|
to be. This works to an extent as we’re never quite sure where we’re heading although half-way through the season, the plot tends to stall somewhat. The writers seem to have run out of mini-plots yet they’re also loathed to reveal what the grand scheme of it all actually is so around 7:00-8:00pm there’s a definite lull in the proceedings.
Things soon speed up with a wonderfully staged moral dilemma that thrusts us back into the action. While the show is rooted in a more real situation than most action thrillers, it still requires a hefty suspension of disbelief. The character of Jack Bauer isn’t just an action hero he’s a full-blown superhero. Danger, bullets, the laws of gravity, nothing troubles Jack. So while the topics of terrorist sleeper cells and nuclear warfare may seem easy to believe, our unbreakable leading man always reminds us we’re very much in an imagined reality.
It’s quite amazing the transformation that Kiefer Sutherland has made from an 80s has-been to a credible lead. He’s the anchor of the show and makes for an engaging protagonist. Supporting characters come and go in 24 although turns from Shohreh Aghdashloo, Lukas Haas and Mia Kirshner are all pleasantly diverting.
When it boils down to extras we get some selected Cast/Crew Commentaries on certain episodes, a generous 39 Deleted Scenes, some Cell-Phone Mobisodes, a Behind-the-Scenes Featurette and an interesting Season 5 Prequel which branches Season 4 to Season 5.
It’s a well put-together package that helps to reinforce the admirable slickness that typifies 24. Against all my efforts, I found it to be effortlessly thrilling and it has certainly whetted my appetite for the other seasons. It’s not rare that I say this but yes, I was wrong. Damnit.
Season Grade: A-
DVD Features Grade: A
Overall Grade: A-
| 
