Jack cuddling with his cute grandkid Teri was sweet, but judging from the first two hours of 24’s eighth season, I’d say this man has to be the world’s most kick-ass grandpa. Did you see him take out those two hostiles with a fire axe? He barely broke a sweat — and, just think, he was on the brink of death at the end of season 7. I’m with Dwight Schrute; Jack Bauer can be my Secretary of Defense any day.
Remember the threat on Day One? Someone was trying to assassinate David Palmer, a unique leader, the first black presidential candidate. Similarly, this time someone is trying to assassinate President Omar Hassan of the fictional Islamic Republic of Kamistan, a man whom U.S. President Taylor describes as a “once-in-a-lifetime” leader. I like the fact that they’re keeping the plot simple and punchy at the beginning of the season.
For once, the U.S. President is not at the center of a family drama. President Taylor doesn’t really have any family left to make mischief (although her ex-husband could return for some craziness, à la Sherry Palmer). Instead, the soap opera angle focuses on President Hassan, a truly interesting, three-dimensional character played by Anil Kapoor of Slumdog Millionaire. Hassan’s ice-queen of a wife and double-crossing brother Farhad should make for some intriguing family drama, though I don’t think they can possibly outdo the Palmers in that department.
So far, we’ve seen some pretty cool action, including a blown-up helicopter, and a couple of plot twists. Did anyone else guess immediately that Farad was working with the hitter? The plot is all right, but what really has me psyched up for the rest of the season was watching Jack packing his weapons in the armory. I’m thrilled that Hastings is letting him go solo (for now). That’s exactly what you want — let Jack loose with a few guns and Chloe at ops … and bye-bye, bad guys.
Let’s talk about the new faces at CTU New York. Hastings seems like the typical, bureaucratic man in charge, who refuses to listen to Jack out of sheer stubbornness. It’s early, but right now the character is a cliche — makes me really miss George Mason. George was not nice (like Bill Buchanan), but he was funny.
Katee Sackhoff plays Dana Walsh, a bland character after her four seasons as Starbuck. Walsh seems too comfortable with being ogled by her subordinates (I mean YOU, Arlo). Apparently, she’s being stalked by some guy from her secret past. Yeah, another one of those side plots. So far, Sackhoff is underwhelming, but she looks fantastic. I’m personally more interested in her man, Agent Cole Ortiz (Freddie Prinze Jr.); he’s got the charisma to hold his own on-screen with Jack Bauer.
The new CTU sets are very cool and futuristic. They have new technology, including drones flying over NYC. I’m looking forward to seeing more of this as the season progresses. Chloe, on the other hand, is probably not looking forward to it. She’s still learning all the new software and protocols, and it’s interesting to see her lagging instead of being five steps ahead of everybody. I’ve missed Chloe’s scowl. Her big plea to Jack is very moving, and Jack looks so torn between helping her and not disappointing his daughter. But Kim actually talks him into staying on the case. We have to remember that she worked at CTU and probably still believes in the work they do. It’s nice to see Kim finally at a good place in her life with a normal family.
I felt bad when Chloe promises Jack that they’ll be done in a little while, and then he can fly home to California. Poor Jack … it’s never that easy.
What did you think of the first two hours of Season 8?
Clacked by Ruby T.
on Jan 17, 2010 @ 22:00 EST5EDT
It was a solid start to the season. I guess other than Hastings it was pretty obvious to the rest of us that the reporter in not the problem. I’ll even get behind the brother is evil part.
Chloe’s scowl was back at the conference room table when she was put down though. It will nice to have a badass Renee back also.
I was most fascinated by the way Sackhoff’s hair stayed coiled around her neck like a snake all episode. It made her seem stiff.
Yeah, I hate Walsh, and hate where the story is going. I hope they move past quickly.
As far as bringing back POTUS’ family? I’m all about the daughter. I love Sprague Grayden and how pitiful her character was on 24.
Why won’t they listen to Jack?
Why???
Isn’t it great that it allows us to reconstruct how the bomb got there before it exploded? Trust me – if they would’ve had cameras in that theater back then, Lincoln would still be alive!
I just hope they get someone working on those drones. They need to get them operating so there won’t be any errors in the future shooting down RPGs in downtown New York. It could happen to you!