’24’ in 24: DAY TWO – Higher Stakes as Series Begins to Take Form

My introduction to 24 didn’t come on Day 1. Instead, I caught a random rerun midway through Day 2 and was instantly hooked. In fact, I wager that if you drew any episode at random and sat down to watch, no matter what it is, you would become an instant fan.

Day 2 is a marked improvement in its story and flow. We get the return of some of our favorite characters. David Palmer, played stoically by Dennis Haysbert, is now the President. Tony (Carlos Bernard) is back at CTU and joined by Reiko Aylesworth who plays Michelle. Aylesworth is a great addition to the cast, and by the end of the season, will become a favorite.

And of course, Kiefer Sutherland is back. After the events of Day 1, Jack Bauer is a changed man. For the better. Well, at least for us viewers.

Day 2 boasts a much bigger threat. That of a nuclear bomb being detonated in Los Angeles. We get many new characters including the Warner family ignited by my favorite 24 crush, Kate (Sarah Wynter).

New bad guys, including one big name (I won’t spoil) and my favorite tough guy of the season, Eddie (Douglas O’Keeffe).

Characters aside, we also get the opening credits, which introduce the key players for the story, which I love. And this season has much more intense ending split screens.

While better than Day 1, Day 2 isn’t without flaws. The presidential storyline has its ups and downs. And the entire plot of Kim Bauer (Elisha Cuthbert) is absurd at best. There’s more drama and more action, both good and bad.

SEASON RANKINGS
2, 1