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24 -- 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
OK. See, I have no one to talk to about 24 and I need to talk. So I'm talking here. Just my thoughts on the most recent episode. I have put most of this under an LJ cut for those who don't care or for those who care too much.
Driscoll
You know, I can't believe that I even considered giving the smallest amount of respect to Driscoll. I almost liked her last time. I know I have that tendency to look for the good points in bad character; I always try to find some redeeming quality in them. Heck, it worked well with Mason. When he turned out to be a standup guy in the second season, I was ready for that. I can't imagine that happening with Driscoll. Not after tonight.
Ok. So Marianne is still knocked out (or at least injured) from the car bomb. I can handle that. But the first thing that Driscoll does is try to cover her own butt? How very politic of her. And she's so smart in how she does it. As soon as Curtis comes to her with the fact that he warned her that Marianne wasn't trustworthy, she turns it around on him! I also love how she uses his own words against him, that it was his fault and responsibility that she didn't listen to him. It's the same thing she did when she ignored Chloe's request to help her hacker friend -- she basically said that it was Chloe's fault for not resubmitting her concerns a second time. After Driscoll cut her down so badly the first time. Then she makes it so Chloe walks out on her own so that there is no investigation and no chance that Driscoll's own bad choice comes to light.
Driscoll is just as smart in this episode. I love how she makes it Curtis's responsibility for Marianne. "How did you end up sleeping with a mole?" Somehow I think, since he didn't tell her anything during that relationship and then actively worked to keep her out of the CTU it is a much less serious offense then giving that mole direct access to that information. But still, just like with Chloe, she lays it out so that Curtis thinks that Driscoll is giving him an out. Hell, he even comes up with the cover-up on his own. I guarantee you that there is a trail of broken and compromised careers along the path to Driscoll's success. She's evil, but she's damn smart.
The best thing about that scene was the momentary fear I had that they were going to pin Marianne's success on Edgar. If it would have been left all up to Driscoll, I think it would have been, but I don't think Curtis will sacrifice anyone else to cover for him. Which may be the key to bringing Driscoll down. Of course, lying to division may be enough to bring her down. I mean, never, never lie to division. I think division will forgive a lot of really major things but I don't think it will forgive lying to division.
You know, people have been saying that Driscoll's incompetent. Well, she's not. Incompetent implies that she's making mistakes or errors due to ignorance or lack of experience. No, Driscoll is not incompetent-- She is deliberately making these obviously bad choices in order to further her own agenda or to further solidify her position at the CTU. And this is the woman who told Jack she couldn't have him around because he was a liability. And she did that smart, too. She said that she didn't tolerate weakness of any sort. A perfect play, because I'm sure Jack considered it a weakness, so he wouldn't argue with it. She is a master manipulator.
****
The President, Heller and Audrey
I don't like the President. Seriously. Do. Not. Like. That doesn't mean that he's a bad guy, but he certainly doesn't stand up to President Palmer. I'm sure that the fact that Heller is a more important character and that we need to identify with him more than with the President has something to do with that. In order for the audience to identify more strongly with Heller, he has to have people to work off of and against. If it would still be Palmer as president, Heller would come of looking much different.
As for Heller, I really like Heller. I hope he doesn't turn out to be the bad guy. I also like Audrey. She's not in the field, but she looks like she's able to get things done. She can take charge and move things. I also like that when Heller finds out they need more help at CTU, he gets more help. Doesn't ask, doesn't waffle, just acts. That is the sign of a hero in 24 world. I also like that he cuts right through all the bureaucratic bullshit that flies around CTU. He doesn't look to lay blame, he just cuts right to the solution that is needed. Very Jack Bauer of him. *grin*
I like the fact that Heller didn't realize that the people he was talking to in power plant (you know, the one with the reactor melting down) were already dead. They may have been still moving around and talking but still: DEAD. As if any of the people who still could possibly stop the meltdown would walk away. I love that. I love that this show is willing to kill people. And equally willing to show that people are willing to give their lives to help stop a disaster and do so without recrimination or accusation. It's just their job.
