24 Wins Emmys!!!

Wow....... Are you kidding me? Who signed what deal with the devil? When did hell freeze over? And why in the f didn’t anyone tell me?

If you haven’t heard by now, 24 somehow (magically, if you will), scooped up several big time Emmys last night. Specifically, they won:

1. Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series (Episode 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM)
2. Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series (Kiefer Sutherland)
3. Outstanding Drama Series

WHAT!?! There is no way this should’ve happened! Here’s what the Emmy wins mean for each category...

Directing (Drama Series)
According to this win, the director of 24 – Jon Cassar – is better than the directors for Big Love, Lost, Six Feet Under, The Sopranos and The West Wing. That’s THREE HBO shows and two previous network Best Drama winners. And for what... having several of your former stars killed off in one episode? Exciting stuff? Yes... but we don’t give George Lucas Oscars for making fun movies (whenever it was that he did).

Lead Actor (Drama Series)
Kiefer finally got his. After being nominated for several years, he finally comes out on top – fittingly enough, the same year he’s kidnapped and suspected to never return. If only that were the case. But was he better than Denis Leary, Peter Krause and Martin Sheen? Hardly. Anyone can run around for 24 hours, yelling constantly, torturing people and dressing up in “disguise.”

Drama Series
I really thought that only Grey’s Anatomy had a lock on this category. The West Wing was winding down and so was Six Feet Under. The Sopranos is kind of old news and House is just too odd. But for 24 to come out of nowhere to win this... I’m still stunned and it’s 24 hours later... ha! Bad one, I know, but so is the show.

Okay, so I was wrong. Big time. I thought 24 would only walk away with it’s Creative Arts Emmys, I didn’t see that coming at all. I still don’t think this was 24’s best season and now, they’ve upped the ante so much that anything less than a repeat performance could be considered a failure.

My honest opinion was that this year’s Emmy wins were charity sex favors. In all honesty, can everyone agree that 24 won these three categories outright? Not possible. If anything, they were Nader’ed – with votes splitting to other candidates and 24 winding up the beneficiary. Whichever the case, I congratulate the entire 24 team and wish them good luck again next year. Maybe this will inspire them to make a more realistic show. But that’s doubtful.

24 Season 6: Kal Penn Joins Cast, Emmy Update

The latest news from Comingsoon.net reports (WARNING: Spoiler Alert):

Kal Penn (Superman Returns, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle) has joined the cast of Fox’s "24" in a recurring role, says The Hollywood Reporter.

Penn will play a guy who is somehow involved with the Islamic guru running the neighborhood mosque and might be the key to a terrorist plot.

Let me get this straight, Kal Penn, resident funny man from “Van Wilder” and “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle’ will be on 24, playing a middle eastern character? I’m sure his role won’t be so funny this time around (unless he’s a total dimwit, then we can have all the fun we want!) And, to top that off, he’ll be somehow involved with the Islamic guru... nice typecasting.

In other news, the Creative Arts Emmys have been announced and our good ol’ show won two:

1. Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Dramatic Underscore)
2. Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series (7:00 AM - 8:00 AM )

That puts me way behind in my predictions, but puts them at 2 for 7 right now. With the Primetime awards coming up next week, we’ll be watching closely to see if the most critically-acclaimed season can garner more than its predecessors.

24 Season 6: Casting News

The latest news from Comingsoon.net reports (WARNING: Spoiler Alert):

Just got off the phone with my 24 mole and he/she informs me that Eric Balfour has signed on to reprise his Season 1 role as independent CTU contractor Milo Pressman. My spy wouldn’t say how Milo would be re-introduced, but he’ll be sticking around for awhile: Balfour will be credited as a series regular.

In other 24 news, former Star Trek: Deep Space Nine doc Alexander Siddig is joining the cast as one of the evil-doers behind the big Season 6 plot. Additionally, Carlo Rota (aka Mr. Chloe O’Brien) will be back as a series regular.

Sweet, Milo Pressman is back. I’m having troubles remembering what he did way back when, but I think he was the Edgar from back in the day. This could be a good move.

In another good move, Mr. Chloe O’Brien is back. I thought it was a bit hokey to have him show up at the end of Season 5, but he was quite the charmer and could be interesting as a series regular. Unfortunately, this casting isn’t a shocker.

Alexander Siddig as the bad guy. Hmmmm... could be cast as a Middle Eastern for Season 6? I thought we would finally get away from those baddies.

24 Season 5: Wins Zero Television Critics Awards

I'd venture to say that even 24's writers couldn't come up with a twist like this one. In what was hailed as 24's most critically acclaimed season, Kiefer and company came up short and didn't win a single Television Critics Award. 'Tis a bit ironic, don't you think?

On one hand you have a slew of people who think that 24 is the best show on TV. Then there's the critics who are all up in arms about this being 24's best season. But when it comes to dishing out awards for being the best in specific categories, 24 comes up short.

Is a snub from the critics. I bet most people will think so, but it's really not. 24 is all about excitement, adrenaline and awe. It's not about acting or good writing. So when you pit 24 up against shows that are praised for good acting and writing, it doesn't have a shot of winning. It would be like pitting Mission Impossible 3 against Crash for the Best Picture Oscar.

Even though I wasn't 100% correct with my predictions, I did guess that 24 wouldn't win. Next up, the Emmys.

24 Season 6 News: Interviews with Kim Raver and Jon Cassar

The latest news from Comingsoon.net reports the following information derived from interviews with Kim Raver (Audrey) and Jon Cassar (Co-Executive Producer) – (WARNING: Spoiler Alert):

Is Audrey returning?
Since Ms. Raver is now a leading character on next fall’s The Nine, there is some speculation whether or not Audrey returns. The word right now is that there are several options and nothing is nailed down. C’mon, she’ll be way too busy to bring her back. Besides, Jack can start screwing a new chick and terrorizing whichever relative of hers that he chooses.

Will there be another 10 minute video that links Seasons 5 and 6?
It’s not certain yet, but it looks like it. And if you read Cassar’s response, it sounds like Jack is BACK from China. I don’t think that’s correct, but it would be hilarious to put Jack THAT much higher on a pedestal and say he can escape an ENTIRE nation and get back to the US before the next day begins.

Is Season 6 going to be shot in NY?
Who cares? You go from one of the most spread out cities in the US to one of the most dense – but traffic doesn’t change. Though, I would say a nice subway sequence would be pretty cool – or should I say could be pretty cool. And if you try to fake a NY setting in LA... riiiiight.

