I’m sort of amazed that just this time last week I was pondering if it was really possible that FOX wouldn’t renew 24 we’ve already received word that FOX has decided it won’t. Now the clock that ticks during each remaining episode is also counting down to the shows end (even though I know that the clock runs up, but let’s not deconstruct the metaphor, ok?)
The fact that 24 has lasted so long is quite an accomplishment. The concept of the show inherently has a limited shelf-life since there are only so many threats and crisis that can be thought up. The show has had to deal with assassination attempts (at least 2), nuclear threat (at least 3), electronic terrorism, bioterrorism (at least twice) and at least one attempted coup of the American government. The current season has had at least two of these scenarios and after that laundry list what could they do next season aside from a full out US invasion. I’m not sure any television show is ready to take us into RED DAWN territory (even though JERICHO did a pretty good job with it’s attacks based on government overthrow).
24 also has been, many times over now, a parody of itself over the years. During every season I’ve cheered, I’ve jeered, I’ve been transfixed and I’ve been mystified. During the end part of it’s sixth season (I think, as they all sort of mesh together for me) I remember thinking I couldn’t believe how they were giving JACK BAUER the RAMBO treatment by having him go in and kill an entire team of armed men as well as the terrorist at the heart of the current threat. It was a bit of a stretch but what can I expect from the season that was started off with JACK taking a major bite out of the person holding him captive (as one Internet writer so eloquently put it, “JACK BAUER is so bad ass he now EATS PEOPLE!”). When a show crosses your threshold for the suspension of disbelief all you can do is sit around and be dumbfounded by what unfolds. That’s the place I’ve been in for at least three seasons. Heck I haven’t even watched the show anywhere but on-line for the last two seasons.
When it’s all said and done I’m glad 24 is actually winding down. I used to talk about how much I enjoyed the show and for the longest time now I’ve simply mocked it. No show should have to endure that. Fans will be happy to know that there is a long term plan for at least one theatrical 24 film, but I say let poor JACK rest.
Last week I also mentioned the NBC show CHUCK. It’s future isn’t certain. Executive Producer JOSH SCHWARTZ sent out the following Tweet this last week:
Does this mean that we just need to stay the course because the outcome will be OK for the shows future or was he simply talking about riding out the current story line? I admit that it could be taken either way after last week’s episode. CHUCK, with help from the recently discharged CASEY, passed his final exam and is now a full fledged spy. Although I love the show CHUCK I really haven’t bought completely into the entire concept of CHUCK wanting to be a super spy. The majority of last season involved CHUCK wanting to return to a normal life as he was pre-occupied about getting the INTERSECT out of his head. I suppose having a new INTERSECT put into his head, one that grants him physical abilities, could be the kind of thing that would make him want to finally pursue this life but it still just doesn’t add up in my own head. CHUCK knows that being a spy means occasionally having to kill people just because you have to and that’s not a philosophy that I think he’s ever actually been able to subscribe to. With all that in mind why would he want to be a spy?
Unlike 24, however, even when CHUCK makes we question what is going on I’m still entertained by the show. I hope it gets another season. I still think that since it’s the only show from the 2007-2008 new show schedule that still exists NBC would be doing itself an injustice in turning it’s back on the show. Funny how I can justify this idea for CHUCK but not for HEROES, isn’t it?
Now that we’ve covered more 24 and CHUCK than we really needed to let’s talk about what else is happening this week.
MONDAY
ABC – 8:00 PM: I hear if you do a shot every time SHANNON DOHERTY cries on DANCING WITH THE STARS you’ll be pretty lit pretty quick.
NBC – 8:00 PM: As I said above now CHUCK‘s a spyand he wants to win back SARAH. Can he do that by rescuing SHAW? Guess we’ll see.
TNT – 10:00 PM: It’s the beginning of the end with for the HOLLY HUNTER helmed SAVING GRACE with tonight’s season premiere. I guess I should have been watching the previous three seasons.
ABCÂ FAMILY – 10:00 PM: It’s the season finale for GREEK as I’m hoping to see lots of spring break shenanigans from the KT‘s against the OMEGA CHI‘s (yes, I like GREEK).
