Blow by Blow Review: "24" January 22nd, 2005
I have this friend named Jack - he's not actually my friend, but rather -- well frankly he's a fictional character that takes up a ridiculously large portion of my waking hours. :)
It's time again for a review of the most recent episode of "24" the Emmy-award winning show on Fox, starring Kiefer Sutherland and a host of others.
This episode: "Hour 6 (from 12pm-1pm)" begins with more literal bangs as Jack Bauer (Sutherland) attempts to single-handedly assault the warehouse that is serving as a bunker and headquarters for a cell of terrorists that have abducted the US Secretary of State.
The points that follow are in "blow by blow" form and the first thing that entered my mind while watching. As always, I would appreciate your comments!
-- Previously Seen Latino Actors as Arab Terrorists: In another brilliant plan, the producers/casting agents of the series have recruited actors that previously had played Latino actors. Many of them look Latino, and based on a variety of sources, that is one of the real-life potential dangers we face as a nation: Arab-born terrorists crossing our border from the south to do us harm. Brilliant.
-- Video Game-Like Story Pace: A friend of mine recently said that one of his relatives said that this show was "too slow." I have news folks -- if this show is too "slow" for you, then you are in need of some Ritalin or a psychiatrist because you're ridiculously self-absorbed. This episode, in particular had some of the most action-packed elements ever. True, there is much more "love and caring" going on in this episode (a daughter and father being rescued, a pair of lovers who can't possibly show their adoration for each other reunited, the love of a mother for her son who is to be murdered, etc etc), but folks - this show is anything but "slow."
-- Following Time Minute for Minute: The heart-pounding "Beep-Chunnng" of the numbers counting seconds in-between breaks are all in real time, and it is amazing. Twelve minutes into the episode is the hour of the episode (in this case, 12:12pm) and it always falls and works like that - every time. It's a genius move in regard to making a show that no other has provided.
-- Displayed Proficiency to Enhance Credibility and Realism: I'm not sure if you noticed: It's one of those things that if you weren't really paying attention you'd miss it - a great sample of the proficiency that Jack displays coming down the hillside while still keeping bead with his weapon - as he descends the hillside, his weapon is almost completely motionless except for a cylon-like back and forth motion as he scours the landscape for another target. Other moments added: The changing of clips: For those of you that have ever owned a handgun that allows you to change out magazines, this is no "simple" effort, and the speed at which its carried out enhances credibility. There are many more that I'll chronicle as the series progresses.
-- Understood, Yet Still Clear Disappointment: The series has taken all this time to cultivate the "Trial of the Secretary of State and His Eventual Punishment." They have taken the time to make the Internet Video excerpts look like the sad and decidedly heinous videos of those we've seen associated with the beheading videos. Right down the to the masked terrorists, the draped, Arabic scrawled wall hanging, the orange jumpsuit, bound hands and a very tired looking man that has somehow "wronged them". And now it's time to shoot him? While I understand the heat of the moment and drama is kicked up several notches with the potential of the Secretary of States live being over in an instant, I was just amazed that they want to all that trouble and they pull out a handgun to finish him off. Yes, I understand the "respect of the families that have lost loved ones" but folks: If you don't understand it by now then you're kidding yourself: they would behead ANYONE that was an American - without any hesitation.
-- The Other Heroes Arrive: The only thing missing is the Ride of the Valkyries with the arrival of the strike force to save the Secretary of State. Granted, the other thing that could arrive is their ability to somehow kill more bad guys than Jack did. :)
-- A Slower Episode? Grab a Calculator: Just a solid assertion for those that were curious: A "slow show" doesn't have an 18 person body count in the first 13 minutes. :) For the record: 13 for Jack, two for the Secretary of State and "the rest" for the three assault groups. Surely there were more but they weren't shown.
-- Anticipation of Lethality: Both, Jack and the Secretary of State's guns are EMPTY when the current lead baddie pops out of the exit way with the Secretary's daughter at gunpoint. Jack still understands that he has a reasonable bluff in pointing it at the bad guy, and then pulls it away in an effort to collect the bad guy's attention. While he is able to pull another knife from his sleeve/vest, I half expected him to give a good throat-clearing snort and spit a caustic loogey into the dude's eye to take him out like some bulletproof vested, empty-gun-toting cobra. That is the potential lethality that Kiefer has brought to the roll and it is - again - intoxicating.
