"24" Is Back!

The overwhelming consensus among TV critics is that “24” is back.

But you’ll notice I’ve gone quiet about my beloved show. Does that mean I don’t agree?

If you had asked me two weeks ago, I would have said, no I don’t. After all, the episodes just seemed so bland. I just kept waiting for that GASP! moment or one that made me say “Oh no he didn’t.” But that moment never came.

In fact, it still hasn’t come. But I’ve decided that if the hour is as well-crafted as last week’s, I can do without it.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen. I finally agree. “24” is back. Thank goodness!...

There are still some repetitive elements in this season—using the girlfriend to get the bad guy, the mole—but for some reason they’re not bothering me. The show’s way of dealing with the torture issue is becoming quite brilliant—even though I don’t think they should have to be dealing with it all (It’s a TV show, people!). And Cherry Jones (President Taylor) is turning what should be a soap opera storyline into a powerful drama. I think they should just give her that Emmy nod now.

Renee (Annie Wersching) is starting to really get on my nerves, especially since the previews show her slapping Jack (Are you kidding me?), but again the drama works so well I’m willing to overlook her. And since she and her boss Larry (a solid Jeffrey Nordling) bring out some of Jack’s best moments, how can I not tolerate them?

Even though it was tough to go so long without “24,” I think the Writers’ Strike was the best thing that could have happened to the show. Last week’s episode was written and produced after the strike and I think that was fairly obvious with its solid continuity (Jack saying that Dubaku was responsible for the death of a friend of his) and story flow.

And how could any “24” fan not smile at the sight of Aaron Pierce (Glenn Morshower) called back into duty by Bill (a hot James Morrison) to once again help the President?

Of course that reveal would have been SO much better if Morshower’s name had not been in the opening credits, but I digress…

At this point in the season, I am always concerned about where the show is headed, and I still am. But I’m feeling much better about giving the show the benefit of the doubt…

“24” airs Mondays at 9 p.m. on FOX…

Photo Credits: Michael Muller/FOX and Mark Lipson/FOX