Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Clean house?
I was thinking the other night (insert favourite hamster joke here) about all of the major deaths this season and I got to thinking (I'm sure I'm not the only one pondering this but I don't really get out much to other 24 fansites/discussion boards) about the possibility that they are killing everyone off in order to "clean house" and set up future seasons with new castmembers. I know, not a new thought but here's the kicker - future seasons without Kiefer. I just have this nagging feeling they're settings us up for the biggest shock of all: Jack's (real) death.
How would I feel about the show if Jack isn't a part of it? Would I remain loyal to it? Am I really so callous as to not even give new characters - even a new "Jack" a chance? I'll be honest and say I am not sure.
Part of the appeal of the show for me has been Jack's emotional struggle, the pathos of Jack. I've been with him as he lost his wife, struggled to hold onto his only daughter, save the world a bunch of times, lose girlfriends, friends. I've watched him come back from the dead, suffer a multitude of taser jolts, broken bones, bruises.
In short I'm fully invested in Jack's life. The heart of the show is Jack and his struggles - his heroism and sacrifices. I don't know that I have the energy to invest myself in a new Jack.
So I guess I'm saying that if they do decide to kill Jack, I hope it's also the final season.
How would I feel about the show if Jack isn't a part of it? Would I remain loyal to it? Am I really so callous as to not even give new characters - even a new "Jack" a chance? I'll be honest and say I am not sure.
Part of the appeal of the show for me has been Jack's emotional struggle, the pathos of Jack. I've been with him as he lost his wife, struggled to hold onto his only daughter, save the world a bunch of times, lose girlfriends, friends. I've watched him come back from the dead, suffer a multitude of taser jolts, broken bones, bruises.
In short I'm fully invested in Jack's life. The heart of the show is Jack and his struggles - his heroism and sacrifices. I don't know that I have the energy to invest myself in a new Jack.
So I guess I'm saying that if they do decide to kill Jack, I hope it's also the final season.
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Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Press release
I got this press release in my email from Titan Publishing. I don't really know why because I'm just a girl with a blog, but I figured since they were nice enough to send it to me the least I could do was post it. It's kind of cool news anyway for 24 fans so here you go:
TITAN BOOKS COUNTS DOWN TO PUBLICATION OF 24 COMPANION
The longest day of Jack Bauer’s life is good news for Titan Books! An established publisher in the categories of film, TV and popular culture, Titan Books has acquired from Fox Licensing & Merchandising, World English Language publishing rights to the first official full colour companion to 24.
For the past four years, millions of viewers have avidly followed Jack Bauer’s adventures, hour by hour, minute by minute, as the series became famous for its labyrinthine plots, thrilling action and nail-biting suspense. Now, for the first time, 24’s legions of fans can go behind the scenes of this unique show, with 24: The Official Companion Seasons 1 and 2 (Titan Books; 23 June 2006; ISBN: 1-84576-313-0). The guide will offer in-depth episode breakdowns, unseen photographs, and exclusive new interviews with the cast and crew of 24. Plans for a further volume to cover Seasons 3 and 4 are also in the works, although no publication date has been scheduled.
24, an action-filled programme that traces one day in the life of Special Agent Jack Bauer of the Los Angeles branch of CTU (Counter-Terrorist Unit), was an immediate smash-hit. In its premiere season in the US, 24 ranked in the Top 5 rated television series among adults 25-54 and was the #1 rated series for Fox Broadcasting Company. Continuing its success, the series delivered its best ratings ever in Season 4, which drew 20% more viewers than the previous season. In the UK, 24 on Sky One ranks at the top of all programmes on satellite television. The series has also won multiple Emmy Awards, and Kiefer Sutherland’s portrayal of Jack Bauer won him a Golden Globe Award in 2001.
Titan Books also publishes a 24 graphic novel in the UK and Ireland (Titan Books; ISBN: 1-84576-220-7), an exciting collection that mixes photorealistic art with three all new stories ripped from tomorrow’s headlines.
