I'd like to know how the bad guy's found Jack at the Senator's house. Is there yet another mole at the FBI or were they just looking for the Senator and Jack happened to be there? I guess I will find out soon enough.
"A blunt instrument wielded by a Government department. Hard, ruthless, sardonic, fatalistic. He likes gambling, golf, fast motor cars. All his movements are relaxed and economical". Ian Fleming
What on earth did Jack let the Senator open the door for? There's a hitman after him for goodness sake and he lets the Senator open the door without even checking for ID first! Daft. The rest of it was good though. Particularly the fight in the building site.
This was one of the more Bondian episodes of 24 that I've ever seen. It wasn't so much because Jack commandeered a semi or was shot at by a helicopter; but because of the Starkwood braintrust scene. Yes indeed, a sequence set in the headquarters of the bad guys, with executives assembled around a table and Blofe--uh, I mean Hodges announcing a new direction. I swear, when one exec said he wanted no part of it and Hodges showed him out, I expected the poor guy to either fall through a trap door into a piranha pool, drop out of a blimp, or be compressed inside a car!
But, of course, the other 24 elements are still in play: the White House soap (and guess who the leak turned out to be!); a decent civilian put into the middle of the "war" (this one played by Connor Trineer, probably my favorite character from the old "Enterprise" series); Larry Moss's "is-he-a-good-guy-or-is-he-a-putz" saga unfolding; another one of our favorite characters put in danger; Jack once again having the chance to clear his name snatched away just before the hour ends; and one of the most interesting cliffhangers of the series--one that could conceivably impact how Jack performs for the rest of the "day." Once again, 24 hasn't been this much fun in years!
Vox clamantis in deserto
Mr MartiniThat nice house in the sky.Posts: 2,707MI6 Agent
When this season first started I had my doubts. But this season ranks right up there with Season 1 & 4 as my favorites. With about 9 hours to go, I have a feeling this season is going to have a surprise ending. And on a side note, it's good to see Henry is going to be o.k., well, at least for now. There's still 9 hours to go.
Some people would complain even if you hang them with a new rope
Great Gitmo! Has 24 gone and done the unthinkable--infecting Jack with a virus that will kill him in hours, necessitating the season end with the final beat of Jack's heart timed to the last minute of the clock? Will this season turn into an homage to the classic thriller DOA (or--God forbid--its high voltage ripoff, Crank)? Well, don't panic too much, true believers! I heard Kiefer Sutherland has signed on for another season, so unless next year is to be 24: The Lost Day or The 24 Whisperer, I think an antidote will be found.
So anyway, another decent episode, with a surprising turn by Greg Seaton (Rory Cochran, who used to be "Speedle" on CSI: Miami), a great bit of emotion shown by the lovely Renee Walker, and an appearance by Aaron Pierce to satisfy the two-fisted man's man in all of us. No way would Aaron Pierce betray his government like those slimy Whitewat--uh, Starkwood guys. And is it just me, or could this whole "Starkwood" enterprise serve as a template for how the Bond series could handle Quantum's headquarters, whenever it is revealed? The Starkwood compound may seem a little fantastic, but the details are entirely real--and keeping things just one step away from reality was what Ian Fleming was all about.
Vox clamantis in deserto
Mr MartiniThat nice house in the sky.Posts: 2,707MI6 Agent
I'm starting to see some shades of The Rock in this plot. Jonas has a reason to launch the chemical weapons (so did General Hummel). Jonas' crew doesn't want blood shed (Hummel really didn't want bloodshed either). I have a feeling Jonas and Hummel are one in the same. Threating to launch a chemical weapon on the citizens of the U.S. unless their demands are met. Neither wants to, but will if forced. I have a feeling also in the end, Jonas (on his death bed) will regret this day and provide a antidote for all those infected by this weapon because more than just Jack will be infected by the chemicals by the time this season ends.
Some people would complain even if you hang them with a new rope
I thought this episode was a little anticlimactic compared to your typical episode of 24, but still fun to watch. The whole thing with Jack being infected adds no tension for me. After all, I’ve seen Jack tortured to near death (or did his heart actually stop) and then be back to kicking a** 20 minutes later. I also agree with Hardyboy that Starkwood would be a great template for Quantum.
