24: Season 5: Episode 22 (4:00am - 5:00am)

[Monstre]

FAQ Bauer (aka Thread Rules)
1) What can be discussed in plain text, unboxed?
A: Any events in episodes, once aired on the east coast -- as well as any speculation based on these already-aired events.

2) What should I confine to spoiler boxes?
A: Any discussion of upcoming shows that contains information from sources outside the aired material, or any speculation based on such things. This includes the "Next week on 24" previews, which some people do not watch, in order to stay "pure".

3) The bad guys keep escaping. What should be done about it?
A: CTU will just have to nuke the city from orbit. Only way to be sure...
Jack spends most of the last half hour making googly-eyes at Audrey. "It's over..."? Not so fast, Jack. Looks like Bierko has another inside guy who's helping him escape. And then, there's Wormtongue, deciding to help President Logan for no apparent reason other than the fact that he's a whiny little ass-kissing bitch. Logan, on the brink of suicide, saved by the weasel.

Jack will probably be busy chasing down Bierko, so hopefully it will fall to Chloe to beat the crap out of Miles. Now... where's Henderson? Still in custody, or will he be escaping, too? CTU seriously needs to revamp their "Prisoner Holding Protocols".

Three hours left!

----------

24, Season 5, Episode 21
3:00 AM - 4:00 AM

SPOILERS AHEAD!

Season 5 threads:
1-2 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=354332) 3-4 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=354436) 5 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=355459) 6 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=356499) 7 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=357589) 8 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=358698) 9 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=359770) 10 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=360788) 11-12 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=361746) 13 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=362734) 14 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=363743) 15 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=364735) 16 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=365781) 17 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=366813) 18 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=367766) 19 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=368752) 20 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=369764) 21 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=370750)

Season 4 threads:
1-2 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=296090) 3-4 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=296231) 5 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=297399) 6 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=298733) 7 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=299932) 8 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=301189) 9 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=302470) 10 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=303632) 11 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=304737) 12 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=305851) 13 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=306966) 14 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=308104) 15 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=309170) 16 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=310254) 17 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=311420) 18 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=312536) 19 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=313693) 20 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=314775) 21 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=315825) 22 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=316840) 23-24 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=317888)

Season 3 threads:
1 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=220002) 2 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=221380) 3 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=222709) 4 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=224017) 5 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=225274) 6 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=226621) 7 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=228098) 8 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=229589) 9 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=233364) 10 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=234768) 11 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=236885) 12 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=237968) 13 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=239159) 14 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=240183) 15 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=241649) 16 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=248269) 17 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=249575) 18 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=251669) 19 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=252057) 20 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=253222) 21 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=254435) 22 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=255627) 23 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=256792) 24 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=258060)

Season 2 threads:
1 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=141661) 2 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=142720) 3 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=143761) 4 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=144882) 5 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=146280) 6 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=147635) 7 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=149356) 8 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=150854) 9 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=154843) 10 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=156343) 11 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=160583) 12 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=162262) 13 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=163850) 14 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=165404) 15 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=167046) 16 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=172344) 17 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=174079) 18 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=175707) 19 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=177496) 20 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=178804) 21 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=180544) 22 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=182018) 23 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=183597) 24 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=185081)

Season 1 threads:
1 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=97572) 2 3 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=100175) 4 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=101350) 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=103851) 16 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=104854) 17 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=106093) 18 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=107360) 19 20 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=109991) 21 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=111266) 22 23 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=115233) 24 (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=116289)

[Monstre]

Ahhh, drat. Forgot to change the time thingy just before the links... Title is correct, though...

24, Season 5, Episode 22
4:00 AM - 5:00 AM

[ChuckForbin]

I'm not sure if Fox is showing the president's speech tonight but if you have a VCR or DVR set up to record, you might want to add some extra time ... OR MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WILL MISS THE END

[Cluricaun]

I'm not sure if Fox is showing the president's speech tonight but if you have a VCR or DVR set up to record, you might want to add some extra time ... OR MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WILL MISS THE END

No, no. CTU has a protocol in place to preempt interruptions. I'll call Chloe. Now if only they had a way to preempt the second part of Gray's Anatomy tonight....

[5que]

If Bush's address screws up my TiVo tonight, I'm taking these damn canisters to the gas plant.

[Monstre]

If Bush's address screws up my TiVo tonight, I'm taking these damn canisters to the gas plant.
Yeah, but all those Folgers Crystals will do is get stuck in the pipes...

[Monstre]

I'm not sure if Fox is showing the president's speech tonight but if you have a VCR or DVR set up to record, you might want to add some extra time ... OR MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WILL MISS THE END
Last night, during Family Guy, they were advertising tonight's shows where Prison Break was scheduled to start at 8:20, and "24" at 9:20.

[Monstre]

Oh sure, Karen makes Jack stop putting the hurt on Miles, then she finishes things with a little slap across the cheek. That'll show him. She should have just called Jack back -- "Bauer, I've changed my mind. You can have him."