As for the President, well this whole "non-binding" pardon may or may not be a bad thing. Just because its non-binding doesn't mean that he won't honor it, just that he has the option of not honoring it. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it looks bad. Especially when compared to Jack's unwavering and complete earnestness. It could be a wonderful plot point later. You know, I don't think that this president would have ordered Chapple killed, he seems more along the lines of 'no deals, ever'.
****
Navi
Navi is so, so very, very scary, I really thought he was going to kill the guy who was in the bedroom. He's a great character, but very scary. By far the scariest villain in just the cold bloodedness he has. Although I like that fact that he does have emotion, he's just willing to put his "mission" above everything else.
And I so knew he was going to kill the wife's brother. This man is willing to kill those closest too him, the brother didn't stand a chance. I don't know why he didn't kill Behrooz when he killed the uncle, but maybe he wanted a chance to talk to him first. To tell him: You broke my heart. Which I'm sure is true in a twisted sort of way.
****
Dina
I love how this woman is so very evil and yet is unwilling to sacrifice her son. She is completely dedicated to her cause and will happily see thousands, if not millions, die. I love how, in the end, she is the one who has all the power and is the one they need to work with and that she will accept whatever happens to her as due, but cannot face her son going to jail for what is, essentially, his parents' sin. Or rather, as she views it, his parents' cause.
****
Behrooz
Ok. Listen, Behrooz. I like you, I really do. Anyone who can grow up in that whole 'brain-washy, cult-like' atmosphere and still manage to have one independent thought, is a miracle. That doesn't excuse youfrom what's happening, but it may mean that they need to consider the circumstances when it comes time to dis out the consequences of your actions. That is, of course, if you live long enough for consequences to occur.
However, I think Behrooz, you should be smart enough to know that you should not, go to relatives for help. OK? They will contact your Dad and you will be dead. I do love how the uncle doesn't know about the plan. Just some honest, innocent hard working guy who is going to end up dead.
I also liked how Behrooz didn't trust that his mother was telling him the truth when she was telling him to come in and trust the CTU. It shows that he's coming to a bit of conclusion on how dangerous and difficult this is going to be. Also good: the part where he came clean to his uncle about the fact the were terrorists. "We killed people!" That's important to Behrooz because it really bothered him. GOOD. I also loved the uncle's response to what he assumes is just the mad ravings of a drug addicted teen: "Your father will be furious when he hears this" No kidding, but not way he thinks. Such good intentions gone so horribly wrong. Also a trade mark of the show.
The scene with Behrooz's dad? Wonderful. Quick thinking in finding a way to keep Navi from killing him. "You kill me and Mom will tell them everything." Navi believes that. It's a good thing he doesn't know that if Behrooz dies Dina will happily let everything melt down. See, little things like that make me happy with this show.
And the line: "I've always hated you and the only reason I never told you was I was afraid of you. But I'm not any more." Lovely. Behrooz has great potential. I just don't know if the show will let that happen.
****
Edgar and his mom
Edgar and his mom are going to be our emotional connection to the victims of the meltdown. She is so dead. Poor Edgar. This show loves 'goodbye-I'm-about-to-die' scenes, doesn't it? And it's good with them too. Myria seriously didn't like it. But then, she doesn't like any of the "Mom is about to die" stuff at all. And it was such a wonderful scene.
As for the Mom... she's going to be irradiated. There is no rescue coming. There is no hope of survival. Killing herself is the only real option she has. Of course, I'd wait until I was sure I was irradiated and dying for sure before I killed myself. But them I'm one of the hopeless optimistic types and would hate to kill myself before I know absolutely and for certain that I was a goner. Nothing worse than the whole Romeo and Juliet 'they-really-didn't-have-to-die' tragedy.
As much as I hate Driscoll she handled Edgar wonderfully.. Threatening to arrest him? DUMB. Asking him to choose to do what he mother would want him to? Very SMART. But then she knows how to manipulate people.
