'24' lectures viewers on the finer points of the 25th Amendment

April 03, 12:22 AM

[Yada yada spoilers yada yada. You know the drill, folks. Don't read, if you don't want to know.]

A couple seasons back, The Wire dedicated several magnificent sequences to watching a cadre of Baltimore drug kingpins learn and operate under Robert's Rules of Order. That was a wonderful example of how banal and somewhat antiquated procedure can be repurposed into thrilling (and hilarious) television. For an example of how banal procedure can become dramatically crippling television, I point you to Monday (April 2) night's episode of 24. Having perhaps felt the sting of critics who claimed that Season Two's utilization of the 25th Amendment wasn't Constitutionally Kosher, the show's writers dedicated at least a third of an episode to a second stab at the 25th Amendment, this time procedurally correct if not even vaguely plausible.

We got medical tribunals, witness testimony, a Cabinet vote, a call to the Supreme Court, everything that some 24 research assistant was able to uncover. It played out as Law & Order: Constitutional Law Tutorial Edition. Even NBC wouldn't be desperate enough to put that one on.

The first half of 24 was so very, very, very bad that I could only barely enjoy all of the fun in the second half of the episode. You had Lennox asserting his backbone with Vice President Daniels, Gredenko chopping off his arm to escape the tracking device input by CTU (and then reaching his bloody end in a beautiful shot under the Santa Monica Pier) and Jack Bauer killing several terrorists, capturing Fayed and kicking him in the face.

Finally, you had President Palmer, obviously showing stress from the fact that he nearly died and hour earlier (it would get to you, too), calling in the nuclear strike that Lennox and Karen Hayes had fought so hard to avoid. The show's producers and biggest fans would try claiming that the closing shots of the nearly deranged Palmer ordering a deadly attack to prove his manliness wouldn't have been nearly as disturbing without the 25th Amendment ordeal. Yes, I'll grant you that. But could those early scenes from the episode have laid the foundation without also, well, sucking? I have to believe they could have.

Other quick thoughts from the episode before letting the die-hard 24 fans instruct me that if you criticize anything about the show, you aren't a real fan:

Yes, Jack got into the mix at the end. Once again, though, this was an episode where the show's star wasn't its star. We're up to three or four straight episodes with Kiefer Sutherland as a supporting player. That's just not good.

How do we feel about Mike Doyle: Serial Holy Text Junkie? And how do we think his speech to Nadia -- closing with "You're lucky you found your answers. I'm looking for mine." -- will play into the character's future direction?

Anybody remember Daddy Bauer? What's he up to now, you reckon?

Anybody remember President Logan? How's that gushing artery in his shoulder?

Anybody remember the bomb in San Francisco with the cracked casing? How's the Bay Area doing?

Anybody remember Brady? How is that loveable autistic dude? Surely Mike Doyle could have sent Brady in to cover up for Milo's screw-up.

So, was that 25th Amendment stuff awesome or what? And what do you make of the scenes from next week's episode? Will it be the most shocking moment in 24 history?

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Comments (31)

Comments

All I can say, I don't understand, why they are spending so much time on Miles and Nadia, they are not the new Tony and Michelle, by any means, I really dont care about these characters what so every, I want more Jack. Now I really enjoyed the struggle for the presidenacy, but still Jack was on so little this week. Are they grooming Doyle to be the next Bauer??? If so he has a lot to learn.

Nancy | Apr 3, 2007 3:49:48 AM | #

It appears Keifer must have wanted a break this year, which is why he hasn't been on much and judging by the preview next week, he's liable to be on even less. I think Ricky is going to be subbing for Jack and they may even be building him up to be a regular. I think the main problem this season is that we have already seen this show 5 times before with a slight twist and turn here and there. Most dramas like this start to lose steam after the 5th year and it looks like 24 is no different. I'll still watch, but i hope they kick it into gear soon because it just seems like they are spinning their wheels this year.

