Creators Joel Surnow (Falcon Crest, Miami Vice) and Robert Cochran (Falcon Crest, L.A. Law) have once again struck gold. Each season invites more viewers to become true fans. They even know which writers to hire. It seems like the majority of writers bring experience from other long running hit shows. (If you read my Lone Gunmen review you then know that these Hollywood hotshots here know the formula for greatness.) Jon Caeser, the director who is credited for the most episodes, is the only part of the equation to have the least experience. He moved from past camera operator to (is he award winning for 24?) a superlative director. I’m going to freely assume that he was a risk, and one well worth taking. And kudos to FOX (I never thought I’d say that) for actually airing a show that’s worthy of the Simpson’s greatness (thus far).

Season three stars are, of course, Keifer Sutherland as Jack Bauer, Dennis Haysbert as President David Palmer, D.B. Woodside as his brother and chief advisor, Penny Johnson as David’s conniving ex-wife, Elisha Cuthbert as Jack’s daughter Kim Bauer, her secret boyfriend and Jack’s field partner James Badge Dale as Chase Edmunds (Oh and does he get his ass KICKED this season! It seemed every episode another of his appendage’s is being attacked), Carlos Bernard as new head of CTU Tony Almeida, his wife and possibly infected agent Michelle played by Reiko Alyesworth, Mary Lynn Rajskub as the abrasive yet brilliant Chloe, and Zachary Quinto as her brooding computer hacker-type counterpart Adam. This small handful of people control whether or not the United States will be safe for another day. Nothing can keep them down. Nothing stands in the way – not even gunshots, kidnappers, prison breaks, or Paul Blackthorne as the evil man wrapped in an alluring accent and a turtleneck Stephen Saunders.

There are many other guests of significance but those listed are the keys from when the previous season tie ups end and season three really comes into its own.

Have I mentioned that season three of 24 was fantastic? I don’t think I did. It has its faults, like a cliché premiere and finale. Changes do need to be introduced and resolved after all. Do you wonder if this show hadn’t come along, would Keifer Sutherland have a career? I really do wonder. He had a small career before but now he’s a huge, household name. That would have never happened. Good thing a hit show came along when it did. If hours keep going at this rate 24 could last for years.

Season Grade: A
DVD Grade: A
Overall Grade: A