24 Season 7: 6AM-8AM- The Finale Quick Review

Alright, gang this is the end of Season 7. What have we learned?

1) Tony is not "evil." He intended to take down Alan Wilson, the man responsible for the deaths of his wife, Michelle, and his unborn son (and David Palmer). This is the same man who helped orchestrate the Bluetooth group, Philip and Graem Bauer and Commander-in-Thief Charles Logan. This is a lot to learn in one episode. Something tells me we'll be chewing on the remainders of this revelation next season too. But back to Tony- he plotted to take down Wilson but apparently Jack Bauer made things complicated.

If we're to take Tony's plan seriously, we have to look back at how this would have played out had Bauer never intervened. Jonas Hodges was acquiring the bioweapon on behalf of Alan Wilson. Wilson and the group intended on deploying the weapon in several months. To that end, I think Tony's actions to infiltrate the group make some degree of sense. But Tony had to prove his worth to Wilson before he could get close to him, and that required that he steal the CIP device, wreak havoc around the country and personally kill several FBI agents along the way. Whatever the justification, Tony has truly fallen. His primary goal wasn't to prevent further deaths by Wilson, but to get right in the man's face and have his revenge. Tony will likely get the death penalty for his crimes. In the real world, he would never see freedom again.

But thankfully his motives make perfect sense given the losses he's suffered. His actions are that of a man who is numb to the world and those people who were once close to him. When you have nothing to lose, as Tony said last week, what is there to hold you back from doing whatever is necessary to see out your own goals? So, no- they didn't ruin Almeida's character at all. They developed him from a once-heroic figure into a very human and suffering man. They developed him from a once-heroic figure into a very human and suffering man. And the Imam's words with Jack Bauer could have just as easily been spoken to Tony:

"We live in complex times... nothing is black and white. But I do know this- I see before me a man, with all his flaws and all his goodness... simply a man. Let us both forgive ourselves for all of the wrongs we have done."

Redemption comes from within, that's a major theme of this season.

2) Kim Bauer saved Jack Bauer. Kim, under attack at the airport, personally managed to save herself and track down the laptop one of the hitmen was carrying which led the FBI to Tony's secret hiding spot. Because Kim acted so courageously, she helped prevent Jack being used as a human hand grenade on Wilson. And at the end, she was able to give her stem cells to Dr. Macer for the experimental treatment that we all know will succeed for next season. Kim, you're a Bauer all the way.

3) Renee Walker is cut from the same kevlar as Jack. Renee and Jack had an interesting scene before Bauer is wheeled away to the hospital. She seeks advice from Jack on how to handle things moving forward. All season long, we've seen that Walker is an impulsive person, taking risks that she rationally knows are wrong. But she's also smart, capable and fearless (that "tuck 'n roll" during the shootout is a classic moment!). She's proven to be one of the best characters the writers have conjured in years. This season wins for Walker alone- and I look forward to her next character arc next season (and to learn what eventually happened in the interrogation room with Wilson).

4) Tim Woods hides under coffee tables. I'm sorry, but Secretary of Ubiquitousness
Tim Woods was in 80% of this season. Timmy was in Season 7 more than Chloe O'Brian! I hope that Tim Woods finds a private sector job as Ryan Seacrest's shadow for next season.

5) Agent Aaron Pierce is Deep Throat. The legendary Secret Service Agent put on his Nancy Drew slacks this season and helped to uncover the plot by Olivia Taylor to kill Jonas Hodges. I'm not sure how that will play out- I imagine politics may allow President Taylor to make a public case that Hodges was a scumbag of the highest order, creating some public sympathy for Olivia. But the catalyst, the key player in it all was Pierce. Had he not intervened, Olivia would have walked. I was pleased by Pierce's pivotal role.

6) Jack is in a better place now. No, Jack didn't die! Watching tonight's finale, I was thinking of the scene Jack had with Secretary Heller at the end of Season 6, where Heller tells Jack he's poisonous. I don't think that version of Jack exists anymore. Now, Jack has arrived at a place that only imminent death could have provided. I rolled my eyes at the "Jack is going to die" plot for a few weeks because we all know Jack is back next season. But what the writers did was use this plot to help Jack resolve some of those issues he was left with at the end of Season 6. This is great character work by the showrunners. I look forward to this new, reborn Jack next season. We've had the human weapon to entertain us for years. But let's see some growth here, please? This season has provided the perfect platform for that to happen.