Steve | Apr 3, 2007 5:52:10 AM | #

If they were going for a lesson in government. Then the writers should have done a little research. The National Security Advisor (which is what Karen Hayes is) is not a cabinet level post. She should not have been voting on invoking the 25th amendment!

shinytoygun | Apr 3, 2007 6:23:11 AM | #

I disagree. I thought some early episodes this year were too Jack-centric, without any Tony or Curtis to help fill in some time. Now they're giving him a break. I think it's a good thing for the short term, until they can find the next sidekick. Right now Little Ricky ranks #3, behind the two afermentioned gentlemen, but already ahead of Chase.

Dean | Apr 3, 2007 6:37:51 AM | #

(SEASON 3 SPOILERS)

Remember back in season 3 when Jack cut off Chases hand? Remember how he passed out and needed an ambulance, there is now way in heck that Gredenko was able to walk around and talk after axing off his own arm.

I liked the twist where he turned against Fayed, but Fayed will probably escape next episode bringing me to my next point. In the opening episodes of season 4, CTU had gotten the military involved and sent a ton of troops to help Jack, who yet again will be undermanned. Why is their no military presence, they must know stuff is going down there.

So pretty much President Palmer is hopped up on drugs and it is making him cranky.

President Palmer ANGRY! President Palmer SMASH!

Jarret | Apr 3, 2007 7:00:36 AM | #

Other notes:

Milo: Could he actually be a mole after all. Then Doyles act of helping him would be beneficial to the terrorists.

Grahams wife: I was still really expecting that kid to be Jack's son. The only problem is though that Jack's father has worked himself out of the plot completely.

Audry: Was really hoping for more with this plot.

Doyle: I'm an Ogre!! Ogre's have layers!! Too cheesy.

Chloe/Morris : Don't remember them having a part at all this episode.

Grendenko: Maybe he isn't really dead, but his exposure to toxins in the water will turn him into a giant mutant or something. Hey, its not like this season has been hyper-realistic anyway. He can team up with Logan/Daddy Bauer in the land of forgotten characters.

And finally, I am really hating these self contained episodes. Not to mention the spoilers that seem to be happening in every single coming attraction.

Jarret | Apr 3, 2007 7:13:08 AM | #

I'm going to have to strongly agree with Dean about Jacks missing sidekick. I do miss Tony he was such a well rounded completely three demetional character and his long history with jack (remember the jack nina teri tony love triangle from season 1?) that he was really compleling. I always liked Curtis he was a good agent and someone who for the most part could bring jack in when he went to far out there, well till jack shot him lol.

I do wonder why Dolye really covered up for Milo, I don't buy any of what he says...I think he might be the mole!

Gredenko's death was way underplayed and predictable! I have to say I was shocked when he gave Fieda up in the bar that both suprised me and felt like maybe the show had finally hit its strides again?

As far as for the Second President Palmer I have to say his decision to lunch the nucular strike was suprising and wonderful all at the same time, very well played, maybe he does have some of his brother in him after all. Also I love that Karren (Who I agree is not a member of the Cabinet as the National Security Advisor, if they wanted to make her in the cabinet and serve the same function through out the season they should have made her the Sec of Homeland Security) and Tom have made up! I loved the sence with Tom and the VP when he made the VP back down, go Tom, I knew you couldnt be all evil.

I would like to know what Jack's dad is up to, as well has how both Martha and Former President Logan are doing after the events of the last few hours.

I again say that I don't think that Jack is going to live through the season, and I would also like to say that Mike Dolye is not the guy to replace Jack Baurer, and on an ending note let me say how glad I am that we made it through an hour without hearing about Denver (espcially when they won't tell us what happened in denver). Also this episode was very light on Choloe!

Sean | Apr 3, 2007 7:17:34 AM | #

I agree with you Sean, as much as I'd be dissapointed, I could see Jack dying in the final minutes of this season.

"At least, I got to die for something"

Would he get the silent clock? Maybe no clock at all.

Jarret | Apr 3, 2007 7:26:04 AM | #

So now Wayne Palmer has become the teenage nerd who got kicked around by the bully once too often. Yes, it's a neat twist to have him now pull off the attack he fought so hard to avoid, but the motivation behind it rings hollow and that takes a lot of the steam out for me.

