Since the very beginning of the series, 24 worked because of the dynamic between politicians and the people protecting them and the American public. The trust that Jack Bauer and the Counter Terrorist Unit developed with David Palmer was the cornerstone of this relationship, a sort of failsafe kind of connection that would guarantee Jack’s (and CTU’s) position because it was valued and respected. Even when others thought Jack was wrong, Palmer knew Jack was doing his best (and the right thing) for the country.
From the very first minutes of Season 5, all of this came undone, most notably when someone put a bullet into Palmer’s neck and ended his life. Thus, Jack and the gang at CTU were now totally on their own. With spineless President Lowguns at the helm, it seemed obvious that he would only do what he thought would be popular and not necessarily right. This season, he has evolved into an even more dangerous variation of himself: now he is doing what he thinks is right and not necessarily popular. This has become a disaster for all involved (and doesn't it sound painfully familiar in the real world?).
Last night our hero Jack survived the explosion, carrying Jerko Bierko out of the jaws of hell and bringing him in for questioning. Jerko never wakes up during the episode, but Jack asks Curtis to take him back to CTU and to make sure he lives. Of course, Jack’s hope is to eventually get to “talk” to Jerko, which is Jack’s way of using a knife in ways its manufacturers probably never imagined.
Costner (the super Secret Service Agent) saves Wayne Palmer’s life, and Wayne recovers rather quickly (last week it seemed that he was dead) and gets to talk to Evelyn (personal assistant to First Lady McDeath). Evelyn has seemed quivery from the start, her mouth always moving around to indicate discomfort. Now we find out that it was she who had some kind of connection to President Palmer, passing him information about the conspiracy. She is caught in a difficult situation because they have kidnapped her daughter, and she is about to exchange her “evidence” for her daughter’s life.
Wayne and Costner are in touch with Jack, who understands better than anyone that this thing reaches the highest levels of government. At one point, Jack actually tells Bill (on the cell phone) that he is “scared” about the situation, and it’s not too often that we hear Jack say that. Damn, this must be serious.
Article comments
1 - Jeff
Excellent point that the trust between David Palmer and CTU was such an important factor in past seasons. Quite a contrast to the past two seasons.
2 - Victor Lana
Thanks for your thoughts, Jeff. It seems that the writers want this distance, almost in a way making Jack even more alone and therefore more heroic. Hey, Odysseus had no one for a long time and managed to get the job done.
3 - Joanie
Congrats! Your article has been placed on Advance.net
4 - Victor Lana
Joanie, thanks for letting me know.
5 - Mary K. Williams
Hey Victor -
though that last puppy dog glance from Bill as he was leaving CTU with his briefcase makes us know he is wounded to the depths of his heart
I love this. I really felt bad for Bill. : ( Poor guy.
Hope he's back with the team soon!
Good post Mr. V. : )
6 - Victor Lana
Thanks, Mary K. It looks like the whole Homeland Security takeover could be part of the bigger plan to revamp the government by Lowguns. We shall see!