A Case of the.... 24 - Episode 8-11

I received a comment regarding last week’s episode of 24:

I actually thought that the last two weeks were pretty solid episodes that appear to be driving the main storyline for the bulk of the season. Now, we have the potential for a serious threat to the US, instead of the indirect threat of the nuclear rods. However, I do agree that too many of the villains from this season have been disposable. Furthermore, the current crop isn’t really all that interesting.

What this week did pretty well is to ratchet up the tension among the Hassan family–what is left of it anyway. The daughter and the former security chief have an interesting storyline going on in their tensions with Hassan–although given 24, it will turn out that one or the other was really in cahoots with Farrah.

What has also worked is the evolution of Hastings, who has turned out to be a pretty solid CTU head, and one who may drag his heels, but will do the right thing eventually (much like Larry from S7, or even Buchanan from S4).

On the other hand, President Taylor has done almost nothing noteworthy this season, aside from her interactions with Hassan–and even then, there is nothing to distinguish her character from President Keller’s in S4.

At least they’ve ditched the main part of the Dana subplot, although I expect the aftermath to continue for at least a few more episodes. However I agree that this is one of the worst subplots in 24 history–perhaps not quite as dire as Kim vs. the Mountain Lion, but one that rests on a pretty flimsy premise–that CTU, even after they had been infiltrated by mole after mole, would still not catch someone working there under an assumed name. You would think their vetting process would have improved over time.

Last week’s episode was an overall improvement, which is why I didn’t want to sound TOO negative, but it was still nowhere near what we have come to expect from 24 – which, in the past, has shown extended periods of precision and brilliance. I would disagree, though, that Hastings proved to be a solid CTU head. The thing is, he DIDN’T eventually do the right thing. Sure, he argued about using Renee as a scapegoat, and he echoed his disapproval later on, but when push came to shove, he was willing to allow it to happen. In fact, the only reason he eased up was so that he could use it as leverage to utilize Jack’s services. That said, I actually don’t mind that President Taylor’s arc has taken a back seat this season. As many have argued (although I haven’t necessarily agreed), the political portion of the story isn’t necessarily, well, a necessity. Why force it then? But speaking of forcing things, the Dana thing is absolutely inexcusable. But more on that later. Anyway, good news!! This is going to be an overall positive column! Truth be told, this may very well have been the best episode of the season.

http://tv.insidepulse.com/2010/03/09/24-episode-8-11-review/