"A blunt instrument wielded by a Government department. Hard, ruthless, sardonic, fatalistic. He likes gambling, golf, fast motor cars. All his movements are relaxed and economical". Ian Fleming
More than ever I'm getting a serious Bond vibe from this season. Let's see. . .tonight we've had Tony slip unobserved into an ultra-secret laboratory, where he spots a dangerous bio-weapon. . .government types watching representatives of planes closing in on their target on gigantic electronic wall maps. . .Jonas Hodges with two or three megalomaniacal speeches. . .and a Ken Adamesque office overlooking a giant world map, on which a character takes a convenient plunge. It's just a tuxedo short of the real deal!
But I'm not complaining--this is still 24, complete with the White House soap opera and some right-wing politics. It looks like the solution to Jack's problem could be in adult (clearly not embryonic) stem cells--and this means that Elisha Cuthbert could actually make an appearance. I have to say that I found the episode thoroughly enjoyable, and I especially liked the division of duties between Jack and Tony: it was nice seeing our hero in a command position, rather than out in the field kicking butt.
Till next week. . .
Vox clamantis in deserto
Mr MartiniThat nice house in the sky.Posts: 2,707MI6 Agent
It looks like the solution to Jack's problem could be in adult (clearly not embryonic) stem cells--and this means that Elisha Cuthbert could actually make an appearance.
Well hopefully she does make an appearance. Not sure where her last known location was. I guess if she's in LA she could make it in by the last episode. There's also the key word "experimental" Could this be what dooms Jack? I realize Keifer has signed on for one more season, but maybe the 8th season will pick up a week after this one ends. Oh well, enough rambling. 'Ole Joans thinks he can't be touched. Getting the president to stand down from attacking his facility. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out. Hopefully in the end he'll get a taste of one of his own bio-weapons somwhere over the atlantic.
Some people would complain even if you hang them with a new rope
Just saw a promo for tomorrow's episode, and, yes indeedy, Kim is back. The ad shows a teary-eyed reunion, and you just know Kim's going to undergo this experimental procedure to save Jack's life. Looks like the soap opera element of 24 is escaping the White House and infecting the House of Bauer!
Wait a minute. . .I remember when my mother used to watch the soap The Guiding Light (which has just been cancelled after 70-something years on radio and TV), the name of the main family whose members' lives are chronicled was. . .Bauer! No wonder Jack's life is such a soap opera!
Vox clamantis in deserto
Mr MartiniThat nice house in the sky.Posts: 2,707MI6 Agent
So her last known location must have been somewhere in Washington DC or a surrounding area. I hope they at least let us know how she was so close to FBI headquarters.
Some people would complain even if you hang them with a new rope
I did my back in over this Easter Weeekend and have been stuck indoors (being hit by the bucket of a JCB digger in the back some years ago tends to bring it on occasionally !)
So hooked up my PC to my TV yesterday and watched 24 season 7 from the first to the last current aired episode. Today my head is spinning but what a rush. I don't think I could have waited weekly, which I will have to now for the remaining 7 or 8 episodes.
Have read all these posts. Right, so where were we..... Crikey, wow and duh in equal measures. Agree with u guys on ease of entry into Whitehouse by a backyard nation; Renne Walker is hot, Tony Almeida what a character; Jack's been bough back from the brink with shots of double aderanline and got knows what before so will re-cover from bio-exposure; the Aaron Pierce camera reveal YaY; as someone pointed out 'wheel chair bound sister bitch' exactly ! Morris O Brien a great quirky character but weas there really a point; RIP Bill Buchanan complete with new hair style, Moss is he or isnt he a klutz - trying to do things by the book but these are extreme times, Olivia what a Bitch, First Gentleman - although he came across as soppy in the first couple of eps he was right all along, Hodges - bring it on attitude - great.
Phew! The plot has turned again! I'm trying to remember if there's ever been a season of 24 that has taken this many dramatic turns--with changes in villains and motivations, and deaths of major characters thrown in to boot! Funny thing is, this season has worked better than some others with more straightforward plots.
