Before I get into my thoughts on the return of 24, I think it’s important to note a few things. There was a time not so long ago that TV and were merely acquaintances. I wouldn’t say that we broke up because there were a few shows I was still watching on the regular, but my full on, life-long passion for television was at an all time low. It wasn’t a break up. Let’s call it a sabbatical. It was a brief, but a man named Jack Bauer brought us back together.
Although I was content with 24 ending back in 2010 and thought it had a good run, I was thrilled to hear it was returning for 12 more episodes. To celebrate the return of my old friend Jack Bauer, I’m going to do a little recap of each episode in what I’m going to refer to as “The Good, The Bad, and The Kickass.”
Let’s get started with 24: Live Another Day‘s first and second episodes, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
The Good
- Jack Bauer … duh! Of course I am thrilled to have Jack back on my TV. He’s resurfaced in London under much different circumstances, is wanted as a traitor to the USA, but has come out of hiding to help an old friend, which brings me to …
- Jack coming to Chloe’s rescue! Chloe went to prison for helping Jack and is now working with a rogue group of hacktivists. When captured by the CIA, Jack gets captured so he can set her free. I’ve always loved their relationship. And Jack’s reaction to Chloe hotwiring a car was priceless! They’re like one of the best platonic duos out there!
- Yvonne Strahovski’s return to the CIA — albeit in another TV universe. Her character intrigues me, especially since she may be the most like Jack.
- Michelle Fairley is on my TV! And I think she’s not one of the good guys. What is she up to?
- Tate Donovan is delightful when he’s being all shady and deceptive. He’s working with President Heller (yes, that Heller) and married to the first part of my “Bad” list.
The Bad
- Audrey Raines … er … Heller … er now Boudreau. I was never a fan of that character. Maybe these 12 episodes will change how I feel about her, and maybe being married to the Chief of Staff will add an interesting angle, but quite honestly, I’d rather take Kim Bauer being chased by a cougar any day over more Audrey angst.
- I thought that some of the first hour was a bit too on the nose. A couple of characters are more like caricatures — like Chloe’s Girl with the Scowl Tattoo makeover — and the storyline is ripped from the headlines. But I guess it kind of keeps with 24 tradition.
The Kickass
- Jack still being able to own lie detectors and other spy equipment like a boss!
- The way Jack frees Chloe.
- The gunfight at the council house was 24 action in fine form.
- Hackers using military drones against the people who put them in the air? Frightening and intriguing!
A few other observations:
- I am by no means any kind of expert on the ins and outs of American politics, but wouldn’t it be a conflict of interest for a President’s Chief of Staff to be married to the First Daughter?
- It was 40 minutes until Jack said a word. There wasn’t even a lone “Dammit” ;p
Overall, this was a solid start and I can’t wait for more! Be sure to watch Mondays at 9/8c on FOX, and at 9pm ET/PT on Global TV in Canada.
Photo Courtesy of FOX