There’s one more question in the interview snippet, but it’s boring. Check it out if you want/have time.

24 Season 6: It Already Sounds Stupid

The latest news from Comingsoon.net reports (WARNING: Spoiler Alert):

Regina King (Ray) is joining the cast of Fox’s 24, while D.B. Woodside is being bumped up to series regular, reports Variety.

In a Kennedyesque twist, Woodside -- who plays Wayne Palmer, brother of assassinated President David Palmer -- will begin season six as the newly elected president of the United States.

King, meanwhile, joins as heretofore unseen Palmer sister Angela, a powerful lawyer with an advocacy group.

I don’t mind the bump from part-time to full-time for Wayne Palmer, but he’s now the President!?! This is a guy who was running around with Jack last season shooting bad guys and kidnapping a bank official. If that doesn’t show that he’s President material, I don’t know what does. And with as much strife as the Palmer family has endured during their time in office, why would the public want another Palmer in the Oval Office? Answer, apparently the "dumb president" schtick is up.

Why not get the previous President in there – the one that was shot, which allowed Logan to take his place? That would be more interesting.

On the other half of this news, Palmer’s sister is now in the mix. If anyone can’t see that this is another Sherry Palmer story-line waiting to happen, then you’re not thinking wishfully enough. Honestly though, it’s taken five seasons for us to find out that Palmer had a powerful lawyer sister? Doubtful, she would have been around the second David was elected President.

I’d much rather see Palmer’s kids in a new role than his sister that we’ve never caught glimpse of.

Looks to be shaping up for a pretty corny story-line already. But we’ve still got five months until January. Hang on a while, you’ll hear more news here when it breaks.

24 Season 6: Peter MacNicol Joins Cast

The first news of season 6 has officially hit the wire – Peter MacNicol has joined the cast. MacNicol (who previously starred in Ally McBeal and currently stars in Numb3rs) will portray a high-ranking government official. He plans to shoot both 24 and Numb3rs simultaneously for next season.

Interestingly enough, MacNicol won a supporting actor Emmy in 2001 for his role of John Cage in Ally McBeal (in addition, he was nominated for Emmys three times for that role). Does that mean this bring instant credibility to the cast of 24? Not necessarily, but it doesn’t hurt it.

Is anyone thinking what I’m thinking? Is he the new Miles Papazin?

24 Season 5 Nominated for 12 Emmys!?!

Well I’ll be. Season 5 of 24, constantly hailed as 24’s best season by critics, has somehow garnered 12 nominations for the 58th Primetime Emmy Awards. Last year, it was nominated 11 times (three times in one category) and only won three Emmys (and I was pretty right on with my guesses). Could this year be more of the same? Possibly. While the show is exciting, it usually doesn’t have enough good acting or writing to pick up anything besides Sound Editing and Stunt Coordination.

24 Season 5 Emmy Nominations:

1. Outstanding Cinematography For A Single-Camera Series (Episode 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM) *
2. Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series (Episode 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM)
3. Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing For A Drama Series (Episode 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM) *
4. Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing For A Drama Series (Episode 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
5. Outstanding Music Composition For A Series (Dramatic Underscore) (Episode 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM)
6. Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series (Kiefer Sutherland)
7. Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series (Gregory Itzin) *
8. Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series (Jean Smart)
9. Outstanding Drama Series
10. Outstanding Sound Editing For A Series (Episode 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM) *
11. Outstanding Single-Camera Sound Mixing For A Series (Episode 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM)
12. Outstanding Stunt Coordination (Episode 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM) *

So really, we’re making nominations based on three episodes – the season premiere, the season finale and the one episode with huge explosions. Fair enough. It’s also interesting to note that the Academy has given up on nominating it for Outstanding Casting (because pretty much the entire cast wasn’t too great).

I’ve marked my predictions for 24’s winners with asteriks above. Kiefer will be snubbed again (screaming at people, shooting 100’s of extras and torturing people isn’t acting) and Jean Smart won’t win an Emmy for her blubbering. Although, I DO think that Gregory Itzin will win for his role as the idiot President (if he’s acting, that is). 24 will also walk away with some of its usual awards, again, which it deserves because it’s put together pretty well from a musical and editing stand point.

We’ll see how it does. Below are 24’s past nominations and wins.

Season 1: 2002 Emmys

• Nominated: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
• Nominated: Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
• Winner: Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
• Nominated: Outstanding Art Direction for a Single Camera Series
• Nominated: Outstanding Single Camera Sound Mixing for a Series
• Winner: Outstanding Single Camera Picture Editing for a Series
• Nominated: Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Dramatic Underscore)
• Nominated: Outstanding Drama Series
• Nominated: Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series

Season 2: 2003 Emmys

• Nominated: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
• Nominated: Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
• Nominated: Outstanding Single Camera Sound Mixing for a Series
• Winner: Outstanding Single Camera Picture Editing for a Series
• Nominated: Outstanding Sound Editing for a Series
• Winner: Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Dramatic Underscore)
• Nominated: Outstanding Stunt Coordination
• Nominated: Outstanding Drama Series
• Nominated: Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series

Season 3: 2004 Emmys

• Nominated: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
• Winner: Outstanding Single Camera Sound Mixing for a Series
• Winner: Outstanding Single Camera Picture Editing for a Series
• Nominated: Outstanding Sound Editing for a Series
• Nominated: Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Dramatic Underscore)
• Winner: Outstanding Stunt Coordination
• Nominated: Outstanding Drama Series
• Winner: Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series

Season 4: 2005 Emmys (winners not yet determined)

• Nominated: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
• Nominated: Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series
• Winner: Outstanding Single Camera Sound Mixing for a Series
• Nominated (three times): Outstanding Single Camera Picture Editing for a Series
• Winner: Outstanding Sound Editing for a Series
• Nominated: Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Dramatic Underscore)
• Winner: Outstanding Stunt Coordination
• Nominated: Outstanding Drama Series
• Nominated: Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series

24 Season 5 Nominated Three Times by Television Critics Association

The Television Critics Association has spoken – and what horrible words they have muttered. Apparently, 24 hasn’t only found a way to make the common TV viewer drone out for 24 total hours and watch filth, but they’ve somehow convinced the critics to nominate them for awards!

I’m not saying that 24 doesn’t deserve its fair share of gold... as you can see, last year it was nominated 11 times for Emmys. The sad thing, to some, is that (as with the other previous three seasons) it only won three Emmys, all in non-glamorous categories – Outstanding Single Camera Sound Mixing for a Series, Outstanding Sound Editing for a Series and Outstanding Stunt Coordination. But they’re still awards, right?

