24

*Ka-dink Ka-dunk Ka-dink Ka-dunk*

Jack Bauer has returned and the series has never been better! Undercover in a terrorist cell, independent of any government agency, relying on Bill and Chloe to keep him safe and alive, Jack has teamed up with Tony Almieda to capture a devise that gives the user the ability to control - or shut down - any aspect of America's infrastructure: Air traffic control, the power grid, water supply, etc.

Of course, I can't feature something on my blog just to say how great it is. I have a question:

With all of the liberals in Hollywood, how did 24 get all conservatives on its writing staff? What do I mean?

There's a new President and she's disbanded CTU. Jack is facing an indictment from a Senate Judicial committee for his "techniques." The FBI is now in charge and they do everything by the book! How is this a conservative view? None of it is working!

Jack Bauer sits in front of the Senators and after you think, "Who would elect the Dad from That 70's Show to public office?" you wonder "What is Jack doing there? He's saved the country from countless terrorist attacks. He's almost single handedly responsible for saving millions of lives and he has to answer to you, oh distinguished Senator from Wisconsin? I don't think so!" It's fairly apparent that, if anyone is going to be the sacrificial lamb for all of CTU, it shouldn't be Jack Bauer.

The FBI has been a step an a half behind the threat to the nation and the only progress they've made is because an agent has been going "Jack Bauer" on some suspects. Meanwhile, the former CTU agents are not only in the cell, but have gained the trust of the local leader.

FBI Agent Renee Walker has rapidly moved from a by-the-book agent to someone who's actually getting things done. First, she tells Jack to do what needs to be done to get information, then she does it herself with a different suspect. She disobeys her commanding agent when he orders her back because she knows it wouldn't be productive to continuing to protect US citizens.

By the book, the Attorney General has sent an investigator to the FBI to speak with and arrest Agent Walker for what happened with the suspect she tortured. Wouldn't you know it, he's doing nothing but getting in the way. His insistence on carrying out his duty to the law is actually slowing down the FBI which is already falling behind.

Perhaps, in future episodes, the writers will give some victories to the law abiding authorities. For the time being, however, it appears that the current message of 24 is that we have to do whatever it takes to defend our people and our country. This is not a sentiment shared by those who oppose the tactics of the administration leaving the White House today. So, do we do anything to protect people? Or do we abide by the law at all costs, perhaps forfeiting innocent lives?