I enjoyed the finale- I found it interesting, less action-packed than I expected, but the acting was very impressive. I like these characters a lot (except for Woods, but you know what I mean). I think the new "family" that Season 7 built is interesting and breathes new life into the show. Overall, this season was the show's redemption, in addition to Bauer's rebirth. Let's hope they don't regress next season. I highly doubt they will.

PS Stay tuned, I'm putting together another video that will be ready in a few hours (hopefully). I give you my word, it's going to make you giggle like the Pillsbury Doughboy on crack.

24 Season 7: 12AM-1AM Quick Review

Okay, I know the answer to this round to 24: Clue! It was Jonas Hodges, in the Chairman's Office with a crystal decanter! Did I get it right?


Holy mother, did they bring in the pressure tonight! On all fronts things got worse for Jack & Co. Tonight's episode was sure-footed writing and plotting- I am officially "over" Season 6. "24" is back at full strength. I am sorry for doubting you guys for so long.

Let's get the quick rundown:

1) Jack Bauer has mad cow disease for real now. Last week, he was walking about, acting fairly normal, etc. But tonight, Jack started to finally exhibit symptoms of the mad cow. We at the Blogs4Bauer liveblog had a "MOOOOOOOO!!!" chant going everytime Jack winced, fell down or started writhing in pain. It was all great fun. I suggest you "moooo" at your TV next week when we get more of the same.

2) Hodges is the best villain this show has had in a long time, perhaps ever. Nina is the premier baddie because she got to kill Jack's wife, but Hodges would have cooked Teri Bauer up with fava beans, etc. if he had a chance. He is a raving psycho, but he's so good at it that you can't help respecting him. He took the President's lunch money and she could do nothing about it. AND he invites himself to the Oval Office for tea and cookies. Hats off, man. And Jon Voight... he's the master. This may be his best role in years.

3) Exeunt Moss. Larry was starting to become a player in the plot, but like with most things in his life (dating Renee, running a mole-free FBI office) he screws up royally. After the standoff at Starkwood peters out, Moss runs back to his whirly-bird and we don't see him again for the rest of the episode. Maybe he's at Sonic picking up some shakes for his overworked team. That would be nice, Larry. Make mine a chocolate shake.

4) The Olivia Taylor/Scumbag Ken stuff was wretched. And in retrospect, was it really necessary? I don't think so... (Brannon, I'm blaming you).

5) There's still a mole at the White House. Secretary of Homeland Security Tim Woods, I'm looking at you, Sparky.

6) Tony Almeida is a killing machine. And next week looks like Zombie Tony will feast on many more brains! Nothing can stop him. And he's got a Tony Sack too! Stay tuned for something on that later in the week.

24 Season 7: Jack Bauer Chick Flick "First Hearts"

What if the producers of "24" decided to re-make the show into a chick flick? What if indeed! I have no clue what prompted me to make this one, but I feel dirty (especially for the Aaron Pierce/Olivia Taylor love story I cooked up).

24 Season 7: 6PM-7PM, 7PM-8PM Quick Review

I take it there's no Slomin's Shield installed at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

I was so-so on this two-parter for it's utterly ridiculous plot (come on, why would General Juma put himself in this situation, personally invading the White House? Not even Idi Amin would try that!) but then the very last scene with Allison Taylor giving herself up happened, and I thought "Well, that's a cool development."

There were legitimate thrills tonight- starting with Jack using a TASER on a White House phone and ending with the good guys being completely screwed. So, yeah, I still think the writers got their hands on too many tubes of glue when they put this two-parter together, but it's obvious that they were trying to reach the moment described above-- by any means necessary. Here were my favorite moments:

1) Jack having a professional chit-chat with Buchanan while tying him up. Jack drops the armed guard with a Judo-chop and restrains Bill in ten seconds-flat, and all Bill asks is "how good is your intel on this new threat?" These guys have had their arguments already, now it's all about getting the job done. Excellent character work, guys.

2) Agent Pierce being a badass, despite coming out of retirement. You know, I imagine Aaron Pierce sitting at the dog track, watching his days slip away, and deep down he's wondering "when the heck am I gonna get to shoot somebody?" And then that magical call came from Buchanan a few hours earlier, making the old veteran's life worthwhile again. I will never be as good at anything as Agent Pierce is at being a badass. And neither will you. We belong on the sidelines at the dog track. Pierce belongs in the game. Tonight proved it yet again.

