TV Show Review: 24 - Season 5

Stars: 5 out of 5
Pros: Great acting and gripping story

Cons: Too many deaths, dropped plot thread, over used plot points

The Bottom Line:

Some parts familiar

But still gets the blood pumping

So a great thriller

Still Mostly Strong in Season 5

My interest in 24 started out as a novelty. How could they tell one story over 24 hours? Would the real time element work or hamper the story. I quickly learned that it would work and have been hooked every since. Each season tells its own story with some continuing character arcs. Season 5 is just as strong as the previous seasons.

In the aftermath of season 4, Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) had to fake his own death and go into hiding. But he can't seem to stay in retirement for long. Someone knows Jack is alive and targets his friends, forcing Jack to come out of hiding to face down terrorists yet again.

Meanwhile, it is an important day for the United States and President Logan (Gregory Itzin). He has been working hard to iron out an anti-terrorism treaty with Russia, and that treaty will be signed that day. But the treat of terrorists in Los Angeles with stolen nerve gas just might be enough to derail the treaty. Not to mention dealing with his wife (Jean Smart) who insists that her delusions are true this time and she does have a piece of the puzzle.

Season 5 won an Emmy for best drama, and it was well deserved. Even after five years, this show is gripping drama. I am glued to my seat every week, breathing only during commercial breaks. This season the threat and storytelling seemed more focused then previous years, adding to the drama.

Of course, the writing is highly important on a show like this. Not only do the writers keep the drama up for all 24 episodes (I loved the climax), but they mange to give us cliffhangers every week as well. I am in awe of how they structure things to keep us addicted from start to finish.

The acting matches the fine writing. Kiefer Sutherland is outstanding as Jack. Not only does he make a great action star, but he also handles the emotional roller coaster of loosing friends and reuniting with love Audrey Raines (Kim Raver) and daughter Kim (guest star Elisha Cuthbert). Chloe O'Brian (Mary Lynn Rajskab) continued to grow on me this season. I found her annoying when she was introduced in season 3, but now I love her gruffness. At times, she's the much needed comic relief. Gregory Itzin and Jean Smart absolutely shone as the first couple. They were nominated for Emmys for their work, and I truly think they should have won.

There were a couple flaws this season. I sure don't remember the explanation of who knew Jack was alive at the beginning of the season. Maybe it was mentioned and I missed it. Furthermore, we have yet more examples of lack of security at CTU (Counter Terrorism Unit, the government office where most of the characters work.) While it does make for gripping drama, it does seem like they could come up with a new plot trick every so often.

My biggest complaint this season was the body count. We lost several key characters from previous years. While I understand the producer's desire to keep us on the edge of our seats, can't anyone from the show live happily ever after? It honestly got to the point I dreaded seeing anyone who had been on the show before for fear they would be killed off.

For those who have been collecting the show on DVD, the contents of this set won't be too much of a surprise. And that's a good thing. The 24 episodes of the season are presented on six discs with widescreen picture and full surround sound. There are 12 commentary tracks by various members of the cast and crew. 23 deleted scenes are present on the discs with that episode as well as on the seventh disc with optional commentary. The seventh disc also includes four behind the scenes featurettes, a look at the 100th episode party, and a look at a behind the scenes book. Plus it has the standard previews for season six. Yep, it's the standard of goodness we've come to expect from these sets.

Really, my complaints are minor issues with a truly wonderful show. You won't be able to turn away from season 5 of this great thriller.