The whole "If she was rich or a politician, they would find a way" line was great. Such bitterness is good to see. Also good to see? That bitterness doesn't stop him from going ahead and doing his job.
Of course, Edgar's mom was still alive at the end of the show. I just don't hold out much hope for a miracle rescue. Not when this is 24 were talking about.
****
Tony
I love how Tony wants to head home at the beginning of the hour and then accuses Jack of doing this as sympathy. I also loves Jack's reply: People are going to die, I need your help. And Tony goes.
I find the whole "Don't trust Tony thing" interesting. I haven't seen Day Three yet, so I'm not completely sure what happened, but it's obvious that people don't trust him.
Still, Tony does the job, does it well. And all because Jack asks him to.
Tony is good. He's almost as good as Jack when dealing with people and situations. Not a whole lot of Tony in the episode. But I find it interesting that he's the one who spends the most time with Dina. He treats her very sympathetically, but not overly so. Very Jack like. Heh.
I'm thinking that Tony's 'relationship' with Dina will work into it in the future. If Jack isn't the one who questions her, it will have to be Tony.
****
Jack
As for Jack, well, he is why I watch the show and he didn't disappoint.
I never realized before how much of Jack's success is based on his personal interactions with people. He gets everyone to trust him. It's that trust that gives Jack the ability to do what needs to be done.
When the CTU agent doesn't want to let Tony work with them, let alone take orders from Tony, Jack asks that they accept Tony "for him". And the agent does. For the rest of the episode there is not questioning when Tony makes a decision or gives an order. Jack's word is good enough and they never question it again.
And Jack is so very, very good at connecting with people. He knows just how to show enough vulnerability and emotion to connect with a person and then bam he can use that connection to get what he wants. In some ways it is a manipulation but, unlike Driscoll's manipulation, it is one that comes from honesty, not from deceit.
Once he knows the Dina is willing to risk everything in order to save her son and he knew that the son was the key to Dina's cooperation, he once again uses the 'I know what it's like to be where you are' line. The fact that he does know what its like and it is obvious that he knows what it's like... that's what convinces Dina to trust him. He is someone who can relate to why she is willing to betray her cause and that is what makes all the difference.
I also like the minute he spent in the bathroom before talking to Dina about it, working himself up to what needs to be done: Both the emotional effort of sharing a part of himself and the stress of dealing with Dina. Offering her the deal. And the emotional stress of being willing to take it away from Dina and allow Behrooz to die. So love that. Of course, it didn't hurt to raise the tension in the room and it added to the overall calm, considered attitude that Jack was portraying.
I love his honesty with the president in that Behrooz had to have known something. I'm not sure how he will react once he finds out about the non-binding part or what he will do if the president chooses not to honor it... that will be interesting.
Jack wants Tony to work because he knows it's the best thing for him... and because Tony is the best back up he has. He knows exactly how to talk to Tony to make him keep working. Once again, he knows how to connect to him on an emotional level to keep him going.
And, of course, Action!Jack is the best ever. How can that man get hit bay a car and, not only can he still move, but he can bring down the car. I also love this one look that Kiefer has when Jack has just has some horrible physical injury that would stop a normal human but barely slows Jack Bauer down. It's Jack's 'I'll just shake this off for now and deal with it later' look. So cute.
Of course, my favorite part of this episode? Jack in a black shirt and flack vest most of the episode. Much love for that.
Oh. Much love also for any shot that has Jack and Tony together. They seem to like to have close ups with the two of them... and it just makes me happy.
****
The end
I truly despise how this ends. Or rather how it doesn't end.
Still:
"I believe in our cause and if you can't save my son, I am happy to see the reactors melt down."
"Did you get that?"
Such great last lines. And it really defines Dina's character.
I love this show. The fact that I have to wait until next week to get more: Evil. Also evil? The fact that they cut the previews for next week in favor of a truck ad. Much, much evilness.
I will have to point out that Myr says the I am evil for getting her hooked on the show.