And before that...
Jack heads for miles...
Karen: "Security, stop him!"
Security guy (resignedly): "Oh, crap..."

Now exactly how many opportunities have they had to make a digital copy or five of the recording?

[Monstre]

So, what will Bierko's target be?

I'm guessing he might go after the Presidential compound -- perhaps he'll try to take out Logan and the Russian Prez (assuming they are both still there in close enough proximity at the retreat) in one swoop. I think he might target Logan out of revenge -- probably sees him as not keeping up his end of the bargain when he tried the attack on the Russian prez's motorcade.

Sheesh -- I wonder if Henderson will live to see another season. Is he going to be the new Nina?

[Monstre]

Ah, so it was the Red October. ;)

Bierko: "Which way to the nuclear wessels? Vould you please direct me to the nuclear wessels?"

Okay, so it wasn't a nuclear wessel, but it's got a lot of missiles anyways. Who's he going to shoot them at?

[carnivorousplant]

Who's he going to shoot them at?

Someone who dangles their particple? :)

Since when to the Ruskies let the Yankees on their nuclear subs to "share technology"? :rolleyes: With access to firearms, no less?

[Annie]

Since when to the Ruskies let the Yankees on their nuclear subs to "share technology"? :rolleyes: With access to firearms, no less?

Uh, the Red October? "Let', of course, being loosely defined :D

[randwill]

Did I hear someone say that the missles could take out several city blocks? There can only be five or six blocks in a city where everything is only ten minutes away from everything else. One missle could wipe out the entire 24-verse in nothing flat.

[Annie]

Best line: "Charles"

Aaron, you little bitch!

[Slacker]

Man, this is getting silly now. So they're inspecting a Russian submarine in accordance with the agreement the president signed a few hours ago at an unprotected non-military port.

There better be a damn good payoff for next week for putting up with this nonsense.

[Monstre]

Someone who dangles their particple? :)
So I'm wearing boxers instead of briefs this evening -- nobody else is complaining...

I can't believe they just let Miles walk out of the building, without at least Chloe tasering him or something.

[Greywolf73]

So the one military guy goes and investigates the nuclear weapon room without taking anyone else with him and without having a better plan other than grabbing his super-secret extra special gun out of its special hiding spot, putting Jack on hold--"Be right back, I've got to go die now"--, and then popping his head through the door, being killed instantly? That doesn't even make any sense, who writes this stu...oh, wait. This is 24. Business as usual.

He should have been wearing a red shirt though.

[JThunder]

Let me get this straight. So that Bierko will drop the Phoenix firewall, Robo-Henderson reveals that Jack Bauer is with him, pretends to betray Jack... and doesn't inform Jack ahead of time?

What kind of stupid plan is that?

[annieclaus]

I can't believe how quickly the empty data chip/card fell off the radar as an issue to be dealt with. Oh, sure. . . Bierko escaping AGAIN was an important plot point, but they had to cancel a conference call because the chip was a dud! Please, CTU, let's get our priorities and protocols straight!

So, is Aaron shot? Or is he just pretty much beaten into a pulp?

And where is the vice president?

And is Wayne Palmer in his bunnie jammies at Buchanon's house yet?

[JThunder]

I was also disappointed that Karen did nothing more than slap Miles and chew him out for his betrayal. I think that a quick roundhouse kick to the skull would have been amply warranted at that point.

[Merijeek]

"Commander, some heavily-armed highly-skilled terrorists are coming to seize control of your boat."

"Got it! Me and my 9mm will stick our heads out of the hatch to this submarine I'm in. What could go wrong?"

I may be silly...but I imagine that your average sub has, you know, LOCKS ON THE HATCHEs!

Lots of Chloe scowling, though.

Speaking of Commander TooStupidToLive, anyone else think he might be Buchannan's brother?

-Joe

[Cluricaun]

Ok, if I’m in a submarine, and a government agent with enough clout to get through to me on the phone calls and says that we might be attacked at any second, I don’t give the command to look lively. I give the command to dive, dive, dive!

[c_goat]

Yep, foreign nuclear submarine docked in a non-military shipyard with no outside guards posted so that anyone can just walk on up to it at 4:45am and wait for the hatch to open. Totally plausible.

I'm just watching to see Jack take down Logan.

[c_goat]

You know what's also kind of funny... the russian sub is there as per the terms of the treaty. 12 hours or so after it was signed.

Russian President: Now that you've signed this treaty, we happen to have a nuclear armed sub within striking distance of LA that we can share the technology on. We'll be over in a few hours.

[randwill]

Has 24 always been this ridiculous? I haven't watched any of the previous seasons since viewing them when they aired, but I don't remember having to suspend so much disbelief in the past. Have I just grown more cynical and discriminating?

I just hope this season is an aberration and in a few months I'll read an interview with one of the producers saying something like, "Yeah, we kinda' dropped the ball last season, letting chimps write it, but we're back on track this year."

[annieclaus]

Has 24 always been this ridiculous?