So, anyway, I was all ready to hate the reunion with Kim. "Oh, how convenient," I thought, "she's actually been in D.C. all day waiting to talk to Jack!" But, y' know, the scene actually did work its magic: I found myself touched and affected, and I couldn't hate Elisha Cuthbert for her minimal acting abilities and I forgave Kim for facing down a mountain lion back in season two. Jack's breaking down in tears was also a terrific moment. But I wonder if the producers aren't trying to top Dickens when he stretched out Little Nell's death for months to keep up the readers' interest. Are they going to hold off the miracle stem cell cure until the very last minute?
I also have to admit I got a kick out of the episode indulging in "left wing paranoia" for once--the idea that an independent paramilitary group would demand to be made a part of the government. I was afraid that we might have seen the last of Jon Voight's scenery-chewing Jonas Hodges (c'mon, is he auditioning for a Bond villain or what?) tonight, but it's clear he's coming back next week--in what looks like a Hannibal Lecter-like role.
And as for the big twist at the end. . .I have to admit, I didn't see this coming and it's something of a shock. I also have to say I'm not sure where the rest of this "day" is headed--but, hell, I've enjoyed this ride!
So, anyway, I was all ready to hate the reunion with Kim.
I was too, and I did. I still hold out hope that the writers will come to their senses and kill off her character and then have Jack snap and take out his vengeance on the unfortunate individuals who are responsible. The only thing worse than Kim coming back was that public service announcement at the end.
And as for the big twist at the end . . .I have to admit, I didn't see this coming and it's something of a shock. I also have to say I'm not sure where the rest of this "day" is headed--but, hell, I've enjoyed this ride!
I was really shocked by this. I am curious to see how they explain the motives behind this betrayal.
24 is the best show on the air and this season is really turning out great.
"A blunt instrument wielded by a Government department. Hard, ruthless, sardonic, fatalistic. He likes gambling, golf, fast motor cars. All his movements are relaxed and economical". Ian Fleming
Mr MartiniThat nice house in the sky.Posts: 2,707MI6 Agent
I to want to see them explain why they had Tony turn at the end. It doesn't make sense. I also wonder who Jonas was talking about as he was being arrested? Could there be a "higher power" than him? Once again, with only hours left in the season 24 has many questions to answer.
Some people would complain even if you hang them with a new rope
I thought the scene with Kim went on forever, but she did have a reason for being in Washington. She wanted to be their for her dad at his trial. As for Tony, well, I spent the entire episode thinking how good it was to see him doing the action stuff, while Jack was back at HQ doing the office work. Then the twist.
Mr MartiniThat nice house in the sky.Posts: 2,707MI6 Agent
Just saw a commercial for this mondays show. It basically said the whole season has been twist after twist, but the best twist is yet to come? What else could these guys have up their sleeves? Guess we'll have to wait and see.
Some people would complain even if you hang them with a new rope
I've said before that this season feels kind of Bondian, but tonight's episode had a downright ripoff of Bond. A lawyer answers the door, she's gassed in the face, and then one man puts her out of commission while a lookalike steals her identity. You don't suppose the guy who wrote this episode had just been reviewing his Thunderball DVD, do ya?
That said, it was another good episode. I was wrong about Jonas turning into a kind of Hannibal Lecter--though the sight of him in chains is pretty cool--but through Jonas and his fake lawyer we've been given a glimpse into whoever is calling the shots, and darn it all, it looks like he's working for Quantum! There were also some great tense moments, such as the FBI agents going through the abandoned apartment building; and Jack's unravelling physical and mental state is genuinely scary. I keep waiting for Kim to come back and say, "Damn it, I'm going through the procedure, whether you want me to or not!"--but will that happen? Oh, too much going on! Can it all be wrapped up in just five more hours?
Vox clamantis in deserto
Mr MartiniThat nice house in the sky.Posts: 2,707MI6 Agent
However this season turn out they better have a good explanation of why Tony turned. It's still not making sense he would help out the FBI and even destroy all the Bio-Weapons. But he sees one canister left and BAM (pun not intended) he decides to help get the canister out of the blocked off zone. Still 5 more hours for a good explanation.
