24: Season 3

I know 24 is good because I’m so jealous of the writers and producers. Like when I first saw Natural Born Killers or Fight Club.

I don’t know how to describe it without giving anything away.

Thrilling. Brutal. Punishing. And network television excellence in every possible way. From the plotting to the camera work to the acting and the action. Characters you cheer and jeer and heart-stopping moments of suspense and terror.

Ron and I finished it last night and at least three times we were jumping around the room in anxiety. My brother-in-law had told me that Dessler kicks ass – but holy shit – she really kicks ass.

I thought Season 3 had nearly no lag points – unlike Season 2 which had a few 15 minute swatches of looseness. But as the clock ticks down the narrative does not let up and just when you think things can’t get any worse. They do. I think that is the big lesson of 24 for writers and something I ranted about once.

A good work of art is the worst possible day of someone’s life – maybe followed by the best day of their life.

And not the second-worst day of your life – but the absolute unrelenting, unflinching, corrosive acid test you could possible imagine.

If you’re a 24 virgin, treat yourself right and watch Season 1 first. It remains the ultimate double-dozen of adrenal goodness.

The DVD set has a promo for Season 4 which begins with a two – TWO – hour season premier. YES YES YES!