3) Agent Walker is amphibious. Renee Walker is getting better with each episode. I expect her to become a reliable badass in her own right as this season develops. She just needs to learn how to not drop all of her shit in the water. That would have saved a lot of lives if she just kept her cell phone dry. Oh well!

4) Jonas Hodges (Jon Voight) makes his first appearance! And Hodges eats with chopsticks and plays darts alone. Who is this guy? He's full of strange wisdom too ("Stress is the fertilizer of creativity!"). Hodges has some major potential as a villain. And, come on- it's Jon Voight!

Sure, tonight's 2-parter wasn't as tightly written as last week's masterpiece. But let's see where this leads next week (which looks to be extremely violent). And don't forget- Tony is still out there, lurking, learning and ready to strike at any moment.

24 Season 7: 6PM-7PM Sneak Preview: Aaron Sorkin's "24"

Since so much of Season 7 takes place in the White House, wouldn't it be amusing (or "absurd") to imagine Aaron Sorkin returning to his "West Wing" roots to write tonight's episode of "24"? Too much political cross-breeding, you say? Bah! We're doing this for comedy's sake. Enjoy!

Jack Bauer enters the Oval Office to find President Allison Taylor and Chief of Staff Ethan Kanin discussing something with Bill Buchanan.

JACK: Madame President, we need to move you and your staff to a safe room.

TAYLOR: Ah, the urgency of our unemployed former federal agent, Jack Bauer. Mr. Bauer, should I be concerned that the Oval Office of the White House is no longer considered safe?

JACK: That's exactly what I'm telling you.

TAYLOR: Have the British returned to finish the War of 1812? Mr. Kanin, please recall our Ambassador to the United Kingdom immediately.

JACK: With all due, respect, what are you talking about?

TAYLOR: And notify the local fire brigade that a gang of redcoats is trying to set fire to the residence.

JACK: You are the target of a terrorist plot! You need to evacuate to a secure location immediately!

KANIN: This, Jack, is why you have a reputation for being a pain in the ass.

JACK: Are you people high? Terrorists are going to kick down the front gate in a matter of minutes and you're getting cute?

TAYLOR: Do you know that Teddy Roosevelt conceived of this Oval Office and West Wing in 1903? I wonder how TR would react to a guy in sweatpants bursting into this room telling the President that he was being "cute."

KANIN: I'm sure in 1903 "cute" had some alternative old-timey meaning. Like how everyone in a good mood said they were "gay."

TAYLOR: Tell that to the Joint Chiefs!

Taylor and Kanin continue their idle banter as Jack walks over to Bill Buchanan.

JACK (whispers): Bill, what's going on with these two?

BUCHANAN: They've become insufferable, I know. They've been one-upping one another for the past twenty minutes, it's like watching "Jeopardy" but without the beeping noises.

JACK: General Juma is on his way, if we can't get them out of here before then, we're going to lose control of this situation fast.

BUCHANAN: I've got an idea...

Buchanan walks to Taylor and Kanin who are still yapping.

TAYLOR (to Kanin):.. and Andrew Jackson kept this 2-ton block of cheese in the White House, allowing any visitor who so desired to take a piece. See my point?

KANIN: Your irrelevant anecdote just clarified the challanges facing our gun control legislation. Thank you.

BUCHANAN: I'm sorry to interrupt- uhh, there's a roundtable discussion with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Charlie Rose, Henry Kissinger and Bob Dylan taking place in the emergency bunker right now. Should I have the staff tell them to leave?

TAYLOR: NO! Tell the staff I'm going down to the bunker personally to engage with these intellectual giants.

KANIN: Right behind you, boss!

Taylor and Kanin get into the elevator to go to the bunker.

JACK (to Bill): I think you oversold it a little, Bill. I would have just said there was a stack of New Yorker magazines and some pomegranate juice.

BUCHANAN: Leave the politics to me, Jack. Now, let's go kill some bad guys.

24 Season 7: 4PM-5PM Quick Review

All hail Aaron Pierce!

Now, onto the not-so-awesome things from tonight's episode (namely everything not involving Aaron Pierce).

