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February 2nd, 2010
11:07 AM ET
Fans unite on "24" truths testing captions 24: Day 8, 9 p.m. – 10 p.m. In the last seven days, I have come to a stark realization. Since last week's episode, two truths are now plainly evident. The first truth is that "24" fans seriously dislike, loathe, do not care for, nor have any respect for the Dana Walsh (aka Jenny) subplot. They hate it, and since "hate" is a strong word, I'll say they REALLY hate it. Truth number two is that "24" fans are either hopelessly perplexed or completely repulsed by new CTU Director Brian Hastings' role along with his trusty Bluetooth headset. In each case, I am officially with you. We stand united. To put it bluntly, Dana Walsh and her smarmy ex-con/ex-boyfriend Kevin's storyline is, in a word - (clearing my throat and speaking from my diaphragm) - LAME. It is utterly awful. I'll admit, I was a bit late blowing the whistle on this subject, but I'd like to thank the scores of readers who made sure I came to this conclusion swiftly. Please accept my apologies for the delay. I think the show's writers have something up their sleeve, but then again, they simply have to have something huge in store for these two. After all, any dude that can just show up at CTU headquarters in a beat up van whenever he feels like it is a clear indication that a great plot is unfolding at some point right? It just can't be as lame as it appears at this point. I MUST think that way since this is a glass half-full kind of blog. Speaking of a half-full glass, shouldn't we be raising that glass for CTU analyst Arlo Glass, who began snooping on Dana after last week's "I know we're in a crisis, but I gotta run home" stunt? Well, I had zero interest in Arlo before, but he hit pay dirt with the video camera fixed on Dana and Kevin, and as a result, we Bauerites have a reason to hope. I believe he will blow the whistle and deliver us from this foolish storyline. Arlo Glass, salut! Meanwhile, let's move on to CTU Director Brian Hastings. Like many of you, I have become so critical of Hastings' character on the show that I look at all Bluetooth headsets funny now. Suddenly, they don't seem cool anymore. Not that Bluetooth headsets weren't teeter-tottering on absurd before, but Hastings brings the situation to an elevated threat level. Never mind the fact that everyone at CTU has one, this guy has even tainted my view of the technology, at least temporarily. By my count in last night's episode, Hastings' two scenes were two too many, and he brings absolutely nothing to CTU. Sure, there are a few second guesses here and there, some delayed decision-making, and the occasional spats with Chloe, but otherwise, he is just "in the way". I find myself wondering aloud "what would Bill Buchanan do?" I also asked myself how I would feel if either the Russian mobsters "offed" him in a daring raid, or he simply fell down the stairs in CTU headquarters. Either way, he'd be gone for an undetermined length of time, and I would be alright. Otherwise, I thought the episode moved around at a good pace. Between Renee "going dark," Ortiz's sniper heroics, and Jack's German, that part of the story was pretty fluid and twisty. By the end, the buildup for next week had me intrigued and fatigued. Loved, kinda liked, or hated the show? Let us know!
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"I believe he will blow the whistle and deliver us from this foolish storyline. Arlo Glass, salut!"
I don't think so...with Arlo's creepy, sexually harrassing comments I think he will use this to blackmail Dana into some "uncompromising position." Although I'm glad someone has had the wherewithal to snoop on Dana. I thought my girl Chloe would be the one to do it; oh well...one can only hope.
Three words for Brian Hastings-Benjamin Buford Blue
The Dana subplot is completely stupid. For every two minutes they spend focusing on her and her horribly acted ex-boyfriend thingy I think that they should give us more CHLOE! Or even more of Freddie Prinze's nauseatingly all american character. I do like Arlo though, he is a great addidtion to CTU, almost a male Chloe with his off the cuff commments. And Brian Hastings is a little much, but I have a feeling that his character has a huge role in how things will play out.
Yes, the subplots are awful and I really miss the core characters who are gone that made the show so good for me – such as Bill Buchanan. He was the best! I hope that "24" will be able to keep it's momentum as the show I fell in love with, but lately I haven't been too impressed. I won't give up on it, though, unless it gets to the point that things are so lame I have no choice! 🙂
I thought I was the only one that HATES (yeah, I said it) the Dana Walsh (or Jenny, whatever) storyline. I am hoping that Jack finally meets up with this Kevin ~ahem~ individual at some point and beats the snot out of him so we can be done with him (Kevin). Hastings is a p.i.t.a. 'cuz he's such a harda** with tunnel vision. I miss Bill Buchanan also; Bill kept his people in line (for the most part) but was willing to think/work outside of the box for the greater good. Maybe Bill will be back someday – maybe last season was all just a bad dream 🙂
did anybody notice that jack was smoking "Morley" cigarettes? C'mon X-Files fans!!!! Where are you? Waiting for Renee to break out...
I hope they develop the russian father son twist some more. The son was Sark on Alias and was a good villain. Off with the director and Dana and the abusive boyfriend. Can't Ortiz headshot him from 1000 yards?? Please!!
Katee Sackhoff is completely miscast in this role. She just exudes power, and to think she would be such a pushover for her nominally threatening ex-whatever just isn't believable. She could kick his butt with one hand tied behind her back. They needed someone more frail and wimpy for this part.
On the other hand, it's a kick to see Callum Keith Rennie from BSG (Leoben) as Vladimir. He is very well suited to the role.
Freddie Prinze Jr., surprisingly, is fitting as well. He's a good alternative to fulfill the function that Tony's character served.
Your comments about the bluetooth earpiece are reminiscent of Wired magazine's hilarious put down of same, showing that not even Brad Pitt can wear one and manage to not look ridiculous.
Hahahaaha....too funny the fact that so many are in hysterics over a TV show. Yes, portions of the plot are lame AND Jenny from the block would have been picked up with a background check but cmon!! how much of this is 'real'??!!
Jack Bauer surviving miraculously his brain half melting from neuro toxin that kills roaches in 5 minutes in the last series but regenerates a new brain thanks to stemcell technology? LOL...focus on that and not bluetooth headsets!
Just sit back, enjoy the show for what it is....a light hearted romp and form of escapism from your dull existence working at Walmart.
Disappointed about the first episodes.
Jack speaking German was terrible. Dana, don't put your hair on 1 side; it looks ugly! Even president Hassan's hairdo........