Beth | Apr 3, 2007 8:14:18 AM | #

i feel sorry for u guys who have nothing but bad things to say about the show every week. i mean seriously just sit back and enjoy it for what it is a fantasy made up show. the show is not based on fact meaning who cares that karen hayes would not have a vote. listen this is not a good season but i will sit back and watch and not complain about every little detail about the show.

matt | Apr 3, 2007 8:44:08 AM | #

24 is set in the future, and this gives room for "artistic license." I think that the show is preparing a more Orwellian setting for seasons to come. It may even use elements of "Jericho" and if the latter show moves to Fox we could hope for a xover.

Though 24 seems to be short of its best so far this year, it has not gone anywhere near the low points of its early seasons (some of Kim's scenes). It is building (awkwardly at times) the potential for a big payoff.

-Tony

Tony | Apr 3, 2007 9:04:05 AM | #

24 is and always will be my favorite show. Its just edge of your seat thrills each week. So may people I know got hooked on 24 because of me. I will be very sad if Jack dies. With out Jack Baur there is no 24. Also why was Chloe not in this episode. Finally I do not think Jericho will move to FOX, as its doing well on CBS. However a good crossover would be welcomed if it ever did. Perhaps Jericho could split the 8:00 slot with Prison Break if CBS canceled it and FOX picked it up. Not likely though. Overall I loved last nights episode and I think the reason for the stand alone episodes is to get the people who would be watching Heroes interested in 24 while Heroes is on hiatus. NBC was very smart to put Heroes up against 24. However 24 is still the best show on television.

Jon | Apr 3, 2007 11:16:46 AM | #

Most seasons of 24 have had their flaws. Season 1 had the amnesia subplot. Season 2 started strong, but became very anticlimactic after the nuke went off. Season 3 was dull and meandering until Paul Blackthorne appeared and the season finished on a major roll that continued through the next two seasons into the first four episodes of this year.

Since then, however, there has been one ill-conceived twist after another, with little dramatic resonance. For the first time ever I'm losing faith in the show - they're running out of time to pull this season out of the dregs.

During the peak of seasons 4 and 5, it was at the top of my must-see list, along with Battlestar Galactica and The Shield, but it's dropping fast.

Give us characters we care about and twists built on solid dramatic foundation. Give us 24 back.

Ides | Apr 3, 2007 11:49:33 AM | #

Anyone who is still able to be on the "edge of their seat" while watching 24 really needs to go get a bigger seat.

It has been absolutely thrilling watching the writers jog in place this season.

Doyle: Check me out - I'm a d!ck! Wait... No, I'm not. Gotcha! They've done this twice now.

Milo: Absolutely lazy. Since when are you not a mole suspect when you leave a security hole open on the day of numerous terrorist attacks? I guess only when you have the hottest couple to light up the screen since Ross and Rachel!

Jack: Is he still on this show? Kiefer must be as bored as I am.

Presidential Bunker: They've managed to turn this even more into a pre-school environment than before. Way to go!

I never thought I'd say it, but... I actually am missing Kim Bauer and cougars.

Most inconsistent show on tv. When it's good, it is REALLY good (season 1, 4, and 5) and when it's bad, it is the worst thing on tv (seasons 2 and 6... 3 had it's moments).

Brandon | Apr 3, 2007 11:57:54 AM | #

I think Ricky will succeed Kiefer as the star of the show. Kiefer has said for years that to really shock the audience "you have to take out Jack"; provided of course, that the promo department doesn't show the spoiler. Plus Kiefer's still an Executive Producer, so he'd still have a job with the show if he wanted. Ricky's joining the cast of "NYPD Blue" to replace Jimmy Smits may be coloring my perception of his "24" role, however -- maybe he is just an addition and not a replacement.

I agree they're trying to make Milo the new Tony; they shouldn't have killed off the old one.

BobH | Apr 3, 2007 12:21:12 PM | #

I agree with Bob H. Who would be better to go after Jacks killers than Tony?

