As the final episodes of 24 have been unraveling, I find there is a great deal of sub-textual information being thrown at us in a very deliberate and intriguing manner. One of the pleasures of this series is always knowing Jack is stuck within a structured time frame, and it has never allowed the use of flashbacks, which would obviously, as it does on ABC’s show Lost, allow for deepening and enriching character development. 24 has always relied on the action to dictate the reaction, thus we get to do a good deal of work ourselves making connections and remembering moments in seasons past that correlate with what is happening now. As the frenetic pace of show continues to accelerate, I have been doing that a lot lately as I watch while fidgeting in my seat every week.
Planes have always figured into the plotline: think Season 2 when a dying George Mason takes the nuke out into the desert or Season 4 when President Keeler’s jet is shot down. Now in Season 5, we have Jack basically hijacking a plane to get a tape that will implicate the President of the United States in the biggest scandal in American history. Appropriately, the flight hits turbulence along the way that references what is not only happening on the plane itself but also the country: smooth sailing is something that is not possible or even imminent. Perhaps, it foreshadows the anarchy that possibly awaits in Season 6.
This episode starts off with Chloe and Bill at mini-CTU in Bill’s humble abode, but Karen (Cruella Now Sweet to Bill) warns them that Homeland Security agents will be there momentarily, so Bill sends Chloe off to a hotel on Ventura Boulevard where she heads to the bar and sets up shop. Of course, in keeping with 24 tradition, there must be some obstacle in her way; in this case, it is an annoying Bar Jerk who is drunk and looking to score. Chloe ignores him and gets to work, quickly calling Jack and letting him know where the air marshal is sitting on the plane.
Good old Jack ambles down the aisle, sits next to Air Cop, and quickly renders him unconscious. Man, do I feel safe about flying when I see how quickly an air marshal can be taken out of the equation. Jack then procures Air Cop’s gun and badge, then proceeds to the back of the plane to await Chloe’s call. It turns out there is a guy from Omnicreeps aboard sitting in another seat, so Jack proceeds to gently persuade this German fellow to follow him into the bowels of the ship for a little Q&A.
Article comments
1 - Jeff
Good point about all the planes. There was the one Mandy blew up at the beginning of the first season, after she schtumped yet another German guy. This show really has it in for Germans.
2 - Victor Lana
It's kind of like in Die Hard, Jeff. Germans, especially pre-unification East Germans, make wonderful bad guys. I guess it's the accent or maybe the black forest cake. It's definitely not the beer. I can vouch for that.
3 - Mary K. Williams
But the chocolate! Why hurt the chocolate!
Hey Victor (And Jeff cuz you're lurking out there)
I havnt even seen last nights yet. Was too busy at 9, then too tired after it was done taping. Today..too busy..then too sick. I just got up out of bed.
Will i miss a week? Or just be reeall late? Who knows -
So, I cannot read this post till I've at least seen the ep.
I'm sure you did fine : )
4 - Jeff
So, Mary, someone has made you SICK? This day has been one giant lie (down)? You HATE (being sick)?
5 - Eric
Why doesn't Jack play the recording over his cell phone to Chloe, who can then patch it through to Karen.
6 - Mary K. Williams
Ahh, Mr. Cryptic Jeff
Funny : ) but - I have no clue what you're talking about! Does it have anything to do w/last night? I STILL Have not seen it yet. Once kids get home from school - that's it.
7 - Victor Lana
Eric, your idea about the recording makes way too much sense to be valid. Of course, that would be the easy thing to do. Jack also could have just taken the recording to the LA TIMES in the first place instead of involving Heller. That's why it's a TV show. It's not supposed to make sense.
8 - Mary K. Williams
So, Mary, someone has made you SICK? This day has been one giant lie (down)? You HATE (being sick)?
Of for crying outloud. I am dumb. Of course, Mad Martha!!!
9 - Mary K. Williams
Finally read this Victor. Very Good! I loved the Peter Graves and Otto(pilot) reference.
Where IS Audrey and her damn coat???
10 - Joanie
Congrats! This article has been placed on Advance.net
11 - Victor Lana
Thanks, Joanie, I always appreciate the recognition.