I can not believe the juvenile acting!?!? Really, what happened to OUR show? This is bad, really, really bad!
I can not believe I am admitting this, but I turned and watched The Bachelor! I have been a loyal, devoted 24 watcher since day 1, but this season.................IT BOTHER'S ME! So I have had to subjecy myself to women who have no respect for themselves and I am ashamed. Really, WHAT HAPPENED? It was perfect, now I am restless, not a good thing!
The beginning of 24: Season 8 is starting out slow, because it has something big coming up. It's 24 and it never lets anybody down. It seems slow because we are comparing this season with the last season, which happens to be one of the best seasons in the series.
DANA HAS TO GO! Arlo is the man and I would like to see more of him, maybe he and Cloe could strike up a relationship.
Ummmmmmmm ... is nobody commenting on how DARK the whole Renee situation was? Seriously ... I almost wanted to stop watching and I am a die hard 24 fan!
"Dana Walsh" and her controling ex Kevin: I really like Katie Sackhoff as an actress and a muscularly scary-in-a-good-way babe, but it strains belief (until you consider what a droog Brian Hastings is) that she would possibly have made it through CTU's vetting process (though, having just read Thomas Powers' riveting "Intelligence Wars: American Secret History from Hitler to Al-Qaeda' - an absolute must-read for anyone interested in spycraft, and especially counterterrorism - crazier stuff HAS happened, in real life...). Dana and Kevin's amateur-hour carryings-on simply shatter the audience's willing suspension of disbelief - no person or agency, at least in fiction, could be so stupid as Hastings and CTU. Plus it's just plain creepy. As an example of what-goes-around-comes-around karma, it is way too heavy handed, and it leave's Dana no choice in the storyline but to either redeem herself in a gesture of self-abnegating sacrifice (yaaawwwnnnn, been there every season), or get bumped off out of hand. Pathetic as her character is, Sackhoff is doing everything, including chewing the scenery a bit, to put some interest in it.
Arlo Glass: He's going to use his video catch to try to extract sexual favors from Dana - he obviously doesn't give a rat's about CTU's mission, and he MORE than obviously has a jones for Dana's big bones. I suspect Arlo will be terminated with extreme prejudice pretty soon, either by Dana or her skeevy ex. Or by Chloe, if he doesn't stop checkin' out her ass.
CTU Director Brian Hastings: Intended or not, he IS the spittin' moral image of George Tenet, with a big dose of Robert Mueller thrown in. Yeah, the stoop - must be one heavy bluetooth headset. I think the writers are using the bluetooth and massive piles of raw data collected but never correctly analyzed as metaphors for the intelligence services' blind reliance on technology, especially SIGINT, and their slashed-budget inability to acquire and keep human agents to collect HUMINT, for which - as we know from Jack's long experience - there is NO substitute.
My peeves this year are mainly two-fold:
Renee Walker: I just don't care what happens to her, or her dipstick, absolutely over-the-top Russian boyfriend/tormentor (have all the writers for 24 recently gone through bad relationships?). Nothing she does in the show is believable, and it's another hard push on the willing suspension of disbelief necessary to keep us in the story that Vlad didn't shoot her down by the river (a tribute to Neil Young? Nahhhh...)
Cherry Jones as the Prez: Don't buy it, never did, never will, and this season the character seems even more at sea than last, which is saying something. At least her uber-annoying daughter and husband are gone for the nonce. Her SecState Ethan Kanin, as played by the great old vet Bob Gunton, is oleaginously slimy - but is he a good guy or a bad guy?
I'm of mixed minds about Elisha Cuthbert - I don't think the believability of her character ever recovered from that mountain lion attack, and bringing her back as the deus ex machina of Jack's humanity through his grandpa instinct seems more than a little contrived. She's still great looking, though.
Finally, who do we love the most? Chloe, of course! She gets foxier and less geekaloid every season. Would it be a breach of good taste, honor, or sanity for Chloe and Jack to finally get it on? I'm all for it, myself.
Dana – please go away. Bill – please come back! And BTW – more Jack and less of everyone else.
The more Dan the less Jack and that's not good–kill her off.
I completely dislike the new Director and am hoping he'll mess up specatularly while trying to make himself look better at the expense of others.
As for the Dana Walsh subplot... definitely lame, and my first thought was 'don't they do thorough background checks'? Then again, maybe they did. If she a juvie then she wouldn't have a crimanal record as those are hidden, and if she changed her name legally then she should be ok... which would make her an idiot for giving in to the blackmail. Am kinda leaning that way at this point. My one hope is that she's setting the idiot ex up but at this point it's a distant hope. Ah well.. I still love Chloe and Jack, and even Renee.
Scenario 1: CTU, with all its resources, cannot track down Dana's old identity, but an ex-con hick with an unpainted van and a cell phone CAN track down her new identity.
Scenario 2: Dana is so good at manipulating data that she can hide her former identity from CTU but she can't hide her new identity from an ex-con hick with an unpainted van and a cell phone.
Scenario 3: Rather than making fake passes for said Hick, Dana cooks up a fake warrant for his arrest as an illegal alien, tips off the Feds and has him deported to the Dominican Republic.
How can you beat up and strangle someone and expect her to go back to her government job and no one can see your fingerprints all over her? this makes absolutely no sense what so ever!
He choked and slapped her – that kind of abuse leave marks.
Then she can just stroll back to work? Come on!
This story is such a waste of time and they devote so much air time to it!
I quit watching back in the Kim vs. the cougar days but Katee being added got me to watch again.
The story is really disappointing and it's really wasting her talent. I'm clinging to this all going somewhere that ties into the main story and Kevin will meet a quick end. ASAP. The writers have been doing this for a while so I'm trying to have some faith.
Does Arlo have an actually job besides sexually harassing coworkers and random strangers? I'm finding the Russians interesting but I would enjoy watching Callum Keith Rennie read his grocery list.
I dont know how Dana Walsh could have been hired at CTU in the first place. Dont they do thorough back ground checks on applicants, even if they lied about their name? Hello?