Some people would complain even if you hang them with a new rope
Mr MartiniThat nice house in the sky.Posts: 2,707MI6 Agent
However this season turn out they better have a good explanation of why Tony turned. It's still not making sense he would help out the FBI and even destroy all the Bio-Weapons. But he sees one canister left and BAM (pun not intended) he decides to help get the canister out of the blocked off zone. Still 5 more hours for a good explanation.
It seems to me that Tony was always with the organization and only switched sides when Jonas went rogue. Starkwood was the bad guys personal army and when Jonas went off with his personal plan to threaten the president on his own Tony defected in order to manipulate the US government into getting back their bio weapon. There are a myriad of problems with this explanation but I think it is the one we are going to get.:#
"A blunt instrument wielded by a Government department. Hard, ruthless, sardonic, fatalistic. He likes gambling, golf, fast motor cars. All his movements are relaxed and economical". Ian Fleming
Another day, another Bond vibe. . . OK, it wasn't set at Tosca, but the scene where the mysterious bad guys were all convening over the Internet, their identities hidden to all, had me thinking Quantum all the way!
So, anyway, a decent episode, but not nearly as good as the previous "hours"--a lot of Jack yelling, the First Daughter plotting revenge, Tony and his moll trying to up the stakes. . . Where's an explosion when you really need one? I also have to say I'm getting impatient with the way Jack's "expected death" is being dragged out. For Pete's sake, we know there'll be a last-minute reprieve! Let's get on with it! Oh, and I have to think the show's producers must have written in the scene where Jack screams at Janis to stop her complaining--simply because it's what every conservative wants to say to Janeane Garafalo!
Oh, and I have to think the show's producers must have written in the scene where Jack screams at Janis to stop her complaining--simply because it's what every conservative wants to say to Janeane Garafalo!
.:)).:)).:))
"A blunt instrument wielded by a Government department. Hard, ruthless, sardonic, fatalistic. He likes gambling, golf, fast motor cars. All his movements are relaxed and economical". Ian Fleming
Hmmm, maybe because I've been busier than ever with work, I've been losing interest as this "day" has been winding down. Blame the protracted "death" of Jack, or the reduction of the formidable Jonas Hodges to a far-too-sympathetic figure. Then again, it could just be that tonight's episode struck me as a bit too politically correct. Good gosh: those PSAs the cast did a few seasons back to promote tolerance toward Muslims weren't as obvious as the message tonight: why, not only aren't all Muslims terrorists, some of 'em get framed by rogue agents! And Jack being told by an Imam than he can still turn to God. . . Maybe this is how he'll ultimately be saved? Heck, a season with Jack as a Muslim could be interesting!
OK, OK, methinks the Hardyboy doth protest too much. It's still 24--good to see Aaron as always, and even the First Husband got to put in an appearance. I'm starting to dislike the First Daughter, so it was nice seeing her perhaps get a bit of comeuppance--though what she really deserves is a spanking I'd gladly administer.
Three more hours to go (read: one more episode followed by a two-hour finale). . .
Vox clamantis in deserto
Mr MartiniThat nice house in the sky.Posts: 2,707MI6 Agent
edited May 2009
Hmmmm, interesting review HB. I'm surprised you left out the
Death Of Jonas Hodges, or is it Mr. Tippet?
I have a feeling there's going to be more to that. Was a certain person responsible, or did someone else also want it done, so they made it happen. Did
Aaron Pierce also put out a hit on Jonas? I hope not
But the way this season has gone, I wouldn't put it past the writers to try it.
P.S. HB, if your arm gets tired from the spankings, I'll gladly take over for a while.
Some people would complain even if you hang them with a new rope
Well. . .I did sort of allude to your first spoiler, when I mentioned the First Daughter getting her comeuppance. And I'll gladly hand over spanking duties once Renee Walker comes into the room and completely distracts me!
