You know, as I wrote last night’s column I considered mentioning the clichéd scene in which the guy with information dies just as he’s about to reveal what he knows. But then I thought, “Well, he did divulge SOME information” so I decided not to nitpick. But then I thought about it more today, and I realized that, presumably, this guy knows who’s going to assassinate the visiting president. Knowing that, wouldn’t it have been much easier for him to say, “his brother” than “blah blah blah has somebody on the inside”?
Anyway, a few people have noted that the season has gotten off to a slow start. I think it’s fair to say that many of the premieres over the past few years have taken a more laid back approach. After a while, I think the series realized they have their core set of fans that are going to watch no matter what, and they don’t need to do something utterly shocking or explosive in the first episode in order to get people to watch. Personally, I’ve come to the point that I appreciate their restraint. Yes, sometimes you need to give something extraordinary, but keep in mind that the season that kicked off with the biggest bang was season six, undeniably the worst season of the show yet.
Yeah yeah, I said I don’t like Chloe all that much, but I did love that, “Actually I was thinking he should thank Jack. Then Cole. Then maybe me,” line. I forgot to mention this last night, but I loved the fact that Hastings thought so little of Chloe that he so willingly relinquished her to Jack’s (in his eyes) meaningless mission. The guy has come off as such a douche. And unlike most of the other antagonizing bosses, borderline incompetent.
How much did Rene’s, “find something to cauterize that wound” remind you of Jack’s “I’m going to need a hacksaw”? I’m actually really enjoying the dark portrayal of Rene, especially because it provides a logical reason for why Jack is sticking around instead of going off happily with his family. The fact of the matter is that Jack is directly responsible for Rene’s descent. She wasn’t flawless, but she was a fair, capable agent before she met Jack. Therefore, it makes sense that Jack feels a certain sense of responsibility when it comes to Rene’s well being.
And that actually ties into one of my main criticisms last year. We constantly see Jack do morally questionable things, particularly when he tortures suspects. And the problem is, we never see him pay any REAL consequences. Yes, he may get a brow beating or he may lose his job, but that’s really short sighted and ultimately inconsequential. How about some real repercussions, like having him brutally torture somebody who ends up being completely innocent? That never seems to happen.
Yet, with Rene, I feel like that’s happening. Jack’s presence has severely impacted Rene’s life, in a very negative way. And in that sense, Jack’s actions have had some very real consequences. While it may sound cold, it’s nice to see him realize that. By the way, I really loved the tense reunion between Jack and Rene. Actually, it was very reminiscent of the awkward embrace Jack and Kim shared at the beginning of season two.
Oh, and you know what? I’m going to say it: I kinda like Freddie Prinze Jr. in this current role. And while it may not have had any shocking twists and turns, I actually found the whole failed assassination attempt very thrilling. Nice job by all involved.
Last night I discussed how I hate when the show comes up with these needless backstories for more or less background CTU characters, which tend to be rather absurd. Another thing I can’t stand: When, in the quest to create a temporary obstacle, the show creates these outlandishly stereotypical scenarios. Like, for example, the black kids playing basketball who feel the need to protect their turf. Or the abusive, corrupt cop. Not to mention, that abusive cop thing didn’t even make sense. He doesn’t want to see another dirt bag get off on a technicality, so he decides to tie him up in the basement and beat the crap out of him?
Matt Basilo has been writing for Inside Pulse since April 2005, providing his insight into popular television shows such as Lost, 24, Heroes, and Smallville. Be sure to visit his blog at [a case of the blog] and follow him on Twitter.
