More Coherent Thoughts on 8-9pm
Dec. 17th, 2003 03:15 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
catch22girlOkay, after rewatching the episode (and some scenes more than once, because I just *love* them) I've realized something, the first four minutes might be some of the most boring work 24 has ever done. Maybe it's the entire exposition like nature or that we literally just sit and watch Jack rehash his whole 'plan'. But it just feels, well, cheesy and overlong. Thankfully, this is not true at all of the rest of the episode. Just this one scene.
I do really like Palmer's anger though. And we learn more about Wayne since he thinks this was a *fine* idea. Great idea, even. And Wayne's Line: "When this is all over you'll have to punish him for form's sake, but while you're punishing him know this: he did the right thing." Amuses me for reasons that are just horribly wrong. But it was nice to see Palmer angry about something, missed that righteous anger this year.
Loved Tony's answer to Chappelle about 'leading' that "I may be wrong but I didn't get the impression he's in the mood for any bueraucratic squabbling today." - This is when having the President as a character on the show really works because he's not some vague figure head in the show but a real person whose feelings and opinions effect events.
Then we're in Mexico and I think that's where this epihour really takes off. The Jack and Brothers scene tells us of his 'motivation' and with just enough truth that the cover story makes sense. Actually, when Jack tells about his 'motivations' they sound real enough that even I began to wonder. I never thought of it before, but head of field ops was a definite demotion. I'm still trying to figure out why he was chosen and got involved with the Salazars in the first place.
It's the next scene though with Claudia and Jack that really broke my heart. It's like she knew the most painful hurtful things she could possibly say to rip him to shreds. The scene also shows beautifully the "reality" of how he feels and the "act" he's putting on. Also, it's one of the few scenes where we get any idea of what Claudia is really like or her own motivations. I stil don't believe that Jack 'meant every word' he said to her...'cause honestly, a drug lord's girlfriend and a federal agent don't make a very good long term pair.
It also becomes obvious in this episode who is the sane one in the family. Hector is much more methodical and logical (compared to Ramon).
Ironically, the Anne/Palmer subplot finally becomes dramatically interesting just when it ends. In this episode, Anne also became a real character and not just 'the girlfriend'. I had a lot of respect for her when she was trying to get the gun and talk her ex-husband out of commiting suicide. Ted's suicide and confession also seem to fit into a theme of forgiveness and coming to terms with the past. But I could be wrong.
Then another great scene with Michelle and Tony. Michelle feeling hurt for reasons she can't put into words and Tony unable to make her feel better. The acting and writing in this scene was just great. It also plays into the entire theme of "love" vs. "work". I think what bothered Michelle the most was the fact that she had no idea he was hiding anything from her.
Wayne's reaction to Ted's death was so cold that I have to quote it: "She cleaned up her own mess and I respect that." - he might say he's sorry and look a little sorry but he refers to it as a silver lining. It also makes me wonder, if he could have been paid off, would Ted have committed suicide?
Ramon and Hector have another nice scene where they try to decide what to do with Jack. Hector's answer of killing him pleases Ramon who says "Now that's the first thing you've said that I like." I'm really enjoying this character. I think he might be the strongest male villian the show has had in quite a long time. He enjoys being evil and you look at him and truly believe he would do anything to anyone to get what he wants. He's not someone you want as an enemy.
Chase's capture was beautifully filmed and although the ad spoiled it, badly, it was still exciting to watch. The reactions of Tony, Michelle and Kim made the scene much deeper than it would have been if we'd only seen Chase being, well, chased. Kim's reaction especially broke my heart. There was something really sad about seeing her at the end sitting at her desk and just basically trying not to cry and worry but being unable to do anything else.
Anne and Palmer's breakup was also really well done. Her reason that he needs a woman who will stand beside him not just on the sidelines watching - now there's a hidden Sherry ref if I've ever heard one. I think this show also likes to take people away from Palmer, since he started with a wife and family and friends and is now down to a brother.
Then, a scene I can't really stop watching because it's just so well done. I've predicted for a while that Jack would have to shoot or kill Chase. I was terrified they might actually do it, and this was a nice way to show he'd be willing to kill him without actually killing him. Very well done scene. It was clear that Chase's entire world basically crashed when Jack said that he was "one of them" and that it wound up getting the tracking device broken? Wonderful little ironic twist. Also, the look Jack gave him when he came in was almost indescribable and then after he spit in his face, it's a look that can only be described as cold. This moment also shows how truly evil Ramon can be, since he knew that gun wasn't loaded (I'm guessing). Was that the same gun that the kid was trying out earlier?
This is also the first episode this season where I felt that we were seeing Jack and not some version of him. It's like the entire season was this long charade and the character is finally back - if that makes any sense at all.
I didn't like the first five minutes of the episode (as I said) but the rest I adored. And I can't wait for January. I can't believe I have to wait till January.
Random Things: -Was Chase's CTU Photo from Sears? That's the worst 'identification' photo since season eight of X-Files. -Chase doesn't hesistate to call when he's told it's a life or death matter about Jack. -Why would Jack ever trust Ukranian Scientists? Is that the same group that sold the bomb last year?
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Date: 2003-12-17 05:18 am (UTC)Women always do. They're evil like that. Poor boy. He's going to need so much therapy when this day is over. Hope he's got good insurance coverage.
Ironically, the Anne/Palmer subplot finally becomes dramatically interesting just when it ends.
That was exactly my reaction!
This is also the first episode this season where I felt that we were seeing Jack and not some version of him. It's like the entire season was this long charade and the character is finally back - if that makes any sense at all.
It does make sense. When I saw him on the video I felt the same way. It was my ol' boy, back in control. Angst and all is fine especially since he does it so well. But I like to see Jack in charge.
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Date: 2003-12-17 12:53 pm (UTC)It does make sense. When I saw him on the video I felt the same way. It was my ol' boy, back in control. Angst and all is fine especially since he does it so well. But I like to see Jack in charge.
It was like, oh, hi Jack there you are! But I really felt it strongly in that scene with Claudia and really throughout most of the episode. IT was like this mask was just gone.
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Date: 2003-12-17 07:04 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-12-17 12:48 pm (UTC)