, Jack has no time to mourn the loss of his good friend Tony A. As in seasons past, Jack is hit with yet another life defining moment that he can’t process because of the business at hand. The toll is starting to become visible, and it is a credit to Kiefer Sutherland (who is way under appreciated in his role as Agent Bauer) that he is undoing the layers of this onion-like meltdown in such a subtle way. Sooner or later Jack is going to blow (sooner judging by the preview scenes from next week when he has Audrey in a stranglehold), and it isn’t going to be pretty.
We saw Edgar die last week and now Tony is dead. The old gang is getting knocked off one by one, and we really only have Chloe and Curtis left (though Bill is mostly in Jack’s corner when he’s not being pushed around by that Homeland Security woman who reminds me of all those high school teachers who didn’t have a clue). Jack’s daughter Kim was there for a couple of hours, her lip gloss shining perfectly during the crisis when half of CTU bit the dust. In fact, I am just surprised that Kim wasn’t in more danger, but it seems someone at 24 has learned that we can only take too much of Kimmy Poo before insulin shock sets in. Thank goodness Ponyboy took her off to some kind of conference (no doubt about how to resurrect one’s career by guest starring on TV’s hottest show).
Jack gets dirty with the German terrorist Stoller, who it turns out is actually a member of German intelligence (quick, think Hogan’s Heroes ), but this longhaired dude happens to have feelings for the long-legged Stenger babe who happens to keep schematics of the sensitive kind on memory sticks in her purse (oh, and a cute little pistol on her leg). Stoller is willing to give Pistol Girl up for a “wet list,” but if I were him I’d have insisted on a wet bar instead. Nevertheless, Jack and Stoller strike a deal, but Jack is not about to give up anything to some foreign dude (he got burned by those Chinese once after all).
Article comments
1 - Mary K. Williams
Victor dear -
I'm not going to read your post yet... my policy is to not read anyone's reviews before I write my own. And I'm wayy behind schedule today. Bummer, that.
But still, had to fling a '24' hello at ya -
and we'll compare notes later.
2 - Pat Fish
Excellent post, as always.
Couple of questions from a newbie to the series.
First, I'm not clear on this Potato Head guy, as you call it. Usually around the prez you see his wife, the Dick Cheney lookalike Chief of Staff, maybe the evil VP.
Also, what do you mean when you say Sutherland should receive more accolades? You mean like an Emmy? Has this show ever received any recognition for the amazing concept and writing?
Finally, do you have any idea what that "wet list" thing was that the German spy wanted so desperately?
3 - Victor Lana
Pat, I call the Vice Prez "Potato Chip" because he is played by that former Twin Peaks actor Ray Wise (Wise potato chips). He looks even stranger here and is no doubt bad as can be.
Yes, I think Kiefer should definitely get an Emmy (and the show should as well).
Finally, the "wet list" was a file of all known terrorists compiled by NSA and no doubt those US operatives who were undercover as well. Very wet that list.
Hope this helps.
4 - Mary K. Williams
Good Job Victor -
While my post is in the queue, I now have the luxury of reading the rest. This was great - liked how you called Aaron "Costner". And the lip gloss remark about Kim.
One thing though, Stoller did give up Collette with a kiss. That's how Jack and friends knew it was a postive ID.
Next week should be interesting!
5 - Victor Lana
I didn't see that kiss, Mary K. I'll have to review my recording. Still, just another great moment on 24 this season.
I am sensing a move toward the type of ending that happened in Season One, when Jack becomes almost a killing machine and wipes out Drazen and company. He is getting into that mode now. Someone has to pay, not just for Michelle and Tony, but everything else.
Next week should be interesting indeed!