Sean | Apr 3, 2007 12:26:37 PM | #

Unfortunately, the show's format is keeping the show from having any surprising twists at this point. I knew within the first fifteen minutes of the episode that Wayne Palmer would either collapse, die, or order a nuclear strike. That's the only three things that would have been 'last-minute cliffhanger' material. It's pretty easy to spot those at this point. Gredenko cutting off his arm was also a no-brainer as soon as the line about the radioactive isotope or whatever was mentioned. Severed limbs on 24? So not shocking. I don't think Gredenko is dead either. Something tells me his anticlimactic "From Here To Eternity" walk on the beach isn't the end of the road, especially since Fayed is in custody. There always has to be an at-large Big Bad on this show. Unless Papa Bauer comes back to fill that role, which could always happen. This show really should have ended it's run last season, in my opinion. On the other hand, think of how much the plot recycling is helping the environment.

Siansonea | Apr 3, 2007 1:40:20 PM | #

Ever noticed that all the actors on "24" pronounce "nuclear" the Canadian way except Kiefer Sutherland, a Canadian, who says it the American way?

New Killer Missile | Apr 3, 2007 3:15:12 PM | #

the actor that is playing milo signed on to a pilot for next season. i don't expect him to survive the season. of they will just say he left in between this season or next.

as for killing jack, not gonna happen. the show got a couple more years plus a movie planned. silver spoon can't handle the show.

Aaron | Apr 3, 2007 6:39:30 PM | #

While I agree that this was a weak episode, it's purpose was to remind us of the base message of the show, that in a crisis situation, proper legal procedure is prolonged and ultimately pointless. Let's not forget that it airs on FOX, the network with world-famous bias toward the political party that believes Habeas Corpus is a Greek appetizer.
As for the show's quality, it's entering the 4th quarter, so it has 8 hours to right itself. I think the producer's are just getting the lesser material out of the way now so when "Heroes" returns from hiatus, they can bring their "A" game.

Scott | Apr 3, 2007 10:05:58 PM | #

If Ricky Schroder takes over for Kiefer I would quit watching. He's awful as Doyle. Even Milo and Nadia are a LOT better than he is. How can an actor act that wooden?

I'd always said I would continue watching even without Jack. I don't think I would if I had to endure Doyle as the main character. There's just that much torture I can take. ;)

Yvonne | Apr 4, 2007 1:31:49 AM | #

Did I miss something here? Why would you go to the trouble of having your arm cut off rather than accept immunity and then turn on the guy you let do it?

Elizabeth | Apr 4, 2007 6:46:39 AM | #

Uhm, because the thought they could get away? Gredenko changed his plans, after they were trapped. He wanted to use the tiny chance to get out so he can continue his plans. When that failed he decided to drag Fayed down along with him.

Yvonne | Apr 4, 2007 8:26:03 AM | #

As a devoted 24 fan (I've never missed a single episode), I have to say this season started out strong and has faded horribly into confused boredom. As predictable as the show may have become much earlier on (season 3? 4?), it never lost it's ability to entertain for the "diehard fan." But even by Season 5, I noticed the terror factor of the show had diminished. The Logans helped us forget that, but Jack was starting to become less interesting.

I think Jack's psychological evolution has reached a point of near silliness and perhaps its time to put Bauer back in CTU with Buchanan and start to put another action lead in the field - maybe that's what Doyle is doing here now?

The government conspiracies from the days of Sherry Palmer and Mike Novick up until now were always secondary to the field operations. Nonetheless, despite a brilliantly insane Vice President played by Boothe, I find myself having a hard time believing so many would turn on the man who put them in power to start with. What President picks a V. P. that would do such evil? Let alone pick an entire cabinet with questionable loyalties? Can you imagine any V. P. of the last 20 years attempting such a stunt?

The trouble with 24 as a show is that the concept of the real time drama has become secondary to the James Bondesque prowess of Jack Bauer and the unlikely political shenanigans in Washington which always seem to coincide with some terrorist threat. After Season 1 and 2, fans loved Jack Bauer and felt sorry for his trials. But the show still had a chance to shift gears for a new CTU agent/hero. Now, it's Jack's show and it's lost what marginal credibility it had back then.

I'm afraid killing off Jack would only kill the show now. What to do? The minute this show becomes cliche, it's done. And the clock is certainly ticking on that front.

Franklin | Apr 4, 2007 9:55:28 AM | #

I'm afraid killing off Jack would only kill the show now. What to do? The minute this show becomes cliche, it's done. And the clock is certainly ticking on that front.

Franklin | Apr 4, 2007 9:57:09 AM | #