1) Ike "E-kay" Dubaku is a virgin-- it's the only rationale I can come up with that would explain his stupid puppy-love for Marika the cute (but not dazzling) lasagna-slinging waitress. I mean, the writers wouldn't force a cold-blooded, efficient killer to act like a complete moron for the sake of a convenient plot development, right? RIGHT?! Dammit!

2) Sean Hillinger is not a virgin- he's a dirty, filthy whore (which we already knew) and oh yeah, he's THE MOLE! How. Freakin'. Obvious. I'm sorry, but Hillinger being the mole is like me eating a tray full of brownies in a sitting-- there's no drama to it- it's too predictable of an outcome! As of now, I am very letdown by this entire subplot... and I want brownies too!

3) Larry and Renee need to stop talking for the next 16 hours. Larry's boyscout nonsense is a major buzzkill. And the preview for next week's episode (with Renee scolding Jack for being such a badass) makes me want to punt a baby penguin. PLEASE guys, stop with this crisis of conscience melodrama. We've been through this shit dozens of times over the past few seasons. Jack killed Ryan Chapelle because a terrorist told him so! "The ends justify the means" has always been this show's philosophy. If you don't accept it as a form of entertainment, then go watch the Hallmark Channel or some other crap. This is "24"-- people do terrible things for a greater good all of the time.

4) Allison Taylor cracked-- I get that we need to see her being human, but I think her behavior strains credibility. I don't think Taylor is being unreasonable in going to see her husband, but I think the way she's going about it is silly. Letting Bill Buchanan make all of her decisions for her sounds reasonable to us 24-fans, but she comes off as being a complete pushover.

Needless to say, I disliked the writing for this episode. I can take the set-up episode once in a while, but what kills me is when characters act foolishly across the board. And two episodes without Tony!!! He better be building an A-Team style tank out of empty coffee cans and old pizza boxes. This show needs a kick in the ass, and fast.

P.S. I'm too cranky to finish the 24: DMV post tonight. We'll tackle that one tomorrow!

Valentine's Day For Jack and Renee: A "24" Picture Book!

You know the drill- we take pictures and twist the context into something insane. This week, in light of Valentine's Day, we have a vignette that Haley helped to inspire: President Taylor and the First Gentlemen each are planning something special for their significant other. That's where things go terribly wrong...

"Madame President, my name is Bill Buchanan. I used to work for CTU, as you know. Because the job market is so poor for ex-torturers and bureaucrats, I've parlayed my government experience into a freelancing sex therapy business-- turns out this town is full of potential clients. My associates here will help demonstrate some groundbreaking techniques for you and your husband to test out this Valentine's Day."

"Momma don't need no love-making lessons! Get my husband in here, he's the one that needs the instructional course."

"Yeah, the husband. Um, Jack do you want to tell the President where Mr. Taylor is?"


"Madame President... our intelligence suggests that your constant taunting of the First Gentleman's lack of virility has driven him to an underground sex club. He's there now, learning some really freaky business."

"He left home without me packing his juicebox and lunch?!? Get him on the phone now."

Moments later...

(President Taylor's voice on phone): "HENRY! Are you crazy? I'm worried sick about you. Do you have your asthma inhaler? Are you lost? Go to the first police officer you can find and tell him where you live."

"Um, I think I walked into a mafia card game or something, honey."

"Card game? Sweety, you can't even play solitaire. Get your tush back to the White House and you and I are going to have a long talk about boundaries and responsibilities!" (pushes button to end call).

"You're in for 6 large to us, pal. You think you can roll up in here and walk away without having to pay the vig? Take his motherf@#$*ing finger off!"

"I just wanna watch Spongebob!"

"If it's all the same, we're on the clock. So, do you want us to do a couple of quick demonstrations for when your husband gets back later?"

"Well not too quick... why don't YOU come over here."

"Renee, I'm going to be picturing something else to get me through this one..."
"Jack, you're the bravest man I know."
"Copy that!"

One minute and 32 seconds later...

"You tell Bill Buchanan I'll be in the car-- scrubbing vigorously."

"Mr. Bauer, wait! The President wants to give you the Presidential Medal of Freedom for your recent, if not brief, acts of loyalty to this country."

"Oh Jesus, I'm gonna throw up."
"Just look at my chest again, Jack. It'll be okay."