Yeah, but that's part of its charm. Just think of it as a graphic novel and you'll be OK.

[Gangster Octopus]

Well last season was pretty much just as ridiculous.

I am also getting annoyed with the amazing time comprssion. Yes, I know it happens all the time in the 24-verse, but as they get near the end they just seem intent on ignoring any semblence of time and cramming stuff in. I mean how long did it take Jack and Hnderson to get to that guys place? Chloe,as always, can hack, decrypt and unscramble in mere seconds. Jack told Buchanan to tell Audrey to get the submarine comander on the phone. I swear that took all of 30 seconds. Seriously, is it that easy?

I dunno, I still watch and I still enjoy, but it is getting harder and harder to stomach.

[carnivorousplant]

You know what's also kind of funny... the russian sub is there as per the terms of the treaty. 12 hours or so after it was signed.

I suppose it's possible to have one nearby, knowing they will sign the treaty.
Doesn't seem like you'd let the Other Side wander around the sub without an escort, though. :)
And nerve gas plays hell with the resale value.

[cbawlmer]

24 has NOT always been this stupid. It was somewhat implausible but involving the first year, and it's gotten progressively worse and less involving ever since. We're sticking through this season out of pure stubbornness.

Saying that you should think of it as a graphic novel is an insult to graphic novels and comic books.

[Survey1215]

So, is Aaron shot? Or is he just pretty much beaten into a pulp?

And is Wayne Palmer in his bunnie jammies at Buchanon's house yet?

FLOTUS only got off one shot when she killed the bad SS guy, right? Assuming so, Aaron wasn't accidently clipped by her, but my guess is that the baddie had roughed him up some more after 'Charles' talked to him, explaining his poor condition. Baddie was about to take the tire iron to him when he was shot up.

Wayne has been preparing for the move to the East Coast and CBS by legally changing his name to Tobias Blane and enlisting in the military.

What are these plans El Presidente has for when Jack is in the open? Did he work up a deal to get the Chinese after him? Maybe that German agent he screwed over about 10 hours ago?

[Gangster Octopus]

BTW, when Jack kissed Audrey did he transfer to her his Wolverine-like healing power, becasue she was pretty damn close to death and had lost a ton of blood just a few hours earlier. Should she really be up and about?

[D_Odds]

You know what's also kind of funny... the russian sub is there as per the terms of the treaty. 12 hours or so after it was signed.

Russian President: Now that you've signed this treaty, we happen to have a nuclear armed sub within striking distance of LA that we can share the technology on. We'll be over in a few hours.
The sub doesn't have nuclear warheads. Does that make it better? :cool:

[Merijeek]

BTW, when Jack kissed Audrey did he transfer to her his Wolverine-like healing power, becasue she was pretty damn close to death and had lost a ton of blood just a few hours earlier. Should she really be up and about?

Her superhuman abilities show that she is a fit mate for Jack Bauer.

So, what was the deal with "horizontal-launch missiles" on that sub? Cheaper sets? Or are only the nukes on a sub vertical-launch?

-Joe

[carnivorousplant]

So, what was the deal with "horizontal-launch missiles" on that sub? Cheaper sets? Or are only the nukes on a sub vertical-launch?

I reckon they launch from torpedo tubes rather than the nuclear missile tube thingies.

[c_goat]

So, what was the deal with "horizontal-launch missiles" on that sub? Cheaper sets? Or are only the nukes on a sub vertical-launch?

I just assumed the missiles they plan on shooting can be fired from either the horizontal or vertical tubes. So they need to load up the other tubes so they can shoot a bunch of missiles at once.

[c_goat]

The sub doesn't have nuclear warheads. Does that make it better? :cool:

You're right, I remember Buchanan saying something about nuclear warheads, but I guess he was saying it DIDN'T have any.

[BobT]

At least they let Audrey change out of her blood-soaked clothes.

[Kiros]

24 has NOT always been this stupid. It was somewhat implausible but involving the first year, and it's gotten progressively worse and less involving ever since. We're sticking through this season out of pure stubbornness.

I'll amend this by saying that 24 has not always been this *implausible*. I would, in fact, argue that the first season was just another kind of boring thriller save-the-day show with a cool gimmick, and that what makes this show worth watching is the complete unreality of what has been happening for the last season or two. Seriously - for me it's gone from "okay show that I watch so I can talk about it the next day with people at work" to "excellent 'popcorn'-style show that is the highlight of my Monday nights". I wish I were kidding. Life is just more fun when you accept that Chloe can satellite track (and then scowl at) anything she damn well pleases, and that when Jack's body count for an episode is "0 killed, 1 injured" you're utterly disappointed.

[cbawlmer]

At least they let Audrey change out of her blood-soaked clothes.

I guess she brought another white silk blouse and nice skirt, pantyhose and shoes with her when she reported for work this morning. You know, just in case.

I tell you, if I get slashed up at work sometime and they let me change into comfy yoga pants and a t-shirt like she had in the clinic, I'm keeping those on for the rest of the day.