Where is Bill Buchanan, 24?? – I think you really messed up on that one. It's no wonder that Hastings had only a couple of scenes; he adds nothing to the show, just like his co-worker Dana!! The storyline about her is ridiculous and I hope 24 is planning something really spectacular for her and her boyfriend because it certainly is an awful storyline right now. Renee – you are truly the star this season – your acting is believable and adds so much intrigue to the show. And what about Chloe? She has really been pushed aside and to me, she is one of the best on the show – hello 24??? have you forgotten about Chloe – she definitely should have a much bigger part and maybe even be CTU director. After all, it was Jack, Chloe, Tony and Bill Buchanan who made the original CTU so exciting and so popular! 24 – you are heading for doom if you continue on your present storyline.
Dana Walsh's story is going to come into effect in a few weeks. Just be patient. I could see something where the ex-boyfriend is somehow connected with the Russian mobsters, leading to his death and her being held hostage, and Ortiz and Jack have to save her from them. Something crazy is going to coming from it. There is never a story in this show that doesn't go somewhere. Hastings is annoying and hopefully he goes away. This season so far is much better than last years and I am very happy. I could watch this show forever.
Dana works at CTU. Why doesn't she just abuse her powers to have Kevin wasted?
I agree with the hate Dana plot & Hastings feelings, but I also find Arlo extremely annoying (and not in a good way). 24 always seems to need a sub-plot within CTU, but this one looks like the writers have run out of steam... unless the fact that it has evolved so obviously and early is just a decoy for something else? So far, for me anyway, the weapons-grade uranium thing is running second/third behind the Jack/Renee dynamic and the ever-interesting Chloe.
Look at all of you edgy viewers! I think that just by reading this article, which by the way totally agree with, one can determine that the writers have done their job well. they have succeeded in pissing us off, just like a nagging co-worker who you have to see once again tomorrow and the day after without choice. You know just like we have to watch 24 next Monday, and the Monday after that, and the Mon...you get the picture. We're all hooked. 24 for ever!!
Hastings is awful, what the heck is this about Dana? She could get a job at CTU and NO one knows she has a record and a different name, please this makes absolutely no sense.
I am getting a wire bit tired of it always Jack doing everything, all the time. But am commited.
24 lost its secret sauce. This season (and the past few) have become too predictable as the writers re-use the same ideas and twists from prior seasons.
It is better to quit at the top of your game than to play on in mediocrity.
i have no doubt in my mind that dana walsh is part of something bigger. my prediction about hastings is that he will become a hero. 24 has never let me down so far. remember how dumb the writers made that one president look in that one season and he ended up being the mastermind.
brace yourselves... its about to become very complicated...
I love this show, but the Dana storyline needs to die like one of the many 24 characters that have met an untimely end!! Unless she ends up being the arms dealer...bye, bye! Renee is really making this season...you go girl! I think Hastings needs to be either "transfered" or "demoted"...and they should bring in one of the old guard to take over....anyone would be better than him!!
I could not agree more Brian Hastings and Dana Walsh are horrible totally turning me off from the show. Jack and Rene rescued me, they are great!
Agree Dana's story line is lame but at least she is easy on the eyes. Hasting is another story altogether, CTU must now be a political hotbed of cronyism, nepotism, lobbyist payoffs or all three to allow such incompetence to rise to the top. The only people who say no more than him is the Republicans.
I totally agree.....Dana is lame and that hastings thinks he knows everything but actually does not....Jack is at his best...by the way who is that President of some country....looks cool and composed.
Was Bugs Bunny the technical adviser for this episode? A worn out, rusted, scrap heap of a van pulls up to CTU Headquarters like it was a Mc Dees and out pops Laura during a major crisis? No questions asked? Curbside parking near the entrance for anyone who happens to stroll in? Whew !!! Where's the credibility? Bring back Bill Buchanan.
Twenty-four is my favorite show. I can't wait for it to start each season. I am not the only one that feels that way. Jack makes the program more exciting that anything else. To me and others, he makes the show. Get rid of Jack and I think the majority of the audience will stop watching the show. Speaking of stop watching the show, is this suppose to be the last season. I surely hope not. I look forward to watching this program more than any other show. Please do not take the program off the air completed.
I have watched 24 since it's inception. I have enjoyed it for the most part but after watching these first few episodes I am just not into this anymore.
I think this show needs to be terminated after this year – it has done, and Keifer has done, all they can do with the premise. It appears that they are regurgitating previous plot/story lines. The actors/characters are getting more lame and unbelievable.
There seems to be a different dynamic coming from the writers – definately not the same vibe as the first 2 or 3 seasons.
If they choose to continue this show next year it needs a major re-work.
i could not agree more with the dana storyline. i am bored to death. and as for hastings, i think there is something big in store for him. i believe that he is a nuisance now but that he will do something that will make us love him!!!
Absolutely and Amen! Get rid of the Dana Character – she and her story line only detract from the show. Also, 86 the new CTU director – overacting, self-important, know-it-all, "I am in charge" man – Bring Bill back to life and bring him back to run CTU! Give Chloe more screen-time.
Nooooo. You are missing the whole enchilada, here Dereyck Moore and "24" fans. The whole show is a LAME!!!!!!!!! Please, the show debuted ONE MONTH after 9/11. Gee, is this a coincidence????? No! How long does it take to develop let alone get FUNDING and PRODUCTION for a show??? Any excuse to rile up the FEARS of the public, normalize TORTURE, and DISTRACT them from the real issues of the day - WAR WAR WAR WAR !
I call 24 the "Dumb Whore" show. Some ofthe women's characters are horrible. This season is Dana, Kim Bauer (who I have not liked since Season1) and Renee do not add anything to the plot line and really detract from it. I thought Kim and Renee last season were horrible and overplayed. Why bring them back?
This season is so boring.....the Dana Wlask subplot is a disaster and Hastings need to be offed real soon. Why can't Jack be the Director of CTU...he saves thems more than Mariano Rivera. They always quetion Jack and he is almost always right. I haven't been feeling 2 for the past 2 seasons. Its starting to wear a little thin. Maybe they need to change the name of the show into 72 so they don't have to pack everything into one day.
24 usually has some good surprises....and I wouldn't be surprised that the hated Dana Walsh character and her two-bit ex-boyfriend story, really goes some where. Some where we didn't expect it to go..... Then we'll all have to eat a big slice of humble pie. P.S. I think her go no where character is lame too.
