The last ten minutes of last night’s episode left me shocked and stunned. It was over the top even by “24″ standards.
Some are complaining that the show has finally crossed the line and gone too far. (related story with spoilers.)
What do you think? Has it gone too far?
Remember that season one aired just after 9-11. In one of the early episodes (maybe the premiere), there was a scene of a plane blowing up that was edited out for obvious reasons. We’re far removed from that kind of sensitivity aren’t we?
The thing I liked the most last night was seeing Jack’s brokenness. If they keep playing that out it will give season six a whole new feel.
13 responses so far...
I think the way 24 ended last night was shocking but did not cross the line…There is only so many times that Nuclear Attack can be averted before it becomes predictible. They needed to have a time where they get there too late. One of the TV commentators have said that now we really do not know if the other four nukes will blow up or not. That keeps us watching. GO JACK!!!
No, it didn’t go too far. The writers are telling a story. And in that story, as in any good story, there are going to be moments that are uncomfortable, unsettling, and moving.
Peoples hypersensitivity to “conflict” is more unsettling to me than what I watched last night (though my wife almost began to cry when Jack had to take down Curtis).I realize that the extremists and those who do not necessarily cling to a balanced idea of where television ends and reality begins may not understand the difference. But, if that is the target audience for shows like this, than perhaps I am speaking out of turn.
Wade,
I did not think the ending was over the top.
Like you, I was struck by Jack’s brokenness. It could give the character an entirely new feel. This brokenness combined with everything else was incredible.
It was certainly a thrill ride to watch. My question for the group: were you more shocked by the death of one good friend, or the death of thousands? I found myself so consumed by Curtis’ story, that the fate of Valencia was almost a distraction. I’m wondering how the next 20 episodes can compete with what we’ve just seen.
24 thus far has been a let down. I recorded the Sunday night premiere and then watched both nights in one sitting with me wife.
Long before the events happened, Shannon and I both predicted:
- Jack Bauer escaping
(Shannon even predicted how)
- The son (Ahmed) being a bad guy
- Jack rescuing the teorrist from the house
- Curtis trying to kill the terrorist
- Jack killing Curtis to save the terrorist
I’ll keep watching, but I have to admit, I’ve been let down by the predicatbility thus far.
I’m kinda new to the show, but couldn’t he have shot Curtis in the foot or something?
I am totally hooked and totally loving it!
I too love seeing the broken side of Jack….who could go through all of that and not be affected..
Last night was the first time I’d ever watched 24. I’ve got to say, it was a jolt, but, I’m impressed by two things:
1. They went with the more realistic event. I thought at first it was another “saved in the nick of time” moment. I was shocked, but it was more real.
2. I can’t believe Jack made the decision he did in that moment. I was left wondering “what if I were in that situation?” and being thankful that I’m not. And Brad, I’m still asking myself the same thing about shooting him in the foot or something.
There are not lines; there is no top.
Too far? That’s silly. If we don’t wake up, this fiction will become reality.
What was too much for me was Jack killing a guy by biting through his jugular–yuk!
Not too far with the story line including Curtis and Valencia, but there seemed to be more gore and blood in these 4 hours than I remember in the last 5 seasons. Maybe that’s just me.
There are few shows that my son and I follow. 24 is one of them. I thought the beginning episodes were great! I’m glad they are showing the broken side of Jack. Makes it more convincing.
No way… I think we have to be careful not to become totally desensitized, but last night was awesome… Dare I say, maybe the best episode in the five seasons.