Tonight's "24" Shocker: An Episode That Worked

Thanks to the description in “TV Guide” and spoilers I had read months ago, I knew what was going to happen on tonight’s “24”…

In fact, I had already formulated what I was going to write in my mind and it was going to be scathing…

But you won’t read it here, because even though I was right about what happened, the show managed to make it work.

In fact, the whole episode worked. And believe me, I’m as surprised as anyone…

Warning: The remainder of this post contains details about tonight’s episode of “24.”

When I saw both Regina King (Sandra) and Rena Sofer (Marilyn) in the credits, I was sure this episode was going to be a bad one. But the drama at the White House and the drama at CTU were actually good—even if they were a bit repetitive.

The mole scenario at CTU does get dragged out every season, but it was a welcome event tonight, maybe because it made things feel like they were back to normal—especially since I don’t think this one is over. Why did Chloe point out that Nadia was using Milo’s ID? Was it to remind us? Hmmm?

I was upset that Morris’ drinking got brought up again, until I saw why. Chloe’s scene was brilliant. As Morris said, “You’ve got to love this place.” And could it be that Milo was looking for someone else to cast doubt on? Hmmm?

As for the White House story, yes, this one is reminiscent of season two with the Vice President staging a coup against President David Palmer. But that Vice President wasn’t a total psycho. And as much as I love Alan Dale, he’s no Powers Boothe. Plus, the return of Jayne Atkinson brought back that needed punch we got in the beginning of the season when Karen and Tom argued non-stop. Because Peter MacNicol (Tom) is returning to “Numb3rs” before the end of the season, I know his time is short. But I am loving every minute in the meantime.

And this whole thing about reviving President Palmer? I know it doesn’t make much sense, but it does make for good TV…

For me, however, the best scene of the night actually involved Marilyn. Thinking she had an opening, Marilyn finally made her move to kiss Jack, but Jack—God love him—turned his head. “I guess I was wrong,” she said. Yes you were, you little tramp!

Which leads us to the scene I had been dreading. And it didn’t make it any easier that the news came from Marilyn’s lips: Audrey is dead.

Now, I know that there are some of you out there who are hopping mad that Audrey didn’t get an onscreen death, and I planned to be one of you, but the scene where Jack discovered her death was so good, I was willing to overlook it. The pain and anger in his eyes as he hung up Chloe’s phone and demanded answers was beautiful.
But before you go Jack Bauer on me for not being upset, let me ask a question. Why did the show mention Audrey now? Why didn’t they just wait until the end of the season? Could it be that Audrey’s death will play a role later? I’m just speculating here, of course, but I can’t believe the show would do this to us without a reason. And I have a sneaking suspicion that Papa Bauer has something to do with it…

And if I’m wrong, I’ll just get mad later. For now, it’s enough to see Jack back to his old self as he fights for Audrey’s death to not be in vain…

There were some problems with the episode, number one of which was that we got zero mention of Logan. But since that story was pretty stupid anyway, I’m willing to move on if they are. And I still can’t get behind Ricky Schroeder. Maybe it’s because it’s Ricky Schroeder or maybe it’s that silly bowl he calls a haircut. Or maybe it’s just because I don’t like anyone doing Jack’s job and getting more screen time while doing it.

And if we have to give screen time to someone else, couldn’t we give it to Buchanan? It was nice to see him break up Milo and Doyle, but he needs more to do than that, kids…

It’s now after 11 as I type this paragraph. It’s taken me this long to write this post partly because I was watching “CSI: Miami” and partly because I’m still in shock. I was ready to blast the writers, the producers, the prop guys—anyone I could for ruining my show.
But I’m happy to say that didn’t happen.

Now, whether or not I’ll feel that way next week…

Stay Tuned…