You're absolutely right the bothersome ex-lovers should be disposed of soon.Mr Ortiz should and hopefully will become more prominent in the future.Chole hopefully will become more of an influence in Jacks quest to dispatch the would be assassins and the spreading of nukes.
Right now, Hastings is a jerk...but he'll come around...As far as Dana getting into CTU: Where's the vetting process? U GOTTA BE KIDDING ME!!!??? Maybe she was a minor when she and loser Kevin hooked up to be Bonnie and Clyde...her record was sealed...her identity was changed cuz she joined the Witness Protection Program...who knows? But I gotta tell ya: I can't wait for Monday to come around: 24's the best!!!
I agree. Is so funny to read this and read that someone else viewed the show the same way. Having said that, I am also a little sick of the nuke issue. They had this a few shows back.
The Dana Walsh person has got to go, her backround can't be so bad that she would risk everything for her redneck friend. Hopefuly as others have said maybe she'll be taken out along with Hasting. The show would be so much better without them taking up room.
I love Chloe, but the writers need to give her more to do than just make that "pouty Chloe face" that she always makes...she's much more interesting than that!
And c'mon, the whole Dana thing, ridiculous. I particularly like how the ex's suspicious looking van can simply drive up to the front door of CTU headquarters, and no one seems to take any notice...WTF?
I am, however, enjoying the newer, badder, and ballsier Renee...now if we can just get Jack a bit more fired up!!
Is it my imagination or is Hastings walking around bent over like a gorilla all the time? He never stands up straight! Maybe they have him walk like that on purpose?
Totally agree on the Dana story line, the sooner the writers dispense with this side story the better. It's hard to see this actress go from playing Starbuck on Battlestar Galactica and Bionic Woman, to this frightened little mouse , scared to death of her loser ex-boyfriend, plus believing that he will actually go away. After all these seasons can we make Jack the head of CTU and move on with some hunk of the moment who can stay out of trouble in the off season.
I agree that the Dana storyline is nuts...But with that said. I love 24 and looking forward to what they will do with the storyline. Always a shocker.
Please tell me in a high security outfit like CTU, Dana with her past, jail time, and former name managed to pass their security clearance?? Lame indeed.
I think the Dana "issue" is good. I want to find out how she's connected to this prick. She's a little spooky looking, but I think she's good.
Loved Renee. and, of course, all of Jack's part. Didn't like the thick black glasses he wore, but loved the way he took care of the situation when he was dealing with the Germans.
So far the show stinks. Dana must go! The director too. Let Jack be Jack. Want to see him blow away terrorists. This season so far needs an enema.
I think 24 is running out of plot ideas, just as LOST has done, and CSI, and Law & Order, and ...
Oh yeah, that Dana’s gotta go. This subplot’s getting as absurd & as redundant as the whole Kim & the cougar thing from Season 2 (and I really hated that one!).
hey guys i know we hate her....BUT......i bet anything the plot gets TWISTED. i totally bet she's playing a show. weak and vunerable but later turns out to hide a BIGGER secret...at least i hope.
I agree that the Dana subplot is starting off stupid, but 24 fans remember Kim Baurer's first season, That started off stupid and look how the writers tied that whole thing into the plot. Lets wait and see what is in store for us.
I couldn't agree more about the Walsh and Hastings story lines. I did find that the story last night moved too slowly for me and did not move the plot along enough in the episode.
Im with you! Ive been pretty dissapointed with the season so far....I really do not like Hastings and it seems like his character adds nothing to the dynamic. PLUS! are not supposed to be watching a show about JACK BAUER! not renee....or this dana character! most of the show Jack was in a car!
I think the writers who have so smartly constructed many seasons of 24 are setting us up. Dana Walsh cant be this simple. They have to have something huge up their sleeve. With her being engaged to Cole something is coming. you have to notice the correlation in screen time.
Can't stand the Dana storyline. I am also disappointed in the progression of the characters of Renee and Jack. Neither has been true to their character in this season. Renee last season was soft, a rookie. Her dealings with Jack toughened and irreovacbly changed her...only to find out she had been undercover in the Russian mob where she was raped, coerced and assaulted. If that were the case, she would have been tough before meeting Jack last season. True also conversely with Jack. This season he is astonished by the lengths to which Renee will go. He almost called the operation off when Renee cut off he man's thumb. Didn't he cut off a man's head in season 2 or 3. That Jack would not have been astonished. He would have understood you do what you have to.
Yes to everything above. A thousand times! Slap the ex boyfriend – you work for CTU for Pete's sake! Stand up straight – you've got a spine, use it! Get rid of the ear piece – like anyone's talking to you.
And someone PLEASE tell me why they couldn't get actors that could pull off a decent accent. Middle Eastern?? Seriously?? I beg you, please do away with that whole family. And soon. With as much money as this show pulls in you'd think they could hire better actors....
The Dana sub-plot and the unbelievable aspects of flawed security is one reason why I haven't watched the last few shows. I enjoy the excitement as much as anyone, but there is a limit to how much anyone should be expected to swallow.
I will continue to watch, but this season is pretty weak. I know there is something bigger, but I found myself enjoying the clock at commercial breaks...it meant I was that much closer to the episode being over.
I cant believe 24 took the actress who played one of the toughest female characters on television ever(Starbuck) and turned her into such a wimp on this show. What were they thinking? How about get rid of friggin Rene and give Sackhoff the female agent role.
I ... don't totally hate Hastings. He did give credit where credit was due, which I did not expect. He is no Bill Buchanan but he does have the thankless task of standing in Jack's way.
Lemme see if I got this straight: Dana, to cover up an maybe-accessory rap and a backwoods alias, becomes an actual accessory before the fact. By stealing intel from an outfit that specializes in detecting stolen intel. Best case scenerio, this makes her infinitely more blackmail-able to the guy who is already blackmailing her. But who promises to go away after. Huh.
I solved this issue. I record to my DVR, and push the 30 second advance button on this sub-plot.
It is so hard to watch the actress who played Starbuck on BSG play a scared of everything character. I keep hoping she will get some courage and stand up to the ex. The story line is a boring diversion.
