Recently, 24 has become a habit bordering on ritual. After slamming through the first season in less than a week - the last 8 episodes in one day - I was jonesing for my next 24 hit. Thankfully, Tuesday brings another episode that will tide me over...until next week.
Although this season has been highly enjoyable and has some excellent moments ("This isn't over.") so far, it just doesn't seem to match the intensity that Season 1 had. Yes, the creators did up the stakes by throwing a nuclear threat and a conspiracy within Palmer's presidency. However, it just seems to be missing the spark the made the first season so special.
I think the main reason why I feel that Season 1 is superior is the relative straight forward nature of this season vs. last season's plot in regards to Jack: he isn't being manipulated, and it's relatively obvious who's "good" and who's "bad" (knock on wood). So far, the Palmer conspiracy thread just isn't as compelling as wondering who within CTU was a traitor.
Another reason is for S1's superiority vs. S2 is that things just aren't as personal this season. Last season, both Jack and Palmer had to juggle duty with safeguarding their families. There just isn't that dimension this season, and I really miss it.
The bonus icing reason on why I haven't been as satisfied with this season is the wait between episodes. Having to stew for at least a week between episodes doesn't have the same potential for climactic building as plowing through episode after episode on DVD does.
Plus I swear they made Kim *even more stupid* than she was in Season 1...how is that possible? GAH.
These are just my preliminary thoughts now that we've made it past the halfway mark of Season 2...don't take them as final judgement. They're always subject to revision as the season goes on. In any case, I'm looking forward to when the current season comes out on DVD so I can compare and contrast better.
What about you, loyal blog reader? What sayeth thou about this season of 24?
This season, they're focusing on building out other characters. Sherry's character is becoming much more fleshed out, and she's just as sinister as ever. Kim is just the teensiest bit smarter, but she's still dumb as a doornail; that's a subplot I don't terribly care for.
True, the plot is a little more straightforward since the complications of family are gone, but I think the magnitude of the crisis makes up for it.
I've enjoyed seeing Jack be free to work his craft. It's what he does best. And I must say, I found the interrogation of Marie to be quite...enjoying. But she hurts my ears.
I really have no sympathy for you, as I had to wait for my satisfaction last season. Pthbbt.