This time around 24 has been nominated three times – Program of the Year, Outstanding Achievement in Drama and Individual Achievement in Drama.

So how will 24 fare?

Program of the Year
Here 24 is pitted against Grey’s Anatomy, Lost, The Office and The Sopranos. Tough crowd. The Sopranos is on the way out, so it doesn’t win. Lost is too silly, much like 24 (but it knows it, so that’s okay), so it won’t win. That leaves Grey’s Anatomy and The Office... I say Grey’s wins here, de-throning Desperate Housewives which won the award last year.

Outstanding Achievement in Drama
The combatants here are again Grey’s Anatomy, House, Lost and The Sopranos. Again, I think Grey’s takes it. No way could it win best overall and NOT get this.

Individual Achievement in Drama
Good ol’ Jack could walk away with some gold here. He’s going up against Alan Alda (The West Wing), James Gandolfini (The Sopranos), Hugh Laurie (House) and Kyra Sedgwick (The Closer). Alda is out here, but did a superb job this season. No to Gandolfini and Laurie. The only person I see giving Bauer a run is Sedgwick, who is supposed to be a knock-out on The Closer. I’d actually like to see who can get a confession faster, her or Jack. My money is on Jack.

One out of three wouldn’t be so bad, especially considering how goofy the show is. But I kinda hope the don’t win, we don’t need the writers getting any more crazy ideas.

24 Season 5: Episodes 23 and 24 Recaps(Hours 5:00 a.m. - 7:00 a.m.)The FINALE!!!Post #50!

WARNING: The following post may, and probably will, contain spoilers.

Here we are, at the end of another long day in Jack Bauer's amazing life. It truly is an amazing life. I'm sure that after living the normal life for the past 18 months (we say 18 months because it's cooler than saying 1.5 years), he was chomping at the bit to get back into the fast lane of time travel and insane technology. But alas, the Earth only revolves once every 24 hours, and it's time that we end this mockery of human intelligence.

Too Bad It Wasn't A Yellow Submarine

• It took just five minutes to kill the entire crew and for the nerve gas to clear? I wasn't aware that submarines had ventalition systems that powerful.
• "We haven't received any distress signals from the crew..." Right. Remember, you only left seven of them there, that's all.
• It will take you to 22-25 minutes to scramble fighters!?! You were about to take out a civilian plane in less than five not two hours ago. This is a stationary target. AND you're sending two fighters? What a consistent military.
• Go Officer Rooney! Make him a killer, Jack! Tell him exactly how to slit someone's throat. Good job. Now tell him that he doesn't have a choice. Good! If only you could kill someone in front of him later on...
• From the absurdity file – Henderson is going in with Jack.
• Hey Rooney, if you're 30 feet away from the hatch (read, MAYBE 15), why are you talking out loud?
• From the absurdity file #2 – * CTU only sends three guys (one of them being a criminal) to stop a terrorist?
• I must have missed something... When did Henderson get an ear piece?
• Jack's been legally dead twice now, it's going to take more than two wrench whacks to take him down.
• Henderson, you fool! YOU FELL FOR THE OLDEST TRICK IN THE BOOK!!!
• In what was easily the BEST PART OF THE SEASON, Jack kills Henderson!

Meanwhile, Back At The Ranch

• "Mike, I've never been more sober. Or more sane." You've had children lady! Yikes.
• Mike has been the epitome of not trusting anyone for the past four seasons, why is Mike so eager to help now? Especially without evidence?
• Aaron says that he'll go somewhere where the President's men can't find him. Good luck with that. He's the PRESIDENT.
• "He's leaving for Washington around that time." You're the Chief of Staff, Mike, you should know exactly when he's leaving.
• From the absurdity file #3 – Morris O'Brien, Chloe's ex-husband, is the ONLY person who can effectively break protocol in this situation, and they just give him access into CTU's giant mainframe? Riiiiiiiight.
• Mike and Aaron drove out, buried a dude, got back AND tried to stop the President from leaving, all in 10 minutes? That's good time efficiency.
• Yes! OG Sherry Palmer on the TV with David!
• Jack has been waiting a long time for this... getting to torture the President!
• How exactly is Jack just driving around on the presidential compound premesis? And is that a Scion?
• "I don't know how to respond. I never expected you to say anything like that." Sorry dude, she never expected you to kill a former President and help plan out a terrorist attack on US soil. Get over yourself.
• Why does Jack insist to keep his phone on loud ringer?
• It took all of five minutes to have sex!?! A guy like him should have trouble getting it up, especially on a day like this. No messed up hair. No pillow talk. And wow, does the first lady look good after not being able to freshen up for the past 5 hours. Sex does a body good.

Would You Like To Ride In My Helicopter?

• It's lucky they have a nice color fax machine at the ranch. Wait! TWO!!!
• Good thing the helicopter pilot took his helmet with him. Just in case Jack needs it. Master of disguise, Jack Bauer! Keep that sunshield down, it's pretty bright outside.
• "I'm Ron Franklin, there's my protocol." This, from the guy who averages 99 protocol breaks a day.
• I'd hate to think that a pilot for the President would choose his own life over the President's. If he would've thought about it, he could've let Jack shoot him, which would cause a stir in the whole helicopter.
• From the absurdity file #4 – Now that the helicopter is WAY off course, is anyone besdies Chloe trakcking it? Oh, there they are, 10 minutes behind. They'd be on them in one minute, if not less.

Where ARE All Of These Abandoned Warehouses?

• The sun is already coming up at 6:15? I think in episode one, the sun was coming up at 7:00.
• Need more evidence? How about you just call the phone number that is logged in his cell phone over 200000000 times in the past 24 hours?
• The Secret Service wouldn't take Jack into custody, they'd kill him. He had the President held hostage at gun point.

Good Bye Palmer

• The helicopter sure did get back on track fast. Wouldn't the President be taken to some type of de-briefing zone? Or put on Air Force One and be flown around for the next several hours? How soon we forget 9/11.
• Did they really shoot machine guns for the 21-gun salute?
• Full sunlight at 6:45 in the morning?
• "I can't believe you're really here," says Audrey. I can't believe that Audrey is still standing after a day like this.

The Final Twist!!!

