DAY ONE: 4:00 am to 5:00 am

From December 11, 2001, here's episode five.

The following takes place between 4:00 am and 5:00 am, on the day of the California presidential primary.

We start in an operating room, presumably getting ready for the grand entrance of Janet York, a silly girl who got run down in the street in North Hollywood. Yep, there she is. 24 meets ER, very cool. Janet's face doesn't look as beat up as it was.

A cop car flies around a corner, followed very closely by an SUV driven by a concerned Jack Bauer. Does no one wear a seat belt on this show? The suspect from last episode is in the cop car.

Meanwhile, Teri and Alan burst into the hospital. They try desperately to get the attention of a nurse who has the audacity to take a phone call. Finally, the nurse looks up the accident victim. Just a Jane Doe. Teri and Alan disobey a direct order and run down a hallway. They get to surgery and, yep, there's Janet. Well, good for you Alan. You got your daughter back. Try not to kill her when she wakes up.

Did I mention that there will be spoilers? There will be spoilers.

Jack calls, and provides an opportunity for exposition as Teri tearfully relates the events of the last episode. Jack assures Teri that he's trying to find Kim, and hangs up.

Let's check in with the kidnappers. Kim is tied up in the back of Gaines' car, Gaines tells the boys to meet him at the compound for payment. Twenty large. Rick's being the voice of reason, which he often is. He just attracts the wrong people. Kim's looking desperately out the back of Gaines' car, mouth duct taped shut. Not conspicuous at all.

4:06:58, Palmer headquarters. Palmer sends Patty to bed. We'll see her again, later tonight. Nicole offers mochas, only Daddy wants some. Sherry and David provide some more exposition about the Keith storyline, and bicker a bit about whether or not to tell Nicole. Palmer wants to, but chickens out at the last moment. She's so happy.

CTU now, 4:09:32. Jack calls Nina to her he's at the precinct trying to get close to the suspect. Nina tries to get a number from the internet, can't do it because there's some residual lockdown effects. She gets it from Tony after telling him she doesn't know if she can trust him anymore.

At the police station, the police sergeant won't let Jack interrogate the cop killa. Jack eventually convinces him by laying on a thick layer of guilt (I was investigating a federal case, she was helping me, do you want her death to be in vain?!?). But, just as Jack is about to get to the suspect, the cavalry arrives. Rather, George Mason arrives. Missed it by that much. 4:12:25, commercial time.

4:16:26. Janet's in surgery, Pamer's chatting with Nicole, Gaines is driving, and Rick and Dan are heading to meet him. Rick is upset about Kim, Dan wants his money. Dan seems to think that Kim is doomed.

Meanwhile, Mason and Jack go into a deserted room. Must be a big police station, that's a lot of travel time. Mason wants to know what Jack was doing with Walsh, Jack's not talking. He does reveal that he found the suspect due to info from Walsh and Scott Baylor. Jack accuses Mason of impeding and endangering Palmer because of a grudge. "So why don't we cut the crap?" Mason says he'll talk to the suspect.

Gaines stops at a red light as his phone rings, says someone should be done in 15 minutes. Who? Meanwhile, Kim feebly kicks the window to try and get a truck driver's attention. I love this part. Gaines leans back, points a gun at her, and says, "Stop, please." The man knows his manners. The truck leaves, then Gaines cuts another guy off making a right turn from the left lane. That was silly. He pulls into an alley, and hey! His car has Nevada plates! Interesting! He transfers Kim from the back seat to the trunk.

4:19:41, Palmer HQ. The senator pulls out his phone and calls Maureen Kingsley, wanting to talk about her story. She's in the hotel, he wants to meet her in a conference room.

At the hospital, Teri and Alan are telling the police about their missing daughters. Jack calls, wanting to know what's going on with Janet. Jack writes something on a piece of paper as he talks, revealing that he's got a suspect he wants to question. Mason returns, says that the suspect won't talk to anyone but Jack. Against his better judgment, Mason takes Jack to see the suspect.

In the room, Jack points out that their conversation is being observed, then whispers something to the suspect. The suspect flips out, demands that Jack be removed, Jack grabs him and pushes him against the wall, covering the guy's mouth. People run in and remove Jack from the room as the suspect demands his lawyer.

4:23:14. Jack runs down the hall to an empty toom and pulls out his cell phone. The suspect is allowed to use a phone, then spits a piece of paper from his mouth. He dials, Jack's phone rings. The suspect tells Jack that he has to answer a call in 20 minutes, and that Jack needs to get him out before then. Jack calls Nina, tells her that the suspect (who now has a name...Penticoff) is expecting a call at the address on San Fernando Road, and can she do a trace? She finds a pay phone nearby. Jack reveals that Penticoff will be there to take the call. This is the first time, but not the last, that Jack sets up a jailbreak. Did I mention that there will be spoilers? There will be spoilers. 4:25:30, commercial time.

4:29:32. Palmer looks pensive, Gaines drives, Nina types, Jack wanders. He hears Mason bad-mouthing him to the sergeant. Jack grabs an officer, who happens to be Officer Hampton's ex-partner. The cop will let Jack in to talk to Penticoff, but only under supervision.

I'm watching this with the subtitles, and it's funny...we just got a cue for [suspenseful instrumental music]. Now, if I was deaf, would I care?

Anyway, the cop takes Jack in the holding cell. Jack provokes Penticoff, the cop yanks him off. Jack provokes the cop, and the two scuffle. Another cop drags Jack away. He gets escorted out. Penticoff reveals that he now has the access card to his cell. Jack is smooth. [dramatic instrumental music]

Teri's lying down in the hospital when Alan walks up with coffee. It's 4:32:30. Chat chat chat, blah blah blah, reassurances, nothing happening. A filler scene, to be sure.

At the hotel, Palmer waits while Maureen Kingsley is scanned. Palmer takes her into the conference room, and starts laying on the guilt. How long have we known each other, we made a journey together, yadda yadda. Kingsley has evidence she feels compelled to share with the world. The guilt trip works, she shares her sources...George Ferragamo, Keith's therapist. We knew that. She also has autopsy results from Keith's alleged victim that point to a struggle, and a hospital admission file from the same night and area in Keith's handwriting. Palmer sticks up for his son, then we get the feeling that he and Kingsley aren't friends anymore. Too bad. 4:36:55.

And now, for the first time in the 24ce, a word from our sponsors.

Antidisestablishmentarianism.

And we're back. 4:40:51. Rick looks disgusted, Nina's on the phone, Keith's in bed, having fallen asleep watching TV. Palmer comes in, turns the TV off and the lights on. Time for the confrontation about the evidence. Keith won't talk. Palmer's mad. He's starting to believe it. He leaves.

4:43:34. Mason is apologizing for Jack's behavior. Hampton's ex-partner comes in, wanting to start processing Penticoff. But the computer says he checked out five minutes ago. Say...

At the hospital, Teri's at the vending machine, bemoaning that her child is failing algebra. Talk talk talk, we get it. Kim's a bad girl, but you're worried, and now you're feeling guilty. Alan doesn't talk much about Janet, notice that? Hmm. Alan does promise to stay with Teri until Kim is found.

At the police station, Mason's leading a satellite search for Jack and Penticoff. There they are, leaving within the last ten minute. Getting in a car, leaving the satellite frame...

...and now, a helicopter shot of Jack's car! Amazing! If only the cops had asked the producers of 24 where Jack was. 4:47:06, they're arriving at the location. Nina's got the trace. Ringing, but there's no one on the pay phone! That's because there's a cell phone on the underside! Genius! It's Gaines, wanting Penticoff to dispose of a body in the trunk of a car that has Nevada plates, 782MOF. Is it Kim? We haven't seen her since she got thrown in Gaines' trunk. After this episode is over, I'm going back to see the plates on Gaines' car (which I even noted were from Nevada). Jack and Penticoff race off to find the car. 4:48:15, commercial time.