I hate to just jump on the band wagon but I'm there! I'm trying to chalk this up to a really slow start to what might be the final season. After 8 seasons, they've got the formula down... murky back stories leading to unbelievable complications that generally involve the possible destruction of the entire planet and then Jack pulls out the solution. Since they work so far ahead (I believe filming wraps this month) the writers can't hear the hate for the Dana story, or "we prefer Bill" to run CTU, or "why did Renee take a shower with a com unit in her ear?" There is usually a big payoff, one of those "whoa!" moments we're all waiting for. I want to see Arlo, in a fit of adolescent jealousy, launch a hellfire missile from one of his drones and take out Kevin's van. Yeah, I'd like that.
I am definitely a "24-ite" and a Bauerite. I trust the writers to not let us down. I too can't stand Hastings... what an incompetent and a waste. But I have faith that the writers have something interesting in store for us in regards to him. I feel the same regarding Dana Walsh. She and that idiot user she's involved with are going to revolve into quite a sub-plot. I can just feel it. Just hope it's not too predictable. Yeah, CTU should have done their homework and something obviously fell through the cracks but hey... it's Hollywood! I rarely watch weekly programs, I'm a movie nut, but I make it a point to NEVER MISS 24. I LOVE IT!
1 word sums up this season for me.... "STUPID"!! I can think of others, but should not post! 🙁
PLEASE GET RID OF HASTINGS!!! As for the Dana/ex con/ex boyfriend, they are getting on my last nerve. Yea, there has got to be a good reason for this story line and it really better be good because I'm like so many who think, "how can he just keep showing up" at CTU. Yes, Please Arlo, BUST THEM OUT! On to better things, Jack looked really cool and I loved the Russian speaking part. I still want to know what happened to Renee and what that Russian did to her. And did they really think JACK would show up alone to do that deal. They don't know who they are messing with. And I'm just waiting for Chloe to really show her stuff. Yes, by some miracle bring back Bill Buchannon from the dead and let him run CTU, AGAIN!
This is a lame season indeed.
Arrest Dana.
Fire Hastings.
Dump Renee.
I thought it was awful that Jack would claim that he began speaking German with an Amercian accent because it rubbed off while he studied at a U.S. university.
Also, President Hassan's character is embarrassing. He looks and sounds Indian, not even close to Arab/Middle Eastern. Awful.
I agree 100%!!! Who can explain Cholo's facial expressions? They crack me up.
The Dana story bites. Why doesn't she just kick his ass? Would a wimp like her actually work for CTU? Oh, right. "I'm only an analyst." Analyze THIS you moron. Get your agent fiance to kick his butt. Keep an eye on Kevin's partner, though. Something is up with him.
Hastings is a political hack, not a counter-terrorist. That was made clear in the first show where he's busy trying to cover his butt. I have a feeling he's going to end up as a stand-up guy in the end. He certainly adds nothing to the show right now.
I like the Renee story line. She had to bed the guy in order to keep the operation in motion. She's definitely damaged goods, but she's kick ass and this is only going to get better. Wait until she cuts someone elses thumb off. Maybe not his thumb . . .
I totally agree both charactors do not fill the CTU mold. But I believe season 6 or so had the side story of the guy who played (rudy) his sister was a drug addict,but he redeemed himself by saving CTU, it is such a waste of time for an hour long show. I hope her story line becomes more interesting but as of now we can do without it and her. Hastings seems he is not so sure of himself at times and his posture could improve.... so robotic bluetooth so not cool anymore. Renee Walker is stealing the show from everyone including JACK
Plainly, if Jack dies this season the writers of 24 can flush all their previous accomplishments down the toilet. This seasons plot and new characters are, thus far, more than a disappointment.
Yes, Hastings is annoying, but I used to think Bill was annoying at first. He may get cooler as the show progresses, give him a chance! I also see the Dana subplot as a way to get into CTU by the Russians or maybe even dissidents from Hassan's brother. Perhaps the dude is on their payroll, hence, trying to get into CTU. I mean, seriously, I think every season CTU has been attacked, why not again? Finally, how screwed up did Renee get after what happened last season? Are the writers of 24 thinking of a future "Jacquline Bauer" in Renee?
I have never seen such agreement in comments as for this year with Dana and Hastings. As someone commented earlier, hopefully the producers are getting, and absorbing, these comments. After first four hours this year has hit a wall. Off to a great start but now going downhill each hour. Also would be nice to have a reviewer who discusses what happened in the episode.
I agree with Becca... I'm totally disappointed in this cold hearted Renee thing.... It's sooo not 24 show worthy. I miss the old team from the early seasons. Chloe is still my one rock within the CTU headquarters. Maybe they'll make her director or something.... Hastings is not the CTU type for me.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! for recognizing the stupidity of Dana plotline – I almost thought about not watching because I didn't think I could stomach it anymore – but now I'm hopeful. Please think about more Jack Bauer time on screen – he is the one we want to see.
I couldn't agree more. Hate the Dana Walsh character she is SO boring and the subplot is awful. Hastings has to go!
Who cares about Dana Walsh and the ex? What a waste of time. I am just looking forward to the episode where Jack professes his love for Renee.
This episode was excellent, the show is definetly picking up. I think Renee's character has offered a new element of unpredictability, because honestly, at this point i dont think Jack can do anything to surprise me. Im waiting in hopeful anticipation on this DANA thing, although it is quite huge fly on my screen. I was hopeful about hastings. But he sucks, BIG TIME. Cant tell if it is his fault or that of the writers who created his character. Looking forward to next weeks episode. Thanks for the post.
Agreed! Get rid of Dana and her stupid ex-boyfriend-BORING! Hastings gets on my nerves too. However, I am a litte 'bothered' but the fact that Renee is now 'tougher' than Jack!! She seems to be more hard core and I never thought I'd see that.
I totally agree with "hating" the Dana storyline... It's just absurd, from the minute she was walking around CTU with her short mini tight skirt and her pursed lips, everything seemed so un-authentic. She seems fake, out of place, ugh! Chloe has always kept things at CTU "real" with her semi-nerdy looks and dry humor, she's always seemed like someone who can really work at CTU, but Dana?! Come on! This is 24 not America's Next Top Model... And yeh, right, as if Chloe- smart attentive Chloe, wouldnt pick up on Dana's odd behavior.