TITAN BOOKS COUNTS DOWN TO PUBLICATION OF 24 COMPANION
The longest day of Jack Bauer’s life is good news for Titan Books! An established publisher in the categories of film, TV and popular culture, Titan Books has acquired from Fox Licensing & Merchandising, World English Language publishing rights to the first official full colour companion to 24.
For the past four years, millions of viewers have avidly followed Jack Bauer’s adventures, hour by hour, minute by minute, as the series became famous for its labyrinthine plots, thrilling action and nail-biting suspense. Now, for the first time, 24’s legions of fans can go behind the scenes of this unique show, with 24: The Official Companion Seasons 1 and 2 (Titan Books; 23 June 2006; ISBN: 1-84576-313-0). The guide will offer in-depth episode breakdowns, unseen photographs, and exclusive new interviews with the cast and crew of 24. Plans for a further volume to cover Seasons 3 and 4 are also in the works, although no publication date has been scheduled.
24, an action-filled programme that traces one day in the life of Special Agent Jack Bauer of the Los Angeles branch of CTU (Counter-Terrorist Unit), was an immediate smash-hit. In its premiere season in the US, 24 ranked in the Top 5 rated television series among adults 25-54 and was the #1 rated series for Fox Broadcasting Company. Continuing its success, the series delivered its best ratings ever in Season 4, which drew 20% more viewers than the previous season. In the UK, 24 on Sky One ranks at the top of all programmes on satellite television. The series has also won multiple Emmy Awards, and Kiefer Sutherland’s portrayal of Jack Bauer won him a Golden Globe Award in 2001.
Titan Books also publishes a 24 graphic novel in the UK and Ireland (Titan Books; ISBN: 1-84576-220-7), an exciting collection that mixes photorealistic art with three all new stories ripped from tomorrow’s headlines.
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Again?
In my daze last night I completely forgot to mention the coming of the next wave of beaurocratic assholes - Home Security. I didn't catch names of these people but towards the end of the hour they were on their way to CTU to "take over" because of the attack and create yet another roadblock for Jack to get past before he can do his job.
Let's take a look at the pattern of red tape that encircles these government offices and then let's ponder in amazement at the fact they can get *anything* done at all:
The first year saw George Mason acting the prick and doing his best (under orders from Chappelle I think) to prevent Jack from doing his job. Followed by Tony himself blocking Jack and then Alberta Green - all trying to work by the book and thus was the start of the fan outcry of "For God's sake just let Jack what Jack does best and everyone will be saved you freaking idiots!"
The next year it was Chappelle and Brad Hammond and a small parade of morons around the President who kept Jack from helping people.
I've got to run to a meeting in a minute but you get my point. There has to come a point in time where you say, "Enough is enough." I thought the tide might be turning when Buchanan came on board and seemed to grasp the concept of knowing you sometimes have to bend or break the law to get results when the results involve saving countless lives. But I guess the writers et. al. on the show are going to run with this plotline. Again.
Let's take a look at the pattern of red tape that encircles these government offices and then let's ponder in amazement at the fact they can get *anything* done at all:
The first year saw George Mason acting the prick and doing his best (under orders from Chappelle I think) to prevent Jack from doing his job. Followed by Tony himself blocking Jack and then Alberta Green - all trying to work by the book and thus was the start of the fan outcry of "For God's sake just let Jack what Jack does best and everyone will be saved you freaking idiots!"
The next year it was Chappelle and Brad Hammond and a small parade of morons around the President who kept Jack from helping people.
I've got to run to a meeting in a minute but you get my point. There has to come a point in time where you say, "Enough is enough." I thought the tide might be turning when Buchanan came on board and seemed to grasp the concept of knowing you sometimes have to bend or break the law to get results when the results involve saving countless lives. But I guess the writers et. al. on the show are going to run with this plotline. Again.
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Monday, March 13, 2006
Son of a bitch.
Sonofamotherfuckingbitch.
I love how this show continually knocks me on my ass and thank you writers of 24 for proving once and for all that I can't make predictions for this show to save my own life.
Jeez.
I have sat here for about 15 minutes now trying to sort my thoughts into some kind of rational order but it ain't happening. This recap may be somewhat scattershot.