Heh. I'm such a proud parent. I am raising a geek in my image.
Much joy on my part.
Driscoll
You know, I can't believe that I even considered giving the smallest amount of respect to Driscoll. I almost liked her last time. I know I have that tendency to look for the good points in bad character; I always try to find some redeeming quality in them. Heck, it worked well with Mason. When he turned out to be a standup guy in the second season, I was ready for that. I can't imagine that happening with Driscoll. Not after tonight.
Ok. So Marianne is still knocked out (or at least injured) from the car bomb. I can handle that. But the first thing that Driscoll does is try to cover her own butt? How very politic of her. And she's so smart in how she does it. As soon as Curtis comes to her with the fact that he warned her that Marianne wasn't trustworthy, she turns it around on him! I also love how she uses his own words against him, that it was his fault and responsibility that she didn't listen to him. It's the same thing she did when she ignored Chloe's request to help her hacker friend -- she basically said that it was Chloe's fault for not resubmitting her concerns a second time. After Driscoll cut her down so badly the first time. Then she makes it so Chloe walks out on her own so that there is no investigation and no chance that Driscoll's own bad choice comes to light.
Driscoll is just as smart in this episode. I love how she makes it Curtis's responsibility for Marianne. "How did you end up sleeping with a mole?" Somehow I think, since he didn't tell her anything during that relationship and then actively worked to keep her out of the CTU it is a much less serious offense then giving that mole direct access to that information. But still, just like with Chloe, she lays it out so that Curtis thinks that Driscoll is giving him an out. Hell, he even comes up with the cover-up on his own. I guarantee you that there is a trail of broken and compromised careers along the path to Driscoll's success. She's evil, but she's damn smart.
The best thing about that scene was the momentary fear I had that they were going to pin Marianne's success on Edgar. If it would have been left all up to Driscoll, I think it would have been, but I don't think Curtis will sacrifice anyone else to cover for him. Which may be the key to bringing Driscoll down. Of course, lying to division may be enough to bring her down. I mean, never, never lie to division. I think division will forgive a lot of really major things but I don't think it will forgive lying to division.
You know, people have been saying that Driscoll's incompetent. Well, she's not. Incompetent implies that she's making mistakes or errors due to ignorance or lack of experience. No, Driscoll is not incompetent-- She is deliberately making these obviously bad choices in order to further her own agenda or to further solidify her position at the CTU. And this is the woman who told Jack she couldn't have him around because he was a liability. And she did that smart, too. She said that she didn't tolerate weakness of any sort. A perfect play, because I'm sure Jack considered it a weakness, so he wouldn't argue with it. She is a master manipulator.
****
The President, Heller and Audrey
I don't like the President. Seriously. Do. Not. Like. That doesn't mean that he's a bad guy, but he certainly doesn't stand up to President Palmer. I'm sure that the fact that Heller is a more important character and that we need to identify with him more than with the President has something to do with that. In order for the audience to identify more strongly with Heller, he has to have people to work off of and against. If it would still be Palmer as president, Heller would come of looking much different.
As for Heller, I really like Heller. I hope he doesn't turn out to be the bad guy. I also like Audrey. She's not in the field, but she looks like she's able to get things done. She can take charge and move things. I also like that when Heller finds out they need more help at CTU, he gets more help. Doesn't ask, doesn't waffle, just acts. That is the sign of a hero in 24 world. I also like that he cuts right through all the bureaucratic bullshit that flies around CTU. He doesn't look to lay blame, he just cuts right to the solution that is needed. Very Jack Bauer of him. *grin*
I like the fact that Heller didn't realize that the people he was talking to in power plant (you know, the one with the reactor melting down) were already dead. They may have been still moving around and talking but still: DEAD. As if any of the people who still could possibly stop the meltdown would walk away. I love that. I love that this show is willing to kill people. And equally willing to show that people are willing to give their lives to help stop a disaster and do so without recrimination or accusation. It's just their job.