Meanwhile...


"MOMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

24 Season 7: 3PM-4PM Quick Review

Let's get one thing out of the way: I hate Larry Moss.

Yeah, I know, we're supposed to hate the guy, he's the stickler, etc. But my hatred goes beyond that level. I think Moss is bad for the show. He doesn't advance the plot, he is constantly making pathetic arguments for the status quo. And for the life of me, he is the worst-written character so far. His little standoff with Jack on the Mall was moronic. And then he throws the car keys at Jack in frustration. Are we really going there, 24? Unless Moss is the mole (which I doubt) his character is worthless and should be removed from the mix as soon as possible.

Now, I did enjoy this episode in spite of Moss' heavy presence. Jack was in full-stride tonight, killing people like the pro that he is. Agent Walker had a mildly annoying turn when she was wrestling with her morals at the Vossler residence. But again, she commits herself to the mission and makes what we fans of "24" deem the "hero's choice."

It was interesting to watch Jack have to remind himself that Walker is new to this all-out mayhem. She has been keeping pace with Bauer and Co. for the past few episodes (even after "flatlining," sorry Kiefer, I couldn't resist). So it makes sense that she have a moment's hesitation. I think her character is paying dramatic dividends early, and I hope she continues to remain a strong ally.

President Taylor is showing some guts too, making it clear to her team that she will not surrender her principles to terrorists holding her skeletal husband hostage. And I dug how Bill Buchanan all but sat in her seat, running the field ops from the Oval Office speakerphone. Bill, one day you'll be President, don't you worry.

The Ike Dubaku stuff got a little muddled this hour. His girlfriend has a sister who's onto him. And of course, Dubaku has to put his months-in-the-making terror plot on hold to take care of this problem (sigh). Haven't any of these badguys watched HEAT? "Don't let yourself get attached to anything you are not willing to walk out on in 30 seconds flat if you feel the heat around the corner." I mean come on, I work in a dull office job and I know the rules of (dis)engagement!

And we have the return of this new Jack Sack. I promise to give it some visual scrutiny this week (get ready for me, Nat!). If there's anything substantial to report on the manpurse, you can count on me bringing it to you.

Next week looks solid (THE MOLE WILL BE REVEALED!)-- hopefully the kill count stays high and Larry Moss gets lost in a Smithsonian or something.

24 Season 7: 1PM-2PM Quick Review

Okay, now this is 24!

1) Horrific acts of terror: Terrorist Dubaku (the Wookie) decided it was time to finally act on his promises of death and mayhem by causing the mid-air collision of two airplanes over Washington, D.C. What did President Taylor do in response? Well...

2) Ass-Kicking President: Alison Taylor put down her foot finally! After 5 episodes of conference calls, Taylor decides to do something, and that thing is to defy Dubaku's demands to withdraw U.S. forces from Sangala's borders and to remain in position to topple the corrupt dictator. Sean Callery (composer) even hooked her up with some hero music.

3) Tony and Jack: The Brotherhood of Bullets! Things got violent early for these two. Emerson's suspicions push him to confront Jack and Tony and... well Emerson left that conversation with a couple of bullets. And it was revealed that Emerson was an associate of Christopher Henderson. Why, upon learning this, didn't Tony immediately kill Emerson right then and there is a mystery to me (Henderson helped kill Tony's lovely Michelle). Bah! It's all good, Emerson found a way to end up dead anyway... or did he?

4) Bill and Chloe: The Old Guard Still Got It! I want a show with Bill and Chloe where they put together motorcycles or some other thingamajigs. Watching those two work together is excellent television. And I love the "Pulp Fiction" needle nod when they revived Renee Walker. Speaking of which...

5) Guilt trips: Renee Walker was unaware of Jack's good intentions, I stand corrected (I thought she was hip to the plan and played off being angry). No, the girl was genuinely pissed off at Jack, laying it on heavy ("You SHOT me!") Lady, have you any clue how many times Jack has shot his friends and co-workers? And back at FBI headquarters, not-so-subtle Larry Moss is having a panic attack over losing his "maybe-sorta" girlfriend, Renee. He lays into Hillinger pretty nice. Ah, I love this show.

6) High body count: 24 isn't doing its job unless it "ties off loose ends" as one character put it in this episode. I love how this show is unafraid of ending a character's run. Last week's episode was ridiculously tame. Last night's episode made up for that big-time.