4:54:55. Alan comforts Teri, Nina looks perplexed, Jack and Penticoff run down the street. They find the car. Jack opens the trunk as sirens are heard in the background. It's a body, but it has a hairy chest, so no, not Kim. Jack looks relieved. I think I missed this connection the first times I saw the episode. Tires squeal, cars race up, Jack puts a gun to Penticoff's head. It's Mason, just wanting to know what Jack's up to. Jack shows him the body, and all seems forgiven. But who is it? I know I said that there will be spoilers, but this is one that I ain't spoilin'. Jack reveals that someone inside the agency is involved with the hit on Palmer.

Jack drives the car with the body in the trunk to CTU. Them Bauers like driving around cars with bodies in the trunks, don't they? (Yes, that's a spoiler, but you don't have to worry about that for another, oh, 24+ episodes.) Jack calls Nina, orders the autopsy. He calls Teri and tells her that he'll be there soon. Alan looks stupidly on in the background. Sorry, he's just got that slack jawed look about him. Nothing personal, Alan. Really.

At Gaines' compound, Dan enjoys a cigarette while waiting for Gaines' arrival. This is horror movie filming, with birds fluttering away and startling him. Hey, the big dog is here! Kim is OK, just gasping for air from the trunk. Dan demands their money..."if that's like, you know, OK." Way to assert yourself, Dan. Gaines even mocks him. "Just so we're like, you know, clear..." He wants to know about Janet. Aha...Gaines knows that she lives. I love this part. Dan says she's dead, Gaines says she isn't, Dan says well, maybe she wasn't quite dead. "Well, I'll tell you, Dan," Gaines says. "You're either dead, or you're not dead. There's no such thing as 'sort of' dead. Here, let me show you." And then, HE SHOOTS DAN! RIGHT IN THE FACE! AS RICK AND KIM LOOK ON! OH, WHAT A TRAGE...nope, can't pull it off. The guy had it coming to him. But it was pretty cool. And Rick's been promoted. Good deal.

Split screen check-in on everyone. Jack drives, Palmer fumes, Nina types, Tony looks suspicious (keep an eye on that guy!). Oh, and Janet chooses this moment to flatline on the surgery table. A very cheesy cliffhanger to be sure, but...

4:59:57...4:59:58...4:59:59...5:00:00.

OK, checked Gaines' plates. 528MOF. Close, but no cigar. That's a very subtle detail, mad props there.

This is the first full episode I watched since the premiere, and I was lost. I think I promised myself to watch a few more before giving up on the show. It only took one more episode to get fully hooked, and I look forward to reliving that moment in my next post.

In retrospect, this is really the last exposition episode. Not much has happened up to this point. Things really start to snowball in the next episode. Characters will change, plots will be revealed, bad stuff will go down. Get ready for the ride.

Season Seven - The First Quarter

Here we are, six episodes into season seven. There are some very intriguing things going on, and I am going to spoil the first six episodes for you. As always, I do not watch previews, so if I'm completely off on something, don't tell me.

First - the terror plot. Each season has a different group of terrorists trying to accomplish their agendas. And, each season, bad things happen to large groups of people. It started with a band in season one, as an entire plane of people was blown up for an ID card. In season two, CTU was blown up to throw them off in their search for the nuclear bomb. In season three, a deadly virus was released into a hotel, killing almost everyone except Michelle. In season four, a nuclear plant melted down AND Air Force One was shot out of the sky. In season five, nerve gas was released into a mall, CTU, and almost into the gas lines of everyone in LA. In season six, a nuclear bomb was detonated in a suburb of LA. So, the show has a history of killing lots of innocent people. In tonight's episode, episode six of season seven, two planes crashed into one another, killing at least 250 people. It was a fairly understated event by 24 standards. Still, it demonstrated the power of the device the African terrorists hold. The politics of this plot are very interesting to me, with the United States trying to interfere in an African nation's affairs and the terrorists not allowing it. I am eager to see where it's going, especially with the prime minister being handed over soon.

Next - the government. President Taylor is the sixth president to be featured on the show. There was an unknown president in season one, David Palmer for seasons two and three, Keeler for the first half of season four, Logan for the second half of season four and all of season five, Wayne Palmer for the first half of season six, and Daniels for the rest of season six. And I like Taylor - she seems pretty tough, and it's a welcome change after the losers we've had in office since the first Palmer quit. Right now, she's standing firm against the terrorists, which is good, but I wonder how the whole subplot with her husband is going to change this. Tonight was a good resolution of that problem, with Mr. Taylor paralyzed, but able to fight back enough to kill his bad bodyguard. Wonder how he'll deal with the guy outside now. I'm also curious as to how Warden Norton is going to end up being involved in the day's events (I don't remember the character name, I just recognize him from Shawshank).

Moving on to the issue of Tony. Before tonight, I was giving the writers the benefit of the doubt on bringing Tony back. Now, I'm afraid that they're copping out. To say that Christopher Henderson did not intend to kill Tony, and that he was able to inject Tony so precisely that everyone would think he was dead is stretching it a little thin. The original plan was to kill Tony. When did Henderson come up with the new scheme to recruit him into the criminal underworld, and when did he have a chance to notify Emerson? Ah well...I'll run with it. I'm not happy about it, but I'll be cool.

CTU III - Chloe's a stay at home mom! I love it! Bill needs a haircut. Looks like Agent Walker will be a new member of the staff. Jack's awesome as always. Tony...I'm not sure he's going to stay on the right side of this. I think he'll either double cross, disappear, or end up dead. Too bad...I do like his new character, even if I am slightly miffed at his resurrection.

Finally - the FBI. Agent Moss (the boss) is creepy. It's obvious he's in love with Walker. I think he'll turn out to be the mole in the FBI, but he just didn't know she would get hurt. They didn't spend much time in the agency tonight, but didn't Janene Garafolo look shifty? I doubt she's involved, that would be a stretch, but who knows. Also, the last scene last week where Jack and Tony buried Walker alive was intense. I was glad to see that Bill and Chloe came on the scene quickly to rescue her.

So, on with the show! I'm very interested to see where they go next.

DAY ONE: 3:00 am to 4:00 am

On to episode four, originally aired November 27, 2001.

The following takes place between 3:00 am and 4:00 am, on the day of the California presidential primary.

They're no longer saying "events take place in real time." I think in future seasons, they only say that for the first episode, but this time, it was for the first three. Also, I don't know when Jack started doing his little spiel about how this was the longest day of his life. I know they started it on the DVD much later than they started it in the show, but I don't know when it started. Anyway, this episode begins with Janet lying in the street, and somebody driving by and calling her stupid. I agree. I mean, tragic accident and all, but drugs are bad, mmkay? She can move, but can't seem to ask for help. And no one seems to care. Welcome to the bad part of town.

Kim is being dragged off by Rick and Dan. You know, for as long as Kim and Janet were running, they sure didn't get very far from the van. Kim tries to convince the boys to go back for Janet, but they won't listen. Not yet...keep yapping, Kim. You'll convince them eventually.

At CTU (3:03:29), Jack tries to apologize for his insensitive behavior. He lets her into his confidences, now that he's sure she's not dirty. So, now there are three in on this little sting operation. Funny how only one of them is actually legit. Did I mention that there will be spoilers? There will be spoilers.