As for the President, well this whole "non-binding" pardon may or may not be a bad thing. Just because its non-binding doesn't mean that he won't honor it, just that he has the option of not honoring it. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it looks bad. Especially when compared to Jack's unwavering and complete earnestness. It could be a wonderful plot point later. You know, I don't think that this president would have ordered Chapple killed, he seems more along the lines of 'no deals, ever'.
****
Navi
Navi is so, so very, very scary, I really thought he was going to kill the guy who was in the bedroom. He's a great character, but very scary. By far the scariest villain in just the cold bloodedness he has. Although I like that fact that he does have emotion, he's just willing to put his "mission" above everything else.
And I so knew he was going to kill the wife's brother. This man is willing to kill those closest too him, the brother didn't stand a chance. I don't know why he didn't kill Behrooz when he killed the uncle, but maybe he wanted a chance to talk to him first. To tell him: You broke my heart. Which I'm sure is true in a twisted sort of way.
****
Dina
I love how this woman is so very evil and yet is unwilling to sacrifice her son. She is completely dedicated to her cause and will happily see thousands, if not millions, die. I love how, in the end, she is the one who has all the power and is the one they need to work with and that she will accept whatever happens to her as due, but cannot face her son going to jail for what is, essentially, his parents' sin. Or rather, as she views it, his parents' cause.
****
Behrooz
Ok. Listen, Behrooz. I like you, I really do. Anyone who can grow up in that whole 'brain-washy, cult-like' atmosphere and still manage to have one independent thought, is a miracle. That doesn't excuse youfrom what's happening, but it may mean that they need to consider the circumstances when it comes time to dis out the consequences of your actions. That is, of course, if you live long enough for consequences to occur.
However, I think Behrooz, you should be smart enough to know that you should not, go to relatives for help. OK? They will contact your Dad and you will be dead. I do love how the uncle doesn't know about the plan. Just some honest, innocent hard working guy who is going to end up dead.
I also liked how Behrooz didn't trust that his mother was telling him the truth when she was telling him to come in and trust the CTU. It shows that he's coming to a bit of conclusion on how dangerous and difficult this is going to be. Also good: the part where he came clean to his uncle about the fact the were terrorists. "We killed people!" That's important to Behrooz because it really bothered him. GOOD. I also loved the uncle's response to what he assumes is just the mad ravings of a drug addicted teen: "Your father will be furious when he hears this" No kidding, but not way he thinks. Such good intentions gone so horribly wrong. Also a trade mark of the show.
The scene with Behrooz's dad? Wonderful. Quick thinking in finding a way to keep Navi from killing him. "You kill me and Mom will tell them everything." Navi believes that. It's a good thing he doesn't know that if Behrooz dies Dina will happily let everything melt down. See, little things like that make me happy with this show.
And the line: "I've always hated you and the only reason I never told you was I was afraid of you. But I'm not any more." Lovely. Behrooz has great potential. I just don't know if the show will let that happen.
****
Edgar and his mom
Edgar and his mom are going to be our emotional connection to the victims of the meltdown. She is so dead. Poor Edgar. This show loves 'goodbye-I'm-about-to-die' scenes, doesn't it? And it's good with them too. Myria seriously didn't like it. But then, she doesn't like any of the "Mom is about to die" stuff at all. And it was such a wonderful scene.
As for the Mom... she's going to be irradiated. There is no rescue coming. There is no hope of survival. Killing herself is the only real option she has. Of course, I'd wait until I was sure I was irradiated and dying for sure before I killed myself. But them I'm one of the hopeless optimistic types and would hate to kill myself before I know absolutely and for certain that I was a goner. Nothing worse than the whole Romeo and Juliet 'they-really-didn't-have-to-die' tragedy.
As much as I hate Driscoll she handled Edgar wonderfully.. Threatening to arrest him? DUMB. Asking him to choose to do what he mother would want him to? Very SMART. But then she knows how to manipulate people.