-- Irony in More than One Place: You'll be happy to know that a trend continues even into real life: Remember in my most recent 24 Blow by Blow, I had referred to the irony of Jack now not wanting to tell his Boss/potential father in law that he and the Secretary's daughter are an item, and now in the most recent season, he had the same thing happen with HIM with his daughter and Chase - well get this. On Leno this week, Kiefer is on talking about how he is going to be a GRANDFATHER in about a month! That's right, and guess what? Kiefer didn't want the Scottish guy that married his daughter to have her either!
-- Solid Tension: It's Time to Leave But There Will Be No Embrace: a very touching and poignant moment between Jack and the Secretary's daughter where they so very badly want to embrace after the hostage event is over. Well done and acted.
-- When In Doubt, Insert Stuffy Britt: We don't all hate the British, I get that - but man! They sure do work as a presumptive foil in the matters of love. That guy has all the allure of a rotting pork chop on a rock in the hot desert sun. Nice casting, nice "put it back together moment and of course, my next point.
-- Finally a Slam Dunk from a Hurting Woman: I have grown so very tired of the same ol' "please take me back, even though I'm a fundamental jackass and will surely drag you, your family and your life thru the ringer again soon" situation in today's television. FINALLY, she gives the stuffy Brit the ol' heave ho! Sayonara double-oh-loser!
-- The Secretary Knows: I've discussed this with my friend Brian, and I'm going to have to review the DVR for further review: I didn't really see anything in the way of reaction at the hostage scene to show that he "knew" but clearly at the end of the show, the Secretary knows that Jack and his daughter are an item. The man is wise beyond his years, and I'm certain that I missed something.
-- Ah, Tariq: In a revelation of casting, I found "Tariq" looked more like the lead singer of a might-be band than the guy that's going to murder my "doesn't get it" son. A nice bit of casting and the scene between the parents after he and the Behrooz leave is breathtaking. I'm not sure you all know this, but according to Kiefer, not only has HE received a Screen Actor's Guild Nomination, but the ENTIRE CASE OF "24" has also received one. That my friends, is a proof of the clear and undeniable quality of what we're seeing here.
Stunning Revelations and the Taking of Life: Again, to discuss the scene between Behrooz' parents after he and Tariq leave: Just about every parent has had a point where they probably realize that their children don't share the save viewpoints as they do. Now, granted, most of the time it's something like POLITICS, or thinking that the Rams never really had a shot at the Superbowl - not the cold blooded murder of a chick you had a thing for in high school or a terrorist-related act! But surely, the scene turns cold to the point of livid and undeniable DEATH when Navi tells his wife, Dina that he's not sure that Behrooz EVER believed in their cause.
-- Exceptionally Well Done! Even Though Someone Else Did It All! For those of you that have ever worked in an environment where your efforts not only receive a possible and stunted "thanks" you will understand this piece of the episode well. While Driscoll is clearly proficient in being able to report the goings on, the ability to come up with the plan that will work and the decision to make the hard decisions during the last 5 hours, was all of Jack's doing - period. Keifer's acting in this section is without a doubt, the best piece of acting while saying nothing that he's provided in a long time.
-- Did He or Didn't He? The Son Under the Microscope: Did the Secretary of States son have anything to do with the death of 5 Secret Service Agents and the abduction and (almost) murder of his own father and sister? The pace ramps up as the story continues. Could he (based on his previous actions) be involved?
-- Jack Gets a Cookie: Just to prove that you can take the man out of CTU, but you can't take CTU out of the man, Jack is provided with a provisional title of Field Operations Chief until the crisis subsides. It's good to be the king, ain't it Kiefer? :)
-- SDT Didn't Yield Results - But Wait, There's More: The Secretary of State is aghast that his son has been subjected to Sensory Deprivation Treatment - until he learns that there is a clear "hiccup" in the son's story. After a loving embrace, a clear gaze into his son's eyes and two pats on the shoulder...
