So, what did everyone think? I figured it would be hard to tie up loose ends, and it would not be able to live up to my expectations. I was pleasantly surprised. I thought the show was very well done, and was better than any other episode I've seen all season. I really worried that this last show might come across as corny or contrived, but I felt like the ending was pretty dramatic as well as relatively realistic. I think it also sets stuff up well for next year, though I've heard the real time format may be dismissed. I can see that. A switch to a traditional format wouldn't bother me because i thought this was a unique idea that would lose its special characteristics by trying to duplicate it. Anyway, just wanted to get some feedback from you all. I didn't list specific details because i didn't want to spoil it for anyone yet to watch it.
It was announced last week that the show would be back with the real-time format, which is tremendous. If anyone doesn't want details of the last episode, don't read the rest of this post. I was pleasantly surprised with the ending. Yes, it was terribly sad, but I now have more faith in this show than ever, since they didn't go to the traditional "all the good guys survive and are reunited" ending. I also love the cliffhanger they left, with Nina talking to the "agent" in Germany. I'm sure the next season will again have to do with one of Jack's missions, especially since the rumor is that Jack will be doing an assignment for then President Palmer. The whole thing with Nina killing Jamey is strange, though. I thought the whole reason they originally used that room was that there was no videotape running, and therefore couldn't be seen on surveillance? Anyway, that was certainly a highly dramatic final episode, and I can't wait until next season.
WATCH OUT! SPOILERS BELOW! It was a great season of TV. A lot of high-profile actors on this show, but they weren't hyped up at the beginning of the season to attract more viewers. Kiefer Sutherland, Xander Berkeley, Mia Kirschner, Dennis Hopper (awesome addition), Lou Diamond Philips. The shootout scene was well done. Especially the way Hopper's character initiated it. No ridiculous John Woo / Mission Impossible II type action to make me roll my eyes. I loved the line that Palmer used. Something like "It's not that I don't want to be president, it's that I don't think you're qualified to be first lady." I have to admit I was very surprised at the ending. When a show breaks with cliche, it's shocking. At the end of the day, a lot of families / friendships were destroyed by betrayal or death. Jack and his wife, Palmer and his wife, Jamey and her son, Tony and Nina, Dan and his brother, and of course the entire Drazen family, and their friends. Very Shakespearean. Best season finale I've seen this year.
I also thought it was very well done, and leaves the door open to explain a number of things in the sequel (Nina's motivation, the future of the Palmer campaign, the Germany connection, etc..). I agree with Cat, though.. the whole Nina/Jamey/room thing is just a huge throbbing plot hole. Also, I'm sure that if you sit down and watch the whole series again from the start knowing that Nina is bad, then you'll start to see other plot holes too. As for "24" part two, I think that the Senator's wife is going to blame Jack for everything that happened and conspire against him. Also, remember those two incredibly hot, black-leather clad girls in the first episode? I bet Nina is somehow related to them.
I thought the final episode was very good, kept me on the edge of my seat for most of the hour. Now, I really want to go back and watch all the previous episodes again. Hope the put Season 1 out on DVD soon.
Also, I'm sure that if you sit down and watch the whole series again from the start knowing that Nina is bad, then you'll start to see other plot holes too. I agree. She had way too many opportunities (by lying to Jack) to make sure everyone who needed to die was killed properly. For example, when everything started going to hell with Jack finding the "camp" in the morning, she could have warned them that he was on his way. When they got Alexi (?), she could have also warned them. Otherwise, I thought it was a great "movie". A bit long (24 hours) , but still amazing. Glad it's over though!!
I have most of the episodes downloaded from Grokster. It is a good show - hard to catch on Tuesday's (hoop night). I watch the reruns on FX. I am gonna watch the encore Thursday, can't wait for next season when I have a Tivo...
