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.