-- Pops, the US Secretary of State Authorizes Whatever It Takes to Get the Information Because Country Matters: Just as I wrote this, I just realized: We're seeing a strange mirror image of what's going on in the "other camp." While surely the SDT is as blunt trauma as securing someone to murder your son, the thoughts are exactly the same: There is one thing that matters in each case: The cause. In the Secretary's case, it's the unfettered continuation and safety of the ideals of the United States of America. In Navi's case, it's the completion of what will be revenge for (insert vindictive and lenghthy Militant Islamic-pointed we-hate-American-anything argument here).
-- The End of All Things - Again: Something that is littered through out literature, plays, television and movies of all kinds throught the ages, provides something that is so true in real life. Whether it be the epic "Lord of the Rings" with a kind, yet physically and mentally battered young hobbit named Frodo, or the Secretary of State's daughter following a life-altering abduction and eventual rescue - sometimes you can just never go back. Audrey has made a decision and the decision stands: There will be no more ties to her husband, and she will go on.
-- Jack, Stuffy Brit - Stuffy Brit, Jack: One of the neatest things that movies provide viewers is a sense of "we know but they don't." Never has this been more evident than when Audrey introduces Jack to her husband to Jack - her lover, confidante' and rescuer from psycho Islamic Militants.
--The Fall of the House of Tariq: In just a very few minutes during a dialog between family members, we are provided with the knowledge that "Tariq" is and has been the "cleaner" for the efforts of this particular Arab/Islamic threat. With the sudden and violent landing of a shovel's head, we suddenly understand that not only has Behrooz' father forsaken him, but that a very real, insidious and deadly threat has literally been buried under prow.
-- Have You Heard the One About 104 Nuclear Reactors and a Remote Regulator? So it's all over right? Man rescues girl and his potential Father in Law, everyone's alive, time to roll credits and run to seasonal hiatus, right? Bzzzzz! Wrong! Remember the briefcase that was removed from a dead body after an apparently train derailment 6 hours ago? It was FOUND! What was in it? A remote control, not for your television, not for your DVR unit - not even a remote car starter: It's a remote regulator for Nuclear Reactors (I'll bet that's not on the Popeil listing of goodies). With 104 Nuclear Reactors active in the United States, suddenly hour 7 becomes even more exciting than before, doesn't it?
It's time again for a review of the most recent episode of "24" the Emmy-award winning show on Fox, starring Kiefer Sutherland and a host of others.
This episode: "Hour 6 (from 12pm-1pm)" begins with more literal bangs as Jack Bauer (Sutherland) attempts to single-handedly assault the warehouse that is serving as a bunker and headquarters for a cell of terrorists that have abducted the US Secretary of State.
The points that follow are in "blow by blow" form and the first thing that entered my mind while watching. As always, I would appreciate your comments!
-- Previously Seen Latino Actors as Arab Terrorists: In another brilliant plan, the producers/casting agents of the series have recruited actors that previously had played Latino actors. Many of them look Latino, and based on a variety of sources, that is one of the real-life potential dangers we face as a nation: Arab-born terrorists crossing our border from the south to do us harm. Brilliant.
-- Video Game-Like Story Pace: A friend of mine recently said that one of his relatives said that this show was "too slow." I have news folks -- if this show is too "slow" for you, then you are in need of some Ritalin or a psychiatrist because you're ridiculously self-absorbed. This episode, in particular had some of the most action-packed elements ever. True, there is much more "love and caring" going on in this episode (a daughter and father being rescued, a pair of lovers who can't possibly show their adoration for each other reunited, the love of a mother for her son who is to be murdered, etc etc), but folks - this show is anything but "slow."
-- Following Time Minute for Minute: The heart-pounding "Beep-Chunnng" of the numbers counting seconds in-between breaks are all in real time, and it is amazing. Twelve minutes into the episode is the hour of the episode (in this case, 12:12pm) and it always falls and works like that - every time. It's a genius move in regard to making a show that no other has provided.
-- Displayed Proficiency to Enhance Credibility and Realism: I'm not sure if you noticed: It's one of those things that if you weren't really paying attention you'd miss it - a great sample of the proficiency that Jack displays coming down the hillside while still keeping bead with his weapon - as he descends the hillside, his weapon is almost completely motionless except for a cylon-like back and forth motion as he scours the landscape for another target. Other moments added: The changing of clips: For those of you that have ever owned a handgun that allows you to change out magazines, this is no "simple" effort, and the speed at which its carried out enhances credibility. There are many more that I'll chronicle as the series progresses.