• Jack has a phone call from his daughter at the warehouse he was taken into custody at. Never-mind that she SOMEHOW got that phone number or where Jack was. You idiot. You walked right into that.
• "I found this in edgar's possesions..." Why were you going through his stuff, Bill?
• What exactly is a long memory?
• I agree with Jack's plea, kill him. He's not THAT valuable.

And there you have it. The end of another looooooooong season. I thought we'd never get to see the Chinese come back into it, so that was a nice twist. It WAS the most action-packed season so far, but man, they're setting the bar awfully high. Let's see, we shot Palmer, killed off Michelle, killed terrorists at an airport, gassed a mall, tried to kill the Russian President, gassed CTU, killed junkies, blew up a prominent office building server room, killed Tony, blew up a gas plant, landed a plane on a highway, broke onto/gassed a sub, thwarted that, AND kidnapped the President.

Some one pinch me, next season will rot.

24 Season 5: Episodes 21 and 22 Recaps(Hours 3:00 a.m. - 5:00 a.m.)

WARNING: The following post may, and probably will, contain spoilers.

It’s the night of the two-hour season finale. We’re almost done, people, almost done. I’ve finally figured out a good comparison for 24. 24 is to TV, what the Batman franchise was to movies – it was awesome at first (Burton, Keaton and Nicholson), but then became a pile of crap and very laughable. You really have to check your brain at the door and just ignore many stupid things. I didn’t take too detailed of notes this week, I’m just saving it up for the finale. Here are the most absurd notes from the last two episodes:

• The President doesn’t want to kill innocent people on a plane, but is fine with gasing people to death in a mall and hospital.
• VCI Distress signal... this is completely made up.
• They only send one plane to shoot down the passenger plane? I doubt that.
• The plane needs 5000 feet to land, needs to slow down, the dissent was too steep... but they made it... good thing there was NO ONE driving on the highway at that time (maybe the curfew was finally working)?
• Let’s see, I don’t think Federal Agents outweigh Military in a time of martial law, especially when you have orders from the President.
• Right, yet another bad guy that has infiltrated CTU. Why do they need to transfer Bierko at 3:30am? That’s right, for plot reasons.
• Audrey has the immune system of a god. That’s twice today that she’s bounced back from near death situations. Impressive. If she and Jack mate, their babies would be superhumans.
• Miles has one of those erase digital data gadgets, cool. But I didn’t know that magnets lit up like that.
• The transport was taken out by an IED. Oh, makes sense. What’s that? And where was the military during that?
• One canister was held back, possible. The guy just grabs it in his arms with no protective suit or gloves, that goes against how they’ve handled the canitsters all day long.
• It’s a shame that CTU constantly finds themselves in situations where they have to give deals to criminals.
• A Phoenix Shield!?! This guy has a crazy firewall and tons of super scanning software. But doesn’t have any type of dectection stuff on his roof-top?
• Jack can jimmy open any lock with his skeleton key knife.
• There’s a Russian Nuculer sub at a non-military port in LA, during a martial law situation, and there’s about 7 guys protecting the ship?

Get ready, the finale should be a barn-burner.

The Official 24 Season Finale Drinking Game

With the season finale lurking in the shadows, I found an interesting article in today’s Kansas City Star. The idea is to have a 24 season finale party. But they talk about making a 24-themed drink or buffet. Boooooring.

The best part of the article was the idea of taking a drink when certain things occured during the show. So why not blow this out a little bit more?

The Ofiicial 24 Season Finale Drinking Game

When the following items occur during the two-hour finale of 24 (May 22, 8 p.m. Eastern), take a drink:

• A clock appears
• A CTU phone rings
• The president acts like an idiot
• Chloe grimaces
• Something is uploaded to Jack’s PDA
• Chloe sets up a VPN, hacks into something, or anything nerdy sounding
• Anyone gives an ETA in an interval of five minutes
• Anyone drives across LA in 10 minutes, or less

When the following items occur during the two-hour finale of 24, finish your drink:

• Jack breaks the law
• There’s a CTU security breakdown
• Anything that would not happen in our real-life government
• Yet another main bad guy is revealed
• Jack tortures someone
• Audrey dies

When the following items occur during the two-hour finale of 24, swear off 24 for ever:

• Audrey survives
• They show previews for next season
• Kim returns
• Mandy, the sexy assassin, doesn’t return

Have fun.

24 Season 5: Episodes 18, 19 and 20 Recaps(Hours 12:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m.)

WARNING: The following post may, and probably will, contain spoilers.

Wow. Three whole weeks worth of 24 in one day. Talk about torture – and not the good kind (from Jack). So I’ve been super busy lately, I apologize. Fortunately for us, 24 has remained pretty lame. Instead of nit-picking the entire trio of episodes, I’m just going to run down the things that stood out and occurred over and over... which in itself could be a pretty long list.

What DOES Martial Law Mean?
Seriously. I’ve never lived under Martial Law, but I’m going to assume that it’s more tenacious than this....

• How neat, President Logan uses a Razr cell phone. He’s not too worried about all phones being tapped or monitored? I’d think a cell phone wouldn’t be too safe during a time of Martial Law.
• Jack’s running around LA in a stolen cop car. Oh, it also has bullet holes in it. Yet he’s not seen by any other law enforcement people, military or does he ever go through any check point? Not even when he goes to an airport? Wouldn’t private airports be under super security (because apparently private ones aren’t)?
• Defense Secretary Heller would not be left alone during a time of Martial Law. Nor would he be able to land at any airport (much less strike it from the records) without some sort of military approval.
• Why is Heller driving a car by himself? Shouldn’t he have escorts?
• It seems like everyone gets around LA really easily by car. So why do they sometimes take helicopters? I can only assume for plot reasons. Also, do you think that random helicopters would be able to fly around a city under Martial Law?

Technology Rulez!
The ever-expanding list of amazing CTU/24-based technology continues.

• Mike is using a Sprint phone to watch the President’s latest news bites. Why not just turn on the TV, it’d be much cheaper?
• “Damn she’s good, she set up a proprietary comm channel,” says Miles, after he completes the quickest phone trace ever.
• Chloe’s going to access CTU’s sub net and set up a VPN so that phone calls are untraceable. Riiiiight.
• It’s good to know that anyone with know-how can access secret security satellites.
• What did Henderson do with the recording? He won’t say? Oh, just have Chloe pull satellite recordings, then you’ll know.
• All that nerd talk from Miles means that he knows what he’s talking about... so don’t question it people!
• They found Chloe with some super fancy map-tracking software. Yes, they can track physical IP locations within seconds and cycle through tons of road maps to show locations.
• How is it that Miles could trace Chloe at Bill’s house, but can’t now that she’s in a hotel bar?

