1. Chloe is put in charge of CTU!!! Totally implausible, but totally delicious
2. CHARLES LOGAN IS BACK!!!! Always a good idea to trust this guy.
3. RENEE WALKER WAS KILLED!!!!(Not 100% convinced about this one) Hopeful, though, since it means loose cannon Jack. WEll more than he already is. Loose Nuclear Bomb! Watch out Manhattan, this guy will blow!
Showing posts with label 24. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 24. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Time runs out on 24
With the recent announcement that this will be the last year of 24, I've decided to provide my second update on this season. But first, I just want to say how glad I am that 24 is finally getting pulled from the air. I've wasted too much time on this show already, and once i see the movie it will be out of my life forever.
(Editor's Note: David is just jealous of Kiefer Southerland, who has overcome his height disability to reach great stature.)
This season of 24 has been relatively ho hum compared to other seasons, as it has followed a comparatively reasonable progression of events. Maybe that's not fair, though, since it's possible i've just been desensitized by the previous seasons. We have had an explosion at CTU, a knifing, an assassination attempt and multiple seasons where Kim Bauer wasn't in inane life threatening jeopardy. Ok, that last one is sort of strange...
My prevailing feels about this season center on Freddy Prinze and Katee Sackhoff. I had contrasting feelings about these two new players initially, as i felt fondly about the latter and was pessimistic about the former. Who would have thought that bad ass Sackhoff would ultimately be relegated to the pointless CTU storyline? I figured she'd leave the headquarters and pick up a gun. Recently there has been an encouraging sign in the form of the revelation that she's a double agent. Hopefully this twist will liven up her character and give this talented actress something more to do then just fretting about her fiance and her secret life.
Sackhoff was a great heroine in Battlestar Galactica and was a surprisingly captivating villain in the Bionic Woman remake, so I really do expect more from her. Most of the problem stems from the situations she's been, which i fear will soon lead to her being trapped as they hunt for the mole within CTU. That's a real shame, because again, i think it will deny her the chance to run around New York City with a gun yelling "frak you!" (Oh how i miss you BSG. Caprica just doesn't hit the spot.)
Prinze Jr. has also been a surprise, albeit a positive one. The only problem is his terrible accent, which is distracting and belongs on a call-in radio show. Aside from that, his straight arrow routine has been enjoyable. He's no Curtis, but he's better than the annoying Chase. (Speaking of Chase, you can watch him on The Pacific, where he's great.)
My problems with this season stem from the fact that I don't find it very exciting. It's all so formulaic and uninteresting as a result. We know that by the 24th hour things will be resolved, so everything else is just filler material until the final climax. That's why i don't care about these menial climaxes that are assigned so much importance in the moment, but ultimately are inconsequential.
The one constant enjoyment is Chloe, who is the primary reason for watching this show.
In a great example of the cream rising to the top she has basically ascended to the top of CTU, to the point where the Chief lets her hold up NSA agents at gun points until she gets her way. Plus there's all the Chloeisms that define her character, such as her inability to take a compliment.
For me the show has become a snooze fest and is nothing more than background noise, which i only pay attention to when it becomes loud, because i know it's telling me something important is happening.
The only thing i can look forward to is Renee and Jack teaming up again, with Prinze Jr. nipping at their heels close behind. This threesome creates the possibility for a tragic death, presumably of Renee, who we now know means something to Jack and therefore creates the possibility of gut wrenching pain for him. Woo!
Anyway, i feel like i've wasted too much of the clock writing about this season. What's impressive about this recap is that i haven't actually provided any details about what's actually going on. I did this because like 24 itself, the details don't matter yet.
(Editor's Note: David is just jealous of Kiefer Southerland, who has overcome his height disability to reach great stature.)
This season of 24 has been relatively ho hum compared to other seasons, as it has followed a comparatively reasonable progression of events. Maybe that's not fair, though, since it's possible i've just been desensitized by the previous seasons. We have had an explosion at CTU, a knifing, an assassination attempt and multiple seasons where Kim Bauer wasn't in inane life threatening jeopardy. Ok, that last one is sort of strange...
My prevailing feels about this season center on Freddy Prinze and Katee Sackhoff. I had contrasting feelings about these two new players initially, as i felt fondly about the latter and was pessimistic about the former. Who would have thought that bad ass Sackhoff would ultimately be relegated to the pointless CTU storyline? I figured she'd leave the headquarters and pick up a gun. Recently there has been an encouraging sign in the form of the revelation that she's a double agent. Hopefully this twist will liven up her character and give this talented actress something more to do then just fretting about her fiance and her secret life.