-- Understood, Yet Still Clear Disappointment: The series has taken all this time to cultivate the "Trial of the Secretary of State and His Eventual Punishment." They have taken the time to make the Internet Video excerpts look like the sad and decidedly heinous videos of those we've seen associated with the beheading videos. Right down the to the masked terrorists, the draped, Arabic scrawled wall hanging, the orange jumpsuit, bound hands and a very tired looking man that has somehow "wronged them". And now it's time to shoot him? While I understand the heat of the moment and drama is kicked up several notches with the potential of the Secretary of States live being over in an instant, I was just amazed that they want to all that trouble and they pull out a handgun to finish him off. Yes, I understand the "respect of the families that have lost loved ones" but folks: If you don't understand it by now then you're kidding yourself: they would behead ANYONE that was an American - without any hesitation.
-- The Other Heroes Arrive: The only thing missing is the Ride of the Valkyries with the arrival of the strike force to save the Secretary of State. Granted, the other thing that could arrive is their ability to somehow kill more bad guys than Jack did. :)
-- A Slower Episode? Grab a Calculator: Just a solid assertion for those that were curious: A "slow show" doesn't have an 18 person body count in the first 13 minutes. :) For the record: 13 for Jack, two for the Secretary of State and "the rest" for the three assault groups. Surely there were more but they weren't shown.
-- Anticipation of Lethality: Both, Jack and the Secretary of State's guns are EMPTY when the current lead baddie pops out of the exit way with the Secretary's daughter at gunpoint. Jack still understands that he has a reasonable bluff in pointing it at the bad guy, and then pulls it away in an effort to collect the bad guy's attention. While he is able to pull another knife from his sleeve/vest, I half expected him to give a good throat-clearing snort and spit a caustic loogey into the dude's eye to take him out like some bulletproof vested, empty-gun-toting cobra. That is the potential lethality that Kiefer has brought to the roll and it is - again - intoxicating.
-- Irony in More than One Place: You'll be happy to know that a trend continues even into real life: Remember in my most recent 24 Blow by Blow, I had referred to the irony of Jack now not wanting to tell his Boss/potential father in law that he and the Secretary's daughter are an item, and now in the most recent season, he had the same thing happen with HIM with his daughter and Chase - well get this. On Leno this week, Kiefer is on talking about how he is going to be a GRANDFATHER in about a month! That's right, and guess what? Kiefer didn't want the Scottish guy that married his daughter to have her either!
-- Solid Tension: It's Time to Leave But There Will Be No Embrace: a very touching and poignant moment between Jack and the Secretary's daughter where they so very badly want to embrace after the hostage event is over. Well done and acted.
-- When In Doubt, Insert Stuffy Britt: We don't all hate the British, I get that - but man! They sure do work as a presumptive foil in the matters of love. That guy has all the allure of a rotting pork chop on a rock in the hot desert sun. Nice casting, nice "put it back together moment and of course, my next point.
-- Finally a Slam Dunk from a Hurting Woman: I have grown so very tired of the same ol' "please take me back, even though I'm a fundamental jackass and will surely drag you, your family and your life thru the ringer again soon" situation in today's television. FINALLY, she gives the stuffy Brit the ol' heave ho! Sayonara double-oh-loser!
-- The Secretary Knows: I've discussed this with my friend Brian, and I'm going to have to review the DVR for further review: I didn't really see anything in the way of reaction at the hostage scene to show that he "knew" but clearly at the end of the show, the Secretary knows that Jack and his daughter are an item. The man is wise beyond his years, and I'm certain that I missed something.
-- Ah, Tariq: In a revelation of casting, I found "Tariq" looked more like the lead singer of a might-be band than the guy that's going to murder my "doesn't get it" son. A nice bit of casting and the scene between the parents after he and the Behrooz leave is breathtaking. I'm not sure you all know this, but according to Kiefer, not only has HE received a Screen Actor's Guild Nomination, but the ENTIRE CASE OF "24" has also received one. That my friends, is a proof of the clear and undeniable quality of what we're seeing here.
