Let the "24" hype begin!
The success of NBC’s “Heroes” is causing some problems for its competition. But probably the competition with the biggest problem isn’t even on the air.
That would be a little show called, “24.”
By the time “24” premieres January 14th, “Heroes” will be well on its way to becoming TV’s next great cult hit with a solid core of loyal fans—many of whom are probably also “24” fans (like me). It might be difficult for some viewers (but not me, of course) to make the switch.
Which is why FOX is wisely cranking up the hype machine—and what a machine it will be.
Tomorrow (Tuesday) at 3 p.m., FOX will premiere the “24” season six trailer (with a special introduction from Kiefer Sutherland) on the giant Panasonic screen in Times Square. For those of us who are not in New York City, we can see it on-line at www.24trailer.com also beginning tomorrow at 3.
Those of you who have been reading my blogs for a while know that I avoid “24” promos like the plague. But if you’re thinking I’m not going to be sitting in front of my computer at three o’clock tomorrow, you’d be mistaken.
So why would I risk having the entire season premiere spoiled for me by an extended trailer? Because, quite frankly, I’m extremely worried about my show.
The stakes are bigger that ever for “24.” It’s coming off its best season both creatively and ratings-wise. Plus, it won five Emmys, including best drama. But the details that I’m hearing about this season have not given me a lot of confidence. Co-creators and Executive Producers Joel Surnow and Robert Cochran are starting to work on other projects, and that generally signals bad things for a show creatively.
But let’s face it. The real reason for my nerves is that darn season five finale. Every time I think about it I get sick to my stomach. I truly appreciate the writers not forgetting the Chinese story, but I can’t help but think they backed themselves into a corner that only a completely unrealistic story will get them out of.
Of course I thought that at the end of season four too and I couldn’t have been more wrong.
So, I will watch the trailer Tuesday—although I’ll probably regret it later. However, I’m willing to bet money that it won’t make me feel any better.
Stay tuned…