It was a good episode but I thought it needed some more action. I believe part of the reason things are less interesting is because we just went through the exact same plot three episodes ago with Jack trying to stop a biological weapon being detonated on USA soil. It would have been more interesting had they varied the threat a little more and spent some time tracking down the rest of the members of the organization.
"A blunt instrument wielded by a Government department. Hard, ruthless, sardonic, fatalistic. He likes gambling, golf, fast motor cars. All his movements are relaxed and economical". Ian Fleming
Oh no--can it be? Yes indeed, it's the return of. . .
The Perils of Kim!
Well, thank God there's only two more hours of this--I don't think I could stand several hours of Kim getting in and out of trouble. And is it just me, or in this 22nd hour did Jack show absolutely no symptoms of his terminal illness? Hmmm--he seems to have one of those magical diseases that just comes and goes!
Anyway, I guess some of my impatience is showing--I'd like to see the big finale in which the baddies get what's coming (looks like Aaron Pierce will save the day!), Jack will be saved, and there will be some big twist ending that will set the stage for the next "day." Just one more week to wait. . .
Vox clamantis in deserto
Mr MartiniThat nice house in the sky.Posts: 2,707MI6 Agent
Hmmmm, not to bad of an hour. It held my interest. I agree, how does Kim always find the bad people (or big cats)?
Some people would complain even if you hang them with a new rope
Comments
But, of course, the other 24 elements are still in play: the White House soap (and guess who the leak turned out to be!); a decent civilian put into the middle of the "war" (this one played by Connor Trineer, probably my favorite character from the old "Enterprise" series); Larry Moss's "is-he-a-good-guy-or-is-he-a-putz" saga unfolding; another one of our favorite characters put in danger; Jack once again having the chance to clear his name snatched away just before the hour ends; and one of the most interesting cliffhangers of the series--one that could conceivably impact how Jack performs for the rest of the "day." Once again, 24 hasn't been this much fun in years!
So anyway, another decent episode, with a surprising turn by Greg Seaton (Rory Cochran, who used to be "Speedle" on CSI: Miami), a great bit of emotion shown by the lovely Renee Walker, and an appearance by Aaron Pierce to satisfy the two-fisted man's man in all of us. No way would Aaron Pierce betray his government like those slimy Whitewat--uh, Starkwood guys. And is it just me, or could this whole "Starkwood" enterprise serve as a template for how the Bond series could handle Quantum's headquarters, whenever it is revealed? The Starkwood compound may seem a little fantastic, but the details are entirely real--and keeping things just one step away from reality was what Ian Fleming was all about.
But I'm not complaining--this is still 24, complete with the White House soap opera and some right-wing politics. It looks like the solution to Jack's problem could be in adult (clearly not embryonic) stem cells--and this means that Elisha Cuthbert could actually make an appearance. I have to say that I found the episode thoroughly enjoyable, and I especially liked the division of duties between Jack and Tony: it was nice seeing our hero in a command position, rather than out in the field kicking butt.
Till next week. . .
Well hopefully she does make an appearance. Not sure where her last known location was. I guess if she's in LA she could make it in by the last episode. There's also the key word "experimental" Could this be what dooms Jack? I realize Keifer has signed on for one more season, but maybe the 8th season will pick up a week after this one ends. Oh well, enough rambling. 'Ole Joans thinks he can't be touched. Getting the president to stand down from attacking his facility. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out. Hopefully in the end he'll get a taste of one of his own bio-weapons somwhere over the atlantic.
Wait a minute. . .I remember when my mother used to watch the soap The Guiding Light (which has just been cancelled after 70-something years on radio and TV), the name of the main family whose members' lives are chronicled was. . .Bauer! No wonder Jack's life is such a soap opera!
So hooked up my PC to my TV yesterday and watched 24 season 7 from the first to the last current aired episode. Today my head is spinning but what a rush. I don't think I could have waited weekly, which I will have to now for the remaining 7 or 8 episodes.