Stunning Revelations and the Taking of Life: Again, to discuss the scene between Behrooz' parents after he and Tariq leave: Just about every parent has had a point where they probably realize that their children don't share the save viewpoints as they do. Now, granted, most of the time it's something like POLITICS, or thinking that the Rams never really had a shot at the Superbowl - not the cold blooded murder of a chick you had a thing for in high school or a terrorist-related act! But surely, the scene turns cold to the point of livid and undeniable DEATH when Navi tells his wife, Dina that he's not sure that Behrooz EVER believed in their cause.
-- Exceptionally Well Done! Even Though Someone Else Did It All! For those of you that have ever worked in an environment where your efforts not only receive a possible and stunted "thanks" you will understand this piece of the episode well. While Driscoll is clearly proficient in being able to report the goings on, the ability to come up with the plan that will work and the decision to make the hard decisions during the last 5 hours, was all of Jack's doing - period. Keifer's acting in this section is without a doubt, the best piece of acting while saying nothing that he's provided in a long time.
-- Did He or Didn't He? The Son Under the Microscope: Did the Secretary of States son have anything to do with the death of 5 Secret Service Agents and the abduction and (almost) murder of his own father and sister? The pace ramps up as the story continues. Could he (based on his previous actions) be involved?
-- Jack Gets a Cookie: Just to prove that you can take the man out of CTU, but you can't take CTU out of the man, Jack is provided with a provisional title of Field Operations Chief until the crisis subsides. It's good to be the king, ain't it Kiefer? :)
-- SDT Didn't Yield Results - But Wait, There's More: The Secretary of State is aghast that his son has been subjected to Sensory Deprivation Treatment - until he learns that there is a clear "hiccup" in the son's story. After a loving embrace, a clear gaze into his son's eyes and two pats on the shoulder...
-- Pops, the US Secretary of State Authorizes Whatever It Takes to Get the Information Because Country Matters: Just as I wrote this, I just realized: We're seeing a strange mirror image of what's going on in the "other camp." While surely the SDT is as blunt trauma as securing someone to murder your son, the thoughts are exactly the same: There is one thing that matters in each case: The cause. In the Secretary's case, it's the unfettered continuation and safety of the ideals of the United States of America. In Navi's case, it's the completion of what will be revenge for (insert vindictive and lenghthy Militant Islamic-pointed we-hate-American-anything argument here).
-- The End of All Things - Again: Something that is littered through out literature, plays, television and movies of all kinds throught the ages, provides something that is so true in real life. Whether it be the epic "Lord of the Rings" with a kind, yet physically and mentally battered young hobbit named Frodo, or the Secretary of State's daughter following a life-altering abduction and eventual rescue - sometimes you can just never go back. Audrey has made a decision and the decision stands: There will be no more ties to her husband, and she will go on.
-- Jack, Stuffy Brit - Stuffy Brit, Jack: One of the neatest things that movies provide viewers is a sense of "we know but they don't." Never has this been more evident than when Audrey introduces Jack to her husband to Jack - her lover, confidante' and rescuer from psycho Islamic Militants.
--The Fall of the House of Tariq: In just a very few minutes during a dialog between family members, we are provided with the knowledge that "Tariq" is and has been the "cleaner" for the efforts of this particular Arab/Islamic threat. With the sudden and violent landing of a shovel's head, we suddenly understand that not only has Behrooz' father forsaken him, but that a very real, insidious and deadly threat has literally been buried under prow.
-- Have You Heard the One About 104 Nuclear Reactors and a Remote Regulator? So it's all over right? Man rescues girl and his potential Father in Law, everyone's alive, time to roll credits and run to seasonal hiatus, right? Bzzzzz! Wrong! Remember the briefcase that was removed from a dead body after an apparently train derailment 6 hours ago? It was FOUND! What was in it? A remote control, not for your television, not for your DVR unit - not even a remote car starter: It's a remote regulator for Nuclear Reactors (I'll bet that's not on the Popeil listing of goodies). With 104 Nuclear Reactors active in the United States, suddenly hour 7 becomes even more exciting than before, doesn't it?
posted by Mike Wilkerson - 2GuysTalking at 9:20 PM
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