After a handful of disappointing seasons, Day 7 has reclaimed “24” its title as one of the most exciting shows on TV.
But Monday’s episode – as nail-biting and thrilling as it may have been – failed to live up to the main standard that makes the episodes of espionage so enthralling: it’s believability.
When it comes to the sometimes far-fetched, and often outrageous, storylines employed by the spy series, agent Bauer usually has the power to convince even the most skeptics of viewers that today, anything can happen.
Not this time.
On this week’s two-hour episode, Sangalan General Benjamin Juma led a relatively carefree break-in to our country’s most secure home and proceeded to remain undetected as he led his men through the halls of the White House, straight to the Oval Office.
After seven years, we have come to understand that Bauer is the only dependable agent when it comes to protecting the President – or anyone of importance – and rescuing the country from the powers of evil. But, we are having a tough time believing that this season’s version of the government is so incompetent that it doesn’t have a plan in place for every scenario when it comes to securing its top asset – when she is still in her own home.
President Taylor and Bauer became sitting ducks the moment they locked themselves in the White House “secure room” – a secure room devoid of a hidden exit or any type of useful weapon or communication device. Are we really supposed to believe that the White House halls are not laced with security cameras? Or that the government couldn’t use their tapping skills to pick up the camera feed streaming to Bauer and President Taylor inside the room? There doesn’t seem to be any point in securing the President if he or she can’t signal for help once in lockdown.
Monday night certainly affirmed Bauer’s spot as no. 1 on speed dial when it comes to a national crisis, but it was achieved at the expense of discrediting the entire government.
As the only person left to trust, we’re confident this day will certainly be the longest in our hero’s life.
– By Jackie Strause