CTU: the Haven for Criminals
Not only will terrorists continue to break into, and out of, CTU... but it’s just not a safe place in general (thinking back to previous season’s of bombings and nerve gas attacks).

1. It’s a good thing that Chloe is a good pickpocket.
2. Why is it that when figures of authority are talking to guards, they always go into another room?
3. How lucky was it that a laptop was just laying around?
4. Tell me how Chloe just walks out of CTU after being placed in custody with no hassle?
5. Better yet, how does she get to Bill’s house so quickly and without military consequence?

Escape from Van Nuys + The Stowaway
Jack makes yet another escape after being in custody (further proving his ability to escape good and evil).

• The pipe is so hot that it’s smoking the plastic cuffs, but not burning Jack’s skin?
• Guard One: Mark, status report.
  Guard Two: Same as the last 25 times you called. I’m just walking around NOT guarding the prisoners. Yes, they’re still in a room by themselves.
• We all know that Jack is a good shot from 50 feet away... with a handgun. I’m just hoping that the helicopter’s spinning blades don’t alter where the bullets go.
• Why in the world would Jack put a tourniquet on and then remove it seconds later (to check on it)?
• Jack sneaks onto the tarmac by being on top of a truck. Which rules since his phone isn’t on vibrate.
• How is Jack hiding on a damn plane? Not only that, but how does he just knock-out a US Marshall?
• How did the pilot know the marshall was knocked out? The flight attendant only said that he was assaulted (which, if you look it up, doesn’t mean knocked out).
• WHAT!?! Jack can control how a plane flies through the luggage department? Brilliant!

... and the Kitchen Sink

• Audrey used a pay phone that’s located on a tarmac... Name me one pay phone you’ve seen in the past three weeks, then name me one pay phone that you’ve EVER seen on a tarmac. And where are all the airport workers? Planes don’t just drive around airports without supervision.
• Irony at its best – Jack kicks the asses of so many terrorists, yet gets chopped down by Heller.
• How did Henderson smash into a barn and hit his head on the steering wheel? Wouldn’t the airbag deploy?
• WHAT WAS THAT NOISE THAT HENDERSON MADE? A yip?
• With as much cell phone usage that these people imploy, it’s surprising that their phones and PDAs don’t die.
• Where is Bill hiding Wayne Palmer?
• The hotel bar is open, and relatively busy, at 2 a.m.?

First there was The Syndicate on The X-Files. Then there was the The Company on Prison Break. Now, there’s this small group that apparently calls the shots. Bore. Ugh, only four episodes and five hours to go. What could possibly go wrong now?

24 Season 5: Episodes 16 and 17 Recaps(Hour 10:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.)

WARNING: The following post may, and probably will, contain spoilers.

We’re getting close to the end of the season... can you all feel it? Can you feel the twists that lie ahead? Can you feel the plot-holes that line the way? Well can you? I can, but they don’t just lie ahead, they occurred last week and tonight.

The Miles and Karen Show
Who died and made these two Pinky and the Brain? Why is it just these two goobers that are trying like mad to take over CTU for Homeland Security? Seems awfully petty of a story line this late in the season. And talk about silly quotes from Karen, how about the following:

1. “Homeland Security is issuing a unit-wide backslash protocol... Christopher Henderson remains and open protocol.” Karen, did you run out of techno-babble words to say? Or does Homeland Security, like CTU, run on the book of 40,000 protocols?
2. In regards to the Homeland Security takeover Karen mutters, “sometimes I wonder if it was a necessary one...” Sometimes? Like you’ve had two years and not just the past 25 minutes to dwell on this?
3. When Audrey asks who the hell issued the warrant for Jack’s arrest, “I’m not at liberty to say.” Let’s see... we know it was an executive ordered warrant... so who has authority to order anyone, especially the head of Homeland Security, around? Could it be someone they’ve interfaced with all day?

Martial Law Is a Very Unproven Strategy
This whole notion of Martial Law in LA is bogus. Let’s look at a timeline of Martial Law lameness from these two episodes:

1. Just how did Henderson’s bad guys get onto the Presidential Retreat Compound land and shoot off rockets without being detected? They’re in a van, not an off-road vehicle, so it’s not like they can outsmart the military by going off-road.
2. Oh... nevermind my last point, Service Road 19 is the back-way into the Presidential Retreat Compound.
3. So during last week’s episode, there was no talk about roadblocks while everyone just drove around with no problems. But NOW there’s concern about military roadblocks being everywhere. If there was a curfew in effect, I’d say that hotels would probably be instructed to a) close and b) report anybody who tried to get a room.
4. No Audrey, your dad (aka, the worst actor ever on 24) can’t re-route his plane to LA, it’s under Martial Law. Also, no, you can’t keep it off the manifest either, you’re the Department of Defense during a time of crisis, everything government related would be under high scrutiny.
5. Apparently, under Martial Law, you have to give your full name for 911 emergency assistance.
6. Uh, wouldn’t all banks be super guarded during a time of martial law?
7. Audrey has special clearance to drive around during Martial Law, since she works for the DOD. The DWP truck has clearance, because, well, he just does.
8. In addition to giving your full name during Martial Law, when you call 911, you only get two medics... back in normal life, you’d have maybe two cop cars there as well.
9. How was it that Jack, Wayne and bank-man had to walk to the bank because there were too many military checkpoints (that were uploaded to Jack’s PDA, remember), but the bad guys trying to kill Jack and Wayne can drive right up to the front entrance?
10. During a bank robbery, only two cop cars are sent. Yes, the two cop cars that should’ve been at the 911 stop.

Technology, and MORE, From the Future!!! Err...???
CTU’s, and others’, technology genius is very abundant in 24. Not only that, but even regular items are pretty hi-tech. But sometimes things happen on 24 that make you scratch your head.

