24 Is Cancelled

This isn't news. I actually said it was coming back in January on this blog. It's really unfortunate, because I believe that 24 has been one of the best action shows over the past 8-9 years. Sure, it strays a bit too far from reality (how many bad days can Jack Bauer/America really have in a few years?) but that's part of the excitement of the show.

The show is being cut because it's not bringing in the ratings it used to. How could it - the storylines are getting weaker because they're running out of things to do. There's a mole on the inside every season because it's so hard to string 24 episodes together. They need something to carry it over. Most TV shows are only 15-18 episodes (even less if your on Premium channels) so 24 being 24 episodes really pushes it towards its limit. The story has to stay within the realm of "real" but not necessarily "conventional."

The other interesting thing about 24 was how the first season happened after 9/11 - obviously the worst terrorist attack our country has and hopefully will ever see. I don't like to get too metaphorical and read into something that isn't there, but it wasn't a secret that the American psyche was shaken. It needed it's confidence back. I'm not saying that Jack Bauer/24 was that hope, but they definitely were a positive light during a negative time. (Of course, The Rising was the best positive thing to come from 9/11 - thanks Bruce!)

Regardless, Jack Bauer is awesome. He is always able to overcome any and every situation for his country. Things that have happened to Jack while on the job:

He lost his wife.
His daughter constantly is getting into trouble and endangering her life.
Jack became addicted to heroin.
He played Russian Roulette trying to save a prisoner that he would be a double agent for.
He faked his own death and had to hide it from his daughter and the woman he loved (Audrey)
His best friends Tony Almeida, David Palmer, and Michelle Dessler were slain because of him.
Entered Chinese Consulate to capture terrorist containing information of national security.
He captured and tortured the President of the United States to reveal him as a fraud, but was taken away by Chinese consulate and tortuted for a few years.
After being bartered for to return to the US, he was handed over to terrorists who were to kill him had he not escaped. His country gave him away.
Following his return, he learns his brother and father are involved in a conspiracy plot against the United States, and leaves his father to die while having to save his nephew.
Secretary of Defense told him he would have to leave his love alone because of the torture and life he put her through.
Was tried and arrested for breaking interrogation rules in attempts to save his country from terrorist attacks.
Almost sacrificed his life several times on behalf of his country to save the President.
Was infected with a pathogen bomb and could barely function.

Sure, it's not all real. It all can't possibly happen to one man. But it's awesome. Jack is the best example of a patriot. Someone who gives everything he can and has for his country. He lost it all and still is playing the game. Unfortunately, this season will be the last go around, although there is a supposed movie.

I'm starting to ramble, but I'm just trying to emphasize how great 24 is and was and how great Jack Bauer has been for America.