And that whole thing with Hastings' bluetooth, yeh, it's disgusting, but I like it. They want us to hate him, and it's working, don't you think?!
I am a big fan of Katee Sackhoff as Kara "Starbuck" Thrace on BSG. Very disappointed with her character on 24...
Dana and her dude are LAME.
Bubba Gump running CTU is awful.
Long Live Bill!
Why can't we get Aaron to run CTU? He is awesome and always does the right thing!!!!
Hastings is a waste-maybe he could have a love interest in Dana and kick the crap out of her ex boyfriend. Dana is hot love the attitude but her character needs to break away from this b/f. He'll be dead next episode.
Ok, so we all agree the DANA thing has to end, but the Hastings deal I think will work out with him either seeing the light or getting replaced. So I'm willing to give a LITTLE more time to that, but drop the bluetooth it just looks stupid!
As to Jack's smoking, he had to do that, Germans and most europeans smoke, had to look the part.
This season started a little slow getting Jack into action but last night made up for it... JACK IN ACTION!!!
I totally agree with everything you wrote! The storylines so far seem so predictable, I can guess what will happen next. And that unpredictability is exactly why I love this show because I don't want to figure out what is going to Writer's get to work!
My wife and I are new to the world of "24", but we plan on watching every episode. That being said, trash can the "Dana" subplot, it's unnecessary at best.
I agree. I'm not interested in this foolish ex-con. Why didn't she just fess up, set him up for a blackmail charge and be rid of him. Sure, she might have lost the job but now she is setting herself up to go to the slams.
Why be surprised about people snooping on each other at CTU, botcched background checks, etc. This outfit has always been a basketcase starting with my hero Jack Bauer. There is always a mole.
My thhougth and hope is it can and will get good and real. Let jack do his job!
I better see some freakin' torturing administered by Jack really quick here. I'm sick of everyone on 24 this season and last complaining about ways that work. We need more torture. Hail Jack.
Where is the action in 24 this year? C'mon writers – let's have more explosions and gun battles. 24 is starting to look like nothing more than a soap opera. And in nearly every episode in past years each episode has ended up as a cliffhanger. The suspense level is way down this season. Writers, it is time to step up your game!
how can you not comment on the fact that Hastings is constantly stooped over at a 20-degree angle and looks at EVERYONE from the top of his eyeballs? Jack needs to smack him upright!!!
I have never commented on-line before, but I REALLY dislike this season of 24 for the exact reasons in this article. One can have a less-than-likeable CTU Director (think Erin Driscoll), but one that fans like to watch, without being an idiot (think Hastings). And I can't believe a person, Dana, tough enough to work in CTU is such a wimp in dealing with her ex; that plot line is pathetic. non-sensical that CTU didn't uncover Dana's past upon consideration for hire, and pathetic that a CTU employee (Arlo) spends his time drooling over Dana in the middle of a crisis. Get it together, 24! After all these years, you lost me this season. Sad.
And I, too, am tired of pouty Chloe
Is it just me who does not understand why Hastings has a stooped posture all the time. It is equally irritating like his Plantronics Discovery 975 bluetooth..
...that's a good one jess.... hand scanners to ge in the door but yet criminal records are detected .....
If the Dana Walsh/Ex-boyfriend thing is not a matter of national security...please get rid of it already! Whatever the big secret is, it better be good!
Actually, for all the action, it's moving a little on the slow side. Some of the reason is the Dana subplot, but I think the other reason is simply the writing.
Also, is it just my imagination, but does this show have the worst sound editing on television? Since the first season my family has been cranking the volume up and down like crazy to match what's coming out of our set.
It looks like many of us "24" groupies got the same idea on recent shows, hope the show's director and producer are paying attention.
Need to look at taking a different direction, off the nucleur, thats been used enough. The really weak one is that idiot president from somewhere in Africa, he's not believeable including his squirmy brother.
I am not what it is about this season that I don't like... Renee playing this cold & heartless witch (so not believable) & Dana being about to work at CTU with her back ground... something good better come out this season... other wise it will be a waste of my 24hrs.
I have been with Bauer from the beginning and this season is really really annoying. The subplot with Walsh is painful, pathetic and downright stupid. I mean, I know CTU has ALWAYS wound up with a mole but they did not background check on little miss Stupid? The Arlo BS is nauseating ("quit staring at my breasts" as if she has any to begin with). Vomit worthy. It's as if they've tried to combine Edgar and Milo (hmm, get it Arlo??) only they took all the terrible aspects of both. They took an amazing mesh of people (Bill, Chloe, Jack, Tony) and completely screwed it up. I can't stand Hastings, never mind that Mykelti Williamson cannot act. Jesus, stand up straight. Get rid of that ridiculous bluetooth. The other "villainous" CTU directors (George (who who the shizzle), Ryan, hell even Erin was likable. And Bill. 'Nuff said about dat boy. Just awesome.) had some kind of connection with the audience. It says something when an actor playing a role brings tears to the audiences eyes when he's dying and both Xander Berkley and Paul Schulze did that through the deaths of George and Ryan.The only saving grace so far has been Freddie Prinze Jr. He's coming off like a young Tony, who I miss dearly, which is cool because Jack always needed that balance. Renee has worked out nicely but it would be nice if she'd just suck it up.
so true about the background check with dana but who checked hastings??? the dana plot is flat but it can turn around. who expected rene to saw the hand?
and i agree that chloe will be running ctu soon; if not she should!
the russian mob IS on point. let's all hope it gets better.
I assure you as one who knows Dana Walsh or whoever she is would never get a clearence enabling her to do the things she's doing if she wasn't who she said she was..absurd.....totally.....story line is pretty bad as well...
In all I'm dissapointed with this season so far...I hope big things are coming soon! The last two episodes were underwhelming......
So, about the Dana Walsh sub-plot... It sounds to me like she did some kind of amazing identity theft thing and we will find out who the *real* Dana Walsh is soon (Think Dick Whitman/Don Draper).
Remember that this can also be analyzed as a political commentary. Last season was the political reckoning of CTU this season is the fallout of it being put back together with a ploitically conscious/ineffective leader. What are the writers saying? Our govt has turned into a soft inocuous entity and can't figure out what should be plain as day in front of their faces....