Palmer's home. He calls Carl, telling him to work faster. This is called exposition, and the became quite expert at working it into the first few minutes of every episode. You know, for those of us who missed last week, and for those of us who missed the recap of last week. It makes for some awkward situations, especially when it puts someone on the phone with someone they were technically just with or talking to (I just saw an episode from Day Four in which Jack was on the phone with CTU as the episode ended, and then he called them back as the next episode began...he must've been off the phone with them for a max of five seconds). Anyway, Carl has nothing yet, having only left Palmer twenty minutes ago. Sherry comes in, and starts demanding to know where David was. He doesn't want to talk about it. He laughs off the assassination threat.

Back at CTU, Tony calls Jack as he's walking by. He tells Jack about an empty seat in first class, though the manifest shows that the flight was full. Was that Mandy's seat, or Martin's? Probably Martin's. Wouldn't want anyone suspicious about a dead photographer showing up to photograph a presidential candidate, would you? Jack sets Tony to work on that. Nina and Jamey then show Jack an address they pulled off the keycard...18166 San Fernando Road. It shows no good connection to Palmer. As Jamey checks further, Tony looks suspiciously in their direction. He's dirty, I tell ya! Jack decides to check out the address, but as he's about to head out, the system locks down. Division has arrived, and that means our good buddy George Mason! Give a cheer!

Jack heads for an exit while George spews some beaureaucratic nonsense about lockdowns being standard procedure when agents die. As many agents as have died on this show since, I don't quite believe that. Really, they only lockdown when they want to stop Jack from leaving the building. Never works.

An agent is foolish enough to try to keep Jack from leaving, and proves my point as he writhes in agony. 3:09:10, commercial time.

3:13:13. Jack flees, Kim worries, and Mason is taking over CTU. He addresses the crowd, they will be monitored, continue to work, yada yada yada...this is all Tony's fault. Mason receives the news that Jack got away, starts questioning Nina. I can already see the spark of new relationship budding. Not Mason and Nina, but Xander Berkeley and Sarah Chalke. Married a year after meeting on the set of 24, still married.

3:17:34. Palmer is preoccupied. Agent Pierce comes to warn him about the threat on his life. "I get serious threats every morning with my orange juice." Pierce says that an airline exploded an hour and a half ago. Actually, closer to two and a half hours ago, Aaron. We don't know much, but we know they want you dead today, Senator. Palmer won't call off the breakfast later this morning...nobody'd dare try anthing there anyway.

Keith comes in, the Palmer men chat. David misses the opportunity to have a heart to heart.

3:19:09. The van swerves down the road. I notice a lack of rock music here, it's all Callery. Is the party atmosphere gone, or has the show decided to go with one sound for the soundtrack? Kim's still yapping about going to rescue Janet. Unfortunately, she convinces Dan, who decides they need to make sure Janet is dead, so she can't finger them. Kim freaks out, struggles with Rick who's trying to duct tape her mouth shut, he slaps her. And, let's face it...it's horrible what's happening to her, but haven't we all wanted to do that at some point?

Alan and Teri race through the streets, trying to reach their daughters. And it may be 3:20 in the morning, but the LAPD is still out, ALAN. So, Alan gets out of the car, which is never a smart move. Now the cop is really suspicious. As Teri and Alan try to convince him their daughters really are missing, he starts to comment on the fact that they have different last names, Teri's married, Alan isn't, they're out together in the middle of the night...you know, he's kinda sick. He goes to verify that they really did call 911, and Alan decides to get out of the car AGAIN. And now he's under arrest. And Dan's van drives slowly past to silence Janet...that's the second near miss of the night for this storyline. 3:23:48, more commercials.

3:27:51. Dan's determined, Alan's arrested, Teri's terrified, and Mason's meddling. Hey, that was fun! Mason is about to interrogate Nina, and perhaps this is the moment they fell in love. I can imagine the cameras rolling, Mason asking the hard hitting questions, and then asking, "What are you doing tonight at, say, 7:00?" Anyway, Mason wants to know where Jack is, Nina ain't talkin'. Nina plays the bank account card, Mason plays the affair card. No movement.

Jack, meanwhile, is heading for 18166 San Fernando Road (another fictional location, according to Google Maps). It's 3:29:33. He tries to call Teri, who chooses that moment to get out of the car herself, leaving her phone in the car. Jack leaves a message, then pulls into the location, which conveniently has the number grafittied on the wall. He heads into the building, and finds a guy. The guy bolts, Jack chases (I think we just got Jack's first "DI"!), shots are fired, alerting a passing cop. What's she doing alone in this neighborhood at this time of night? Well, Jack's guy runs past, and she only chooses to stop Jack. After he convinces her he's with the government, they go into a dark building. Teri, meanwhile, see's that she missed Jack's call and calls him back. JACK! Phones on silent when chasing an armed suspect! Holy cow, what bush league cop school did you go to? I notice that Teri has AT&T. That's the first overt product placement I've noticed, and there will be others. The phone gives away their location, more shots are fired, Jack and the cop chase the baddie. The cop gets a call that back up is on the way. Jack doesn't want more cops, because they have to play by the rules.

Mason's still harassing Nina at 3:30:16 (!!!!!! It was 3:29 before Jack arrived at the warehouse! That was five minutes ago! That's the worst time error I've seen on this show!). Nina's been with the agency for seven years. Mason tries to convince her that Jack is holding her back. Mason uses the fresh and original "loose cannon" phrase to describe Jack. Nina stands firm, and refuses to say where Jack is. Good for you, Nina. Stick to those morals and ethics we know you have.

Jack and the cop continue through the warehouse.

Back at the warehouse, Jack and the cop continue to track the bad guy. A lone Hispanic janitor trundles through, startling the officers. They manage to get him out of the way just as the bad guy starts shooting again. Jack fires back, then runs after. The cop yells for the janitor to stay there.

3:36:08. Dan's van drives to Janet's location. She has been lying in the middle of the street all this time. Medical is either really slow, or people are really mean. Kim is whining through her duct tape, and Dan holds a gun ot the window, ready to silence Janet. Fortunately, an ambulance chooses that moment to arrive. 3:37:28, more commercials.

3:40:06. Dan is frustrated, Kim is still whining, Teri is trying to call Jack, Jack is trying to catch the bad guy in this HUGE warehouse, and agents from Division are questioning everyone at CTU. Nina finally gets released by Mason, and she goes to warn Jamey, who has changed out of her party outfit and put up her hair. Has it been like that for a while, and I just didn't notice? Forget it, I ain't going back to look. Stinking DVD.

Jack's still searching, the cop's still with him. They hear the bad guy upstairs, then see him through a broken window. He's heading for the other building.

3:41:56. Carl's got a name for Palmer, George Ferragamo, a name Palmer knows. He hangs up, then goes out to find Sherry, who says he's been spending an awful lot of time behind closed doors, making phone calls. Palmer finally comes clean, telling her what Kingsley had to say about Keith possible murdering Nicole's rapist. He also tells her about Ferragamo, who was Keith's therapist. Palmer's now doubting Keith's innocence.

3:44:41. Alan is still sitting cuffed on the curb. The cop finally gets confirmation of the 911 call, and releases Alan and Teri. "That still doesn't justify you disobeying a police officer." This is a cop with power issues. AT LEAST BUCKLE YOUR SEAT BELT, ALAN!

Back up has arrived at the warehouse in the form of a helicopter, and ground units are on the way. Jack still has to catch the bad guy first to claim jurisdiction. He and the cop split up to try and pin the baddie down. They're out in the open...I thought it was on the roof before, but now I think it's an alley. For one thing, they came downstairs. For another, there are dumpsters. Anyway, the helicopter spots Jack, and the baddie takes another shot at him. Meanwhile, the cop bumps into the janitor again, and gets grabbed by the baddie. 3:46:40, the last commercial break.