[cbawlmer]

I'll amend this by saying that 24 has not always been this *implausible*. I would, in fact, argue that the first season was just another kind of boring thriller save-the-day show with a cool gimmick, and that what makes this show worth watching is the complete unreality of what has been happening for the last season or two.

I'd even be okay with that kind of implausibility if the show didn't take itself so freaking seriously, and ignore all logic and common sense. The characters' motivations change so frequently and ridiculously that it does you know good to actually pay attention and try to figure out what's going on. Why do they make it so goddamned plot-heavy if the plot is utterly irrelevant and amorphous?

When Nina turned out to be the mole, it was a crazy swerve. When Logan's supposed to be an evil mastermind, it's utterly eyeroll-worthy. And wow, those terrorists sure do have a giant web of intricate contingency plans. No matter what CTU throws at them, they always have something bigger in store that depends entirely on events occurring exactly the way they do.

I feel really bad for the poor actors, who have to live completely in the moment and never know if the acting choices they're making will make sense two episodes from now. "What? My character has an IQ over 40 and is really the evil mastermind? I wish I hadn't poured so much energy into projecting total cowardice and incompetence for the past year and a half!"

I did laugh last night when Novick informed Logan of Bierko's escape. Logan's fake-shocked reaction was genuis! I like that actor a lot, and you could really see Logan's mental hamster wheel spinning: "I'm not supposed to know this, and it's supposed to be bad news. Therefore, big gasp!" Awesome, awesome take.

[Merijeek]

I guess she brought another white silk blouse and nice skirt, pantyhose and shoes with her when she reported for work this morning. You know, just in case.

I tell you, if I get slashed up at work sometime and they let me change into comfy yoga pants and a t-shirt like she had in the clinic, I'm keeping those on for the rest of the day.

Pfft. That's nothing. Everyone knows that when you're reporting to CTU you have to bring several changes of clothes, a recently-notarized will, and a copy of your dental records.

-Joe

[D_Odds]

I guess she brought another white silk blouse and nice skirt, pantyhose and shoes with her when she reported for work this morning. You know, just in case.

I tell you, if I get slashed up at work sometime and they let me change into comfy yoga pants and a t-shirt like she had in the clinic, I'm keeping those on for the rest of the day.
She probably just found some clothes that fit her off of one of the corpses from the earlier attack.

[Smapti]

I did laugh last night when Novick informed Logan of Bierko's escape. Logan's fake-shocked reaction was genuis! I like that actor a lot, and you could really see Logan's mental hamster wheel spinning: "I'm not supposed to know this, and it's supposed to be bad news. Therefore, big gasp!" Awesome, awesome take.

Unless I missed something or you know something we don't, Logan DIDN'T know of Bierko's escape. The shock would therefore have been genuine for the character.

[Gangster Octopus]

I still enjopy the show in a comic book sort of way, but I am annoyed that the writers are simply not trying hard enough to be clever and smart. basically the last two seasons have consisted of terrorists or whomever creating one after another emergencies for CTU/Jack to react to. I actually haave little probelm with the way Chloe can hack into anything, or the way they can get around LA in no time (even though in an earlier post I complained about that). What is disappointing is the direction of the show. Terrorist attack piled upon terrorist attack or whatever.

Last night, for example. Beirko escapes because he had a contingency plan in place to help escape that same night. And on top of that Bierko has yet another plan to gain control of a russian sub. All this happens in less than an hour. Plot after plot, scheme after scheme, with CTU ALWAYS figuring it out off someone's computer or through some interrogation just IN THE NICK OF TIME.

[JThunder]

All this happens in less than an hour. Plot after plot, scheme after scheme, with CTU ALWAYS figuring it out off someone's computer or through some interrogation just IN THE NICK OF TIME.
That's what open sockets are for.

[Asimovian]

Unless I missed something or you know something we don't, Logan DIDN'T know of Bierko's escape. The shock would therefore have been genuine for the character.I was going to say the same thing. I don't think Logan had anything to do with Bierko's escape, and was geniunely surprised (and perturbed) by it. Remember, Logan thinks he's being a patriot, but Bierko has no such loyalties to the US.

[Finagle]

The Russian sub plot is just dumb for so many reasons. For one, the gang gets together and breaks Bierko out. That means a) they had to know he was being transferred (must be another mole in CTU or HD) and b) after getting the snot shot out of them at the pipeline complex, they still had enough people left to mount an organized rescue operation. (Kind of a mystery to me how a bunch of masked guys with RPGs can tool undetected around LA at 4:00 AM after martial law has been declared.)

After doing all that, instead of saying "It's been a long day, you guys want to get some pizza and hit the sack?", Bierko immediately launches into a final assault on a (theoretically) highly guarded submarine. With, what you have to figure, has got to be his third-string team brought up from the minor leagues after all his good team members have been shot by Jack.

