24

was "Re: heresy"

Hi Chris,

Mmmm... Ok, I should probably clarify;-)

I have watched 24 right from the start, never missing an episode (in fact last night's was the first one I haven't watched). At first I had high hopes - a talented cast with interesting newcomers, a complex conspiracy at the highest levels (because all the good ones are) exotic art direction and a novel narrative structure. My popcorn was ready.

Over time, none of the characters have deepened. Senator Palmer's wife was Lady Macbeth from the get-go and continues to tow that line without surprises. Teri was always going to be an interesting part - a woman torn between the search for her own happiness, the responsibility of supporting her family and her destructive relationship with her desirable but dangerous husband. Imagine Isabel Huppert or Gina McKee playing the part, their performance would hurt and delight at the same time...

Of course this brings me back to my original point that the writing is poor. In the case of Leslie Hope (Teri Bauer) I really wonder if she could do much better (I understand she's also a director - perhaps a better avenue for her talents?).

Without yacking on too much, I tried to enjoy the show on several levels. Nice looking Apple computers, the sexy Nina, lots of interesting hardware and some nasty Balkan bad boys should have made an experience at least as fun as playing a video game? Every time I thought I was getting into it, some absolutely ridiculous plot twist would yank my disbelief out of suspension.

For instance, "that's impossible" cut to Denis Hopper staring into cctv camera (*shudder*) - two minutes later he opens his mouth "ahah! I yam zee evill mann" unbeleivebly cheesy accent! Nobody listened to Sean Conery who pointed out that he never did accents - he's far more effective as himself. A case in point with Denis Hopper, who could forget the chilling "Suave, man. You're so fuckin' suave."? In fact, comparing Frank Booth and Victor Drazen (is that how you spell it) really points out the different tension levels - I'd be happy for a six-year-old to watch 24, but Blue Velvet? I think I'd make it over 21 only:-)

Ok, so now I am yacking... just a couple more questions: Who were the gunmen that killed Jack's boss in the hotel car park working for? I'm going to watch the last episode where I hope this will be explained. How bad could the conspiracy be? We've already implicated senior democratic party personnel... Ok, so running for president in the US is a dangerous, high stakes game - I think we knew that, but why involve some minor central European bad guy when the meaty stuff is right there at home in Washington?

I'm hoping Nina is the mole and that Jamie didn't kill herself but was 'helped along' by her. Guess I'll have to watch the last episode after all;-)