So... The gang is stuck in a conference room. I have to give credit too because it's amazing to me that they can make such a "GUH!" hour out of being stuck in a room. Chloe has gone fetal after watching Edgar die and Ponyboy (whom I TOTALLY did not recognize last week - he has suffered from Mark Hamill-dom) pretty much bugged the hell out of Jack the whole episode.
The terrorist Bierko has sent out his thugs to various places with the canisters and the president is cracking. Well, cracking more than usual. His vice-president is pressuring him to declare martial law - a move Novick and Martha feel is the wrong thing to do. In a moment between man and wife, Logan tears up and admits to his wife that he doesn't think he can take much more of this. With a resigned look on her face, as if she knows she's going to have to bear most of the burden for him, she takes his hand and lets him know he hasn't lost her. It seemed to help but I couldn't help but recall how much stronger Palmer was. And as my daughter said, "And he had a whackjob for a wife too!"
I miss Palmer :(
The main focus tonight was on Jack and company as they try to figure out how to keep the investigation going. Henderson made it to a safe room before they were sealed off and it just happened to be where Tony was. McGill and a security guy (with a red shirt) were in a holding room that was safe and in the conference room we have Jack, Audrey, Kim and Barry (Ponyboy), Chloe and I think a couple of other nameless CTU employees. Buchanan - I think - was in another safe room but I can't recall if he was alone or if was in the conference room or what. My brain's still processing everything so forgive me if I have some placements wrong. Doesn't really matter anyway.
But as I mentioned earlier, Chloe was in shock at seeing Edgar die. Even Jack can't convince her to get back in the saddle and pull up some schematics. So Barry offers to try and help her because he's a clinical psychologist. He calms her a little. But at some point he crosses a line when Jack tries to talk to Kim. (Please forgive me because I'm a little fuzzy on what exactly happened and my VCR crapped out during the 'previously's.) Jack goes off on Barry and gets him in a chokehold. The look on his face was priceless. You could see the contempt oozing from his pores. Loved it. But the dramatics finally shake Chloe out of her daze and she gets to work trying to figure out how to clear the air.
Throughout this episode I believe we caught glimpses of Jack's tough exterior cracking too. Cracks in the armour as one thing after another goes wrong. Kim rejects him because she believes bad things always happen when he's around. Simplistic but true. I can't put myself in her shoes, but I know if I had a second chance with my parents I'd jump at it. Kim's rejection hit Jack hard. As Jack stares out the window at the dead bodies littering the once bustling CTU floor, Audrey comes over to ask if he's okay. "No." he says simply. Crack.
Then comes the news from Chloe that the seals are beginning to deteriorate because of some kind of acidic agent in the nerve gas. She believes she can use the air conditioning vents to clear the air but there's some computer somewhere that has some kind of computery glitch on it preventing that from happening.
The only way to stop the seal breaking down and clear the air is for Jack to monkey bar through the walls - through a contaminated area mind you - to get to the offending computer. Am I the only one who held their breath during that scene just to see if I could hold it as long as Jack? I am? Oh, well don't tell anyone I did okay?
But he was thwarted by a bunch of jail cell bars in the wall. Jack's holding his breath and trying to find some way to get to that computer that he can see but not touch. But he had to give up trying or pass out. He makes it back to the conference room despairing. But they learn that McGill is in the holding room near the computer.
McGill has admitted to the redshirt that this is all his fault because he was too embarrassed to admit he got beat up for his wallet. Redshirt is understandably contemptuous of him. But when Jack tells Lynn he can save everyone by getting to that computer, he sees redemption. At a cost. If he goes to the computer he will break the seal in the holding room and the gas will penetrate. There is no way he or the redshirt can be saved.
Jack is in anguish at not being able to make the sacrifice himself and you can tell he hates having to ask someone else to save him but there's no choice. McGill resigns himself to it. Redshirt is not so happy but after an emotional call to his family, they hold their breath as McGill gets to the computer, releases the hold on it and goes back to the holding cell.
Why could he not get to a room with some gas masks? Too far away?