TUESDAY
SYFY – 8:30 AM: Before tonight’s 10 PM return of V on ABC why not watch a few crappy episodes of the failed NBC show from 1985 before watching the original miniseries V and the follow-up V: THE FINAL BATTLE (and then ponder, much as I did, how they could ever have a show after something called THE FINAL BATTLE).
NBC – 8:00 PM: Tonight on THE BIGGEST LOSER we get a second helping of the contestants previously voted off as they compete for a second chance. Tonight also has a special live portion where a 647 lb. man weighs in to show how much he’s lost just by being inspired by the show. I’m sure it’s going to put my 50 lb. loss over two years to shame.
FOXÂ – 8:00 PM:USHER steps in to mentor the 10 remaining finalists on how to sound good without any of the studio equipment and auto-tune technology that he’s able to use on this week’s AMERICAN IDOL.
ABC – 9:00 PM: Tonights’s episode of LOST features a glimpse into the flash-sidways life of JIN and SUN. It’s also titled THE PACKAGE. I just hope tonight someone doesn’t have to yell several times, “WHAT’S IN THE BOX?!?“
WEDNESDAY
ABC – 8:00 PM: Why don’t I remember IT’S THE EASTER BEAGLE, CHARLIE BROWN and why does this LINUS kid insist on worshipping false holiday idols?!?
NBC – 8:00 PM: Can someone tell me why MINUTE TO WIN IT is on tonight? Just wonderin’.
DSC – 9:00 PM: Having a description for MYTHBUSTERS that says “Two myths inspired by Hollywood” is like trying to sell a car only by describing “It runs good.” TELL ME WHAT IS GOING TO GET BLOWN UP/DESTROYED! It’s not hard guys, c’mon!
FOX – 9:00 PM: Another conestant most of America doesn’t care about gets voted out of AMERICAN IDOL. Is TIM URBAN still the Vote for the Worst choice? If he lives past tonight the answer is yes.
USA – 10:00 PM: Another of the USA NETWORK original’s returns tonight with the season premiere of IN PLAIN SIGHT. Can MARY catch the guy who shot her?
THURSDAY
FOX – 8:00 PM: Tonight’s description of BONES mentions a partially skeletonized body is discovered. This is like stating that Knight Rider would have a car chase scene or Cheers would feature people in a bar. At least it’s a new episode, right?
NBC – 8:00 PM: Hoping the two hours of THE OFFICE tonight are all new? April Fools!
ABC – 8:00 PM: After several episodes we finally get a look at the location of the great crow fall in Somalia and someone finally asks that kid why she knows D.GIBBONS is a bad man on FLASHFORWARD. These questions have been hanging around so long I thought the show was changing it’s name to STUCKINPAUSE.
FOX – 9:00 PM: WALTER finally has to fess up to PETER‘s um, lineage and we get a look at his mom in an all new episode of FRINGE that flashes back to 1985.
FRIDAY
THECW – 8:00 PM: When we were last in SMALLVILLE we saw a flying ZOD. Naturally we return to find CLARK and LOIS headed out of town to a B&B leaving TESS holding the ZOD filled bag.
CBS – 8:00 PM: A comic book artist starts drawing encounters with ghosts before they happen on GHOST WHISPERER. Isn’t this a plot device that’s been used on every sci-fi show (as well as the power of an original HEROES character)? What’s next week, a computer becomes self-aware and… uh… starts whispering to ghosts too?
SYFY – 10:00 PM: Did you watch the MERLIN all day marathon last week? If so you’re in great shape for the second season premiere. Too bad I forgot to watch.
SATURDAY
BET – 5:30 PM: Thank goodness, finally my chance to see JUWANNA MAN for the price of my cable subscription. I’m still paying too much.
TLC – 8:00 PM: Want to feel better about your life? How about three hours of people with substance abuse problems in ADDICTED?
DSC – 8:00 PM: OK, how about two hours of THE SCIENCE OF SEX APPEALÂ followed by ANATOMY OF SEX?
SUNDAY
ABC – 8:00 PM: Want to know what it takes to have JESSICA ALBA come renovate your home? 13 kids and wild life infestation after a hurricane. Still worth it? Call EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION.
DSC – 8:00 PM: Tonight LIFE brings us Birds and Creatures of the Deep.
APL – 9:00 PM: Yes it’s over a year old and I already wrote about the RIVER MONSTERS search for the man eating catfish called the goonch. I just love saying goonch.
– Will Wilkins
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