24 - TV Fanatic

Producer Speaks on Series Finale, 24 Movie and More

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Tue, 25 May 2010 14:10:05 EST

Did 24 make up this season as it went along? Yes.

Did Jack Bauer cross a line he'd never crossed before? Yes.

In a new interview with Entertainment Weekly, producer Howard Gordon gets credit for his candid answers, admitting that he had "no idea" the Russians were behind Hassan's murder until the last minute.

Below, he looks behind (to the series finale) and also looks ahead to the inevitable 24 movie...

On President Taylor's dark side: My initial impulse, and our initial impulse, was that there was no more story to tell... we needed [Taylor] mostly to tee-up Omar Hassan, and help ennoble him as a character. So the idea was always to have her at the edges of the stage, teeing up this character, and as it turned out, she became a profound player in the drama. It’s not just the death of Renee so much as it is the deprivation of justice that gets Jack to this place. I think it’s really important to look at those two as being a flip side to the same coin.

On all the season eight killings: That’s not what we set out to do but there was a kind of a go-for-broke aspect to this year, so we felt freer to do some extreme behavior, some extreme things. I really hope that we never merged into the place where it was gratuitous, or sensational, or hysterical. I felt like the deaths that occurred were ones that were justified by the story.

On the Pavel torture scene: That was a combination of a conversation with Kiefer and a way to dramatize that Jack had actually stepped over the line, and had gone to a red zone. We knew it was going to be a risk. Kiefer really went for it. It was a grotesque ballet that he wound up dancing.

On Jack falling for Renee: The human connections that Jack has really makes the seasons stronger. What he wants, and who he wants it with, is really important. In the end, her involvement in what was happening, and her redemption to herself in what was happening, became the very center and the reason why Jack goes back to pick up the gun again.

On Jack going off the rails: That was very much designed from the beginning. How it would end, however, was something that was really unknown. I saw a little bit further ahead than I generally do, and we wanted to knit Jack and Renee together, only to take them apart, and for that to have a really profound effect on Jack. That’s about as far as we knew in the broad strokes.

On the 24 movie: I’ll be a producer on it. There is a draft that is in. No one is in a position right now to know when or what the movie will be, exactly. Now that the TV show is over, the movie will be it’s own thing.

24 Finale Review: Shut It Down...

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Tue, 25 May 2010 07:01:11 EST

The following review takes place between 6:40 a.m. and 7:01 a.m. Words are written in real time...

In the end, 24 saved its best for last. Not the last episode of this inconsistent season; but the last two hours in the history of this iconic, influential series.

After weeks of complaining about the revenge-fueled monster Jack Bauer had become, I was thrilled to see the show stop and acknowledge just how far over the edge he had gone. When Jason Pillar stitched our hero up and ran down the murderous measures the latter had taken recently, Jack defended his actions as necessary because justice had to be served.

But he quickly realized he might not have been serving it in the proper way. Hence, his decision to let Pillar live.

It took Chloe, of course, the one person who has always had Jack's back (as he later acknowledged) to truly talk sense into sense into Bauer. His suicidal mission to execute the Russian President may have seemed extreme to new 24 viewers, but those of us that have been along for the entire ride are aware of just how pained and damaged a man Jack is.

This wasn't the first time he considered ending his own life. With the exception of Kim and Chloe, he's lost everyone he's ever been close to, often as collateral damage to his own actions.

Creatively, I've maintained that the best way for 24 to conclude would be for Jack to die a heroic death. This was never a possibility because we all know a 24 movie is on the way, which did remove a modicum of suspense from the last few minutes.

That option off the table, the drama gave Jack the best send-off it could. Here's why:

He was alone in his final moments. There was no one around. This fit the profile of a man whose actions and decisions have resulted in a lonely existence.
We watched his final scene via CTU technology. Even this small detail was appropriate, as 24 was the first show to rely on gizmos and gadgets to get important jobs done.
Jack's conversation with the President made it clear that his job something had changed. Not just because she told him the authorities would be on the way; but because he never addressed her as "Madame President." He never thanked her for the call. This is a man that has been respectful of the most powerful office in the world for years... but the actions by his own government this season finally broke his faith in many ways. Leaving the country is likely the best thing for his wounded psyche, as well as his freedom.
It ended with Chloe saying "shut it down." The series could have chosen to reunite Jack with Kim, but it acknowledged what we all have known for years: a show heavy in action and suspense has remained grounded in the unusual relationship that developed between Jack and this CTU programmer. Expect Mary Lynn Rajskub to receive an Emmy nomination, as the concluding moments of 24 were as much an opportunity for her to shine as they were for Kiefer Sutherland.

