A Case of the.... 24 - Episode 8-13

So a few weeks ago I indicated that there was a correlation between how long it took me to review an episode with my enjoyment level of said episode. This might lead one to assume that I really didn’t like the latest installment of 24, but on the contrary I actually thought it might have been its strongest episode yet. As I explained on my blog, there are a few reasons why this is late. And for that, I apologize.

However, one upside to delaying this recap is that I get to discuss the big news of the weekend, which is that Fox has decided not to renew the series for a ninth season. Honestly, I don’t find this news all that monumental – as the writing was arguably on the wall – or significant – since they’ve all but confirmed that they’re merely going to take the show to the big screen. I just hope they maintain the trend of the last couple of episodes so that they’re able to go out on a high note.

I am curious, though: For the movies, which format will they remain true to? Is it going to be a story that is played out over a day’s time, or will it be told in real time? If it’s the former, and you take the “gimmick” away from the franchise, how is it any different than any other action flick? If it’s the latter, that might be a bit awkward since the length of a movie rarely comes out to a nice round number. I mean, wouldn’t it be a bit strange if the story began at 8:00 AM and ended at 10:17 in the morning? Everything would be tied up before lunch! But who am I kidding? I’d go see it.

So anyway, how about discussing this past week’s episode? You waited long enough!

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A few weeks ago, when Hastings kinda sorta showed some reluctance towards allowing Renee to take the fall, people referred to it as the token episode in which an unlikable character steps up and suddenly becomes a fan favorite. It happened with Tony Almeida. It happened with George Mason. It happened with Bill Buchanan. With Mike Novic. With Karen Hayes. With Tom Lennox. With Larry Moss. And people claimed it had happened with Brian Hastings. I disagreed, noting that he ultimately relented and did allow her to take the fall – and then used her situation as leverage to get Jack back in the saddle.

But for those of you rooting for the latest head of CTU, THIS was his pivotal “turning point” episode. Moments after the attack on CTU, Hastings was seemingly the only one with a clear head. I actually quite appreciated his comment about simply using a pen and legal pad. Yes, they’re technologically paralyzed, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re useless. He was the first one who made that realization and he made sure everybody else recognized it.

Of course, the real test came during Chloe’s rebellion. While I did love his nonchalant comment about Chloe’s “gone over the deep end,” I was glad to see him stand by her side. Yes, the whole spiel with “good guys” pulling guns on CTU agents and other government officials with no repercussions has been done to death (at least once already this season alone), but I appreciated his comment that she’s earned the benefit of the doubt after all she’s done today. I was skeptical of the CTU attack at first, but I thought it was handled extremely well.

Actually, incredibly, the Dana stuff didn’t bother me all that much once the final reveal was made. Yes, it still drove me crazy that this probation officer is willing to interrupt a government agent at 3 in the morning in the midst of a national crisis (for what, a petty thief?) and I find it even harder to believe that Hastings would take the time to meet with this guy (all he’s told is that he’s some southern parole officer?) as he’s picking up the pieces following the attack on CTU. But they really picked things up at the end. Let’s face it: Dana’s character was absolutely doomed. No matter how the story played out, she was destined to be a one-season wonder (although I guess that’s true for all of the new characters now! HEYO!) So why not turn her bad? Quite honestly, that was the only way to make the murder work. I would have found it too unbelievable otherwise. I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but I’m actually interested in where this is all going. That being said, I’m not going to miss the perpetual government mole twist.

Oh yeah, and isn’t there some guy on the show….I think his name is Jack something or other. I guess, more than anything else, I’m appreciative that another central villain wasn’t killed off. But the impulsive rookie who ruins everything is another crutch I won’t particularly miss. I was sad to see Owen get killed off, although I’m not completely shocked. It did seem strange that the snipers decided to cease fire as Jack tried to save his life, though. That was pretty classy. It’s good to see Renee back in the mix of things, let’s just hope this is the beginning of her return to sanity and happiness as well.

Anyway, that’s it for this week. I’ll try to be a little quicker with my reviews from this point forward. Let’s just hope that 24 can continue their momentum (two good episodes is “momentum” now?) as it continues its final season.