I digress. The redshirt gasps for breath first and for a brief moment he thought he would live. Then the gas hit him and he spasms til he dies as Lynn looks on still holding his breath. He doesn't want to let it go knowing what will happen. But the body is a weird thing and with resignation written all over him, he releases his breath. A few gasps later (I almost felt like he was savouring those few breaths) the spasms hit him and those in the conference room looked on in horror as they watched the man who saved them and redeemed himself die a horrible, painful death.
And as if that wasn't enough...
Throughout the hour, Tony fought his own battle between his desire to avenge Michelle's death and the knowledge that doing so would endanger thousands of other innocents. With Henderson near him refusing to give up any info despite the liquid torture from another agent in the room, Jack convinces Tony to let it play out. He mentioned Terri which might have helped Tony put a hold on his emotions - for a while.
But in the end, when Tony saw that torture on Henderson was useless because he fell into a coma, Tony knocked out the agent with them and prepared a dose of something apparently lethal. I thought he'd shot him but I guess not. As he holds the needle over Henderson's chest, Henderson grabs Tony's wrist and plunges the needle into Tony's chest and escapes.
And as Jack enters that room (because the air has been cleared and it's safe to move around the building) he sees his friend, one of the few true friends Jack has, on the floor. Jack takes Tony in his arms and holds him as he dies. Tony's final moments are peaceful for him because he knows he won't have to deal with the pain of losing Michelle and maybe in some way they can be together again. It was a beautiful moment - for Tony.
For Jack it was pure anguish as his friend died in his arms.
Tick. *sniffle* boom.
Bye Tony.
I love how this show continually knocks me on my ass and thank you writers of 24 for proving once and for all that I can't make predictions for this show to save my own life.
Jeez.
I have sat here for about 15 minutes now trying to sort my thoughts into some kind of rational order but it ain't happening. This recap may be somewhat scattershot.
So... The gang is stuck in a conference room. I have to give credit too because it's amazing to me that they can make such a "GUH!" hour out of being stuck in a room. Chloe has gone fetal after watching Edgar die and Ponyboy (whom I TOTALLY did not recognize last week - he has suffered from Mark Hamill-dom) pretty much bugged the hell out of Jack the whole episode.
The terrorist Bierko has sent out his thugs to various places with the canisters and the president is cracking. Well, cracking more than usual. His vice-president is pressuring him to declare martial law - a move Novick and Martha feel is the wrong thing to do. In a moment between man and wife, Logan tears up and admits to his wife that he doesn't think he can take much more of this. With a resigned look on her face, as if she knows she's going to have to bear most of the burden for him, she takes his hand and lets him know he hasn't lost her. It seemed to help but I couldn't help but recall how much stronger Palmer was. And as my daughter said, "And he had a whackjob for a wife too!"
I miss Palmer :(
The main focus tonight was on Jack and company as they try to figure out how to keep the investigation going. Henderson made it to a safe room before they were sealed off and it just happened to be where Tony was. McGill and a security guy (with a red shirt) were in a holding room that was safe and in the conference room we have Jack, Audrey, Kim and Barry (Ponyboy), Chloe and I think a couple of other nameless CTU employees. Buchanan - I think - was in another safe room but I can't recall if he was alone or if was in the conference room or what. My brain's still processing everything so forgive me if I have some placements wrong. Doesn't really matter anyway.
But as I mentioned earlier, Chloe was in shock at seeing Edgar die. Even Jack can't convince her to get back in the saddle and pull up some schematics. So Barry offers to try and help her because he's a clinical psychologist. He calms her a little. But at some point he crosses a line when Jack tries to talk to Kim. (Please forgive me because I'm a little fuzzy on what exactly happened and my VCR crapped out during the 'previously's.) Jack goes off on Barry and gets him in a chokehold. The look on his face was priceless. You could see the contempt oozing from his pores. Loved it. But the dramatics finally shake Chloe out of her daze and she gets to work trying to figure out how to clear the air.