Sackhoff was a great heroine in Battlestar Galactica and was a surprisingly captivating villain in the Bionic Woman remake, so I really do expect more from her. Most of the problem stems from the situations she's been, which i fear will soon lead to her being trapped as they hunt for the mole within CTU. That's a real shame, because again, i think it will deny her the chance to run around New York City with a gun yelling "frak you!" (Oh how i miss you BSG. Caprica just doesn't hit the spot.)
Prinze Jr. has also been a surprise, albeit a positive one. The only problem is his terrible accent, which is distracting and belongs on a call-in radio show. Aside from that, his straight arrow routine has been enjoyable. He's no Curtis, but he's better than the annoying Chase. (Speaking of Chase, you can watch him on The Pacific, where he's great.)
My problems with this season stem from the fact that I don't find it very exciting. It's all so formulaic and uninteresting as a result. We know that by the 24th hour things will be resolved, so everything else is just filler material until the final climax. That's why i don't care about these menial climaxes that are assigned so much importance in the moment, but ultimately are inconsequential.
The one constant enjoyment is Chloe, who is the primary reason for watching this show.
In a great example of the cream rising to the top she has basically ascended to the top of CTU, to the point where the Chief lets her hold up NSA agents at gun points until she gets her way. Plus there's all the Chloeisms that define her character, such as her inability to take a compliment.
For me the show has become a snooze fest and is nothing more than background noise, which i only pay attention to when it becomes loud, because i know it's telling me something important is happening.
The only thing i can look forward to is Renee and Jack teaming up again, with Prinze Jr. nipping at their heels close behind. This threesome creates the possibility for a tragic death, presumably of Renee, who we now know means something to Jack and therefore creates the possibility of gut wrenching pain for him. Woo!
Anyway, i feel like i've wasted too much of the clock writing about this season. What's impressive about this recap is that i haven't actually provided any details about what's actually going on. I did this because like 24 itself, the details don't matter yet.
Monday, January 25, 2010
4 Hours In
I'm four hours into the eighth day of 24 and I'm not really impressed. In fact, I'd go so far as to this season has just been bad.
The highlight in this season, and biggest surprise, has been the performance of Freddie Prinze Jr. Playing the straight arrow Agent Cole Ortiz, Prinze was responsible for the only exciting and rewarding moment in the season when he prevented the death of the generic Middle East leader.
His character seems vaguely familiar to the by the book Renee Walker from last season, who eventually evolved (or devolved) into a mini-Jack Bauer. I hope he doesn't embrace the same grey area that she readily embraced last year and lost her identity. I like Prinze as a foil to Bauer, especially since it could lead to a confrontation down the road.
Speaking of Renee Walker, i think her return has been very unsatisfying. (Spoiler alert) Her unveiling as an extreme version of Bauer, in that she won't think twice about cutting off a guy's hand, seemed very phony. I don't care what back story they provide to explain her transition, it will not be satisfying.
My biggest let down so far has been Katee Sackhoff, who I expected, nay demanded, big things from. This is an actress who kills it in every chance she gets to shine, granted playing the same person basically, but she seems like she's going to be inappropriately used if they continue this mysterious story that is neither mysterious or a good story. I hate these tangents they embark on every season of 24 when there's some idiotic and pointless arc that involves some CTU agents private life, with the worst being the CTU Chief's problems with her daughter one season. UGH. But back to Sackhoff, who was even good in the atrocious BIONIC WOMAN, where she played an awesome villain.
Ideally I'd like Sackhoff to get a gun and get to work, either as a bad guy or a good guy.
Anyway, I still hate Cherry Jones as the worst president ever. Chloe is still great. And once again, all of CTU's problems could be avoided if everyone just listened to Jack.
The highlight in this season, and biggest surprise, has been the performance of Freddie Prinze Jr. Playing the straight arrow Agent Cole Ortiz, Prinze was responsible for the only exciting and rewarding moment in the season when he prevented the death of the generic Middle East leader.
His character seems vaguely familiar to the by the book Renee Walker from last season, who eventually evolved (or devolved) into a mini-Jack Bauer. I hope he doesn't embrace the same grey area that she readily embraced last year and lost her identity. I like Prinze as a foil to Bauer, especially since it could lead to a confrontation down the road.Speaking of Renee Walker, i think her return has been very unsatisfying. (Spoiler alert) Her unveiling as an extreme version of Bauer, in that she won't think twice about cutting off a guy's hand, seemed very phony. I don't care what back story they provide to explain her transition, it will not be satisfying.
My biggest let down so far has been Katee Sackhoff, who I expected, nay demanded, big things from. This is an actress who kills it in every chance she gets to shine, granted playing the same person basically, but she seems like she's going to be inappropriately used if they continue this mysterious story that is neither mysterious or a good story. I hate these tangents they embark on every season of 24 when there's some idiotic and pointless arc that involves some CTU agents private life, with the worst being the CTU Chief's problems with her daughter one season. UGH. But back to Sackhoff, who was even good in the atrocious BIONIC WOMAN, where she played an awesome villain.
