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!