I am torn, because of the potential build-up. Dana is a stretch, but there is potential brewing and I think it has something to do with Cloe or the other analyst who wants Dana as well. Hastings role should have been thought out better in my opinion, but something mind blowing has to occur or his part will be the only sad spot I have seen thus far. (Unless they bring back Tony again.......)
My money says that the money that the ex-con boyfriend is trying to rip off at some point belonged to the Russian mob. He's gonna end up floating in the river and Danna will be in the clear.
As for Hastings.....a trip down the steps would be a good twist......
How does someone who was arrested and then changed their name get hired at CTU? Does CTU no longer do background checks? They use hand scanners to get doors unlocked, that has to match up to her finger prints taken for her arrest records. I just don't get it.
Thank you! These recent episodes are incredibly slow. I am a Bauerite, however, it gets redundant. How many seasons can we watch him do EVERYTHING?! And he always has to do his own thing. And then they thank him. The formula is tired. I so desperately want this season to get better but seeing Jack's disguise last night made me laugh – he looked like Alton Brown from the Food Network!
you hit the nail on the head. hastings needs to go – he's the worst ctu director ever. and please end the dana walsh story line. nobody cares!
They can use Hastings at some point to block a major move (because of his Machiavellian political focus) or have the big epiphany (if I recall correctly, the saintly Bill Buchanan had to learn a little from Jack about how the real world worked before he achieved sainthood status). Either way, the character may prove to be useful.
As for the hick from Podunk State Pen molesting his former girlfriend, who just happens to have successfully changed her own hick identity, pass all sorts of background checks and polygraph exams with flying colors, and landed the big prize in her special agent boyfriend, well, that plotline just flat out stinks. One of the worst ever for "24" (though that weird drug cartel thing in Season 2 or 3 was very, very bad).
They need to get this season moving along. Get the tangential plotlines off the screen and show more of what is going on in the primary plotline. Jack and Renee, and the bad-a** Russians (not the silly brothers, but the core Russian mobsters) make this season. The directors/producers/writers had better figure out that is what sells "24," not Mr. Hick's beatings of the former Ms. Hick.
I miss Almeida!
I absolutely HATE the Dana Walsh character/subplot they have going on! As soon as it turns to her, I start playing a game on my iphone. Previous seasons I would never think to do anything else while 24 was on for fear I'd miss something good, but every time they show her and CTU I look for something to entertain me till it gets good again.
This show hasn't been good since the 1st season. Cmon people get with it.
I'm partial about the Dana thing. It is a bit contrived but I feel it might offer a bridge for all the techies (Chloe, Arlo, and Dana). The only interaction I see is Arlo hitting on Dana. And Chloe just gives the stink eye to everybody.
From last season's '24' I was praying for Reene to be the second comming of Jack. Alas, look at what she did! She cut the thumb off of the guy.That's soooo Jack!! Now I think a woman is now ready for the lead role of '24'
ditto! ditto! on both! they both have have to go ASAP or their following will suffer, including mine... I'm already on the teater...
I looked forward eagerly to the weekly 24 episodes. I now have them on the 'do not watch list'.
A few recommendations:
1- Cut way back on the political correctness.
2- Have somebody that has held a high level security clearance review the episodes for content.
3- Hire a security officer to review how a scif is set up and operated. Granted you need some license but the story lines have become unbelievable. Too bad. You had a great show.
Dana's ability to leave her station and the building is not beleiveable. Also, what is up with Jack's story line this year. He has rarely fired his gun, wrecked a car or tortured anybody. Jack need's to step his game up.
I think Arlo Glass is a total jerk. Chloe had it right–how many times can he hit on Dana before he's charged with sexual harassment. He may expose Dana's past, but he also seems like he just sits around gawking at women (including leering at women on remote cameras); he's completely expendable, and he's the one I hope they take out with Hastings.
I love Hastings character. He's the perfect guy that you love to hate! And as a bonus, he doesn't kiss Jack's ass, unlike other CTU affiliates. I hope that he sticks around for the sheer hell of it. As for the blond, Dana, there's got to be something likable about her. If you all can actually stand CHLOE, there's gotta be hope for this chick. Let's just give her one more week to get her stuff together....Then let's retake our votes. :-p
Been there, done that. Just can't get into it this year. Don't know if it's the new characters or just the same ole story line. If Jack don't beat the carp out of somebody soon, I'm going to have to 2 Men and a Baby episodes!
also, I really miss Tony and Buchanan 🙁
Was anyone else put off by Jack's smoking? Totally unnecessary. It added nothing to the plot, and looked awful. I thought they were eliminating smoking from tv, at least for the good guys.
I like the Dana Walsh plot. Chloe is putting everything together slowly but surely. As for Hastings, fire the bum. By the end of the season, Chloe will be the new director of CTU.
Glad i found this blog. I think the show is a bust so far this year, and I'm the biggest 24 fan of all time. Very disappointing. You're right, where is Billy B when we need him? The whole cast of characters (except Jack, Chloe and MAYBE Renee and Ortiz) are weak at best. The only good thing that the whole Dana and her boyfriend sublot provides is a bathroom break when they are on. I think her character could have been so much better. You hit it on the head, how can someone in a beater of a van drive right up to the entrance of CTU and only have 1 camera watching them? All of this being said, 24 is still better than 95% of everything else that's on tv.
This is my first time watching 24 not on DVD– I watched the previous 6 seasons from August-January..... so by the time to commercial/week is over I lose some sense of the intensity!...esp. these last 2 weeks!
"Suddenly, they don't seem cool anymore"
Wait...you, at one point, DID think they were cool????!?!?! Whoa. That is the kind of thing you should really keep out of the public sphere if you want to continue to be taken seriously.
Last season I made it to the storm trooper hallway shoot out in the White House before I turned it off mid episode and deleted the series recording from my DVR. I am hoping this season isn't as flat-out lame and asinine as last year's drivel.
So far, it doesn't appear to be. Freckles going borderline rogue? Dana Walsh? And more political theory speeches...I fear this show jumped the shark around season 4 or so. I will give them that so far they have stretched out the death, but last year was a big nail in the coffin. Hoping they turn it around and quick.
