Jack Bauer and "24"

[Skins Fan in Indy]

It will be sad to see the end of a great show next month as this is there final season of production. Can't wait for the movie to come out in the future.

[KazooSkinsFan]

It will be sad to see the end of a great show next month as this is there final season of production. Can't wait for the movie to come out in the future.

They had a great run, I've watched the whole show from the beginning. Also I think this year is pretty good, but they really don't seem to have anywhere new to go and it's better to end now when it's still a good show.

The one I'll miss the most is Lost. They are having a fantastic final season.

[langleyparkjoe]

That is my show.. though I'm sorry to see it leave, its gotten obviously worse at this point.

[REDEEMEDSKIN]

I think this year is pretty good, but they really don't seem to have anywhere new to go...

Why did they wait 'til mid season to announce they'd end their show?

I think this year started off so-so, with bad acting, and terrible secondary storylines.

Following the announcement, the writers apparently hit their stride and regained their magic.

I will miss this show, it's the ONLY show I've watched faithfully.

[KazooSkinsFan]

I think this year is pretty good, but they really don't seem to have anywhere new to go...

Why did they wait 'til mid season to announce they'd end their show?

I think this year started off so-so, with bad acting, and terrible secondary storylines.

Following the announcement, the writers apparently hit their stride and regained their magic.

I will miss this show, it's the ONLY show I've watched faithfully.

Even though it was mid season before the official word came, it had been widely discussed it was likely the last season. But I agree, it started slow this year and got a lot better mid season. It seems like when the writers know it's coming to an end they aren't afraid to run the tank dry since they know they don't need to keep something in reserve for next year. Lost has been fantastic this year.

[Deadskins]

It will be sad to see the end of a great show next month as this is there final season of production. Can't wait for the movie to come out in the future.

They had a great run, I've watched the whole show from the beginning. Also I think this year is pretty good, but they really don't seem to have anywhere new to go and it's better to end now when it's still a good show.

The one I'll miss the most is Lost. They are having a fantastic final season.

I watched one season of 24 (the second, I think) and thought it was too predictable and hokey. But I agree with you on Lost. That's a great show, and I'm very sorry it's going off the air.

[KazooSkinsFan]

I watched one season of 24 (the second, I think) and thought it was too predictable and hokey. But I agree with you on Lost. That's a great show, and I'm very sorry it's going off the air.

Well no wonder you didn't like 24, you don't watch it for the "plot." They have twists and things though the season, but show to show you watch it for the action, not the story. And you watch it to hear Jack say he want's to "talk" to the latest bad guy (gal) when he gets back to CTU. Like the time the "discussion" entailed him walking into the interrogation room, shooting him and cutting his head off. You had to be there...

Lost sounds like what you're looking for. Me too, but I like different Genre's. House is great too, though it's been a so-so year for them. DVR's are great.

[Deadskins]

I watched one season of 24 (the second, I think) and thought it was too predictable and hokey. But I agree with you on Lost. That's a great show, and I'm very sorry it's going off the air.

Well no wonder you didn't like 24, you don't watch it for the "plot." They have twists and things though the season, but show to show you watch it for the action, not the story. And you watch it to hear Jack say he want's to "talk" to the latest bad guy (gal) when he gets back to CTU. Like the time the "discussion" entailed him walking into the interrogation room, shooting him and cutting his head off. You had to be there...

Lost sounds like what you're looking for. Me too, but I like different Genre's. House is great too, though it's been a so-so year for them. DVR's are great.

I understand why some people may like it, but it's just not my bag. Like I said, I gave it a chance and watched an entire season, just to be sure I wasn't rating it on a particularly bad episode or two, but it still left me flat. I like action as much as the next guy, but it's got to be somewhat realistic. The scene you described is exactly the sort of hokey fare that turned me off of 24.

I like House ok, but as someone on this site once said, every show is exactly the same; about 5 missed diagnoses, until House gets an inspired thought from some other context and solves the case. I like the side characters, though, and that has been enough to have kept me watching for a couple of seasons now.

I agree, DVRs are great.

[REDEEMEDSKIN]

...you don't watch it for the "plot." They have twists and things though the season, but show to show you watch it for the action, not the story.

On a related note, I'm glad I have my back-up show to fill the Jack Bauer void once 24 ends:

"Human Target"

Cristopher Chance, a poor man's Jack Bauer.

I like the show...a lot. It feels like a throwback to the 70s and 80s shows on TV. Lotsa action. Sometimes predictable. Great cast, especially the eye candy.

The pilot espisode was TERRIBLE, IMO, but it's gotten progressively better.

Check it out.

[langleyparkjoe]

...you don't watch it for the "plot." They have twists and things though the season, but show to show you watch it for the action, not the story.

On a related note, I'm glad I have my back-up show to fill the Jack Bauer void once 24 ends:

"Human Target"

Cristopher Chance, a poor man's Jack Bauer.

I like the show...a lot. It feels like a throwback to the 70s and 80s shows on TV. Lotsa action. Sometimes predictable. Great cast, especially the eye candy.

The pilot espisode was TERRIBLE, IMO, but it's gotten progressively better.

