Unless they have some big surprises up their collective sleeve, I will have to conclude that the writers and producers of "24" are objectively pro-torture.
For a few moments, I actually thought this would be the night that the show's freewheeling, knee-capping, finger-busting torturers might have to endure some consequences for their actions.
Disapproval is mounting on several fronts. President Flopsweat is shocked, SHOCKED that Jack would dare to use force to obtain Marwan's location in direct violation his orders. The Girlfriend is disappointed. Jack has no defense for his actions stronger than "I did what I had to do," but even he doesn't sound convinced. Secret Service agents are on their way to arrest Jack for disobeying the prez.
Then, in one swift, gravity-defying move, all the pieces rearrange themselves.
The Secret Service gets in the way of the mission to nab Marwan. Marwan escapes. Jack scolds the Secret Service guy.
- Jack: You blew this mission!
Secret Service Guy: Just following orders. Assume the position.
- President Flopsweat: How could you idiots let Marwan get away? WTF?
Buchanan From Division: Mr. "President," Jack was fixin' to clap the cuffs on him when your Secret Service guys made him stop so he could come out and get arrested! That's how Marwan got away!
President Flopsweat (tugging at collar): Well... I mean... that's not what I...
Buchanan From Division: Yeah, whatever. I gotta get back to work.
Mike Novick: What now, Mr. "President?"
President Flopsweat: How the @#*! should I know?
Mike Novick: David Palmer is the only man who can save us now.
Meanwhile, I think this season may have jumped the shark. Not the series, necessarily, just the season.
Anybody with a functioning brain stem could tell that something was up when Buchanan From Division ordered Chloe into the field to examine the gorgeous Iranian woman's boyfriend's laptop. Did anybody think those two CTU goons with her were going to survive the scene, by the way? Seriously. I mean, I'm waiting for the writers to actually start outfitting them with red shirts and tricorders. You'd be safer with a mall security guard.
Anyway, so there's Chloe with the hot Iranian woman and the two CTU Ensign Johnsons. The CTU goons get killed and the killer chases the women outside and tries to shoot them through the bulletproof glass, but he can't because it's bulletproof. So, he tries to smash them up with his 1980s vintage SUV. Here comes the angry neighbor. "What are you people doing? I'm trying to sleep!" Killer shoots neighbor.
I'm still with them through all of this, understand. I can suspend an enormous amount of disbelief. I never try to solve the mystery before the movie is over. I never used to look for the shadow of the crane when Steve Austin was lifting a car off of somebody. I will watch an episode of Law & Order for, like, the four-dozenth time and still wait on pins and needles for the verdict. I like immersing myself in the world inhabited by the characters.
But, there is a point at which even I say "enough." That point is when I see basketcase Chloe, who has spent the last 15 minutes whining about how she's not a field agent, how scared she is to be in the field, muttering "where are the keys, where are the keys, please, God, where are the keys," manage, under extreme duress to unlock the assault rifle, dismount the vehicle while it is being smashed by the 1980s SUV, summon the composure to locate the safety and disengage it and THEN fire a dozen rounds into a six-inch circle on the windshield of the killer's truck from about ten feet away. That's where you lose me.
And, if you don't accept that as the moment that the season jumped it, just wait until next week when Jack, apparently, invades China.
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