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Excellent Start

24's first season was one of its best, introducing and developingsome of the show's most memorable characters, all while keeping viewers guessing about their intentions. The basis of the plot, that someone intends to assassinate a black presidential candidate on the day of the California primary, was a more imaginative premise than the "terrorist threat of the day" basis of later seasons. The plot takes some interesting twists and eventually different parts of the puzzle start to connect, but discussion of the story is best left to those who've already seen the season. What was best about this season was the characters. No later season paralleled season one in terms of interesting, developed characters. From the ruthless villain, Gaines, to CTU agents like Tony and Mason whose motives and loyalty to Jack are unclear, this season did the best character work of the series. Even lead actor Kiefer Sutherland made the most of Jack Bauer this season. The cold, emotionless Jack of later seasons is far less compelling than the fragmented, almost fragile Jack from season one. Also worthy of mention is Dennis Haysbert as David Palmer, the morally irreproachable presidential candidate who has to deal with the simultaneous pressures of his family, his campaign, and the attempts on his life. Overall this is a fine introduction to 24, and the characters really make the story. Developed, personal, and each carrying a past, they do a fantastic job of driving the plot forward, and the actors really pull off the scenes in which their characters turn out to not to be what they seem. No other season of 24, with the possible exception of season two, kept me on the edge of my seat wanting more as much as this one.

Average Morrissey release

The "First Of The Gang To Die" single is a significant step down from the brilliant "Irish Blood, English Heart". The first, most obvious difference lies in the title tracks. While "Irish Blood..." had new direction, force, and attitude, "First of the Gang..." is a fairly typical Morrissey single, with pop riffs and a whimsical story. The difference between the two lead tracks extends to the releases as a whole. While "Irish Blood..." had three strong B-Sides, "First of the Gang..." has only one. The forgettable second track, "My Life Is a Succession of People Saying Goodbye" combines a typically long song title with lifeless orchestral flourishes and unaffecting lyrics. "Teenage Dad on His Estate" is the best of the lot, a lazy track with occasional upswings that tells the tale of the poor, methadone-addicted title character. It's a good example of Morrissey's typically unusual song topics, and it combines a few good puns with an uncommonly wandering musical arrangement. The final track, "Mexico", aims to be a ballad, but the political tangents and lack of originality hinder it. Overall, this is not a bad release, but Morrissey fails to stray far enough from comfortable ground to make it exciting.

Most thrilling season of 24

Season two of 24 saw the series in top form. The newly introduced characters become well-developed and intriguing, while old characters seamlessly take on new facets. Most importantly, the storyline is riveting, and the end of the season presents a sequence of episodes that was the best in the show's history. Season two begins with the two main protagonists in very different positions than in season one. David Palmer is now President, managing crises from an underground bunker reminiscent of the war room from the film Dr. Strangelove. He is surrounded by some old advisors from season one, as well as new associates including Lynne Kresge (Michelle Forbes) and men from the NSA with a different vision of what his administration should be doing. Meanwhile, Jack Bauer has left CTU and still hasn't recovered from the tragic events of season one. Of course, things change very quickly, and Jack soon finds himself back in action, confronting the threat of a nuclear warhead in the possession of terrorists in California. Meanwhile, in a sharp commentary on recent US foreign policy, Palmer is under intense pressure to respond to this terrorist threat by making war on three Middle Eastern countries with a tenuous connection to the terrorists. Kiefer Sutherland gives an excellent performance as Jack Bauer. In this season, the emotion-free ruthlessness of his character is understandable and well-acted, and Sutherland delivers a convincing performance, especially during his scenes with Syed Ali. Additionally, the scenes involving the audio recording MacGuffin are engrossing and intense. But it is Dennis Haysbert as David Palmer who really makes the season. The nail biting moments near the end of the season where righteousness itself seems to hang in the balance are the best moments in the show's history, and it is largely thanks to Haysbert's convincing portrayal of the character. Season two of 24 would have been easily the show's best, but there are some important factors that detract from it and put season one in competition. First, the Kim storyline goes nowhere and simply eats up time. Second, the Warner family exists too far outside the plot and seems to have been shoehorned in. Marie's character especially is unconvincing, and it's noteworthy that no member of the family is seen again after the first episode of season three. Finally, the scenes involving Jack and Mason are predictable, though the Mason storyline, along with Palmer's early woes, make for the best moments in the first half of the season. Regardless, excellent characterisation, thrilling scenes, and a strong overall storyline place this season among 24's finest.