"24" is my show.. However, I feel that the CTU director is lame .. He is walking around the headquaters with his "swag" - Yeah "Im the man and what are you going to do" atitude .... Maybe there's something else at the end..who knows. Secondly, everyone knows where CTU headquaters is located - you can just drive up to it - what's with that.... If it's suppose to be a anti-terrorits unit why can any person reach it ....and lastly – that DANA character is jsut lame-- have no idea how she work with CTU althought she has a criminal backgroud -- maybe its just a twist.....
Agree completely. Lets blow up Hastings, Dana and her scummy ex and get back to the 24 we all know and love – Jack fighting the baddies. Loved Jack speaking German and Ortiz doing his sniper thing and coming to Jack's rescue. I do think there could have been more done with the "argument" Jack and Ortiz had, but hopefully the relationship between the two of them will develop further as the show goes along. One last thing – I know Rene is really messed up right now, but don't you think an ex FBI agent could take care of herself rather then giving in.
'Dana's co-depemdemt character seems so unbelievable on many levels. How can anyone smart enough to work at CTU not know that she's merely whetting Kevin's appetite for more if she does help him steal $120,000? And exactly HOW did she get accepted with another name? Is CTU THAT dumb or the script writers? Brian Hastings doesn't add that sense of intrigue needed in a CTU director. Yes he's one of the one's we are supposed to hate but he's BORING.
The whole Dana thing and her ex is too much like a Lifetime movie.
Director Hastings needs to stand up straight and stop hunching. I'm really sick of the "CTU being infiltrated" story line that includes someone with baggage working there. It's almost as bad as the poor Kim getting abducted story lines that we were forced to live through in previous seasons.
I will watch it cuz there really isn't anything else on and I have been a loyal follower since season 1.
Don't like the Dana story. They have to have a security run on all files accessed. She just goes right in and makes an access card. Very disappointed in that story line. Unless Chloe is going to take over ! There just has to be more to it. Jack will probably go soft for an episode and then Renee will get killed. And I miss Bill too. Why they got rid of him. Mind boggling.
This season is by far the slowest moving day of all. Bring back Tony!! Get rid of Dana Walsh or have her kill her ex-whatever he is, put some fight in Hastings, give a story line to Chloe and get the season moving already.
Bring back Tony!
Oh so so so agree....Dana Walsh is such a wooden character and that slimy ex story is lame at best. Please make it stop. And gosh I miss Bill Buchanan so much. Can't they make him magically reappear? It is afterall 24! Hastings has got to go. His delivery is too "calm and controlled" and his Bluetooth never seems to drop the signal!!
Maybe Dana will go "renee" on Kevin. Hide the power tools. He'd better watch his thumbs!
I did like that Dana Walsh actress on Bionic Woman though. What happened to that show? It had promise.
Maybe Dana will go "renee" on Kevin. He'd better watch his thumbs!
I believe they purposely put Hastings in the role as unlikeable. The actor plays the hothead well and noone likes him. However, what they are highlighting is that to be in charge it takes relying upon people who may be more knowledgeable than you. And since he had to eat crow already, hopefully the storyline of listening to your staff when necessary will creep back in at the right time.
I agree with Richard D. Woods. I find it very hard to believe that CTU would not do a very thorough background check (including juvenile records) and find that Dana Walsh is really an accessory to murder.
To me, 24 thrives because it is at least somewhat believable (where it counts). Story lines like hers hurt the credibility of the show.
I also agree with full enthusiasm about Hastings. I just don't see what he brings to the table (I'm not just talking about the show, but about what he brings to CTU). How did he get in this position? He doesn't seem particularly smart or resourceful or insightful.
Let's return to earlier seasons. I agree on Hasting character and the whole CTU thing with pouting Chloe etc is just getting old. Maybe the whole thing is becoming uneventful and boring. I usually miss the middle of an program but wake up toward the end.
I am a total Baurite but I do not find myself on the edge of my chair ALL the time as in the first few years. I actually cleaned up the room a little while watching last night. I agree Walsh has to go and go quick, I too miss Bill. Can't they bring him back from the dead they way they did Tony?? 24 has never let me down before, so I have hope.
You people do realize its a free show right?
Waaah, waaah I don't like Dana Walsh waah get rid of Hastings waah. Lets just focus and Jack and his awesome sidekick Renee thats all that matters right?
Totally agree. I hate the Dana story line, it is so unbelievable (wow, who would think I would ever say that any part of the 24 story line is believable). I also am an left a bit cold with the Renee bit as well. I mean there is no real emotional connection to Renee so it's hard to get on the edge of your seat with her whole story line. I hope the writers have someting good to come, otherwise this could be a very disapointing season.
The Dana subplot is COMPLETELY unbelievable. Anyone with a Government job that requires a security clearance knows Dana would have been busted at the get-go. Never would have set foot inside of CTU. Can only hope that sleazy Keven and his bud are headed for a really nasty ending...
Agreed ! but to this point this season has been an improvement in comparison to the last!!
Hastings should go back to being Forrest Gump's friend that was a better role for him. Maybe the plot will twist were both him and Dana Walsh get offed together. Something like they both fall down the stairs at CTU together kill two birds with one stone kind of thing.
well,
I love the show
but the karacter of D,Walsh & her ex is really stupid.
no reason for to be in the program it is boring.
the director of ctu also acts like a jerk what happened to the great
leaders? the rest of the storyline is great.
Not going to lie, I actually like the Dana Walsh subplot. I didn't like how it started, but it should be amusing to watch the attempt to steal money go wrong. Besides, the show has to fill time somehow or we'd just be watching Jack driving to the site of the next big plot.
You would think with Dana Walsh, and her secrect identity, CTU would have done and extensive CRIMINAL BACKGROUND check on her. It's just not that interesting yet...
Agreed on Dana Walsh, and agreed on bluetooth headsets being paramount to a sports car in claiming your inadequacy. If you need a bluetooth to feel cool, not even hanging with Fonzi could make you cool.
I am a bit remissed with the "I care about you!" teaser for next week. The world does not need a soft and squishy Jack freakin' Bauer
Death to Hastings! I miss Bill. May he last as long as most of the CTU directors!
agreed! i think dana walsh is a waste of time and have no interest in her past life or her ex-boyfriend. and from the second hastings came on i thought he was a big mistake. definitely unnecessary.