Check it out.

Hey Reedemed.. I watched the pilot hoping for a 24 replacement but I dismissed it after I saw it. Very dissapointed by what I had seen.

[KazooSkinsFan]

On a related note, I'm glad I have my back-up show to fill the Jack Bauer void once 24 ends:

"Human Target"

Cristopher Chance, a poor man's Jack Bauer.

I like the show...a lot. It feels like a throwback to the 70s and 80s shows on TV. Lotsa action. Sometimes predictable. Great cast, especially the eye candy.

The pilot espisode was TERRIBLE, IMO, but it's gotten progressively better.

Check it out.

Hey Reedemed.. I watched the pilot hoping for a 24 replacement but I dismissed it after I saw it. Very dissapointed by what I had seen.

There's only one Jack Bauer.

But 24 is really starting to look like it's going to have a strong finish. Now it's Jack versus CTU...

[langleyparkjoe]

On a related note, I'm glad I have my back-up show to fill the Jack Bauer void once 24 ends:

"Human Target"

Cristopher Chance, a poor man's Jack Bauer.

I like the show...a lot. It feels like a throwback to the 70s and 80s shows on TV. Lotsa action. Sometimes predictable. Great cast, especially the eye candy.

The pilot espisode was TERRIBLE, IMO, but it's gotten progressively better.

Check it out.

Hey Reedemed.. I watched the pilot hoping for a 24 replacement but I dismissed it after I saw it. Very dissapointed by what I had seen.

There's only one Jack Bauer.

But 24 is really starting to look like it's going to have a strong finish. Now it's Jack versus CTU...

Right! I got reaaaal excited when he just knew Cloe was setting him up.. BRILLIANT!

[VetSkinsFan]

I stopped watching after Season 1 or 2. Don't recall why since it was so long ago, but it obviously didn't grab me like some of you...the same with Lost. Even with Michelle Rodriguez (damn she was hot in Fast and Furious), I couldn't hang on to lost.

[langleyparkjoe]

I stopped watching after Season 1 or 2. Don't recall why since it was so long ago, but it obviously didn't grab me like some of you...the same with Lost. Even with Michelle Rodriguez (damn she was hot in Fast and Furious), I couldn't hang on to lost.

Oh man.. Michelle Rodriguez... so hot

[REDEEMEDSKIN]

...you don't watch it for the "plot." They have twists and things though the season, but show to show you watch it for the action, not the story.

On a related note, I'm glad I have my back-up show to fill the Jack Bauer void once 24 ends:

"Human Target"

Cristopher Chance, a poor man's Jack Bauer.

I like the show...a lot. It feels like a throwback to the 70s and 80s shows on TV. Lotsa action. Sometimes predictable. Great cast, especially the eye candy.

The pilot espisode was TERRIBLE, IMO, but it's gotten progressively better.

Check it out.

Hey Reedemed.. I watched the pilot hoping for a 24 replacement but I dismissed it after I saw it. Very dissapointed by what I had seen.

Apparently, others shared the same sentiment.

Looks like Human target will not be renewed.

[CanesSkins26]

Old school Jack is back. Tonight's episode was intense. I can't wait to see the last 4 hours of the season.

[langleyparkjoe]

Old school Jack is back. Tonight's episode was intense. I can't wait to see the last 4 hours of the season.

I loved how he shot Dana at the end.. that was classic!

[CanesSkins26]

Old school Jack is back. Tonight's episode was intense. I can't wait to see the last 4 hours of the season.

I loved how he shot Dana at the end.. that was classic!

Yea for sure. It kind of reminded me of how he shot Nina.

[langleyparkjoe]

Old school Jack is back. Tonight's episode was intense. I can't wait to see the last 4 hours of the season.

I loved how he shot Dana at the end.. that was classic!

Yea for sure. It kind of reminded me of how he shot Nina.

I was hoping she shot Cole though.. dude is just dumb..

[CanesSkins26]

Old school Jack is back. Tonight's episode was intense. I can't wait to see the last 4 hours of the season.

I loved how he shot Dana at the end.. that was classic!

Yea for sure. It kind of reminded me of how he shot Nina.

I was hoping she shot Cole though.. dude is just dumb..

Haha yea he is. I can't take him seriously bc it's Freddie Prinz Jr. I wish they could somehow bring back Chase. He was awesome.

[langleyparkjoe]

Old school Jack is back. Tonight's episode was intense. I can't wait to see the last 4 hours of the season.

I loved how he shot Dana at the end.. that was classic!

Yea for sure. It kind of reminded me of how he shot Nina.

I was hoping she shot Cole though.. dude is just dumb..

Haha yea he is. I can't take him seriously bc it's Freddie Prinz Jr. I wish they could somehow bring back Chase. He was awesome.

So I guess we're really nearing the end huh? Think the truth will ever get out???

[REDEEMEDSKIN]

Old school Jack is back. Tonight's episode was intense. I can't wait to see the last 4 hours of the season.

I loved how he shot Dana at the end.. that was classic!

I found it amusing how I felt bad for Dana while the private security firm tortured her, but nearly high-fived my wife when she got smoked by Jack.

