JimK:  I’m not going to say much about the actual events in the new season of 24 yet…these early episodes are always exposition until we get to the point where the President gives Jack Bauer the power to do what he has to do to solve _x_.  What I will say is this season feels like the true successor to the first three.  Tighter, a narrower focus on the fear (who isn’t afraid of their plane falling out of the sky for whatever reason?) and a mano-a-mano conflict. Jack vs. (unnamed person from his past).  This feels like the 24 we fell in love with.  I like it. It;s not watered down or being molded into some political statement.  The story is driving the politics of the show, as it should.  I’m pleased, even with Garafalo’s face on my TV.  And that is all I’m going to say on that front.

Without spoiling (for those who may have Tivo’d the first four hours and not had time to watch it yet) how are you feeling about the return of Jack Bauer?  Did you watch that movie thing over the break? I did, and I feel like it took care of much of the grinding setup stuff that the first 8 episodes are usually filled with.  I know all the players and why they are playing, so we can jump right into it and get to the part where the president says “Get me Jack Bauer.”

Also, do we love the redheaded Agent Walker?  I know James Lileks can’t Twitter about the show without mentioning her.  I like that she’s easily the equal of Jack…loved the moment in Hour Two when she moved like him, shot like him, reacted like him and he shot her this “Holy crap, lady, do you have my penis as well?” look.  Yeah, Jack…you’re gonna have to examine your relationship with her more closely. A lot more closely, ifyougetmydrift.

I will also say this: Jack has no messenger bag yet, and that is just wrong.  Apparently he left his in Africa.  I need Bauer to carry a murse so I can justify my own.

Okay, maybe just a little talk about some details.  If you respond to any of this, please mark your comment with a spoiler warning. 

SPOILER PREDICTION!  SPOILER WARNING! This is a future prediction that might also contain spoilers!

I think Garafalo is the real inside mole.  making it be SarcasmBoy is too frigging obvious.  Also, Agent Moss and Agent LadyJack are totally doing it, and Bauer is going to take that dude’s girlfriend away.  She’ll probably die, but Jack’s going to nail her and rub it in Moss’ face first.