• People-Tracking Satellites
  We learned about this one in season four... you can actually use a satellite to track where humans are in a specific radius. I think it uses infrared sensory. But tonight, when they were trying to find Jack after the explosion, they couldn’t (even though not 30 minutes earlier, they used it to track the guards). Then, later in the episode, Chloe kept uploading updated satellite pics for Jack so he could kill guards where Henderson was holding Evelyn’s child.
• The Other Satellites
  Audrey had a very hard time reprogramming the satellites to move once Henderson took off from the child exchange. Yet, later on, Miles (who must be some super nerd) did just that and was able to track Audrey’s vehicle in REAL TIME (remember, that’s our phrase of the season). But then, something totally unexpected happened, the satellite lost connection. How!?! Satellites NEVER lose connection! (Here is where you don’t talk about cell phones dropping service, or that we used to move our dishes around to get better television reception)
• Wayne’s Magic IP Tracing Skills
  Evelyn can’t lie, Wayne traced the IP account right to her address... which could be possible, if she had her own server (which isn’t out of the question if she was working on official government business) But, these emails were personal and she probably didn’t want them trackable from the White House, so my assumption is that she was using a free email account and dial-up, dsl or cable modem – which randomly assigns an IP address each time a connection is made. Now, it WOULD be traceable, if absolutely necessary... but I believe there would be a LOT of red tape to wade through and too much tape for a former Chief of Staff to bypass in half a day (a half day marred with the death of his brother and former President – no way in hell Wayne is out here doing this crap on a day like this).
• The Teleportation Devices Return
  When did Evelyn ever have time to record a conversation and take it all the way into the city, put it in a safety deposit box at some random bank and then get back to the Presidential Retreat Compound?
• Yeah, I Have No Clue
  Using a VPN pathway you can hide phone calls. Good to know. If that’s the case, then maybe Henderson has been using a VPN all day long, since he’s using the same damn phone since early on... can’t trace things with a VPN, remember?
• Gun Stuff
  Jack’s a pretty good shot with a silenced gun, which by the way, doesn’t silence a gun like that. And if Jack can shoot four men in two seconds, why didn’t he just shoot Henderson in the leg? Also, would a bullet really stop after hitting breakaway glass? I don’t think so.

Random Questions For You

• Would Audrey back on duty so quickly after being injected with the burning truth syrum?
• Just how many bad guys can there be in one season of 24?
• If you had a dollar for every time Chloe caved to someone saying, "c’mon Chloe, I need this," how much would you have?
• If you were meeting someone at a secret location and were concerned about safety, would you be standing right in the middle of an open barn?
• Banks have no back doors for security reasons? How about fire code reasons?

Stay tuned for next week, when Defense Secretary Heller returns to take back the bad acting crown!

24 Seasons 6, 7 and 8... All But Confirmed

WARNING: The following post may, and probably will, contain spoilers.

According to Variety, and reported via ComingSoon.net, it appears that Kiefer Sutherland has signed a deal with Fox to stay with the show for three more years. In addition, Kiefer will be bumped to executive Producer for season’s 6 and 7, instead of the co-executive producer title that he shares right now.

Unfortunately, the new deal stipulates that this is for TV only. That means that the rumored 24 movie is sort of being put on the back burner. It doesn’t mean it won’t happen eventually, but just not right now.

So there you have it, folks, another three seasons. And if that doesn’t spoil enough things for you, yes, that means that Jack will be back... so I guess he survives this season.

24 Season 5: Episode 15 Recap(Hour 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.)

WARNING: The following post may, and probably will, contain spoilers.

If there’s one thing that Fox and 24 has taught me over the past few years about their previews for the next episode, is that a majority of what you see in them happens within the first 15 minutes of the show. Last week’s preview showed Jack interrogating Audrey – that was over within 15 minutes. So don’t think that when you see a preview that the entire episode will revolve around everything you saw. But we’re not here to discuss previews...

For Those Keeping Score, Jack STILL Has Zero Authority
Remember, he doesn’t work for CTU, he’s acting on his own authority. So why the charade about Jack having power this season? Jack can’t “sanction” an interrogation for Audrey. He also can’t just waltz into a room where a US Marshall is and knock him out to talk to the detainee. It served him right to get cuffed and tazered when he did, but damn... how about some consistency here. Jack would be no where close to this investigation.

While we’re talking about Audrey, was anyone rooting for Jack to just snap her neck? No? Okay, maybe not... but did anyone question how sympathetic Audrey would be towards Jack AFTER she just got injected with tons of interrogation chemicals? Does anyone remember Jack nearly killing her ex-husband last season by interrogation? Flashback!

One last thing about Audrey... I bet she dies by the end of the season. Jack can’t have a happy ending.

We Always Knew Chloe Was Good... But THIS Good?
Wow, let’s get this straight, in five minutes time, Chloe confirmed that Walt Cummings and Audrey stayed in the same room at the River Hotel (not real) in Pikesville, Maryland, by:

1. Searching all of Audrey’s “records” over the past 18 months
2. Pinpointing a time/date when she and Cummings were both at the same hotel
3. Emailing photos of both Audrey and Cummings to the hotel manager AND received confirmation that he recognized both Walt and Audrey

Is it odd to anyone that, for whatever reason, the manager is STILL at the hotel at 9:00 p.m. Pacific time? Let’s do a counting exercise... 9:00 p.m. Pacific time is 10:00 p.m. Mountain time, 11:00 p.m. Central time and 12:00 a.m. Eastern time. Yes, midnight, and the hotel manager is still at the hotel and answering emails (with proof of phone bills and room service receipts)within two minutes. Not buying that one.

The New Sherry (NOT Palmer)
So the new, young, hot Sherry has a past with Miles (goober nerd)... just what we need, another side story. It’s a good thing that Chloe is on her side, and an even better thing that Sherry has knowledge about Natural Gas Distribution centers, mixing gas with another chemical and psi. I best not fail to mention 24’s weak attempt at humor, every man must be a sexual predator on this show now. Side note, who thinks Edgar was killed so that Chloe and Miles could hook up?

Get More Evidence!
It’s clearly not enough evidence that Collette Stinger’s (someone who had JUST sold schematics to Bierko -- assisting and aiding a terrorist) name was on Henderson’s computer. But it was more than enough evidence for a hotel manager to ID Audrey and Cummings (someone who assisted and aided a terrorist)?

Wilshire Gas Company
Never mind the oddly placed phone sign outside the receiving dock (you know, just in case anyone who wound up inside the locked gates needed to know where a phone was), that’s none of your concern. What IS your concern is this...

• The safety precautions one would take when shooting guns inside a natural gas building (no, bodies being shot from a maximum of 10 feet away will NOT stop a bullet from hitting gas containers OR controls in the control room)
• The feasibility of being able to pick up heat signatures from people outside of a natural gas plant (which are pretty hot to begin with)
• The fact that you won’t be able to hear a helicopter when you’re standing outside guarding the door

The Long Road to the Presidential Compound
Would a Presidential compound have an entrance miles away from the actual place and NO supporting security all the way to the compound? Doubtful. Would there be a long enough drive for someone to go out and scout for anyone having car trouble? Doubtful number two. Would Wayne Palmer have such a bad ass gun? Doubtful number three. Would the military (the ones guarding the entrance) not notice a rocket being shot at someone (not to mention whatever other surveillance was taking place to guard the President)? Doubtful number four.