Let's also stop and give props to Cherry Jones. Someone finally remembered the show is dealing with a Tony Award winner here and gave Jones plenty of solid material in her scenes with Dalia Hassan. She was outstanding.

And, with that, the clock has run out on this review. While 24 has lost a bit of momentum and creativity over the last couple seasons, it will go down in history as one of the most unique, well-produced shows to ever air. Jack Bauer isn't going too far. We'll see him on the big screen soon.

But events won't unfold in real time there, a sobering thought for those of us that have set our Monday nights according to a certain ticking clock for eight seasons now.

WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THE EPISODE?

24 Series Finale Promo: The End of an Era

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Tue, 18 May 2010 11:06:29 EST

For weeks now, we've railed against the depiction of Jack Bauer as a selfish, vengeful murderer; while also bashing recent episodes of 24 for setting up a storyline that lacks any suspense or urgency.

You can read all about these takes in our section of 24 reviews.

Still, the end of a series we've followed for eight seasons is jarring. The four-hour, two-night premiere of 24 each January has been a staple in our lives for years. It will be sad to say goodbye next week.

But we must, as the following promo for the series finale teases: Be there for the end of an era, the final twists, the final turns, and the biggest surprise ending of them all...

Series Finale Preview

24 Review: Jack Shoots Secret Service Agents

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Tue, 18 May 2010 06:53:09 EST

It's been building for weeks, but 24 finally went off its rocker this week.

During the 1 p.m. hour, Jack Bauer opened fire on secret service agents. This bears repeating, in all capital letters: JACK BAUER OPENED FIRE ON SECRET SERVICE AGENTS.

Apologists will echo Chloe and claim Jack was only shooting to wound, but I have a feeling that, also like Chloe, they won't be able to muster this defense with a great deal of gusto. He was in an enclosed area, with an automatic weapon, his vision affected by a mask and people were trying to kill him. Even if you wish to believe Jack was capable of using non-lethal force in this situation, are we supposed to defend him for shooting loyal American servants in the legs and shoulders?

It was an utterly ridiculous scene. It was cartoonish. Akin to a comic book movie. A really, really bad comic book movie.

The writers have somehow forgotten how to write Jack as a dark, layered hero - and just turned him into a vengeful murderer.

Something is definitely wrong when you hear CTU has changed its orders to "shoot to kill" for Jack and you think: yup, that makes perfect sense.

In order for a storyline to possess actual resonance and suspense, we must consider what would happen if Jack fails, right? This should be a terrifying thought that causes us to side with Jack and understand his actions. So let's do that. If Jack fails...

... a worthless peace treaty will be signed.

That's it. The Russian President could still be brought to justice, one could easily argue, in a few weeks. There's no rationale explanation for why this is such an urgent mission. Instead of killing innocent Americans (yes, that's what Bledsoe, the dude torturing Dana was a couple weeks ago was: just a guy following the President's orders) AND Russians (pretty sure not everyone in that Russian delegate's office was in on Hassan's murder), Jack could simply wait a bit and the Russians could be brought to justice at a later date.

What would be the downfall of this delay? A useless peace treaty? Isn't that what we already have?

Now, consider the opposite: If Jack succeeds...

... the peace treaty will fail, the Russian government and the American government will both be brought down.

Please, someone tell me again why this is the course of action we should be cheering for?

Can anyone truly say they are excited for next week's finale? We know Jack isn't gonna die, as Kiefer Sutherland (who is doing all he can with this junk, hence the lack of a zero-star rating for the episode) has told anyone who will listen that a 24 movie is in the works.

So we can add Jack's life to the list of those that aren't at stake.

It would be one thing if President Taylor were covering up a murder she had something to do with. Then, like Logan when he was in the White House, she'd be an actual threat Jack must take down. But she learned about the Russians' involvement after Hassan was dead, and even then she didn't have any evidence.

She's clearly taken illegal, unethical actions ever since, but was she supposed to delay the peace treaty signing in order to pursue leads? Of course not. Sign the document, then follow up on the allegations and use back channels to bring down those involved if proof points in their direction. It's really pretty simple.

Instead, Renee was killed, Jack got angry over a woman he's literally known for two days and 24 turned into a show where there are no good guys. There aren't even morally grey guys.