So, next week looks to be another high-body count extravaganza. And hopefully the FBI mole is revealed. Any guesses on who's the mole?

Renee Walker Tracks Down a Rare DVD- A "24" Picture Book!

The Jack Sack's tradition of translating "24" into fun adventures for the whole family continues!

"Honey, maybe we can stay in tonight and rent a movie. I really want to see 'The Love Guru.'"
"Henry, I can order a tactical nuke strike at any given moment for no reason at all. Are you sure you want to fuck with me right now?"
"The Ambassador to France said she loved it, come on!"
"If you weren't such a tiger in the sack... okay. Call it in."


"Hello, Library of Congress? Yes, this is the First Gentleman. I'm calling for a copy of the 2008 comedy hit 'The Love Guru.' (pause) You don't have a copy? (pause) Get it from Mike Meyers? You kidding me?!"


"Hey, manservant! Call the FBI- we need to track down comic-actor Mike Meyers. My romantic evening with the President has just gone critical."

Minutes later...


"Yeah, it's confirmed. Paramount Pictures ordered the destruction of all copies of the movie shortly after its release. They even hired a group of ex-military elites to eliminate Mike Meyers."
"You think they would have done the deed after 'The Cat in the Hat.' Alright, we need to get this guy right away!"


"Bauer, you and Agent Walker have your orders- get the DVD from Mike Meyers- torture him if you have to."
"Like make that prick watch his own movies?"

In the car...


"Jack, how do we find Mike Meyers?"
"Follow the trail of people not laughing."
"Was- uh was that a joke?"
"It's the last good one you're gonna hear all morning."

At last, they get their man:

"Mike Meyers, I'm Special Agent Renee Walker with the FBI. We're here to take you into protective custody. We will also need you to bring the last remaining copy of 'The Love Guru' with you."
"NO WAY!"

"Way."

"Hey Meyers, I heard your wife dumped your ass and took all your money."
"Wait a minute, that means I'm single again. OH BEHAVE!"
"Jack, don't encourage him... he's really annoying the shit out of me."


"Before I give you the last copy of my movie, I want to know why you've come to get it. Are you going to destroy 'The Love Guru' like the others?"

"I think your screenplay did a pretty good job of that already."

"All I have to say is 'assphinctersayswhat.'"

(silence)

"Your partner is a babe! She's magically babealicious! In Latin she'd be called 'babeia majora.' If she were president, she would be 'Baberaham Linco-'"

"GIVE ME THE DVD!"

Moments later...

"Jesus, Jack, that was aggravating."
"I didn't think you were going to kill him, Renee."
"Yeah, well I heard 'Austin Powers 4' was in preproduction, I had to act fast."
"Copy THAT!"

Back at the White House:

"Pardon me, Madame President. The FBI just called, they weren't able to get the DVD. And Mike Meyers is... well he's dead, ma'am."
"Good. Get the names of the Agents involved and line them up for Presidential Medals of Freedom. And get me a copy of 'Die Hard 4' for tonight. I gotta do some homework on this crisis."

(Editor's note: This post is part of this year's first Carnival of Bauer!)

24 Season 7: 12PM-1PM Sneak Preview

I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but tonight's episode brings two major characters together. Some leaked script pages I found in an abandoned '73 Gran Torino reveals the following:



Bet you didn't see that plot twist coming, eh? Season 7 of "24" is a whole new bag.

24: Season 7 Hours 10AM-12PM Quick Preview (and an Overall Gut-Check).

Before tonight's 2-hour event airs at 8pm on FOX, here are a few pointers to think about while watching (SOME SPOILERS):

1) Pay close attention to Tony: You will learn a lot about what he's been through since he "died" last season. The writers have something interesting at work here- is he good or is he truly bad? I think before the season is over, that question will be up in the air more than once.

2) Janis v. Chloe! I love this setup. Just enjoy the geek-off, it's about as satisfying as "24" can get. I can't wait for them to meet face-to-face after what they go through tonight.

