24 was a groundbreaking television series back in its first season. I was glued to the TV set religiously every week to see what Jack would have to face next. Then season 2 came along and I too watched that with rabid fascination. But something happened in season 2, it started to feel all a bit to samey. Season 3 rolled around and I didn’t even bother. A few years later and I’m channel surfing when I come across season fives final episode. I was transfixed.
So now we come to season 6 on DVD. I decided to give 24 another chance. I’ll be honest. It didn’t grab me right away, but like a train pulling away from the station it started to pick up speed and pretty soon I realised I was on a rollercoaster. I wasn’t addicted, but I was happy to be back in Jack’s life.
My biggest issue however, wasn’t so much with 24, but with my cynical self. Having not invested in the previous three episodes I had no emotional attachment to any of the characters and they seemed to be just going through the motions. The biggest annoyance started out with the casting of Peter MacNicol of Ally McBeal fame – I mean how mis-cast can you get. But then gradually, he grew on me, and he became the shows saving grace.
Whilst the writers ignored blaring plot holes and left entire storylines hanging unfinished, MacNicol had me transfixed. The combination of over-the-top action and Peter’s Ally McBeal mannerisms just clicked for me.
Whilst it’s lost much of it originality, especially compared to shows such as Lost, Life on Mars or season 1 of Prison Break, 24 still has enough magic left to carry it through it’s sixth season.
Food for thought: Who the bad guy is depends on your point of view.
Reviewed by: Jonathan Read. Rating: R16 – Contains Violence & Content That May Disturb. Duration: 45 mins per episode. Genre: Television. Actors: Kiefer Sutherland, James Morrison, Peter MacNicol, Jayne Atkinson, Mary Lynn Rajskub, DB Woodside, Carlo Rota. Distributor: Roadshow. Release Date: Out Now.
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There is something about me..