Not to mention that submarines are known to be air tight. In fact, are notorious for it. So you have to think that some member of the crew would have dogged a hatch once they heard gun shots and then the whole "take over a sub with nerve gas" idea goes right to hell.

Meanwhile, the First Lady, having a sleepless night despite having consumed enough alcohol and pills to kill an elephant saves the day. I have to admit, I didn't see that coming. I figured her role would be to either off herself and/or her husband somewhere around hour 24. That whole fight scene was pretty clumsily choreographed and edited though. I'm guessing that if I'm holding a gun on someone and I get kicked in the knee, I'm ten times more likely to fire the gun than drop it.

For the third time in one day, a vile criminal get immunity from CTU, and gets it within 5 minutes. I swear, they must have a pile of Xeroxed immunity documents waiting to have names filled in.

What was the conversation between Jack and Audrey where he essentially rehashed plot points that had just happened? It seemed curiously out of rhythm. Unless they're setting up for a confrontation between Audrey and Henderson sometime in the next two episodes ("You tried to kill my father! Eat hot flaming lead!", "You first!" Both die and are dragged offscreen by Fortinbras.)

I want to know what device Miles used to erase the chip. I can't think of anything but hard radiation that could have done it.

Miles, despite being a weasel, must have the constitution of an ox. After being strangled by Jack, he wasn't even hoarse as he smugly took his exit.


What was the deal with that information dealer guy? Who the hell has a million dollars worth of electronic scanners in their hallway?

[cbawlmer]

I was going to say the same thing. I don't think Logan had anything to do with Bierko's escape, and was geniunely surprised (and perturbed) by it. Remember, Logan thinks he's being a patriot, but Bierko has no such loyalties to the US.

See, it's all too damned confusing. You're probably right and in that case, it's a goofy performance. Then again, it may reinforce my point that it must be incredibly hard for the actors to keep track of what their characters do and don't know, and how they're supposed to feel about things at any given moment.

[carnivorousplant]

Miles, despite being a weasel, must have the constitution of an ox. After being strangled by Jack, he wasn't even hoarse as he smugly took his exit.


It's that oily disposition. Slippery throat, outside and inside. Jack can't get a good grip and built in cough cyrup.

[Troy McClure SF]

As for 24 jumping the shark, it's been pretty implausible through most of its run, but the first 2/3 of this season was actually pretty good. I started getting seriously annoyed when no one would copy the gorram recording, though.

[Merijeek]

What was the deal with that information dealer guy? Who the hell has a million dollars worth of electronic scanners in their hallway?

Are you kidding? This is the 24verse. Imagine what Chloe must have in HER hallway.

(Chloe looks at monitor in her house) "Four inches? Yeah, like I'm going to sleep with you. I can't believe I wasted fifteen minutes in a bar hooking up with you. Get out before I taser you."

-Joe

[Annie]

Meanwhile, the First Lady, having a sleepless night despite having consumed enough alcohol and pills to kill an elephant saves the day. I have to admit, I didn't see that coming.

She's built up a Keith Richards-level tolerance over the years. I was surprised she still used a glass.

I figured her role would be to either off herself and/or her husband somewhere around hour 24.

Aw, she'll probably give him another bitch slap and move Aaron into his Mike Brady den before the feds are finished shackling Charles . Personally, I'm hoping for a kick in the nuts.

Miles, despite being a weasel, must have the constitution of an ox. After being strangled by Jack, he wasn't even hoarse as he smugly took his exit.


I was shocked to see Curtis's bullet-laden arm shake as he raised his gun. Jack would have pried a bullet out of his dominant wing with a lobster fork.

[carnivorousplant]

Jack would have pried a bullet out of his dominant wing with a lobster fork.
Horse puckey.
He'd have chewed it out with his teeth.

[Oslo Ostragoth]

She probably just found some clothes that fit her off of one of the corpses from the earlier attack.
OK, my nominee for MHP.

(Most Hilarious Post (of the thread))

[Oslo Ostragoth]

Are you kidding? This is the 24verse. Imagine what Chloe must have in HER hallway.

(Chloe looks at monitor in her house) "Four inches? Yeah, like I'm going to sleep with you. I can't believe I wasted fifteen minutes in a bar hooking up with you. Get out before I taser you."

-Joe
That reminds me: my kingdom for a link to the clip where she tasers the guy in the bar....

[carnivorousplant]

That reminds me: my kingdom for a link to the clip where she tasers the guy in the bar....

I can put it on DVD.
What kind of kingdom you got? It's not near Jersey, is it?

[Excalibre]

Has 24 always been this ridiculous? I haven't watched any of the previous seasons since viewing them when they aired, but I don't remember having to suspend so much disbelief in the past. Have I just grown more cynical and discriminating?

