Let's Talk About "24"

Whether or not you consider this to be soap opera material, I thought I would give you a taste of something different. Premiering on November 6, 2001, on the FOX Television Network, "24" was created by Joel Surnow and Robert Cochran, and is produced by Imagine Television.

Each season highlights the events, during a 24-hour period, in the life of federal agent Jack Bauer, played by Kiefer Sutherland, as he tries to prevent one or more domestic terrorist attacks, set in Los Angeles, in real time. The show also follows Jack's colleagues at the elite Counter Terrorist Unit or CTU at the Los Angeles office.

In the First Season, on the day of the California Primary, the clock ticks as we follow, Jack Bauer, played by Kiefer Sutherland, head of the government's elite Counter-Terrorist Unit or CTU, who tries to stop an assassination attempt on an African-American presidential candidate, Senator Palmer, played by Dennis Haysbert.

The Second Season follows Jack Bauer one year or so after he helped save the life of President-elect, now President, David Palmer, played by Dennis Haysbert. No longer involved with CTU, and still mourning the death/murder of his wife, Jack is hardened and emotionally detached. These conflicts have also driven he and his daughter, Kim, played by Elisha Cuthbert, apart.

In the Third Season, the FBI receives a phone call threatening the release of a deadly virus in Los Angeles - a disease ridden body - proof that terrorists have a bio-weapon and are willing to use it. As CTU races to locate the virus, Jack Bauer realizes he has to take extraordinary steps to prevent a disaster.

In the Fourth Season, CTU has a new leader, a steely government agent, who made firing Jack Bauer one of her first priorities. After the explosion of a commuter train, Jack, who is now working for Secretary of Defence James Heller, played by William Devane, finds himself heading back to CTU for a meeting with Driscoll, played by Alberta Watson.

In Season Five, Ex-President Palmer is shot dead, while speaking with his brother. Michelle is blown up in her car, while racing to inform Jack of her suspicions. Tony witnesses the explosion and rushes out to rescue her, when another explosion takes his life.

Michelle died instantly, but Tony was left in critical condition. President Logan prepared himself to meet with the Russian president and sign a treaty but refused to postpone it, even though the Russian president may also be a target. This season’s shocker was that fact that Chloe actually had a great night with one the employees under her command. Meanwhile, Kiefer is hiding somewhere outside Los Angeles, under an assumed name, while remaining close enough to come to the rescue, when Chloe calls him for help.

I've always liked Kiefer Sutherland, especially in the 1987 vampire flick, "The Lost Boys." His father, Donald Sutherland, isn't a bad actor either. Did you see him in the film, "A Time to Kill?" Furthermore, "24" is the winner of several Emmy and Golden Globe Awards. Also, Season Six returns in January 2007. I will definitely be watching!