3:52:26, the final stretch for this episode. The baddie has the cop, Alan and Teri are trying to find Kim, Jamey's awaiting George's interrogation, and Jack is still looking. The baddie yells at Jack to come and get him. They face off, with the baddie holding a gun to the cop. Jack drops his weapon after telling the officer, in Spanish, to move as soon as he does. Jack drops the gun, there's a shot, and Jack tackles the baddie. However, the cop is dead.

Alan and Teri arrive at the location to see an ambulance leaving the scene. 3:52:51. They are playing it loose with the time in this episode. Didn't they check these things? That last scene was longer than 25 seconds. Anyway, they stop to ask a homeless woman about what happened. The woman says a girl was hit by a car, probably went to St. Mark's, didn't look good. So, that's where Alan and Teri are headed next.

Meanwhile, Dan and Rick are delivering Kim to Gaines. Gaines wants to know where Janet is. Dan says that they killed her, and that no one will discover the body.

At CTU, Jamey is about to get questioned by Mason. We get the sense that she's not as strong as Nina, but fortunately, Mason gets called away when he finds out that Jack has been found. 3:57:46.

At the warehouse, the cop is being hauled off, DOA. Jack looks stricken. Over a police band, we hear a report about a pedestrian hit by a vehicle, which I can only assume is Janet. Jack asks the cop's name, which was Jessie Hampton. Jack needs a few minutes with the suspect, who is now a cop killer. Jack tries to reason with the guy, who insists that Jack spring him so he'll talk. And the suspect knows Jack's name. He also knows that Kim is missing. WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT MY DAUGHTER?!? Split screen...Kim is in trouble, Alan and Teri are racing to the hospital, and Sherry and Palmer are concerned. Jack runs off to his car, and takes off for the police station. Hampton's car is still there, lights flashing, door open as Jack speeds away.

3:59:57...3:59:58...3:59:59...4:00:00.

As I think I've said before, I didn't catch all of this episode when it first aired, but I didn't miss another one all year. I wasn't quite hooked yet, but I was close. Since I hadn't seen the previous episodes, I was not aware that Jack did not yet know his daughter was kidnapped. I also didn't know how Janet came to be lying in the street. And I didn't know that Nina had been a suspect only one hour ago. I did manage to catch up, but a few things would have made more sense had I seen those episodes.

DAY ONE: 2:00 am to 3:00 am

Original airdate: November 20, 2001.

The following takes place between 2:00 am and 3:00 am, on the day of the California presidential primary.

We open with a helicopter shot (what else) of Jack racing through the streets of LA, rage coarsing through his veins because he was betrayed by Nina. He stops and calls ahead to CTU, sending a print from the gunman's thumb through his mobile scanner. We get a satellite shot, and that may be the last time we see a satellite. I don't remember, but I'm keeping track. 2 times in the series.

At the end of the last episode, Teri and Alan were going out the doors of the furniture store. That was at least two minutes ago, and now they're still coming out. Must be complicated. Anyway, Teri calls Jack, tells him that Kim called. She also tells him that Kim sounded different, and Jack assumes it's because she knows she's in trouble. They have a difference of opinion about how to handle things, and Jack speaks to Alan, convincing him to stay at the store.

2:05:11. At the Gaines compound, Ira is chewing out Mandy because her courier won't deliver the ID. Ira calls the courier an amateur, and Mandy backhands her when she tries to defend herself. The courier wants more money. Ira insists that Mandy take care of the problem. Mandy looks maaaad. I don't think I'd want to cross her. I don't think I'd want to cross Gaines either.

Meanwhile, the faux photographer is preparing his weapons.

At Palmer HQ, everyone is swarming, trying to figure out where Palmer went. Agent Pierce is only there because the threat on Palmer's life is very serious. Keith wants to go look for his father, but Secret Service won't let him. The Palmer suite is 1439. I know it's not important, but you never can tell when these trivia questions will come up.

At the airport, Dan and Rick have Kim and Janet in their van. We get the first confirmation that Gaines is behind Kim's kidnapping. Rick is concerned about Janet, but Dan doesn't care. Meanwhile, Janet is whining about her broken arm and Kim is trying to comfort her. Rick gives Janet some of Dan's illegal drugs to ease the pain, which does not please Dan. Now, I don't really know anything about freebasing, but that took almost no time to prepare the remedy. Doesn't matter. It worked quickly too. 2:10:38, commercial time.

2:14:53. Jack and Palmer are driving, Kim is comforting Janet. Palmer arrives in a parking garage, and we still don't know what's going on. He has a confrontation with a couple of delinquents that are smashing headlights with bats. The black kid tells Palmer he has to pay to park in that lot, and when Palmer does not, the kid takes a swing at Palmer with the bat, which Palmer catches. And you though Dubya had great reflexes. The kids recognize him and ask what he's going to do for them as President. Palmer asks them what they're going to do for themselves. The black kid then smashes Palmer's back window and runs off, laughing. Stopping the bat hurt Palmer's hand, and while I think it's a different hand than the one that gets poisoned in Season Two, that's an interesting parallel. Did I mention that there will be spoilers? There will be spoilers.

2:17:21. Back at CTU (which really does look like a third rate operation from the outside), Jack is sneaking in to avoid being spotted by Nina, so he can lay a trap. He calls her and tells her that he's close and can she put something on his desk. She goes to his office, getting out of the way so he can talk to Jamey. Jack tells her that Walsh is dead, then asks her to get the info off the keycard. Nina sees Jack, and he waves to her. Jack also asks for certain proof that it was Nina's computer that burned the card. As Jack is going to meet Nina, Tony notices Jack's cuts from crawling on glass.

Jack tries to stall with Nina by investigating the passenger list of flight 221. Nina says there was something weird in first class. Nina wants to know why Jack is shutting her out. Jack asks her if she thinks it's possible that someone in the agency is behind the hit on Palmer, but won't tell her anything. Jack stalls further by asking about her and Tony. Finally, Jamey confirms the keycard came from Nina's computer. Jack excuses Nina, then changes his shirt. That's two wardrobe changes for him today. Jack also gets word that the thumbprint doesn't exist in any record. Commercial #2, 2:23:10.

2:27:42. Dan and Rick get high at the airport, Jack ponders his next move, Palmer waits, and Bridgit (Mandy's courier) tries to convince Mandy that her double cross will work out. The logic finally gets through, and Mandy agrees. The two seal it with a kiss. Now, kisses don't count towards the 24 sex curse, not even lesbian kisses, but I should note that half of the people who engage in lesbian kisses on this show die. Did I mention that there will be spoilers? There will be spoilers.

At the airport, Janet's waking up from her drugged stupor. Janet doesn't believe that Dan would do anything to her until Kim points out the broken arm. The two decide to run, and almost get run down by a small prop plane. I can't believe Kim is trying so hard to haul that huge bag with her.

At CTU, Jamey and Jack debate what to do about Nina. I still say shoot her now and be done with it. Through the conversation, Jack admits to seeing Nina while he and Teri were separated. Jack finally decides to shut down Nina's access.

2:32:29. Kim and Janet have made it to an alley, where they hide and run into a gay prostitute. The prostitute covers for them, then robs them. Kim and Janet then make their way into an old warehouse. Commercial #3, 2:34:47.