3) Follow the money: First Gentleman Henry Taylor is investigating his son's "suicide" and he is making fast progress in finding some answers. And, of course, there's large sums of money involved that lead to further clues, begging the next question--

4) What's this Sangala meshugaas anyways? Sangala, the fictitious country from 24: Redemption, is the center of the opening hours' plot. Here's what we know:

• Domestic terrorists (under the direction of David Emerson) are aiding Gen. Juma's control of Sangala by stealing a device that hacks the U.S.'s infrastructure systems.
  
• Gen. Juma has sent Col. Dubaku to work with Emerson on U.S. soil (Dubaku was in "Redemption" as the ruthless #2,; Bauer killed his brother at the school). Remember, Dubaku swore revenge against his brother's killer. Bauer v. Dubaku should happen soon.
  
• Prime Minister-in-exile Motobo is working the newly-minted U.S. President, appealing to her idealism in an effort to have her commit U.S. forces to overthrowing Juma and returning the country back to Motobo.
• Jonas Hodges (Jon Voight) has been laundering money through an associate in order to fund Gen. Juma's control of Sangala.
• First Son Roger Taylor was murdered for his knowledge of Hodges involvement.
• There are people within the Taylor Administration that are involved in the murder/cover-up/overall conspiracy.
  

The big question about all of this plotting is "Why?" What's going on in Sengala? What do they have, if anything, that's keeping people like Hodges involved? It can't just be diamonds. And what's Motobo's motives beyond wanting to make his country "free" again? He seems noble, but I wouldn't be surprised if he had some not-so-honorable motives. PAY CLOSE ATTENTION to what Samantha Roth (The First Son's ex) says to Roger Taylor tonight-- there are lots of clues buried there. And...

5) Does F.B.I. stand for Freckled Babe Investigator? Just wondering...


So, there you have it. Enjoy tonight's show, it's going to be very action-packed, I guarantee.

The Allison Taylor Treatment

24's new president, Allison Taylor, is already a strong character. Cherry Jones is a very likable Commander-in-Chief (not since David Palmer have we really had a chance to like any of these people in the White House). Now, I love U.S. history-- particularly those quirks involving the Presidency. One that I always found amusing was how Lyndon B. Johnson physically and emotionally manipulated lawmakers through a practice known as The Johnson Treatment (see below):


Undoubtedly, Johnson's huge personality was an over-compensation for something else. Due to genetics, however, President Allison Taylor does not suffer from such insecurity. She doesn't have to fake anything, see below:

This lady is all class.

24: Season 7 Hours 8AM-10AM- Quick review [UPDATED: Where's Chloe?]

[UPDATE]- I know many of you are wondering "Where's Chloe?"- worry not, she is definitely going to appear in Season 7. In fact, I hear she has a very interesting role this time around- you will not be disappointed.

I'll have something more "Jack Sack-ish" up in a little while, but I wanted to chime in quickly with my initial thoughts:

1) Kiefer is the reason we watch: The good thing about these first 2 hrs is that it focused heavily on Kiefer Sutherland. There was not nearly enough Jack Bauer in Season 6, and if this new season is to be successful, Bauer needs more screentime. So far, so good.

2) Renee Walker, FBI: Wow.

3) Zombie Tony: Pretty good motive for going bad (Logan and his crew were let off easy, which is actually kind of unbelievable considering a former US President was killed, but wait, they never really did catch those guys who got JFK, did they?). I like Tony. Tony is an important part of the show. So far, very good!

4) The President and her entourage: Ehhhh, Cherry Jones is great as the President, but these other guys around her are less so. They're all good actors, but their purposes have yet to be articulated. I'm holding judgment until a few more episodes on this crew.

5) The villainous plot: Completely a mystery as of yet. I will not guess about the future of this season, but I do like the idea (even if Die Hard 4 did it already) of the nation's firewall being breached, thus leaving all major infrastructure vulnerable. Only in America could we make ourselves that vulnerable. Completely believable, unfortunately.

6) General vibe: This is a slow-simmer start. The preview for tomorrow night's two-parter looks more kinetic. I'm happy beyond belief that the show is actually back. But it won't be "24" until Chloe and Buchanan pop up. And Bauer looks old in that Columbo raincoat. Gotta lose that coat, Jack.

"24" 2-Hour Premiere Tonight!

The wait (almost 2 years) is now at an end. New Bauer. New (Zombie) Almeida. Foxy Chloe. Dollar-Bill Buchanan. Madame President. 'Splosions! Gunplay! Jack on C-SPAN! CAR CRASHES! HELICOPTERS! AIRPLANES! FIREWALLS! THAT INFERNAL TICKING CLOCK! MANPURSES!