I just hope this season is an aberration and in a few months I'll read an interview with one of the producers saying something like, "Yeah, we kinda' dropped the ball last season, letting chimps write it, but we're back on track this year."
Remember back to season 2. And Kim. Let's see, how many times was she in mortal peril that day? Her boss beats her up, so she kidnaps his kid, he tries to kill her (1). She makes it to CTU, which promptly explodes (2). She kidnaps the kid again, ends up arrested for a murder she didn't commit, and her dumbass boyfriend convinces her to light the police car on fire, causing it to crash (3). She escapes into the woods, where she gets caught it a trap. Mountain lions surround her (4). She gets rescued - by a crazy survivalist who wants to keep her in his basement (5). She convinces him to let her go, hitchhikes back to L.A., and ends up in a convenience store. It gets held up, the owner is killed (with Kim's gun) and then he threatens Kim for awhile (6). She escapes, goes to get her stuff from her evil boss's house, and he tries to kill her (7).

Did I miss any? Yeah, the show's always been ridiculous and unbelievable. If you don't like that, it's not for you. You have to turn off that nagging "That could never happen" center in your brain.


24 has NOT always been this stupid. It was somewhat implausible but involving the first year, and it's gotten progressively worse and less involving ever since. We're sticking through this season out of pure stubbornness.

Saying that you should think of it as a graphic novel is an insult to graphic novels and comic books.
I've only watched seasons 2 through 5. But no, as far as I can tell, there has been absolutely no decrease in plausibility. It was never that plausible to start out with.



When Logan's supposed to be an evil mastermind, it's utterly eyeroll-worthy.
When was Logan an evil mastermind? He's a dumb little wuss being manipulated by those around him. His conversation with Walt Cummings is enough to convince me that this plot twist was not planned in advance, but they did a reasonable job fixing that later. And his personality has remained quite consistent - wimpy, unable to make decisions, controlled by the people around him, and completely amoral. Look at the way he ordered Jack's death in Season 4 for his own political convenience - this is not a man who places too high a value on integrity. And he's extremely malleable. So when someone gains access to him and offers up an evil plan that will benefit him personally and help the country in the long run at the cost of being utterly immoral and a disgusting betrayal of the American people, it's not doubtful in the least that he would give in.

[ChuckForbin]

So is Henderson a good guy now ? When it looked like he was trying to help the evil computer guy by telling him that CTU was outside, he was in fact really helping CTU ?

[Merijeek]

So is Henderson a good guy now ? When it looked like he was trying to help the evil computer guy by telling him that CTU was outside, he was in fact really helping CTU ?

So he claims...

-Joe

[5que]

What was the deal with that information dealer guy? Who the hell has a million dollars worth of electronic scanners in their hallway?
Yet no alarm and no decent lock on a skylight.

[Monstre]

So is Henderson a good guy now ? When it looked like he was trying to help the evil computer guy by telling him that CTU was outside, he was in fact really helping CTU ?
I think he was playing it so that he could claim to have been actually helping the "winner", regardless of who won that confrontation.

If somehow the bad guy escapes, Henderson warned him in time, even though he came with CTU (and they were coming to get him anyways, no matter what).

If CTU gets him, Henderson claims he was getting the guy to offload the secure data to a flash drive, or whatever (the claim he made).

If he was actually more interested in that latter scenario, he should have told Jack the ploy he would use, so that CTU would not jump the gun (like they did). Not that it mattered. Chloe still had the data decoded in something like 45 seconds anyways...

[Monstre]

Remember back to season 2. And Kim.

....Did I miss any? Yeah, the show's always been ridiculous and unbelievable.
Personally, Season 2 (at least, the first part of it -- episodes 1 - 15) is still probably my favorite.

While the Kim stuff was the least plausible part of it, I thought that the nuclear bomb plot was more plausible than some of the later seasons' threats. Minus the usual travel time issues, of course.

In that season, the entire stretch of episodes 1 - 15 was devoted to finding and neutralizing the nuclear bomb. It wasn't like season 4, where there was a new attack to stop every couple of hours, or this season, which I think has been a little tighter than Season 4, but still following a lot of that pattern. (Yet another attack to stop every couple hours).

In Act 1 of season 2, it was more about following lead to lead to lead -- to locate the bomb. The timeline felt more plausible -- for instance, it actually took all day to find the damn thing, not just 1 hour of Chloe looking at satellite footage.

The Kim stuff was just eye candy when we needed a break from the intensity of Jack. Run Kim Run! :D

[cbawlmer]

I agree about Season 2. If you ignore the Kim stuff, which was mostly irrelevant to the real plot anyway, it was pretty good. I especially liked all the business with George Mason and how well they handled that character's arc. I think maybe the decision not to pay off the cliffhanger at the end of Season 2 was the kickoff for the "don't bother paying attention to the plot, because we don't plan to" philosophy that the writers seem to have now.

They've squandered all the goodwill I had toward the show, so after next Monday's finale I won't watch anymore.

[D_Odds]

In that season, the entire stretch of episodes 1 - 15 was devoted to finding and neutralizing the nuclear bomb. It wasn't like season 4, where there was a new attack to stop every couple of hours, or this season, which I think has been a little tighter than Season 4, but still following a lot of that pattern. (Yet another attack to stop every couple hours).

