BTW...although I’ve read and heard much about “24” I’ve never watched it.Is it really *that* good? Is “Jack Bauer” a genuine “good guy”?
It's a good show. Lots of twists and turns. Jack Bauer is a genuine "good guy" if you believe that you do what it takes to get the really bad guys that want to inflict harm on the U.S., even if it means torture.
I seen it some. I find the format (one episode=one hour of a day) a bit tedious for my tastes. But yes, the "character" of Jack Bauer is a good guy. A patriot on the front lines who gets the job done. And isn't afraid to bend the rules and isn't afraid of offending the touchy feely crowd.
It really IS that good. '24' is the only show that gets my surprise factor going to where I'm yelling out. It can be very intense.
I advise starting at Season 1. The early seasons used to be more philosophical. Lot of food for thought. They will have you especially thinking about the nature of sacrifice.
Is “Jack Bauer” a genuine “good guy”?
Yes. However, during the course of his actions, he occasionally has to do some bad, but necessary, things. He doesn't do that for fun, but only when there's no other choice.