2:39:00. Teri's at the furniture store, Jack is conflicted, Kim and Janet are on the run. Palmer's contact finally arrives. Carl. I think of him as the narrator's boss in Fight Club. He's not wearing a tie, cornflower blue or otherwise. Anyway, we finally find out what's going on...that Keith is being accused of killing the boy who raped Nicole, a boy who was previously thought to have committed suicide. Interesting Palmer family history lesson. Palmer is convinced that it's a lie, and he won't put Nicole through that scrutiny again. Carl thinks that Hodges planted it, that must be one of Palmer's competitors. We learn more about Carl, that he is Palmer's side man, the one who does the dirty work. No more now...here comes the Secret Service.

Kim and Janet are in the warehouse, trying to find a phone. Kim says "damn it" when she can't get through a door, using Jack's catch phrase before he does! Or maybe he did already, and I missed it. They wind up in the gay prostitute's space, and he throws them out. This is the second social statement we've seen this episode, after the two kids smashing up cars. Everyone thinks they're living the hardest, that they're the only ones at the bottom.

Nina's making coffee when Jack finally decides to confront her. Jack starts his first interrogation, and it's on his former girlfriend. Now, through the course of this show, just about everyone gets interrogated at one time or another, and Nina will be interrogated more than once. But, this is the first, and Jack is significantly less violent than he can be. Probably because Nina's playing the guilt card. "I didn't do it...and I can't believe that you think I did."

Gaines is transferring the money to an account, and Bridgit is going to take him and Mandy only to the place it is hidden. Mandy frisks Gaines, and he tells her that he's going to miss her. There's a lot of menace in that statement, I wonder if Bridgit caught it.

Kim and Janet are still running. This must be a huge warehouse. Anyway, they see Dan's silhouette and hide. Great suspenseful camera work here. Just one tracking shot showing the girls and hearing Dan. He doesn't even look behind crates. What kind of a tracker is he? Ah, Kim and Janet finally found their way out. Oh good, a strange guy in a back alley with a cell phone. With the way our luck has been going, I'm sure he'll be more than happy to let us make a call. Nope, he wants the money up front. Sorry, girls. Oh, and Janet, if some greasy guy is leering at you and asking your name, don't give it to him. He almost offers the phone, then looks like he's about to grab them and do unspeakable things when the girls are rescued by the gay prostitute! He wasn't such a bad guy after all! Kim grabs the phone and they run, then they stop to watch the gay prostitute take a beating. Well, that's always a good plan. Unfortunately, this time, it allowed Rick and Dan to catch up. As the girls continue to run, commercial #4 arrives. 2:48:21.

2:52:34 finds Kim and Janet running (I sense a theme), Teri waiting, and Palmer riding. At CTU, Tony gets the memo that Walsh died. Jamey doesn't seem too surprised, but allows Tony to investigate while Jack hauls Nina upstairs for further interrogation.

Gaines drives Mandy and Bridgit to a site where Bridgit digs up the ID and hands it over. And, in case you don't know how terrorists work, a gunshot blast takes Bridgit's life so she can't enjoy that million extra dollard. Mandy is in the sights when Gaines once again offers her a job in the summer. This time she accepts, and her life is spared. See you in 18 months, Mandy. Did I mention that there will be spoilers? There will be spoilers.

2:56:05. CTU. Jamey proves that the keycard came from Nina's computer, but Nina proves her alibi. The day it was programmed was the day she and Jack were off weekending together. I knew she wasn't really dirty. How could you, Jack? Start focusing on that Tony guy, he's your man. See, even now he's calling Division to have Jack relieved of his command. What a scumbag.

2:57:29. Kim fires off a call to her mother, rather than the cops. She always shows such good judgment. No, she wants mom to come rescue her, tells the truth. Mom calls the cops, Kim and Janet are running for their lives. At least she's abandoned her bag by now. When did she do that? Let me check...oh, she lost it after the robbery. May I say again...I really hate that this DVD does not have chapters. OK, now this part is weird. Kim guides Janet ahead of her, then she turns to breathe heavily and watch Rick and Dan catch up. Meanwhile, Janet continues to run and gets hit by a car. Please note - when trying to escape kidnappers, don't stop to look, but do look both ways when crossing the street. This is basic information, folks. Anyway, Rick and Dan grab Kim and leave Janet for dead in the street.

No big twists in this episode. Palmer's back to base, Nina's mad at Jack, Jack's mad at himself, Alan and Teri are trying to get to North Hollywood to save their daughters, and Kim is in custody.

And there's Janet, dead in the street...NO WAIT! SHE BREATHED! SHE'S ALIVE! ALIIIVE!

2:59:57...2:59:58...2:59:58...3:00:00.

I missed this episode when it first aired as well. I didn't miss another one for the whole first season, though I think I only caught 3/4 of the next episode. This was a good one, and different because of the social implications. You really get the sense of how the other half lives, but we really don't know anything about that world. Even the gay prostitute was able to help, and might have saved Kim and Janet's lives if they weren't such idiots and always had to look. Anyhoo...I am using a lot of sarcasm in these posts because I know where things are going. I'm trying to mimic some of my own feelings about characters, though I didn't even know Nina was accused of being dirty until I saw these episodes I missed later. I didn't ahve time to build up a dislike for Tony, but I can see how I might have. And it took me awhile to really dislike Kim, but dang - the girl is an idiot. I maintain that if she hadn't snuck out that night, none of this ever would have happened.

While there are problems in this first season, I definitely enjoy it, and I can appreciate it now more for what they were trying to accomplish. Though it looks different than what it eventually became, the groundwork is there, and I'm enjoying this repeated viewing process.

DAY ONE: 1:00 am to 2:00 am

Moving on to episode two of the first season, 1:00 am to 2:00 am. This episode originally aired on November 13, 2001. This episode obviously was filmed well after the pilot since a lot of people have different hairdos. It's not that noticeable if you don't watch 'em back to back, but there it is. Also, the clock was reworked and now sounds like it has ever since.

The following takes place between 1:00 am and 2:oo am, on the day of the California presidential primary.

One complaint that I have about the first season DVD - no "Previously on 24". That's part of the show to me. Oh well. Also, there are no chapters, so you have to fast forward or rewind. It was obviously just thrown together at the last minute to get out before the second season premiered. There's one deleted scene, an alternate ending to the final episode, and a commentary for that scene. That's it for special features. They stepped it up for season two. Anyway...

When last we left Mandy, she was parachuting into the Mojave desert. That's where we find her now, touching down in an area surrounded by flares. At CTU, which really does look like a shack, a much blonder Jack is leading the investigation of the plane explosion, saying that it originated out of Berlin, which is where they thought the shooter was coming from. Now, I remember Tony saying, only four minutes ago, that it looked like a bomb. Now he seems to be reluctant to accept that it's not an accident. I chalk this continuity error up to the months that must have passed between now and the pilot. But now Tony's confronting Jack about Mason's sudden departure. Nina stands up for Jack and comes up with a pretty good lie about how Mason was upset about the agents Jack put away. In case you haven't noticed, Jack doesn't have a very high tolerance for criticism. Nina's words.

Back to the desert where Mandy sits by the burning remains of her evidence. Naked. Oh, the fanboys were drooling over that. Naked Mandy, they called her. Now someone's coming, sho she quickly buries Martin's ID, and gets dressed. She hops in the jeep, and they drive away. But, hey...someone on a motorcycle! They use a tracker to find Martin's ID, and take it.

Back at CTU, Tony is calling Nina's bluff. She's a very good liar, he says. You don't know the half of it, Tony. Did I mention that there will be spoilers? There will be spoilers.

A helicopter shot of Teri and Alan arriving at the furniture store at 1:07:33. They go inside, and Jack calls. Teri says she'll call him back. Alan found an empty condom wrapper next to the bed where Dan and Janet got better acquainted.

