TV Review: 24 "Day 5" Season Finale - Page 2

With me so far?

Good.

Because of the "real time" format of 24, there is no way humanly possible to bring the uninitiated up to snuff on all the intricacies of the plotline of "Day 5." The last couple episodes made it screamingly apparent that there was only two ways it could end, neither of which were particularly politically correct. Either the President had to be brought to justice as a traitor, or he would get away with his acts in the interest of maintaining the dignity of the office.

In the end, the producers managed a climax that had it both ways, and without giving too much away, did so in a manner that served both justice and the almighty cover-up. But that was not the end — there are no endings on 24, unless you count ragged edges as endings. All is right with the world as the sun rises, except for Bauer's world. He's on a slow boat to China, courtesy of the Chinese government, who has not forgotten his assault on their embassy during "Day 4."

All that aside, the 24 finale served up generous portions of all the elements that make the series relevant. Even I had to admit early on in this arc that the series might have finally jumped the shark. There was no way they could make this work, I thought.

I was quickly proven wrong, and it wasn't because of all the smoke and mirrors the show employs. It was because, no matter what else you might say about it, <24 raises your heart rate. And it's not just the often cartoon-like action. It's because it speaks to us on a visceral level — the idea that one man can make a difference, and revolutions really do begin with one person.

Besides, I just have to know where the Chinese are taking Jack Bauer for the 2007 season.

Article Author: Ray Ellis

Ray Ellis is a freelance writer who has been dissecting pop culture and its effect on how we view ourselves for over twenty years, ruffling feathers and dragging unsuspecting pedestrians along for the ride whenever possible.

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