In Act 1 of season 2, it was more about following lead to lead to lead -- to locate the bomb. The timeline felt more plausible -- for instance, it actually took all day to find the damn thing, not just 1 hour of Chloe looking at satellite footage.They started this season that way, but I guess the producers figure they needed more viewer payoffs. They could've run with tracing down the gas canisters, with the terrorists 1/2 a step ahead, releasing the gas. They keep trying to one-up the ante, and they keep writing themselves into a corner. They need to learn to build more suspense with less swerves, and after 5 seasons, less moles. Bill Murray was more effective at finding and removing moles!

[mazinger_z]

As for 24 jumping the shark, it's been pretty implausible through most of its run, but the first 2/3 of this season was actually pretty good. I started getting seriously annoyed when no one would copy the gorram recording, though.
I agree immensely. Except for the Russian sub, I thought that this was the best season of 24 ever. However, I still want to know how they exposed Jack as still being alive and how they knew that the others knew he was still alive. Also, what of Rocket Romero and his cadre. They haven't been explained yet.

[Merijeek]

I agree immensely. Except for the Russian sub, I thought that this was the best season of 24 ever. However, I still want to know how they exposed Jack as still being alive and how they knew that the others knew he was still alive. Also, what of Rocket Romero and his cadre. They haven't been explained yet.

As someone who has only ever seen two episodes of ER (One involving a helicopter blade and an arm, the other involving a crashing helicopter and a one-armed man), I think Jack killing him with a helicopter in some way would be the most hilarious thing ever.

-Joe

[carnivorousplant]

Run Kim Run!

Mrs. Plant assures me that hurts. :)

So, what should they do, change the name to "48" for 48 hours, or "7" for a week for the story to occur in? I'd not have a problem with a change in format.

[Excalibre]

As someone who has only ever seen two episodes of ER (One involving a helicopter blade and an arm, the other involving a crashing helicopter and a one-armed man), I think Jack killing him with a helicopter in some way would be the most hilarious thing ever.

-Joe
You've seen only two episodes of ER, and they were the ones in which helicopters attacked Romano?! Wow, what are the odds?

Yeah, I've been hoping a helicopter would take him out too.

[Monstre]

Mrs. Plant assures me that hurts. :)
Well, it doesn't hurt me. So run Kim run!!! :D

[carnivorousplant]

Well, it doesn't hurt me. So run Kim run!!! :D

You'll say that when she puts your eye out.

So should they change it to "48" or "7" or "Forty Days In The Hole"?

[Merijeek]

You'll say that when she puts your eye out.

So should they change it to "48" or "7" or "Forty Days In The Hole"?

I'm certainly not making a joke about Kim and 40 days.

Definitely not.

But I'd rather have 41 days.

:)

-Joe

[c_goat]

Yeah, I've been hoping a helicopter would take him out too.

Henderson should get his hand shot off, too.

[Merijeek]

Henderson should get his hand shot off, too.

From what I remember of Robocop, shouldn't he get pretty much EVERYTHING shot off?

-Joe

[cbawlmer]

From what I remember of Robocop, shouldn't he get pretty much EVERYTHING shot off?

-Joe

Yes, by a gang that included Ray Wise (who plays VP Gardner).

[Barbarian]

This season would have been much better if they'd stopped at 20 or 21.

Buncha lameass stupidhead buffoons. The producers should know better than to have the 'chased by a mountain lion' team of writers handling the main plotline...

[c_goat]

From what I remember of Robocop, shouldn't he get pretty much EVERYTHING shot off?

-Joe

Yeah, but the hand thing was the best part.

[Asimovian]

You know, it occured to me last night that what bothers me so much about this season is not the improbability of events (getting to/from the Valley in 5 minutes, hand guns blowing up tankers, etc.), but the improbable thought processes of normally intelligent characters (basically, this includes everyone's handling of the recording this season).

Am I forgetting other memorable mental gaffes from seasons past?

[MrFantsyPants]

Yes, by a gang that included Ray Wise (who plays VP Gardner).
It's a reunion!

The helicopter doc from ER was part of the gang too!

[Monstre]

... the improbable thought processes of normally intelligent characters (basically, this includes everyone's handling of the recording this season).
That's my main problem with this season's plot, too -- the inability of anybody to even consider the possibility of thinking of the notion of remotely having an idea that involves making a copy.

Jack should have brought the dead bank manager's tied-up wife come along to the bank with them. I bet she would have said, "Hey, why don't you make a copy?" But when you think about not leaving tied-up the people that you left tied-up so that their husbands could get shot and they would still be stuck tied-up in a chair not knowing what the hell is going on, it's just too late. Hindsight being 20-20 and all that....

[cbawlmer]

So what do you think the 24-verse LA Times would go with for their headline that morning?