Yes, I know that's horrible, but that's how Jack rolls!!

[langleyparkjoe]

Old school Jack is back. Tonight's episode was intense. I can't wait to see the last 4 hours of the season.

I loved how he shot Dana at the end.. that was classic!

I found it amusing how I felt bad for Dana while the private security firm tortured her, but nearly high-fived my wife when she got smoked by Jack.

Yes, I know that's horrible, but that's how Jack rolls!!

dude, you hit it right on the head!!!! I felt bad for her at first cause I was like, maaaaaan.. they gona torture the nonsense outta that chick. Then in the bank when she got Cole, I was like .. Oh what a *blippity blip*..Come on Jack, get her get her!

[RayNAustin]

Old school Jack is back. Tonight's episode was intense. I can't wait to see the last 4 hours of the season.

I loved how he shot Dana at the end.. that was classic!

I found it amusing how I felt bad for Dana while the private security firm tortured her, but nearly high-fived my wife when she got smoked by Jack.

Yes, I know that's horrible, but that's how Jack rolls!!

dude, you hit it right on the head!!!! I felt bad for her at first cause I was like, maaaaaan.. they gona torture the nonsense outta that chick. Then in the bank when she got Cole, I was like .. Oh what a *blippity blip*..Come on Jack, get her get her!

Before I say what I'm about to say ... for the record, I'm a big fan of the show, and watch it every week .. but the comments here illustrate the point I'm about to make, perfectly.

The show is an ingenious pysop of mass brainwashing at it's finest. And before anyone dismisses the idea ... think about the show carefully, and see how your own feelings and opinions may be affected by the show ... just like feeling bad for Dana when being tortured by the contractors, only to be overjoyed when Jack wasted her.

From a purely entertainment perspective, the show is great, and the aforementioned shooting of Dana by Jack is an easy event to embrace because of her own ruthlessness and willingness to kill ... shes a spy, a traitor and a murderer ... so yeah Jack, go ahead and double tap her!!

The important points that get lost are some of the parallels between the show, and real events ... a black president ... certain conspiratorial intrigue both from terrorists and moles inside the otherwise well intentioned government structures ... the vast and extensive surveillance apparatus where there is virtually no place that cannot be almost instantly accessed by those who protect us from the stereotypical middle eastern terrorists which seem to be EVERYWHERE.

What do we "learn" (or better ... conditioned to accept as right) from all of this? Jack is the all American hero, and his strong armed tactics, including torture is not only necessary, but cause for celebration. If Jack does it, it must be right, and it must be necessary to keep us safe from those evil terrorists who are relentless, and everywhere. Jack teaches us that we would be doomed without this extensive police state surveillance grid to which CTU, NSA, and others have constructed for OUR protection. Jack even goes as far as to be on the edge of torturing innocent people .. but always stops short, and only tortures those who DESERVE to be tortured.

And, Jack has developed such a relationship with the audience, that he can set aside his normal and heroic loyalty to right and wrong, and take it upon himself to be judge, jury, and executioner by killing Dana in cold blood ... all to the fanfare of applause.

Personally, just from a fan perspective .. I thought it was an error to have Jack shoot Dana because it really made Jack a cold blooded murderer .. even though the audience sympathizes with his feelings of revenge, and gives him a pass for his brief lapse because Jack has earned it, and Dana deserved to be capped.

In summary, the show teaches us:

1) Torture is good, if the right people are doing it for the right reasons

2) How necessary it is for the government to have a surveillance capacity to monitor virtually every square inch, and every person ... face recognition ... cameras and drone surveillance everywhere ... and a segment of the antiterrorist group of government saviors being above the law.

3) Demonization of middle easterners as the stereotypical terrorist

4) The depiction of cold blooded murder as justifiable

5) Most importantly .. the reinforcement of the principle that the ends justify the means, and government strong armed tactics are necessary to protect us.


This is very powerful stuff ... and don't think for a second that your mind is not being manipulated by this ... that it doesn't change your perception of things or your views of real life events.

Even when you are conscious of the manipulation taking place (which most are not), its difficult not to be brainwashed to some degree ... more for some .. less for others.

I still love the show ... even though I recognize it's rather suspect nature.

[langleyparkjoe]

Well that's interesting and everything you said is true.. well, the black president thing happened many years ago before Obama but I totally understand what your saying. So, to sum it all up cause it was indeed on point what you said... YUP! I'm all for the American hero who does the dirt to keep me and my daughter safe. Are there super duper fine lines between what is right and wrong? Sure, absolutely.. do I really care though if bad people get tortured and shot? Nope, not really.

In the Dana case though, Jack's shooting of her to me was justified as he actually witnessed her murder people in cold blood and if I was in any situation (not like Jack himself but a common dude who saw all of that) I'd shoot her too. Hey, I may go to jail but the public will know I shot a chick that murdered police officers and innocent people so she could get away. Should she go to trial for it? Probably.. but I'd rather send her to hell. Just me though, that's just me.

*sigh*.. I'm gonna miss the show, it was awesome and yeuuuup, I'm brainwashed.. heck I don't even call it "24", I call it "JACK"!