What a fun episode that was. Not that I’m complaining, but why wasn’t the President told about any of the crap going on this week? And if there was a huge military curfew going on, why wasn’t there military breaking up the faux fight by the terrorists? Whatever. I did enjoy the special effects and I’m really digging on Karen’s character. There’s a small silver lining in there somewhere.

24 Season 5: Episodes 13 and 14 Recaps(Hours 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.)

WARNING: The following post may, and probably will, contain spoilers.

I apologize for my recent absence, it’s not nice leaving all of you hanging high and dry for some 24 recaps. But I should really be apologizing to myself, since watching two episodes back to back is almost a fate worse than death. Needless to say, I survived 24’s sappiest episode ever and then the load of crap that followed it this week. Let’s get to it!

Episode 13: CTU’s Lips Are Sealed, Kinda
Funny how the episode started off with some dude announcing what areas are safe within CTU. Hmmm, anyone that can hear you is alive and already IN the safe area. And I’m not completely buying the notion that all of the CRT units were deployed to the hospital, that was like five episodes ago and the hospital was fine. Not only that, but Curtis was WAY off in his 30 minute arrival estimate since we never saw him again until episode 14.

How lucky was it that Kim’s boyfriend was a psychologist? I think instead of helping Chloe, he needed to be in the room with the security guard and Lynn, working out Lynn’s insecurities about being beaten up. Why was the security guard grilling Lynn about NOT telling anyone, when he should’ve asked HOW Lynn got back inside – we all want to know that.

Who caught Tony’s best impersonation of Inigo Montoya? “My name is Tony Almeda, you killed my wife, prepare to die.” It’s a good thing that Jack reached into his bag (and season one) to bring up Teri, that seemed to quell Tony for a little bit longer.

I noticed that Chloe didn’t grab a power chord for the laptop, hopefully it was charged up before the nerve gas was released. And speaking of impressive technology, does every government agency have computer systems that tell them air pressure, air/gas mixture ratio, sealant capacity, etc., other than nuclear power plants? Doubtful. While we’re talking about seals, how forward-thinking of the terrorists to include an acid that could corrode the seals on the doors. But wait... wouldn’t that same acid corrode the seals on the canisters that contain the nerve gas? Naaaaah!

Let’s talk about the seals a bit more:

• How exactly do you use a computer program to slow a seal from corroding?
• How does the room that Jack and company were in had actual seals running down the gaps in the doors and windows... but the room that Lynn and security guard were in didn’t?
• How are the seals 80% in 25 minutes, but they still have 20 minutes before they’re gone completely?
• Would this acid stuff also corrode other things, such as computers, wires, or skin? I would think so.

The best part of this episode was the phone conversation that the security guard had with his daughter, almost tear-jerking. In addition, not that I’m excited that we lost yet another CTU director, but that was cool how Lynn went out.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the First Family is further proving that they are the most ignorant and dysfunctional family in US History. It’s absolutely ignorant that the VP and President are openly talking about Martial Law without even the mention of a cabinet, Congress or Senate. Wouldn’t happen.

One more good thing about the episode, Tony kicked it. Whoever said no one was safe, God bless you. Let’s kill Jack, next!

Episode 14: A Hodge Podge of Stuff

• Why is it such a secret that CTU is going to be taken over by Homeland Security? If another government agency went down, there would be a protocol for such an event. We all know how CTU loves following protocol, so no one should be surprised when this happens.
• Wayne Palmer is back! That’s a good thing.
• Explain to me this quote regarding the Martial Law declaration, “our legal people are working on it right now.”
• It’s no wonder Bill and others were concerned... Homeland Security walks in with five, maybe six, people and takes over CTU. That’s normal.
• Nice “german” accent from Stoller (who also appears on Lost).
• Can we go one episode without breaking protocol? Also, still no word from the Chinese this season regarding the information that Jack is still alive?
• If the mega-snotty geek from Homeland Security was able to figure out that Chloe sent something to Jack, how can you not figure out what it was?
• Past season loophole: If CTU knows what car Collette was driving, why don’t they just trace it back to Bierko with their satellites?
• Explain to me how one “programs a memory card to self-destruct.”
• Weird, yet another potential mole inside of CTU storyline!

24 Season 5: Episodes 11 and 12 Recaps(Hours 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.)

WARNING: The following post may, and probably will, contain spoilers.

What a treat! You gotta love double-episodes. You also gotta love the episodes where it switches from day to night in 10 minutes (because that’s how it works in real life). Now that we’re officially half-way into the season, I think it’s safe to say we’ve reached a turning point... unfortunately, it’s all downhill from here.

Don’t Tell Tony The Babysitter’s Dead
Well it’s about time that Tony woke up... we’ve been alluding to it for 11 episodes now. I thought Jack needed to know as soon as Tony woke up, because he needed to get information from him. Guess it’s not that big of a deal now. Just like not telling Tony that his wife is dead. For good reason, I suppose, he’s been through a lot today. No worries, but feel free to go ahead and give him classified information about the nerve gas, the ex-CTU agent and the terrorists. I mean, he was almost EXPLODED to death, but after a 10 hour nap, I think I’d be up for hearing that stuff AND walking around. No sweat. But tell me why was Tony brought to CTU if you weren’t going to share the information with him in the first place? Ohhhhh, so he could get stuck in the medical wing with Henderson.

Lynn’s Loophole Is Shown
Remember when I asked how Lynn got back into CTU without his access card? Yeah, I remember, too. But 24 was betting that none of you would remember. I’m not so sure how Lynn’s druggie sister and her boyfriend were so connected, but they sure did have the inside scoop on some major terrorist flow. But why did the LAPD just happen to go to the druggie apartment? No good reason... except to inform Lynn at CTU that his sister was dead, so he could tell Bill that his access card was stolen, so they knew CTU had been compromised, etc etc etc...

The Showdown: CTU Nerds vs. Terrorist Nerds
In what could be the biggest heavyweight bout of the year, let’s pit CTU’s technologies vs. the Terrorists’...

