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by Frederic Germay
I can't find anything more sleep-inducing than the voice of VP Noah Daniels. That being said, I am furiously trying to blink away my weariness as I write my review of tonight's episode of 24, so forgive me if I seem a little off.
Isn't it refreshing to see William Devane's Secretary of Defense Heller back on 24? Or at least it would be refreshing if he didn't go all "stay away from mydaughter!" to Jack. Speaking of Jack, he has got to be in a seriously bad place emotionally right now. Two years being tortured in a Chinese prison, shooting his partner in the neck, his father killing his brother, and now his love interest has lost her mind. Yeah, I think it would suffice to say that this probably doesn't rate as one of his best days.
This isn't one of 24's best days either. Honestly, I think that this is the worst season in 24 history, widely passing the fourth season in levels of boredom. One of the contributors to this season's worsening trend is the highly irritating antics at CTU. I know that CTU hasn't really been the catalyst of intensity and suspense in 24, but it seems that the writers this season are trying to convince the audience that CTU is absolutely fascinating, and that we should be riveted by the lackluster performances and annoying soap-opera drama that Morris and Milo deliver.
Admist all the turmoil, however, I actually found the CTU drama to be more interesting than the White House politics this time. Aside from Morris's completely lame idea to dump Chloe [smart move to dump a girl way out of your league, and btw, why was she so broken up over it anyways], Nadia's attempt to control CTU by making all the right choices had me cheering. I know her performance was far from "Academy Award worthiness," but there is just something about her character that makes you want to root for her!
Anyways, I like Doyle's decision to let Bauerman do his thing. However, I am a little worried by this character development, it seems of late that the writers are trying to build Doyle into someone to replace Tony, or even worse, Jack. I am trying as hard as possible not buy into Doyle's redemption, but in spite of myself, I am starting to like little Ricky!
I loved the awkward reunion between Jack and Audrey. I'm not a romantic, but when Audrey held Jack's hand, I felt that there could still be hope for them as a couple --she's still in there, man! I really like James Heller, but I couldn't help but resent him a little for telling Jack to stay away from Audrey. I know he's looking out for Audrey's best interests, but Jack was actually getting through to her, unless she was just muttering nonsense.
Props to Michael Shanks' acting, I absolutely loved how he delivered his lines. Now on to the White House, I really don't think that there has been a president as insane as Noah Daniels. Sure, Prez. Logan had his zany antics, but Charles never got freaky wit his assistants. If VP Daniels really thought that Lisa was after him because of his good looks, than I apparently overestimated the VP's intelligence.
So apparently Lisa has got a sweet thang of her own, who happens to be a Russian informant. Way to go, Lisa! I think she might have impaired judgement when it comes to relationships.
Speaking of the White House politics, I am really starting to like Lennox and his mannerisms, but I do have one problem with his character. Just a couple of eppies ago, Lennox was trying to get rid the VP, and now they're best buds. Hmmm, sounds like a plot inconsistency….
Pardon me, but I do enjoy episodes of 24 when the writing is good, and Kiefer Sutherland makes a little more than a cameo appearance…seriously, it seems that his screen time is progressively getting smaller!
I give this episode a 5/10. Please, 24, try to redeem yourselves in the final episodes!
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