There's simply a former hero who is heading into his final act with personal motivations overtaking loyalty to his country. He's the anti-Jack Bauer. It's all very depressing.

24 Promo: How Far Will Jack Bauer Go to Get the Truth?

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Tue, 11 May 2010 10:17:30 EST

If Jack Bauer has proven one thing on this season of 24, it's that he doesn't care about justice or peace or even the sanctity of human life.

The man just wants revenge for Renee's murder.

Even though Fox hammers this point home on the following promo, readers still take exception to our critique of season nine, such as the review of this week's episode, which calls into question whether or not Jack is actually acting like a hero these days.

Our take: of course not! He's acting in his own self interests, even putting innocent lives at stake without any greater good in mind.

We're happy to debate this point with readers, but we also must warn them about the preview below. It gives away a major development on next week's episode. Watch at your own risk...

Coming for Logan

24 Review: Jack Gets (Gross) Revenge

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Tue, 11 May 2010 07:21:10 EST

The following review takes place between 7:01 a.m. and 7:22 a.m. Words are written in real time...

Before we get to the plot holes of the noon hour of 24, we must celebrate the return of some classic Jack Bauer torture. Hooray for blow torches and knife wounds! It had been way too long since Jack went all, well, Jack on someone.

We're not sure what it says about Kiefer Sutherland that he plays these scenes so well, but the actor deserves Emmy consideration again for the way he can make Jack both violent and vulnerable at the same time.

Still, we can't shake the notion that Jack is NOT acting heroic during this interrogation. He scarcely even pretends to be, screaming at Pavel for information on the man that wanted Renee dead, as opposed to the man that organized Hassan's murder.

Jack isn't really after peace in any of this. He just wants revenge. Does that make for an interesting character study? Absolutely.

But it also makes for a radical transformation of a man heretofore sold as a true American hero, which is an odd decision for the show to make during its final few episodes.

Are we really supposed to be rooting for Jack Bauer right now? He killed a man last week who was doing nothing but following the President's orders and torturing the same woman that Jack himself shot in cold blood a few minutes later. That was just straight-up murder of Bledsoe right there.

This week, Jack initiated a shoot-out IN A CROWDED MALL. Has he always taken such risks? Yes. But past examples were always with the greater good in mind: if someone got shot in a similar incident, the rationale was that more lives were being saved as a result of it.

I could buy that. It made Jack into a focused, morally grey individual and made 24 into the show I fell in love with.

But now Jack is just a vengeance-seeking killer. He's not even pretending to have anything in mind except for Renee's death, and I also can't forget this simple fact: he knew her for two days! Literally! Two whole days.

My other complaint about events on the show: Logan has desperately wanted credit for his role in the peace treaty, something Pillar now thinks he ought to distance himself from.

But what kind of credit would Logan receive anyway? To the rest of the world, he's a traitorous former President. Once Taylor acknowledges any role he played in the process, the press would be ALL over her and him for details. What, exactly, is their plan? They can't reveal Logan's actual role in the treaty or events from the day.

I'm sure 24 writers would even admit this wasn't thought-out and would defend the return of Logan as a way to get the great Gregory Itzin involved again. We can't fault them too much for that, as the actor plays an incredible villain.

But, seriously, his personal cell phone (which he was apparently using to talk to Pavel, as opposed to one of those private, secured phone he keeps stashed away in U.N desks) was turned off during this crisis?!? And some random dude's voice leaves the voicemail on it? I laughed out loud at the aburdity of this revelation.

Still, I must admit: I'm excited for the upcoming showdown between Bauer and Logan. I may complain about specific plot points, but I can also suspend disbelief when it comes down to major events on the show. If anyone doesn't get psyched to watch Jack take down his former nemesis, that person really shouldn't be watching 24 at this point.

No Sunset Walking for Jack Bauer, 24 Producer Spoils

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Tue, 04 May 2010 15:24:50 EST

On this week's episode of 24, Jack Bauer continued to do what he thought was right.

That's a staple of this character, of course, which is largely why we love him. But we take extreme issue with what's actually at stake (translation: nothing) on season eight and the decisions Jack has made to accomplish his questionable goal.

In a new interview with TV Guide, meanwhile, producer Howard Gordon says last night's installment was central to the show's end game. In what way? Read on...

On the 11 a.m. hour: This is the episode where Jack's trajectory really gets defined and comes into focus, what we're going to see for the balance of the season. This is a very crystallizing moment. When Jack kills Dana unarmed, that's the first execution in his train of justice - or vengeance, depending on how you look at it.

