24 Blow by Blow: Season 5 - Episode 8 - 2pm-3pm

As we wake from what we all hope was merely a drunken nite out for the crew last week, we see that there is still grave concern about Cummings' death, and how there might be a way to possibly spin the circumstances of his death to the Logan administration's advantage, but also to the benefit of Cummings himself.

-- Cumming's Death Turnabout: Will Walt end up being a man that simply couldn't deal with the stress of the current political climate, or the traitor that led terrorists to the nation's front door to deliver a healthy mouthful of toxic nerve gas? Only time will tell but it's clear that it could be the savior of what could be a very tarnished politically-laid turd.

-- Logan Cares What His Wife Will Say? One of the things that was spawned last episode, was that Logan is trying to let his wife have a viable say in the operational policies of what he's enacting during this current crisis. Does thiis strike anyone else as sheer lunacy?

-- Lord of the Healing Lip: Apparently Frodo from the Shire hath provided his plump companion Samwise with some magical pixie dust with which to heal his recently acquired broken, bleeding lip. If any of you have ever had either a broken or plump lip, you know that there is a series of bruising that accompanys an experience like the one that Lynn had. I'm curious to see if he will have marks that arise over the next few hours.

-- So Sayeth the Manic First Lady! Mrs. Logan's aid must really have fallen on hard emotional times because she is now asking the previously-committed and often-eratic Mrs. Fruitpie for advise on life and official protocols of how to deal with life's emotional rollercoaster. Ping-pong anyone? How about a helping of lithium?

-- Terrorists Tendencies: It's not that they all look like they need a bath - it's not that they are always armed to the teeth - it's not even that they are willing to die for their cause - it's the tendency to drive brand, spankin'-new, polished-like-they-just-bought-it vehicles. Once again, the "blue van" that is referenced in the phone conversation is a shiny new Dodge cargo van. Apparently this season's terrorists also need to travel in shiny style.

-- Fabulous Keifer Continues: There will be few people that can match the acting skills of Keifer Sutherland, folks. His ability to step into the role of Rossler is amazing and he plays it to the hilt.

-- Excuse me, Mrs. President: On what grounds does Mrs. Logan feel that she can command and order the people of the President's administration around? Where is Aaron, everyone's favorite Secret Service Agent to issue some quiet yet wieldling sensibility of "shut up, ma'am."

-- Nerve Gas: Does anyone else want to only have a gas mask to protect them from what ails you when the cannisters are broken open or released. While I've never had the style that Jack has on on my own face, the ones at the Military Surplus stores don't seem to offer much of anything that I'd want to be at ground-zero of a gas release with.

-- Employee Dress Code Quality Control: For those that are curious, Jack, and the "other terrorists" who have worn clothing, bags that have nothing to do with holding tools, and their suspect glances at every step are some of the many things you should take note of if you're in a mall anytime in the future.

-- Jack Doesn't Follow Through? For once ever - well nevermind. Jack once again decides that the original orders provided by President Logan will be something of CTU Broken-Order Lore. Thankfully, the brilliance of the writing department comes alive in this episode and the day is saved again - except of course for the 20 or so souls that die a horrible nerve-gas-induced death at the mall.

-- Who the Hell Does Audrey Think She Is? Of all the people in the room to spring out of order back at CTU, it's Audrey? Were there no more staffers left to play out the emotionally-laden card?

-- No CSI for Walt: They call Walt's wife to come to the place of death, an hour ago, to pick up the body and there is no crime-scene review, no autopsy, nothing? Doesn't that sound strange?

-- You Gotta' Know When to Hold 'Em -- Know When to Fold 'Em: Thankfully, Mrs. Logan realizes the folly of reporting the "truth because it will set the administration free" and tells Walt's husband that he died as a man that loved his country very much.

-- More Musical Brilliance: Something that has been completely left out (because that's where the music goes sometimes sadly) is this season's musical score. Yet another wonderfully portrayed set of music, highlighted by the wonderful heart-pounding momentum builder right at the end as we get the characteristic framed-storytelling staple of what is a great and fast-moving show.

We'll see you in a short 7 days!