Why We Love 24

by Jon Lachonis

When it comes to defending justice and the American way, face it: you really want a guy who will inject hallucinogenic drugs into bad guys and chop their fingers off. That is at least one part of 24's appeal - the other is the non-stop, unequaled rhythm of heroics that Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) pulls off every week - hell, every act. Sutherland's Bauer gives as much regard to his own safety as he does those of his enemies when it comes to beating that digital ticker of a clock that forms 24's cadence.

If you think the concept of 24, a real time anti-terrorist adventure where each episode equals one hour of story, is restrictive think again. Plot twists may be common place in prime time drama these days, but 24's writers have mastered the art to mentally exhausting proportions. Like Bauer himself, they'll do anything - no matter how sadistic - to blow your mind. 24's plots neatly meander between insidious terrorists scheming against the USA and Bauer's complicated personal life, frequently connecting in startling ways.

24 Has frequently been both at the cusp of current events, and well ahead of its time; prophetically centering its first season around a populist African American presidential candidate, to bringing Jack Bauer to court for his extreme techniques-including torture-in the upcoming season 7. Don't take that the wrong way, though, 24 isn't about social commentary, it's violently sensationalist escapism for the post 9-11 world. Regardless of where you stand on these issues, you'll get a cathartic cheer out of watching Bauer inflict pain on evil doers because, well, it's fake.

24 is unique in that each season features an all new adventure for Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) and crew, knowledge of previous seasons enhances the viewing but there is no serialized mythological epic to keep track of. 24 Can do this because it succeeds by turning what you think you know about the players and the situation on its head over and over again. Good guys become bad guys, bad guys become unwitting accomplices who are really good guys, characters turn on their ideals at the drop of a scandalous reveal.

Since it is difficult, if not impossible, to sum up what 24 does in just a few paragraphs, we've prepared a little journey for you, whether you're a reminiscing fan, or dropping in for the first time, just remember, we call "Why We Love 24."