Now to the van, where Janet is stoned and in bad shape. Kim threatens her dad on Rick and Dan, which doesn't have the desired effect. I love this intelligent exchange. Rick: "Just chill, OK?" Kim: "You chill."

And now for something completely different. Walsh steps out of an elevator to meet with a CTU informant named Scott. It's 1:09:43. Scott has a CTU keycard with information on it about Palmer. It can pass undetected from place to place. Scott wants out, but Walsh needs him. Scott says he'll stay for 24 hours. That's almost an entire season! Unfortunately for Scott, he only lasts for about 5 seconds before getting shot. Walsh ducks for cover.

Jack is on the phone with Palmer's security team trying to convince them that this is a credible threat. He gets a call from Walsh, requesting backup. Jack is still the only one Walsh can trust. Jack agrees to meet Walsh on the roof at 2350 Dunlop Plaza (which I think is a made up place), but then a gunshot cuts off the call. It's commercial time, at 1:12:56.

Welcome back. It's 1:17:47. Jack is en route to Dunlop Plaza, and Alan and Teri are still at the furniture store. Teri gets a call from Jack. No news on Kim. Jack can't help.

And there's another helicopter shot, this time of Dan's van driving through the streets of LA. Kim promises to tell Dan and Rick's buddies whatever they want. Janet starts having difficulty breathing and Kim tries to make Dan pull over. It doesn't work.

Palmer is watching coverage of the plane crash, which was flight #221 (there's some trivia for you). Palmer's actually waiting for a call from Carl. Now he's apologizing to Sherry, and she's trying to get information out of him. I like this exchange. Palmer: "Today is going to be the second most important day of my life." Sherry: "And what would the first one be?" Palmer: "I think you know." Sherry: "Well, I still like to hear you say it." Palmer: "All right. The most important day of my life..." Cue romantic music. "...was when I hit the game-winning three against DePaul at the Final Four." They seem so in love and supportive. They're gonna last forever. Did I mention that there will be spoilers? There will be spoilers.

Mandy's jeep arrives at the compound. We meet Ira Gaines, the head honcho of the early part of this season, and one of the top baddest baddies in the show's history. He shows Mandy the money. Ira offers her a job over the summer, which she flatly refuses. He'll get the ID soon.

Meanwhile, Jack arrives at Dunlop Plaza. He calls Nina for assistance getting into the building, because if there's anyone you can trust, it's Nina. Tony, meanwhile, traces the call and finds out what was just said. That guy's suspicious, better keep your eye on him. But there's the first appearance of the Cubs mug. Whoo hoo! Commercial #2 at 1:24:55.

We're back at 1:29:07, as Teri and Alan search for clues, Nina and Tony sit around looking furtively around, and Jack races up the stairs to the roof. That's a pretty tall building, hope he's in good shape. He gets there, and looks for Walsh. Walsh jumps out at him, but neither shoot each other. That's good. Walsh is wounded. There could be up to three shooters, you say? Perfect.

Mandy, who apparently enjoys being naked, is washing up when a man who looks remarkably like the photographer she just blew up walks in. Plastic surgery is a wonderful thing, though he should dye his hair again.

1:31:19, and Tony is looking for Jack, or trying to bully Nina into confessing something. Nina pulls rank on him, and then Tony plays the man card for their relationship outside CTU.

Jack and Walsh are still trying to get out of the building. They reach a good stopping place and try to dress Walsh's wound. Walsh blames himself for Scott's death, and Jack says that he owes Walsh his life. I wonder what that story is. They start to make a break for it when...oh, drat! There's someone in that room! Well, here we go...the first gun battle in 24 history! Let's crawl over some broken glass, and get behind some cover. Look around...there's one! Jack killed him! His first kill on 24! Sent the guy through a window too! There should be one more...there! I can't tell if Jack or Walsh killed him. I'll give it to Jack since we saw the guy get hit after Jack's shots. But, they both fired a lot of bullets. So, that's 2 for Jack. He says he's going to go ID the guy they just shot, and cuts off the guy's thumb. Pretty extreme, there, Jack. At least it wasn't his head. Did I mention that there will be spoilers? There will be spoilers.

1:36:58. The mysterious motorcyclist arrives at Gaines' compound. It's a girl! She give Gaines a photograph of the ID. She wants more money for the ID! Idjit! Gaines is not a patient man, as we'll see. Mandy doesn't look too happy either. Commercial #3, 1:38:38.

So, over the break, we've gotten to 1:42:45. Kim's in the van (she doesn't have a lot to do this episode...that seems familiar), Palmer's at work, Alan and Teri are at the furniture store. Seeing Teri in this shot, it looks like there's someone else there. No, Teri's just standing by a mirror. She found a work schedule, but it's not really useful. She calls CTU to try and get Jack to find the owner's number, but has to get it from Nina.

Back at the Palmer camp, the Palmer kids (Keith and Nicole) return from their rally and pizza run. Keith said that Green Day was there, and played The Time of Your Life. This, I doubt. The song is actually called Good Riddance, and was actually intended to be a nose thumb at their critics. But, maybe. Meanwhile, Palmer gets a call from a guy named Carl. Palmer doesn't want to talk over the phone, which means we'll have to wait another episode to find out what's going on.

Teri and Alan clean up the store, blah blah. It's 1:42:21. Nina got the number. Teri calls, no answer.

Back to the Palmer camp, and Aaron Pierce is in the house! The only person, besides Jack, to appear in every season of 24. Pierce needs to speak to Palmer. Palmer is gone. Pierce reveals that there will be an attempt on Palmer's life. Palmer is currently in the garage, about to hop in an SUV and take off. This strains credulity a bit, but oh well. Commercial #4, 1:48:44.

Final stretch, 1:53:09. Alan comforts Teri, Palmer drives, Jack and Walsh slide out the garage to escape. Wasn't there a possible third shooter? Oh yeah, there he is. Walsh is hit, and becomes the first "major" character (i.e. someone to last more than one episode) to bite it in this show. Walsh gives the keycard to Jack, tells him they can trust Jamey. Really? We can? Okay, but I think Nina's the one we should trust. The card will reveal the dirty agent. Who knows who the third shooter was, but Jack didn't get him this time. Jack races through the streets of LA, fighting the tears, running red lights and not caring. We get a helicopter shot of his tear down the roads. It's 1:54:53.

Jack calls Jamey, who has let her hair down since episode one. Jamey says that Jack can send her the keycard data on his car's mobile scanner. The scanner is just the perfect size too.

1:56:36, and Dan's van arrives at a small airport. Janet's unconscious. Dan wants Kim to call her mom and say that everything's OK. Kim won't do it, so Dan breaks Janet's arm with a crowbar. Kim calls, and tearfully tells her mother that she's fine, she's at a party, she's sorry and that she loves her. That made Mommy suspicious.

Jamey's got a match on the keycard. It's Tony, right? Let's see...it's NINA MYERS! NO WAY! SHE WAS THE ONLY PERSON I THOUGHT I COULD TRUST! SHE BETRAYED ME AND EVERYONE ELSE! JACK, GET BACK TO CTU AND KILL HER ON SIGHT! IT'LL MAKE LIFE EASIER!

Ahem. Sorry. Got carried away. But here's the final split screen, showing Nina in blissful ignorance, Kim terrified, Palmer on the move, Teri and Alan leaving the furniture store, and Jack in shock. And finally, we see our fake photographer blow away an egg.

1:59:57...1:59:58...1:59:59...2:00:00.

