Random thoughts, questions and musings as we hit the halfway point of Day Eight:
1. Where's Renee?
I like the character and the actress, and I was looking forward to a season of Jack's yin to her yang. Right now it's looking like she was brought in just to kick-start the plot, but I'm hoping we haven't seen the last of her.
2. Presidential family drama is always part of the mix on 24, and this season is no exception.
But this time it's not the American president involved. Omar Hassan and his family have been the driving force behind most of the action, from his treacherous brother to his estranged wife to his imperiled daughter. Which means ...
3. President Allison Taylor has been reduced to virtual cameos this season.
When a reference was made earlier to her contentious divorce, I thought perhaps that might foreshadow some familial complications. With a former President poised to reappear soon, though, I'm sure Taylor will be back on the front burner.
4. In another White House question, Secretary of State Ethan Kanin was seen taking medication in one of the earlier episodes. Will anything come of this, or was it a subplot in the making that they decided to drop?
5. Yes, I know you're sick of hearing this from me. But does anyone disagree that the Dana subplot is officially a complete and utter fail?
It's had such little impact on the main story that it seems to be from a different show altogether. Right now the two possible outcomes are: (A) she gets away with it; (B) she doesn't. And does anyone really care one way or the other?
6. Kiefer Sutherland continues to be the reason why I stick with 24 through all its ups and downs.
After so many years playing a character, many actors would start phoning it in, but Sutherland's commitment to his role has never wavered. One of the reasons I've enjoyed the last couple of episodes so much is because he was front and center in the action. Jack Bauer has become an iconic TV character and no one could have embodied him better than Kiefer Sutherland.
Now that you've listened to my ramblings, what are your thoughts on the season to date? Anything you'd like to see happen in the second half? Please let me know!