"As they passed the rows of houses they saw through the open doors that men were sweeping and dusting and washing dishes, while the women sat around in groups, gossiping and laughing.
"What has happened?" the Scarecrow asked a sad-looking man with a bushy beard, who wore an apron and was wheeling a baby-carriage along the sidewalk.
"Why, we've had a revolution, your Majesty -- as you ought to know very well," replied the man; "and since you went away the women have been running things to suit themselves. I'm glad you have decided to come back and restore order, for doing housework and minding the children is wearing out the strength of every man in the Emerald City."
"Hm!" said the Scarecrow, thoughtfully. "If it is such hard work as you say, how did the women manage it so easily?"
"I really do not know," replied the man, with a deep sigh. "Perhaps the women are made of cast-iron.""
- L. Frank Baum, "The Land of Oz"
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
I've finally watched the first four hours of day 8 of that most ridiculous but strangely compelling action drama, 24
******* Spoiler-ish talk below the fold *******
The first four hours were good, but the first three hours were awesome. I have a bad feeling that we're going to wish that this show was called 3.
Random observations. No particular order.
Jack Bauer and his Man Purse™ rule.
Did that tough-guy cop who thought he'd teach Jack a lesson because he thought Jack was a cop-killer know who he was dealing with? Jack has a masters degree in using the chair he's shackled to as a weapon, and a PhD in can-opening wailage.
I've lost track of the Bauer Body Count, but he's as creative as ever. He dispatched the first bad guy with an ax. But he hasn't bit anyone to death yet.
I really like Freddy Prince, Jr. in his role as Cole Ortiz.
I really dislike the growing subplot dealing with Cole's fiance Dana and her scumbag former-boyfriend blackmailer. Creepsville. I hope that subplot gets resolved or dropped soon. I have high hopes that Cole will take him out.
Chloe O'Brian is the bomb.
Hastings finally picked up on that. So I'm starting to, well, "like" would be too strong a term. I'm starting to dislike him less.
President Taylor is as aggravating as ever.
I had a feeling that President Hassan's oily brother Fredo was going to be the mole.
I also was duped by the idea that the reporter might be the assassin, but soon wised up that she was just a patsy. Well, I actually didn't wise up until about three seconds after Chloe pointed out that it was all too easy.
In hour four we were introduced to the *sigh* next higher layer of the conspiracy. Only five or six more layers to go.
This time the next higher layer is evil Russians. You know how evil they are because the head honcho callously dines in luxury while his own son miserably dies of radiation sickness in a dirty washroom behind the kitchen.
The show didn't exactly jump the shark, but got the shark cage ready, when BitterDarkRenee showed up. Ugh. I have a bad feeling about this.
Jack. Trust me. Quit trying to get on a plane to LA tonight. You'll be able to fly out tomorrow.
It's a ridiculous show. But for some reason I'm still watching. :-)
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Comments on "Here's the 24 Post You Asked For":
3. nhe
- 01/20/2010 7:51 am CST
I think the Renee storyline will turn out to be the main one, and I think it could be really good.
You have Jack trying control someone (who he cares about) that is EXACTLY like him! I think it will be clear that she had a good reason for taking off the thumb - getting back in with the main contact. It is absolutely something Jack would have done.
Now he finds himself as the foil standing in the way of someone doing what he would do! That's pretty unique for 24 - I hope they work that angle.
I like Renee's character a lot - because Jack cares about her, it forces him to look hard in the mirror....so to speak.
I heard someone comment that Hassan's brother looks like a middle-eastern Jason Schwartzman - which is dead on.
Hastings (aka Bubba Gump - really) will turn out to be like Sean Astin was - a blow hard director who comes around eventually.
Dana Walsh played Starbuck on Battlestar Galactica - kind of the Jack Bauer of that show. I agree with those who are saying that she should have the Freddy Prince (Chico Jr.) role, and Chico Jr. should be the tech nerd back at CTU with a psychotic ex-girlfriend stalking him......and Starbuck takes her out - THAT would be fun.
5. Bob Sacamento
- 01/20/2010 8:33 am CST
I really dislike Dana's dark past subplot too. Depending on how they handle it, it will either be soap opera material or just creepy. Either way, it won't contribute to a good story.
I really don't like Freddie Prinz Jr. in his role. Just too dang skinny for someone who's supposed to take down the international league bad guys.
Hastings is a realistic character and played very well. But, dang it, if I wanted realism, I would be watching Intervention, not 24. He will make for a frustrating plot line.
I like the psycho Renee angle. Should be alot of interesting conversations between her and Jack.
Yes, Chloe is still the bomb. I still maintain that she is the true main character of the show.
So, good and bad. I am dubious about this season's prospects. But watch it I must.
And thanks for the post. Although I would have thought you guys would be doing major mea culpas for having to be reminded on this!
11. Alex Costa
- 01/20/2010 1:07 pm CST
Another thing I dislike is the fact we always know that the 24 characters from previous seasons are right (Chloe & Jack), and that it seems like they have to prove themselves over and over again. It is frustrating to see the same mistakes being made again and again...
Just listen to Jack and Chloe, and everything will be okay. If you disagree with them, you're wrong.
12. jen
- 01/20/2010 2:32 pm CST
It was only the thumb - she tossed it on the ground and it was way too small to be the hand.
Beau pointed out that Hastings has this annoying slouching thing going on. He asked if he was ever going to straighten up.
14. Alex Costa
- 01/20/2010 6:09 pm CST
Hastings was Bubba Gump?!?!?! He just went up 10 points in my book!
15. Thirsty Bear
- 01/20/2010 9:14 pm CST
Hastings is a political hack with a serious integrity issue. His character has already administered a serious case of cover-your-backside to his subordinates. I'd take his thumbs off. He'll get Ortiz and/or Walsh killed.
Mike Doyle, Curtis Manning, and Ryan Chappelle all met their demise in minor agent roles. (Two dying by Jack's deadly aim) Which brings up an interesting point...why didn't Jack just remove Chase's thumb instead of his whole hand in Season 3 to remove a restraint? Maybe because it was strapped to his arm. Oh well...then you take the whole hand. Again...this is a ridiculous show, right?
Leave a Comment:
I was pretty confident from the beginning that Hassan's brother was going to be a bad guy. The first words we heard out of his mouth were way too strong.
I thought for sure Hassan was going to die, that would have made for some sweet drama.
I totally agree about the first 3 hours being sweet! And I also totally agree that I'm not too excited about where this is going.
Another nuclear threat? Come on! Can't they think of anything else?
The higher levels of leadership are definitely annoying.
Renee... not too excited about her.
I like President Taylor except for the fact that she was exemplified male leadership in her marriage last season.