I didn't see this episode when it originally aired. In fact, I didn't see it at all until FX ran an all day 24 marathon on Labor Day 2002. Yes, I stayed up to see the episodes. I didn't watch all day, but I did for most of it. I missed episode three as well, so it was good to see the points I missed. In all, this was an enjoyable episode and featured the first of the really tense action sequences the show became known for. So, let's see what happens next time.

Season Seven - First Thoughts

As well as recapping and analyzing the first six seasons, I'm also going to give my thoughts on the current season. I'm not going to do an analysis of the season since, well, I don't have the DVDs that I can pause whenever I want to. But I do think it'll be good to say what I think.

I've been worried about the show for awhile...Season Six was not very good. It had its moments, but the general flow felt too derivative. Most of it felt like a rehash of previous seasons - the third nuclear plot masterminded by Islamic extremists in the show's history. And there was a lot of potential there - Jack versus the Russians, Chinese, and Muslims, but it was mostly ridiculous. The element of Jack's extended family was also just not good. So, I was glad to hear they were retooling the show. It worked well in season four when they took things in a new direction, so it was time. I was worried, though. I felt like the writers might be losing their touch.

I was not happy about the WGA strike that postponed 24's return until January of 2009. At least, not at first. As I thought about it, this gave the writers plenty of time to make sure that this season was right. So my expectations have never been higher for the show. I will continue to watch as long as it is on, I will say that, but I reserve the right to say bad things.

On to Season Seven. We start out with Jack on trial for torturing suspects. He gets sprung by the FBI, who need his help in capturing Tony Almeida, a man everyone thought was dead. Jack does capture Tony, but not before Tony causes a near miss collision at an arport and then gives a device that circumvents Homeland Security's firewall to an African terrorist. Tony then turns out to be working undercover with Bill Buchanan and Chloe O'Brien, so Jack joins them. At the end of episode four, he and Tony have gone undercover with a terrorist cell that is trying to kidnap a high ranking African official.

First and foremost, Tony. We all thought he died in Season Five. I rewatched the episode, and no, he did not get the silent clock in the episode where he died. And if I accept that Jack has been thought dead and revived twice, I have to accept that Tony could have been revived. So I'm OK with this. I was worried we'd have an Ian Malcolm situation from The Lost World (the book). At the end of Jurassic Park, he was dead, and they were discussing the burial of his body. It was slightly vague, but it seems to me that he was dead at the island, and still dead when they got to the mainland. There's no way he could have been revived. Oh no, Malcolm says in The Lost World, I was only sort of dead. That ruined my enjoyment of the book. I find Tony's resurrection much more plausible.

So Tony, Bill, and Chloe (and Jack) are working outside of the law right now, which is how it should be. CTU III (CTU I was seasons 1-3, CTU II was seasons 4-6) is a bare bones operation, and it's all you need. Well, maybe you need Edgar too. I miss Edgar.

I really like that we have a unique terror situation here. We have African terrorists, trying to control our infrastructure with a complex device. There's a lot of potential there, a lot of things this device can be used for. I like it a lot.

The FBI adds a different twist. Agent Walker seems to developing into the female Jack, and Janene Garafolo seems to be the FBI version of Chloe with slightly more personality. I am a bit surprised to see Garafolo on the show, knowing her liberal leanings and this show about torture. There also seems to be a lot of comedy in these first few episodes. There is a definite parody feel, especially with the way the FBI is interacting with Jack. The director made some comment, oh, this is where you walk up to me and glare at me and I'm supposed to feel intimidated. I think it was the director. It was funny. Also, Jack being on trial for his actions really puts a nice spin on things. He's willing to be helpd accountable, but he's unwilling to compromise on what he believes to be the only way to do things.

So, I'm definitely digging Season Seven so far. I'll post more as they air. I don't watch previews, so don't spoil anything for me. If my assessments are off according to what you know from the previews, I don't care. Thanks for reading!

DAY ONE: 12:00 am to 1:00 am

Welcome to the Twenty-Force, a blog that looks at my favorite show, 24. Over time, I'm planning on doing an analysis of each episode in the show's history. We'll start at the very beginning. Day One. Midnight. The episode originally aired on November 6, 2001, approximately a month after its original airdate. The show was pushed back due to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and some changes were made to the storyline because of it. But let's jump in...the clock is ticking.

The following takes place between midnight and 1:00 am on the day of the California presidential primary.

So, here we are in Kuala Lampur, just after 4:00 in the afternoon (midnight in LA). People are milling about, and a suspicious looking guy sneaks into a room. He logs onto his computer amd requests permission to transmit. He sends some information, and we get a look at an orbiting satellite. Now, this is interesting, because I don' think 24 ever used this type of shot again. We are getting treated to the first views of the signature split screen. Now the info is being broadcast across the world, and we hear someone pounding on the door in Kuala Lampur. He looks over his shoulder, and is never seen again. 24's first casualty? We'll never know.

Los Angeles, 12:02:11 am. A helicopter flies over the sleeping city. Richard Walsh is at a dinner party when he receives a call. There will be an attempt today on Senator David Palmer. Who's that, you may wonder?

Palmer's campaign headquarters. Turns out he's running for president. And he's black. We meet him, his wife Sherry, and his speechwriter Patty. All seems to be well. So, let's go meet the Bauers.

Jack and his daughter Kim are playing chess in what is probably this family's last happy moment ever. Kim begins bad mouthing her mother, and Jack sends her to bed. Kim's glad Jack moved back in? Marital difficulties already? We meet Teri, Jack's wife, and they discuss difficult teenage girls. They decide to go confront Kim about trying to drive a wedge between them, and find that...gasp...she's gone! A car zooming away! Drat that willful teen! Grounded! Rahr! A phone call for Jack. It's Nina. He's needed at the office. Jack has to go.

Jack calls shirtless guy, who is amazingly flippant with Jack Bauer. I don't think he's frightened enough. But, he doesn't know where Kim is, and gives Jack his word. "That's a real comfort, Vincent," Jack says, "knowing that I've got your word." That's good. Especially since Jack throws his word around all the time in the life of the series.

Noticeable so far is the use of non orchestral music. It's mostly rock. This will definitely change through the series as Sean Callery plays a larger role as the composer.

Definitely a focus on clocks, as a big analog clock ticks to 12:07 as Kim and Janet drive by. They're heading to meet a couple of guys at a furniture store.

Jack calls CTU, pulling up beside a David Palmer ad on the side of a bus. Hmmm.

Now at CTU, we meet Nina, Jamey, and Tony. No one is enthusiastic about being there.

Jack pulls into the parking lot at 12:09:43. Five minutes from home to work. Traffic must be great in LA! He calls Teri as he comes in, and passes through security. This is one of the only times we get to see the front door. Now, after season three, CTU was remodeled, and wow, it looks so primitive in these shots. Apparently, everyone is here except Walsh. Jack starts asking for background of David Palmer's staff, acting on a hunch that this is about him. Tony doesn't want to because people might think it's because he's black. It is because he's black, makes him a target. That's an order, Tony. Follow it. Please.

Especially in the first season, the directors really liked helicopter shots. We see Janet and Kim arrive at the furniture store in the first one. Janet and Dan go inside, and Kim gets paired with good ole Rick. It's party time in a furniture store. Gasp! That statue's naked! Let's dance on the table! I haven't even had any drugs yet!

Hey, there's Maureen Kingsley on the Late Night News! Polls open at seven, which means we should be seeing some election action in seven episodes! But, Walsh has arrived at CTU, so let's hear what this is about. An attempt on David Palmer's life! How...expected. There's only five people in this room...CTU is a pretty understaffed operation, you ask me. Let's find out who's behind it, and let's stop it!