"Former President David Palmer Assassinated"
"Logan, Russian President Sign Historic Peace Treaty"
"Nerve Gas Attack Kills Nine at Mall"
"Russian President's Motorcade Attacked by Terrorists"
"Martial Law Declared in Los Angeles after Terrorist Threats"
"Natural Gas Plant Explodes, Thousands Forced to Take Cold Showers"
"Russian Submarine Hijacked"
"Unstable First Lady Guns Down President, Members of White House Staff" (this is conjecture on my part, but she's one secret service agent into a well-deserved killing spree)

[cbawlmer]

That's my main problem with this season's plot, too -- the inability of anybody to even consider the possibility of thinking of the notion of remotely having an idea that involves making a copy.

Seriously, why didn't they use their magic phones to forward it straight to TheSmokingGun.com?

[D_Odds]

So what do you think the 24-verse LA Times would go with for their headline that morning?

"Former President David Palmer Assassinated"
"Logan, Russian President Sign Historic Peace Treaty"
"Nerve Gas Attack Kills Nine at Mall"
"Russian President's Motorcade Attacked by Terrorists"
"Martial Law Declared in Los Angeles after Terrorist Threats"
"Natural Gas Plant Explodes, Thousands Forced to Take Cold Showers"
"Russian Submarine Hijacked"
"Unstable First Lady Guns Down President, Members of White House Staff" (this is conjecture on my part, but she's one secret service agent into a well-deserved killing spree)
The last three were too late to make the early edition (hmmm, actually, I'm not too sure about the natural gas plant, but definitely the last two). The only way Foreign Policy gets headline coverage is if Michael Jackson stayed inside all day. CTU covered up the nerve gas - and more than 9 people died from gunshots on the L.A. freeway that afternoon. Not enough bodycount. Martial law is good - get the ire of the people flowing. However, going with the old maxim of "If it bleeds, it leads", Palmer's assassination will rule the paper.

[Monstre]

So what do you think the 24-verse LA Times would go with for their headline that morning?
I think it would have to be:

"Ten Executive Newspaper Editors Die From Excitement-Related Cardiac Arrest"

;)

[Asimovian]

Let's not forget that since the curfew is still in effect, there wouldn't be anyone to deliver the papers anyway.

All of those headlines could hold equal billing on the LA Times' website. :)

[Finagle]

So what do you think the 24-verse LA Times would go with for their headline that morning?




I'm pretty sure that "Hijacked Plane Full of Diplomats Lands on Freeway" would be a contender.

[JThunder]

Bah. If I had my druthers, the L.A. Times would say "Computer nerd chick tasers guy in hotel lobby. Twice." Film at 11.

[Monstre]

Bill Murray was more effective at finding and removing moles!
Just suddenly had this mental image of Nina popping her head out of the grave and singing...

"IIIIIIII'm Alll-right! Don't nobody worry bout me!"

[Gangster Octopus]

So what do you think the 24-verse LA Times would go with for their headline that morning?

"Former President David Palmer Assassinated"
"Logan, Russian President Sign Historic Peace Treaty"
"Nerve Gas Attack Kills Nine at Mall"
"Russian President's Motorcade Attacked by Terrorists"
"Martial Law Declared in Los Angeles after Terrorist Threats"
"Natural Gas Plant Explodes, Thousands Forced to Take Cold Showers"
"Russian Submarine Hijacked"
"Unstable First Lady Guns Down President, Members of White House Staff" (this is conjecture on my part, but she's one secret service agent into a well-deserved killing spree)

You forgot:

"Terrorist Anarchy at Ontario Airport"

"Big Ass Jet lands on the 118....seriously"

[The Big Cheese]

That's my main problem with this season's plot, too -- the inability of anybody to even consider the possibility of thinking of the notion of remotely having an idea that involves making a copy.

Or maybe playing it for everyone i the hallway when he walked in to verify it was there, and to get more witnesses. Might be a good thing to do before you go national with it.

So I went on vacation, set my vcr and I guess that damn president(no-not Logan) screwed me over. My tape cut out when Henderson walked into Malina's house and told him CTU was all over the place. Wha'happened??
I read the FOX/24 recap, but it was lacking. Did Jack crash thru the sunroof? Henderson's still alive, what about Malina?

[Fiveyearlurker]

So what do you think the 24-verse LA Times would go with for their headline that morning?

"Former President David Palmer Assassinated"
"Logan, Russian President Sign Historic Peace Treaty"
"Nerve Gas Attack Kills Nine at Mall"
"Russian President's Motorcade Attacked by Terrorists"
"Martial Law Declared in Los Angeles after Terrorist Threats"
"Natural Gas Plant Explodes, Thousands Forced to Take Cold Showers"
"Russian Submarine Hijacked"
"Unstable First Lady Guns Down President, Members of White House Staff" (this is conjecture on my part, but she's one secret service agent into a well-deserved killing spree)

Depends on whether any pretty teenagers go missing in exotic locales.

[Oslo Ostragoth]

That reminds me: my kingdom for a link to the clip where she tasers the guy in the bar....
Oh happy day! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svizxv5K4sw&search=24%20chloe)