On Jack's murder of Dana: It goes to the core of what Jack is experiencing right now: He's the judge and jury and executioner. He's taking what he perceives to be justice in his own hands. Dana has culpability in what's happened on this day. It defines the level of darkness he's descended to.

On the series finale: Jack is as about as emotionally damaged as he's been now. He's descending right now. The finale is a complex ending. It's not as tragic as it could have been. It's not entirely unhappy. But he doesn't walk off into the sunset.

What did you think of this week's turn of events?

24 Promo: Jack vs. The Russians

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Tue, 04 May 2010 08:24:16 EST

As the 24 promo below hypes: There are only four hours left until the end of an era...

Unfortunately, that era is limping toward the finish line, as last night's episode and the storyline playing out right now is an absolutely snooze, with nothing at stake.

Read our detailed opinion on why 24 is making us sad and then check out the official Fox preview for the noon hour:

24 Preview

24 Review: Arrest Jack Bauer!

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Tue, 04 May 2010 06:58:31 EST

The following review takes place between 6:41 a.m. and 6:58 a.m. Words are written in real time...

For seven and three-quarter seasons, Jack Bauer was an American hero who stopped at nothing to save lives and protect his country.

Now, he's ending his run on 24 as a revenge-fueled traitor who is putting everyone at risk.

There's no other way to interpret the ridiculous turns that have taken place as this Fox drama limps to a conclusion. For the second consecutive week, an episode lacked any suspense because there are no lives actually at stake - and because Jack has actually made this decision:

It's more important to bring a few Russian officials to justice than it is to ensure peace in the middle east.

This stands against everything that has made Jack so enthralling to watch over the years. This was a man who would torture and lie and scheme and go to any length to save American citizens. Now? He's angry that Renee is dead and defying the President, Chloe and all that are thinking clearly enough to focus on the big picture.

In other words: please arrest Jack Bauer. If this were happening in real life, I could live with a few Russians getting away with a foiled plot over the disintegration of a global peace accord. But, hey, that's just me.

As someone who has watched everyone second of every season and defended 24 over the last couple years, this incredibly depressing to watch. I had always hoped the show would end with Jack giving his life to save millions of people. Nothing would be more apt.

Instead, we already know Jack will live because producers talk openly about a 24 movie, and I keep coming back to this same point: THERE ARE NO LIVES AT STAKE!

After everything Jack has gone through and the show has been about, its final storyline doesn't revolve around any imminent threat. That's amazing.

Think about this: if the show ends with Jack simply using the evidence Dana gave him this week and exposing the Russians - thereby bringing President Taylor down in the process - will that feel remotely satisfying? Worthy of a series conclusion? As if Jack really did something heroic for the the country and the world?

The only development that saved this episode from receiving a negative rating is the fact that Jack shot Dana. Thank goodness! I was afraid this new, soft Bauer would actually just arrest her or let her go.

I just wish he'd executed her 17 episodes ago and saved us from the worst B-storyline in 24 history.

I also wish the writers would have realized that pitting an intense Freddie Prinze Jr. against an intense Kiefer Sutherland is simply gonna make the former look silly. The scene where Cole shoved Jack to the ground and where he face shook in anger was more humorous than suspenseful.

In closing, President Taylor might be a worse example of a strong woman than any contestant on The Bachelor. She has no idea what she's doing and simply listens to the last person to offer her advice. Hmmm... I should put some random dude I just met in charge of CTU because you said so, even though the last course of action you recommended didn't work out? Okay, Charles!

What did you think of the episode? Are you actually invested in Jack's mission, or do you wish more was at stake as 24 ticks down to its end?

24 Spoilers: Chloe vs. Jack!

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 09:04:01 EST

Tick... tick... tick...

The clock is truly counting down on 24, as the Fox drama moves toward its May 24 finale. What can fans expect from this two-hour episode?

“Chloe and Jack are in a real face-off,” executive producer Howard Gordon told Michael Ausiello. “And Chloe has to decide between her duty [as head of CTU] and her friendship and allegiance to Jack. Their relationship gets put to the test in a way it’s never been tested before.... It’s about as hairy a confrontation as you can possibly imagine, and it’s a nearly lethal one.”

Nearly a lethal one? Sigh. This is why we wish there was no 24 movie on the horizon. Not so Chloe could kill Jack.

But so Jack could lose his life while protecting the country he's dedicated it to for years now. Isn't that the only appropriate way for the series to conclude?