Ideally I'd like Sackhoff to get a gun and get to work, either as a bad guy or a good guy.
Anyway, I still hate Cherry Jones as the worst president ever. Chloe is still great. And once again, all of CTU's problems could be avoided if everyone just listened to Jack.
Friday, October 9, 2009
So that's why they're so mad...
All caught up on Mad Men. Went through five episodes in two days to get ready for this Sunday.
A couple side notes before I address the show itself.
1. AMC needs to create an AMC On Demand or replay old episodes occasionally. It's like they don't want people to watch the show. These serial dramas with big casts requires you not to miss an episode and they're making that difficult.
2. Mad Men is a show that torments you if you're watching it on a weekly basis. Tony kornheiser was talking about this fact on Bill Simmons' podcast, which i recommend and should probably write about. Tony opts to watch the show all at once on DVD, as opposed to watching it live. Especially after u see the previews for next week it becomes nearly impossible to wait for the next episode. I think Lost, 24 and True Blood are the same way. If i think about it more there are probably other shows.
Anyway, here are my thoughts on Mad Men...
I like seeing the Pete is a real person. I have always thought of him as a robot, but the way he loses it with his wife when she returns after he cheated on her made me see him in a new light. It was reminiscent of his role when he dealt with his mother. Too often i think he becomes a caricature of himself on the show and this keeps him grounded.
Love it when Cooper puts his foot down.
This time it was about Don't contract, which Don ultimately signed after Cooper's prodding. We don't know much about him, like what he does, but he is interesting and kills it in every scene.
I don't understand Betty and Don. That's all I have to say about that. No idea why he ever settled down or fell in love with her in the first place. Maybe he was just tired of running? From flashbacks it seems like he was very enamored with her at one point, but now she's just a burden
Sally has really become a potent character on the show. I think I like it. There better be some payoff with her role or I'll feel betrayed.
Earlier in the year i sort of predicted Roger's falling out with Don. Roger was amusing to Don for a while, but now Don is tired of him because he's gone too far. He was an enjoyable nuisance in the past and now he's worn out his welcome. This could be explosive.
Oh yeah, I've always been wary of lawn mowers in the work place.
I liked how Needameyer had a guest spot as the mayor that Betty was dealing with. Probably spelling his character from Animal House's name wrong, but it was definitely him. Thought he would start yelling about pledge pins at any second.
That's it for now since I want to watch Flash Forward and have nothing else to say.
A couple side notes before I address the show itself.
1. AMC needs to create an AMC On Demand or replay old episodes occasionally. It's like they don't want people to watch the show. These serial dramas with big casts requires you not to miss an episode and they're making that difficult.
2. Mad Men is a show that torments you if you're watching it on a weekly basis. Tony kornheiser was talking about this fact on Bill Simmons' podcast, which i recommend and should probably write about. Tony opts to watch the show all at once on DVD, as opposed to watching it live. Especially after u see the previews for next week it becomes nearly impossible to wait for the next episode. I think Lost, 24 and True Blood are the same way. If i think about it more there are probably other shows.
Anyway, here are my thoughts on Mad Men...
I like seeing the Pete is a real person. I have always thought of him as a robot, but the way he loses it with his wife when she returns after he cheated on her made me see him in a new light. It was reminiscent of his role when he dealt with his mother. Too often i think he becomes a caricature of himself on the show and this keeps him grounded.
Love it when Cooper puts his foot down.
This time it was about Don't contract, which Don ultimately signed after Cooper's prodding. We don't know much about him, like what he does, but he is interesting and kills it in every scene. I don't understand Betty and Don. That's all I have to say about that. No idea why he ever settled down or fell in love with her in the first place. Maybe he was just tired of running? From flashbacks it seems like he was very enamored with her at one point, but now she's just a burden
Sally has really become a potent character on the show. I think I like it. There better be some payoff with her role or I'll feel betrayed.
Earlier in the year i sort of predicted Roger's falling out with Don. Roger was amusing to Don for a while, but now Don is tired of him because he's gone too far. He was an enjoyable nuisance in the past and now he's worn out his welcome. This could be explosive.
Oh yeah, I've always been wary of lawn mowers in the work place.
I liked how Needameyer had a guest spot as the mayor that Betty was dealing with. Probably spelling his character from Animal House's name wrong, but it was definitely him. Thought he would start yelling about pledge pins at any second.
That's it for now since I want to watch Flash Forward and have nothing else to say.
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