And of course DAMMIT!!!!!!!!!!!

"24" Season 7 News Roundup [UPDATED]

Editor's Note: Current 24 News and Reviews can be found here.

I know we are 11 months away from the broadcast of Season 7 of "24" but now is as good a time as any to present all of the information available about the show (BEWARE SPOILERS):

1) C.T.U. is gone. Season 7 takes place several months after the end of Day 6, and it is at this point that we learn the Counter Terrorism Unit no longer exists. Clearly, we've seen the seeds of this over the course of Days 5 and 6, but now they finally pulled the federal plug on this agency. How did this happen? Those specifics are not clear, but I would imagine both the President and Congress mutually agreed to disband C.T.U. once and for all. Congress holds the purse-strings and the President has executive authority over the agency. This leads to point 2...

2) Jack Bauer is the face of the disgraced C.T.U. As Day 7 starts, Jack Bauer testifies to his activities before a Senate Committee (namely torture). Imagine turning on CNN and seeing Bauer talk about his methods of extracting information from a terrorist. It is likely that Bauer is a national sensation (both reviled and revered). Now, at the start of Season 7, the word is that Bauer no longer works for the government. He is doing something in the private sector and God help us if that has anything to do with being a soup guy ("No soup for terrorists! Three months! Dammit!").

3) Madame President Allison Taylor. Okay, so most of you probably know that "24" has a female president. What you may not know is that already into her young administration, she has suffered a personal loss-- the death of the First Son, Roger Taylor. The investigation deemed Roger's death a suicide, but the First Gentleman, Henry Taylor, believes he was murdered. So, while Allison Taylor is trying to run the country, First Hubby Henry is investigating the death of their son, leading him to his son's former girlfriend Samantha. Wanna bet this has something to do with the larger plot?

4) Tony Almeida is a bad guy. Yes, yes, I've been telling you guys for YEARS that Almeida didn't die back at C.T.U. on that dark, dark day. And the trailer for the upcoming season reveals that I was right. So, what's the deal with Tony? I don't think its going to be that earth-shattering. Almeida was always a rogue in spirit, he was prone to his fits of depression and anger. So, after losing his wife to the Bluetooth gang back in Day 5, Almeida finally lost his freakin' mind once and for all. What does a guy who is, among other things a computer security genius, do with his spare time? Oh, maybe hack the nation's infrastructure network perhaps? In a plotline that closely mirrors the latest "Die Hard" movie, the start of Season 7 involves Tony hacking into the air traffic, powergrid and telecommunications networks. Listen, we all love Tony, but from what I've read, do not expect to have our buddy back. This guy is different-- insane perhaps-- and he seeks to kill people.

5) "X-Files" meets "24." No, there isn't a supernatural plotline to this show, but we are going to be swimming in F.B.I. Special Agents in the new season. Coming out of the Washington, D.C. Office, here's the roll-call: Special Agent Renee Walker (see right), Special Agent Janis Gold (Janeane Garofalo), Special Agent Larry Moss, Special Agent Sean Hillinger, and security expert Michael Latham, who is probably going to be the good guy techie fighting Almeida's hacks at every turn, with Chloe's helpful scowling. It looks like most of the F.B.I. agents distrust Jack Bauer. Big surprise. But, Special Agent Walker looks to be an interesting character. She will be critical of Bauer's methods at first, but she will weigh those moral concerns against what she sees as an overwhelming enemy. See, "24" can discuss torture and the like without sacrificing entertainment value. Just throw a redheaded federal agent (umm Scully?) in there! Oh yeah, don't be surprised if there's a mole in the F.B.I. either. I mean, this is "24."

6) Old friends and familiar faces. In addition to Tony Almeida returning, Chloe O'Brian is back. Also, we will see Bill Buchanan (yay!), Agent Aaron Pierce (whoop!) and... Morris O'Brian (blech). I'm still holding out hope for Former Secretary of Defense James Heller to make a real return (last season's appearance was all too brief). And what about The Jack Sack, eh?

And to torture you diehards a little extra, here's the previously released trailer to Season 7. I just watched it again, and I'm freakin' dying here. PLEASE BRING BACK MY SHOW! Enjoy.