So, there may be an element inside the agency working against us? My money's on Tony. We also learn that Jack is a snitch, but he's the only one Walsh can trust. And George Mason is coming from Division. But don't trust anybody.

A triple split screen. We gotta find the shooter, Walsh says. Is the shooter on that plane? Ooh, that's an ominous looking foreign gut. Bet it's him. And the first commercial break at 12:20:07. The clock has a different sound in this episode than in any other.

And we're back. Only two and a half minutes over that commercial break, so it's now 12:22:51. Usually, it's about five. The first use of the signature "where is everyone right now" split screen, with Kim at the furniture store, Teri snooping in Kim's room, and Jack walking around looking tough.

Back to the Palmer camp. Patty gets a call from the photographer...it's that creepy foreign guy! Not only is he a terrorist, but he has a clear way in! Scum! Although I think he's name dropping to get the attention of the hot chick sitting next to him. It's working, she seems intrigued.

We're in CTU, and Nina is feeling left out of the Jack-Walsh conspiracy. Come on, Jack. If there's anyone you can trust, it's Nina! Phone call for Jack. It's Teri. She found some pot in Kim's bedroom. Teenagers. Jack wants to break into her e-mail, but Kim has her own password because the Bauers trust her.

Kim flirting with Rick on the roof of the furniture store. And she's telling him that her father is dead. Liar! Bad girl!

We have the arrival of George Mason at CTU. Last I saw of him, he was crashing into the ocean aboard Air Force One, after assisting Russian terrorists in that plane's hijacking. Didn't anyone check this guy's credentials? He provides some exposition - foreign shooter, arriving today, blah blah. Mason hands over some data, but won't give Jack the source. He also reveals a bit of a negative opinion of Senator Palmer. Jack asks for the info again, and Mason calls "Chappelle", when in actuality, he's checking the time. I must say, this episode is pretty creative about bringing the clock in. Anyway, now Jack is angry, and you wouldn't like Jack when he's angry. He pulls the old "tranqulizer gun in a binder trick", returns, and shoots Mason in the leg. Jack suspects that Mason took some money in a bust, and wants to Nina to get that information so he can use it for leverage. Aww, and Jack sees a picture in Kim's notebook, a happy Bauer family. Second commercial, at 12:34:22.

Welcome back, at 12:38:39. The photographer and Kim are flirting in their respective locations, and Jack and Palmer are ard at work. The phone startles Teri into dropping hot tea all over her feet. It's Alan York, Janet's dad. He wants to know if Teri knows anything.

Nina got the info, but it's encrypted. Jack wants her to get Tony to solve it, saying that Tony will do anything for Nina. I had forgotten those two were involved until now. Poor guy. Anyway, Tony's not too wild about the idea, especially since Jack and Nina also have a history. I remembered that one. Tony's very cold to Jack in this early part of the season, but he'll warm up.

Meanwhile, Jack is enlisting Jamey to hack into Kim's e-mail. His home number, if you care, is 310-555-3067. Don't bother dialing it, no real numbers are used in the show. Not until season four. I think season four.

Kim and Rick are making a real connection, and kiss on the stairs. Meanwhile, Janet and Dan have gone a little further and are getting busy. That's one of the advantages to partying in a furniture store. Ready to use beds.

By the way, beware of the 24 sex curse. 3 of the 4 people who have sex in this episode end up dead. Did I mention that there will be spoilers? There will be spoilers.

At 12:43:04, the photographer and the hot chick are still flirting.

Palmer looks tired, taking a break. He and his wife kid around, then Palmer gets a phone call. Maureen Kingsley. She has an important story...an allegation! Uh oh! No clue on what it is...gotta save some suspense. The first signs of marital strife as Palmer closes the patio door on Sherry. Commercial #3, at 12:46:52.

The final stretch begins at 12:49:11. Teri is lost, Palmer is contemplative, Kim and Rick are making out, and the photographer/hot chick seem to be close. At CTU, Mason's still out, but Jack is sticking to his guns even though nothing has been found yet. He's a man of principle, he explains. You can't compromise, not even once. Jack had put away three of his own people for taking bribes, but they weren't bad guys. They just compromised. Once. This always makes me think of Johnny Dangerously, and Joe Piscopo with his "You shouldn't hit me, Johnny. My father hit my once. Once." running gag.

Teri calls Alan, having discovered where Kim and Janet went. Alan offers to tag along. Sure, why not. The more the merrier. It's not like you're some psychopathic criminal playing out some sort of fiendish plot designed to get me and my daughter in custody so you can blackmail my husband into assisting in a prominent senator's assasination. Did I mention that there will be spoilers? There will be spoilers.

But too late! The kids are leaving the furniture store. Rick offers to drop Kim off at home on their way to a party. So much heartache, Kim. Why didn't you just stay home like a good little girl? None of this ever would have happened!

It's 12:52:46, and the photographer and his lady friend are getting busy in the bathroom. Only took three and a half minutes from the last time we saw them. They finally introduce themselves...he's Martin, she's Mandy. He doesn't offer to call while he's in LA. He'll probably be too busy trying to assassinate the president. What a sleaze.

Tony got into the account, and now Jack has his info. He uses it on Mason, and Mason gives up his source. You'll live to regret this, Jack! Mason threatened Jack! Wow! Nobody threatens Jack and lives past, oh, another season and a half! Did I mention that there will be spoilers? There will be spoilers.

So, Martin is asleep, and Mandy crawls over him to get out. Wow, that was fast. In the span of about five minutes, the guy managed to join the Mile High Club and get in a nap. Unbelievable. Those terrorists, you know.

Anyway, Mandy staggers back into the galley, and STABS A FLIGHT ATTENDANT IN THE NECK WITH A NEEDLE! BETCHA NEVER SAW THAT COMING! THE HOT CHICK IS THE TERRORIST, AND YOU PEOPLE ALL THOUGHT IT WAS THE PHOTOGRAPHER! HAHAHA! WHAT A SILLY MISTAKE! THE BLOOD OF EVERYONE ON THAT PLANE IS ON YOUR HANDS!

Ahem. Sorry. Anyway, Mandy pulls out a cleverly concealed bomb in a fire extinguisher, puts on a flight suit, sets the bomb to go off in thirty seconds, blows the door off the plane, and jumps. Wearing a parachute of course. Oh, and through all this, Martin is looking for his wallet, which, of course, was stolen by Mandy. Quite a diversion just so she could be a pickpocket, I must say.

And we don't get to see the plane explode. It happens, you hear it, it gets reported, but you don't see it. It was played down as a major plot point in later episodes as well, since the post 9/11 climate was so sensitive.

Meanwhile, at 12:57:22, Jack calls Teri, who is out with Alan. Bad reception. Well, Jack is about to split when the news about the plane breaks.

In the party van, Janet is stoned, and Dan is not taking Kim home. Rick is complicit. Uh oh. What mess have you gotten into now, Kim? And Dan runs a red light, almost plowing into the car carrying Teri and Alan! Aww, so close! And so, we get the final quadruple split screen, with Palmer, Jack, Kim, Teri, and Alan all looking worried. You don't have any idea. And meanwhile, Mandy parachutes into the Majave Desert. That's weird. She's been free falling for two and a half minutes. I'd think she'd be a pancake by now. But, there it is.

12:59:57...12:59:58...12:59:59...1:00:00.

And so ends episode one of season one. I watched it when it premiered, enjoyed it, was not hooked. Not yet. And it was a pretty good episode. There were a few things that indicate the show was going in a different direction than it ended up, but it was mostly good. It definitely sets up the rest of the first half very well.