• CTU has face-recognition software that can match a security camera picture (one received from a hospital in two minuets, or one obtained from their own internal cameras in OVER FIVE) to a database in less than 30 seconds.
• Terrorists have guys who can tweak nerve gas canister timers AND drive to a hospital in less than ten minutes (not to mention arrive, get inside and dress like a nurse).
• CTU has software that takes about a minute to pull up an agent’s record. And if that agent is deceased, if you wait about ten additional seconds, it will post digital photos of the dead body.
• Terrorists have rule-breaking codes that allow them to use cell phones in radiology areas.
• CTU has analysts that can hack into computers, but none that can get inside of an interlaced encryption key. That’s tough. But what exactly is an interlaced encryption key? Nobody knows.
• Terrorists have guys who set timers for too long. Why not just set the canister to go off while you’re there? Die for your cause!
• CTU has bomb squads that try to defuse nerve gas canisters with electrical magic wands. And when that doesn’t work, they do the next coolest thing... run through a hospital with the actual bomb.
• Terrorists have guys that can hack into CTU. Not only that, but they can take access cards, read the information on it, change it, and use it to get into CTU.
• CTU has a normal parking lot like any regular company in America.
• Terrorists have switches on their nerve gas canisters marked "maximize casualties," used for maximizing casualties.

It’s a draw.

That Sneaky Terrorist: A Time Log
Entry 1 (00:00) – I broke into CTU, lucky they don’t have scanning procedures to get in... sheesh, I can’t even take my favorite knife on plane trips anymore... but I can bring nerve gas canisters into CTU!
Entry 2 (08:00) – It took me eight minutes to find the basement. I had to pee first, but I got some on my pants and the hand dryer was broken. Talk about embarrassing.
Entry 3 (17:00) – This is taking longer than I thought... I just now ran the command to find the schematics of CTU on my PDA and transferred it to the laptop that’s down here in the maintenance room (weird place for a computer, don’t you think?). There, ventilation all shut down.
Entry 4 (25:00) – Okay, I just set the timer on the gas canister. This should give me enough time to get out of here. Wait... okay, just stabbed a snooping nerd chick with my Rambo knife. Gotta jet.

Jack Learned "Everything" From Henderson
It’s his old boss, how couldn’t he have learned all he knows from him? Here are some things I bet Jack DIDN’T learn:

• How to have a life at CTU and a wife at home... Jack’s been through, what, 4 girls on the show now?
• Belay that last point, Jack never learned to NOT care for their wife (though he could’ve learned that from President Logan, too – is that a theme this season? To not care about your wife?).
• Jack will never learn how to do this... Henderson somehow found out how to a) link a remote detonator to destroy a bomb AND wipe a hard drive clean, b) keep one socket open to transfer files to another computer, c) destroy a server room, yet maintain that socket on the hard-driveless computer. Wow.

Kim Is Finally Back
Nothing really interesting here. Except the boyfriend, who’s full name was said about five times. Think they’re trying to make us remember that?

Presidents, US, Russian and Alike...
Blah blah, terrorists attack, blah blah, no heightened security, blah blah, the Vice Pres shows up, blah blah, they’re still running the country with three people.

Lock, Stock and CTU It Down
I liked the locking down of CTU. Though it was pretty lame that Chloe was able to lock down three rooms (one for Jack and co., one for Lynn and one for the medical wing). And how "sad" was it when we watched Edgar kick the bucket (and not Chloe) and how lamer was it when there was no beeps to end the show. I’m sorry, but that evoked zero emotions from me except anger... if I wasn’t watching, how did I know the show was over!?!

Well, like I mentioned, we’re over half-way done with the season. Rejoice! More insanity coming up in the following 12 episodes, I’ll catalog it all right here.

More From The “Keeping It Real” File

It sure is nice to find other sites that think 24 is a bit too unrealistic...

Jacktracker:
Follow Jack Bauer as he makes his way around Los Angeles (and the world) on Day 5 of 24, the hit Fox TV show. Updates and detailed episode information will be posted on Gridskipper, generally every Tuesday. Additional world-wide Waypoints, not in the general L.A. area, can be found under username bohan. All photos are linked to Flickr, where you will find detailed information about each photo, including arcane Los Angeles trivia, filming gaffes, and additional information about various shoots and locales.

24 Season 5: Episode 10 Recap(Hour 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

WARNING: The following post may, and probably will, contain spoilers.

Well, I must say that tonight’s episode was probably the best of the season... and not a moment too soon. There is still a load of horse-pucky going on, but all in all, I was surprised with the outcome and appreciated the twists.

The Russian President’s Motorcade

• The Good: It’s about time we have a car ride in Los Angeles takes more than 10 minutes! Granted, it was just for the sake of a silly plot point, but a LOT more realistic than usual.
• The Bad: How can the press be surprised that the terrorists knew about the route of the motorcade? It was all over the news when it left! It probably wouldn’t take much for some very resourceful terrorists to figure something like that out.
• The Ugly: First off, it’s nearly rush hour... where’s the traffic? Secondly, it’s nearly rush hour, where are all of the people downtown? Third, would the Russian President really be taking a motorcade and not a helicopter? Because I’m pretty damn sure they arrived to the summit by helicopter.

CTU Isn’t Lynn’s Baby Anymore

• The Good: I liked the coup de tat, but I liked it better when I saw it on Crimson Tide.
• The Bad: The ol’ "secret computer in the back of CTU that isn’t traceable," trick. Right. Or how about Lynn not taking the advice of his advisors? Is he trying to take a page out of President Logan’s book? Oh, wait, Logan doesn’t have ANY advisors.
• The Ugly: Lynn flying off the handle and firing everyone in his path. Doesn’t he know that Edgar and Chloe are the only computer people he has? Also, the use of the word "real-time," again. We know... the show is in real-time!

President Logan and Mrs. Looney Tunes

• The Good: The absurdity of the whole idea that Logan and his wife are arguing about killing the Russian President.
• The Bad: Uhhh, what? Praying? Is it just me, or did this seem VERY out of context for any season of 24?
• The Ugly: The fact that they can’t get off of this weak President story-line.

Christopher Henderson, the Ex-Boss

• The Good: Did I hear Nina’s name??? And I was totally duped into thinking that he was really helping Jack. Nice.
• The Bad: Weird, a former director of CTU that lost his job? Never heard that one.
• The Ugly: How often do corporate Vice Presidents wait behind their door with a tazer-gun?

Coming up next week... two hours and the return of Kim Bauer and Tony!!! Ugh.