24: All In a Day's Work

After proving himself time and time again Jack Bauer is taking control and saving the world yet again. And somehow the consequences of previous seasons/ days actions seem to be left behind and his name being forgotten. Almost losing his life last season he is in recovery and claimed to be “out” however when he knows there is something he can do or someone he can help Bauer can’t say no.

But 24 is about more than the struggles and charades of Jack Bauer. It touches on many aspects including government corruption, terrorism and relationships. Not to mention how it deals with politics. The show sometime seems to suggest the incompetence of Homeland security. Or tries scare people of terrorism and push them toward armed forces or promotes disregard of the constitution by stopping at nothing to seek justice.

Carla Freccero said that representations should be analyzed and I think that watching a show like 24 can raise some interesting questions. It makes people wonder things like; do they choose their criminals and terrorists by stereotypes? Why are some politicians represented a corrupt and others not. Were they trying to suggest something by casting a corrupt president with an actor that happened to look like Nixon?

When I ask these questions I begin to realize that 24 might be more than just the action pack television program but rather a form of political propaganda. The show has already had two African American presidents in past seasons and currently has a female Commander and Chief. The show is ahead of the curve introducing society to new ideas.

However what is a show without Drama. The new season which just started has already covered a political sex scandal, assassination attempts, black mailing, cop violence and a nuclear weapons deal with a Russian mob. And of course the underlying factor and motivation for all is power and money. There is always the question of competence of those that working for the government, moles and spies that are working both sides and corrupt politicians that get in the way. Every time one of these crises comes along it is up to the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) and Bauer to take charge and stop it. Which only leads one to further question Jack Bauer’s own tactics? He is constantly torturing people and holding them against their will without (legal) reason making you wonder, do the ends justify the means? While what he does expedites the process and gets the information out, it is not entirely constitutional. But he wouldn’t be Jack Bauer if he did it any differently and the show would not be 24 if they didn’t have such political themes and dramatic ties.

Despite any messages that the show is trying to send, I enjoy it. Whatever Bauer’s tactics may be, they get the job done and they keep me entertained which is I think is the shows most important agenda.