Have read all these posts. Right, so where were we..... Crikey, wow and duh in equal measures. Agree with u guys on ease of entry into Whitehouse by a backyard nation; Renne Walker is hot, Tony Almeida what a character; Jack's been bough back from the brink with shots of double aderanline and got knows what before so will re-cover from bio-exposure; the Aaron Pierce camera reveal YaY; as someone pointed out 'wheel chair bound sister bitch' exactly ! Morris O Brien a great quirky character but weas there really a point; RIP Bill Buchanan complete with new hair style, Moss is he or isnt he a klutz - trying to do things by the book but these are extreme times, Olivia what a Bitch, First Gentleman - although he came across as soppy in the first couple of eps he was right all along, Hodges - bring it on attitude - great.
I need to lie down now !
So, anyway, I was all ready to hate the reunion with Kim. "Oh, how convenient," I thought, "she's actually been in D.C. all day waiting to talk to Jack!" But, y' know, the scene actually did work its magic: I found myself touched and affected, and I couldn't hate Elisha Cuthbert for her minimal acting abilities and I forgave Kim for facing down a mountain lion back in season two. Jack's breaking down in tears was also a terrific moment. But I wonder if the producers aren't trying to top Dickens when he stretched out Little Nell's death for months to keep up the readers' interest. Are they going to hold off the miracle stem cell cure until the very last minute?
I also have to admit I got a kick out of the episode indulging in "left wing paranoia" for once--the idea that an independent paramilitary group would demand to be made a part of the government. I was afraid that we might have seen the last of Jon Voight's scenery-chewing Jonas Hodges (c'mon, is he auditioning for a Bond villain or what?) tonight, but it's clear he's coming back next week--in what looks like a Hannibal Lecter-like role.
And as for the big twist at the end. . .I have to admit, I didn't see this coming and it's something of a shock. I also have to say I'm not sure where the rest of this "day" is headed--but, hell, I've enjoyed this ride!
I was really shocked by this. I am curious to see how they explain the motives behind this betrayal.
24 is the best show on the air and this season is really turning out great.
That said, it was another good episode. I was wrong about Jonas turning into a kind of Hannibal Lecter--though the sight of him in chains is pretty cool--but through Jonas and his fake lawyer we've been given a glimpse into whoever is calling the shots, and darn it all, it looks like he's working for Quantum! There were also some great tense moments, such as the FBI agents going through the abandoned apartment building; and Jack's unravelling physical and mental state is genuinely scary. I keep waiting for Kim to come back and say, "Damn it, I'm going through the procedure, whether you want me to or not!"--but will that happen? Oh, too much going on! Can it all be wrapped up in just five more hours?
HB, maybe this was the same person who wrote the season 4 episode. The one where the guy hijacks the military jet to shoot down air force one.
So, anyway, a decent episode, but not nearly as good as the previous "hours"--a lot of Jack yelling, the First Daughter plotting revenge, Tony and his moll trying to up the stakes. . . Where's an explosion when you really need one? I also have to say I'm getting impatient with the way Jack's "expected death" is being dragged out. For Pete's sake, we know there'll be a last-minute reprieve! Let's get on with it! Oh, and I have to think the show's producers must have written in the scene where Jack screams at Janis to stop her complaining--simply because it's what every conservative wants to say to Janeane Garafalo!
Four more hours to go. . .
OK, OK, methinks the Hardyboy doth protest too much. It's still 24--good to see Aaron as always, and even the First Husband got to put in an appearance. I'm starting to dislike the First Daughter, so it was nice seeing her perhaps get a bit of comeuppance--though what she really deserves is a spanking I'd gladly administer.
Three more hours to go (read: one more episode followed by a two-hour finale). . .
P.S. HB, if your arm gets tired from the spankings, I'll gladly take over for a while.
The Perils of Kim!
Well, thank God there's only two more hours of this--I don't think I could stand several hours of Kim getting in and out of trouble. And is it just me, or in this 22nd hour did Jack show absolutely no symptoms of his terminal illness? Hmmm--he seems to have one of those magical diseases that just comes and goes!
Anyway, I guess some of my impatience is showing--I'd like to see the big finale in which the baddies get what's coming (looks like Aaron Pierce will save the day!), Jack will be saved, and there will be some big twist ending that will set the stage for the next "day." Just one more week to wait. . .