The "24" Trailer: Giving It the Benefit of the Doubt

I knew you were expecting a post from me about the “24” trailer, and I didn’t want to disappoint you.

That’s why I’m sitting here starting my fourth attempt at it…

Since I’ve seen it three times now, you’d think this would be easy. But yet here I am struggling…

I think that’s because I’m afraid how you will react when you read this. I’m actually kind of afraid myself about what I’m about to say.

Because I should be fuming. I should have thrown stuff at my computer. But I didn’t…

Warning: If you don’t want to know what’s in the trailer, stop reading now.

The trailer opens with Jack testifying before a Senate hearing. Kurtwood Smith (“That 70s Show”) is perfectly cast as the Senator who interrogates Jack. There’s some intense one-on-one stuff here that you just know is going to be great, as Jack refuses to apologize for what he’s done over the years to protect the country.

Cut to Jack being asked once again to help save the world—this time by the FBI, since CTU is no more. We’re introduced to his new love interest, the FBI agent entrusted with keeping Jack in check.

I hate her already…

It’s at this point we learn a big “secret” about the season. I put secret in quotes because I already told you it was a possibility. One of the people involved with this new threat—whatever it is—is none other than Tony Almeida.

Then we get some vague glimpses of the new Tony with his closely shaved hair (Hate it!) doing bad things and Jack trying to talk to him. There’s also quick glimpses of Chloe and Bill in dark rooms similar to the one we see Tony in (a clue perhaps?).

The trailer concludes with a glimpse of Jack aiming his gun at Tony.

See why I should be mad?

So why aren’t I? Because for some reason I can’t explain, it works for me. In fact, I’m actually getting excited about it.

Maybe because I love Carlos Bernard and I’m excited about the possibilities for him as an actor. Maybe it’s because I know it will mean some great scenes for Kiefer.

Or maybe it’s because I know this is “24” and nothing is ever what it seems. Revealing Tony as the bad guy in the trailer seems like such a dumb move that there’s got to be something else at play here.

It’s also possible that I’m giving the writers way too much credit and the return of Tony will be totally wasted. But I’m willing to give them the benefit of the doubt—even though nothing they did last season warrants that.

Maybe I’m just not thinking clearly because I’m totally distracted by how hot Kiefer looks in that tan jacket…

You can see the trailer for yourself here…