One thing I liked about the series so far is that they are not politically correct. They apparently don't proceed from the playbook that you can't portray Muslims or blacks or women in a bad light ever. Therefore, the series is one that I can trust. I hate it when the formulae are interspersed into our dramas and turn them into inanities. It then becomes a boring and unrealistic dogmatic screed from the "Party".
With 24, the really fanatical nature of the Turkish couple is manifested even as they turn against their son's girlfreind and then their son, himself.
That they would portray that ambitious black girl in the way that they do at the counterterrorist center is just amazing. A really true to life backstabbing government employee! but the writers were not afraid to have her be mean and vicious even though black. I had held out hope that she might ultimately play a heroic role, but last night it was revealed that she is not only ambitous, she is a terrorist spy.
The writers also nail the Defense secretary's son: a cool-aid drinker who is the prototypical lefty Michael Moore follower. Sure they abound in reality, but when, if ever before did you see such a character in a drama. [Usually, you would gett he Tim Mcveigh type as the only possible terrorist--or the ever popular recast o fthe Aryan Nazis when the typecast the east germans.] It goes to the extent that 'interrogation techniques' like sensory deprivation are used against the kid as he is allowed to demonstrate just how addled his brain and politics actually are --that he wont reveal what he knows about the plot to kidnap his dad and sister--at least who he tipped off about his ocming there. This is a object lesson from the headlines--gonzales hearings about "torture" or not permitted to be used in desperate straits when lives are on the line. only it is nice to see a portrayal from our point of view for a change.
Again, the writers did not follow politically correct handbooks in dealing with the female head of the counter terrorism center. She has spliced motives interferring with good command and she is distracted by her drugged daughter and leaves her post at crucial times. They also reveal that the people at the center really trust jack and not just the rank she has over him. All this honesty creates a context where you can have a real nifty heroic girl like Chloe emerge. If this was a formula piece, Chloe would not make sense.
Ditto, for the son of the Turkish couple, Boosheer. I feel he may break out and cross to the other side--not really sure. That is only possible in the context created by the authentic portrayal of the fanatical parents and their colleagues.
I feel that a lot of courageous and thoughtful writing goes on in this series---that's why I am confident in where it is heading--a place that I cannot possibly predict. For TV, that's saying an awful lot.
I think the producers of 24 may continue to go against conventional, politically correct story lines. Because, like the Exec's at FOXNEWS they may have figured out that it can turn out to be very profitable.
My guess(hope) is that we'll find that Gellar's son is a member of a lunatic fringe leftist enviornmental group that we will find out is being supported by middle eastern terrorists groups in an effeort to undermine U.S. security.
How would that be for going against the grain of the current "Hollywood Establishment?"
I'll make a prediction. 24, which up to now had been a critics darling, if they continue the storyline as it is now, will have their most successful season in terms of viewership/ Ratings. Which is really what's most important.
But mark my words, they will have their LEAST successful season with regards to critical acclaim as awarded by the New York and Hollywood Entertainment Pundits.