The whole "If she was rich or a politician, they would find a way" line was great. Such bitterness is good to see. Also good to see? That bitterness doesn't stop him from going ahead and doing his job.
Of course, Edgar's mom was still alive at the end of the show. I just don't hold out much hope for a miracle rescue. Not when this is 24 were talking about.
****
Tony
I love how Tony wants to head home at the beginning of the hour and then accuses Jack of doing this as sympathy. I also loves Jack's reply: People are going to die, I need your help. And Tony goes.
I find the whole "Don't trust Tony thing" interesting. I haven't seen Day Three yet, so I'm not completely sure what happened, but it's obvious that people don't trust him.
Still, Tony does the job, does it well. And all because Jack asks him to.
Tony is good. He's almost as good as Jack when dealing with people and situations. Not a whole lot of Tony in the episode. But I find it interesting that he's the one who spends the most time with Dina. He treats her very sympathetically, but not overly so. Very Jack like. Heh.
I'm thinking that Tony's 'relationship' with Dina will work into it in the future. If Jack isn't the one who questions her, it will have to be Tony.
****
Jack
As for Jack, well, he is why I watch the show and he didn't disappoint.
I never realized before how much of Jack's success is based on his personal interactions with people. He gets everyone to trust him. It's that trust that gives Jack the ability to do what needs to be done.
When the CTU agent doesn't want to let Tony work with them, let alone take orders from Tony, Jack asks that they accept Tony "for him". And the agent does. For the rest of the episode there is not questioning when Tony makes a decision or gives an order. Jack's word is good enough and they never question it again.
And Jack is so very, very good at connecting with people. He knows just how to show enough vulnerability and emotion to connect with a person and then bam he can use that connection to get what he wants. In some ways it is a manipulation but, unlike Driscoll's manipulation, it is one that comes from honesty, not from deceit.
Once he knows the Dina is willing to risk everything in order to save her son and he knew that the son was the key to Dina's cooperation, he once again uses the 'I know what it's like to be where you are' line. The fact that he does know what its like and it is obvious that he knows what it's like... that's what convinces Dina to trust him. He is someone who can relate to why she is willing to betray her cause and that is what makes all the difference.
I also like the minute he spent in the bathroom before talking to Dina about it, working himself up to what needs to be done: Both the emotional effort of sharing a part of himself and the stress of dealing with Dina. Offering her the deal. And the emotional stress of being willing to take it away from Dina and allow Behrooz to die. So love that. Of course, it didn't hurt to raise the tension in the room and it added to the overall calm, considered attitude that Jack was portraying.
I love his honesty with the president in that Behrooz had to have known something. I'm not sure how he will react once he finds out about the non-binding part or what he will do if the president chooses not to honor it... that will be interesting.
Jack wants Tony to work because he knows it's the best thing for him... and because Tony is the best back up he has. He knows exactly how to talk to Tony to make him keep working. Once again, he knows how to connect to him on an emotional level to keep him going.
And, of course, Action!Jack is the best ever. How can that man get hit bay a car and, not only can he still move, but he can bring down the car. I also love this one look that Kiefer has when Jack has just has some horrible physical injury that would stop a normal human but barely slows Jack Bauer down. It's Jack's 'I'll just shake this off for now and deal with it later' look. So cute.
Of course, my favorite part of this episode? Jack in a black shirt and flack vest most of the episode. Much love for that.
Oh. Much love also for any shot that has Jack and Tony together. They seem to like to have close ups with the two of them... and it just makes me happy.
****
The end
I truly despise how this ends. Or rather how it doesn't end.
Still:
"I believe in our cause and if you can't save my son, I am happy to see the reactors melt down."
"Did you get that?"
Such great last lines. And it really defines Dina's character.
I love this show. The fact that I have to wait until next week to get more: Evil. Also evil? The fact that they cut the previews for next week in favor of a truck ad. Much, much evilness.
I will have to point out that Myr says the I am evil for getting her hooked on the show.
Heh. I'm such a proud parent. I am raising a geek in my image.
Much joy on my part.
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