For most people ,but, if you have watched the last 120 episodes you pick up on little things that makes more sence of the current episode. Hence the live 24 thread gives more insight by FReepers explaining or bringing to light why something was said or done. Since you said you have never watched it how could you possibly know anything about the show?
tv doesnt make its living by alienating new viewers who have never seen an episode. they usually do a recap and the dialogue brings up key points from last season. i used to watch alias and was frustrated how they kept explaining stuff that i personally already knew. it was kinda soap operaish. but she wore underwear almost every show so i kept coming back.