Throughout this episode I believe we caught glimpses of Jack's tough exterior cracking too. Cracks in the armour as one thing after another goes wrong. Kim rejects him because she believes bad things always happen when he's around. Simplistic but true. I can't put myself in her shoes, but I know if I had a second chance with my parents I'd jump at it. Kim's rejection hit Jack hard. As Jack stares out the window at the dead bodies littering the once bustling CTU floor, Audrey comes over to ask if he's okay. "No." he says simply. Crack.
Then comes the news from Chloe that the seals are beginning to deteriorate because of some kind of acidic agent in the nerve gas. She believes she can use the air conditioning vents to clear the air but there's some computer somewhere that has some kind of computery glitch on it preventing that from happening.
The only way to stop the seal breaking down and clear the air is for Jack to monkey bar through the walls - through a contaminated area mind you - to get to the offending computer. Am I the only one who held their breath during that scene just to see if I could hold it as long as Jack? I am? Oh, well don't tell anyone I did okay?
But he was thwarted by a bunch of jail cell bars in the wall. Jack's holding his breath and trying to find some way to get to that computer that he can see but not touch. But he had to give up trying or pass out. He makes it back to the conference room despairing. But they learn that McGill is in the holding room near the computer.
McGill has admitted to the redshirt that this is all his fault because he was too embarrassed to admit he got beat up for his wallet. Redshirt is understandably contemptuous of him. But when Jack tells Lynn he can save everyone by getting to that computer, he sees redemption. At a cost. If he goes to the computer he will break the seal in the holding room and the gas will penetrate. There is no way he or the redshirt can be saved.
Jack is in anguish at not being able to make the sacrifice himself and you can tell he hates having to ask someone else to save him but there's no choice. McGill resigns himself to it. Redshirt is not so happy but after an emotional call to his family, they hold their breath as McGill gets to the computer, releases the hold on it and goes back to the holding cell.
Why could he not get to a room with some gas masks? Too far away?
I digress. The redshirt gasps for breath first and for a brief moment he thought he would live. Then the gas hit him and he spasms til he dies as Lynn looks on still holding his breath. He doesn't want to let it go knowing what will happen. But the body is a weird thing and with resignation written all over him, he releases his breath. A few gasps later (I almost felt like he was savouring those few breaths) the spasms hit him and those in the conference room looked on in horror as they watched the man who saved them and redeemed himself die a horrible, painful death.
And as if that wasn't enough...
Throughout the hour, Tony fought his own battle between his desire to avenge Michelle's death and the knowledge that doing so would endanger thousands of other innocents. With Henderson near him refusing to give up any info despite the liquid torture from another agent in the room, Jack convinces Tony to let it play out. He mentioned Terri which might have helped Tony put a hold on his emotions - for a while.
But in the end, when Tony saw that torture on Henderson was useless because he fell into a coma, Tony knocked out the agent with them and prepared a dose of something apparently lethal. I thought he'd shot him but I guess not. As he holds the needle over Henderson's chest, Henderson grabs Tony's wrist and plunges the needle into Tony's chest and escapes.
And as Jack enters that room (because the air has been cleared and it's safe to move around the building) he sees his friend, one of the few true friends Jack has, on the floor. Jack takes Tony in his arms and holds him as he dies. Tony's final moments are peaceful for him because he knows he won't have to deal with the pain of losing Michelle and maybe in some way they can be together again. It was a beautiful moment - for Tony.
For Jack it was pure anguish as his friend died in his arms.
Tick. *sniffle* boom.
Bye Tony.
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Liveblogging. Phhbt.
I decided against liveblogging during the show. I just can't type fast enough to keep up :) Anyway I might miss some vital bit of info.
Someone asked me who I expect will bite the dust this week. After explaining to him that I will have to kill him if he tries to tell me what he saw in the previews last week, I said I doubt anyone will be buying it tonight - unless it's a thug or redshirt-type. I think Edgar was the big death for a little while.
I can't remember though - did Palmer get a silent clock?
Someone asked me who I expect will bite the dust this week. After explaining to him that I will have to kill him if he tries to tell me what he saw in the previews last week, I said I doubt anyone will be buying it tonight - unless it's a thug or redshirt-type. I think Edgar was the big death for a little while.
I can't remember though - did Palmer get a silent clock?
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