Watching 24

I love getting the new TV Guide. So many things to read. This one is extra special because the cover story is about the upcoming season of 24.

Lets see what little nuggets of knowledge we can grab from its pages:

On page 3 there’s a small section about 24 that gives us some insight on how long it’s been since day 5.

20 months have passed since Jack was captured by Chinese government agents. Following a series of terrorist attacks, CTU is willing to do anything to stop the violence–including sacrificing Jack Bauer.

So, it’s been 20 months. In the prequel to season 6, located on the season 5 DVD’s, it’s only set to 7 months after Jack’s been captured. So, 13 months go unaccounted for, before this season begins. Interesting. I wonder what other stuff they ended up doing to Jack. Almost 2 years in Chinese custody, and I bet he didn’t utter a word. Good for you Jack.

On page 9 there’s a tiny segment about the upcoming Monday night battle between 24 and Heroes. I’m not worried. This is what FOX exec VP Preston Beckman says:

“It helps that both shows have their loyal audiences. It’s not like one will KO the other.

Over at NBC Mich Metcalf is quoted as saying:

“It will end up being a draw.”

Even though Heroes has really gained quite the following, my money is still on 24. With 5 seasons under its belt and the audience continuing to grow every year, I think that 24 will edge Heroes out for the top spot on Mondays.

Page 16 has some great behind the scenes photos of Kiefer and the rest of the 24 crew. Jon Cassar gives a little insight on how Kiefer is like:

“Kiefer’s very well-read and can talk politics with the best of them. Other people come to work and talk about the latest episode of Lost. Kiefer wants to talk about the cool weapon he saw last night on the Military Channel.”

Then on page 21 we are treated to a short review of the first four episodes that are set to air this the 14th and 15th. Matt Roush, of TV Guide gives us some more insight on what we can expect for the new season:

“…the U.S. has suffered in Jack’s absence, victimized for 11 months by explosive terror attacks. Citizens are at risk not only from suicide bombers but from government bureaucrats trampling civil liberties.”

So, it seems that we will assuredly be dealing with more inter-office politics from the White House. Also, the days of bickering and back-biting haven’t seemed to subside over at CTU. Roush writes:

“CTU is less fun minus some of last year’s casualties and watching Chloe’s ex, Morris squabble with middle manager Milo is truly tiresome.”

This is something that has me worried. On the FOX homepage there was a teaser video for 24 fans, but it didn’t really get me all that excited, why? Because the video was of Milo and Morris arguing like little school girls. Sometimes I get pretty sick of the CTU politics and all around selfish behavior that goes on there. One season, why can’t we have a CTU that runs efficiently without all the petty squabbling? I know that you need some to have tension within the show, but enough is enough. People like Erin Driscoll and Sean Astin’s character last season really take the show downhill I think. George Mason was alright, because you could relate to him. He was more than just childish. I just hope that it’s not too much, or Milo and Morris will soon be in the negatives when it comes to the 24 Character Countdown point system that we will be playing.

If you’re a 24 fan this is a great TV Guide to go and pick up.

24, Kiefer Sutherland, Jack Bauer, TV Guide, FOX, Season 6 Premiere