Dammit Jack! (24 - Season 7 (DVD))

Member Name: utero

Product:	24 - Season 7 (DVD)
Date:	12/10/09 (74 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fast Paced, Entertaining, Good Performances

Disadvantages: Can't really fault this season

It's official; this season of 24 may just have taken the mantel as the most mental of the entire seven season run so far.

Keifer Sutherland returns as Jack Bauer, our favourite secret agent who takes no shit from anyone and get the job done anyway he can. However this time he's feeling heat from the government he's bailed out on numerous occasions. One senator doesn't take kindly to Jack's methods and we join the action as Jack get's grilled in a senate hearing.

But it's not long before Jack is pulled away by the FBI to identify a suspect in a possible terrorist plot. In true 24 style the suspect is revealed as previously dead former CTU agent Tony Almeida. Naturally it's not long before Jack get's pulled back into the field and his renegade antics kick off a whole heap of trouble.

This season of 24 performs a pretty slick juggling act as you have many different plot lines involving Bauer, Almeida and various struggles in the White House. Yes once again security at the headquarters of the most powerful country in the world is again about as handy as a chocolate teapot. But hey this is 24 and living in the realms of reality is not something they do.

What I liked about this season is that you never know who you can trust. From early on you learn that there are government officials who are acting as insiders to terrorists, I found myself suspecting everyone in the white house and it turns out none of my suspicions were correct. Unlike real life, 24 takes the approach this time around of having a female president played by Cherry Jones in an emmy winning performance. The dynamic works very well and I found Jones' performance excellent as is Bob Gunton as her chief of staff.

Of course the majority of the action revolves around Jack and as per usual we see him go through the mill, risking his life for the greater good and throwing the rule book out of the window when it comes to getting what he needs to stop the terrorist threat. As the final episodes draw to a close this is one of the few times when you actually think that a Jack Bauer power hour may be no more. Of course I'm not going to reveal how things end up but the main crux of the threat this season involves a biological weapon that Jack comes in contact with.

By now I suppose I should be getting a bit bored by 24 as let's be honest there isn't really nothing new in the season. But unlike other shows it has that knack of keeping you hooked because you love the main character and there's always a big twist to keep you intrigued and it has that hard edge which is rare for most mainstream American shows that don't have HBO in the production credits.

Season 7 is a thrilling affair that's got me wanting season 8 to come around quickly. Unfortunately it won't be till early next year L

- The DVD -

This 6-disc set shows all the episodes in widescreen (1.78:1) and the picture quality is fantastic throughout the 24 episodes. The soundtrack also has plenty of punch with your usual fare of gun fire, explosions, car chases and such. The ambient sound's also create a good atmosphere in the quieter moments.

- Extras -

There are 12 audio commentaries on the discs which include various participants and give some decent production info.

The Music of 24 is a ten minute plus music featurette with live performance of some of Sean Callery's musical score for the show. Bit of a long music video this one and look out for spoilers!

Hour 19: The Ambush goes behind the scenes as the crew set's up a pivitol pyrotechnics scene from the season. It's pretty standard fare and something we've seen plenty of before - entertaining nonetheless.

About 25-minutes of deleted scenes are also included and have some subtle sub plots and character moments but nothing too major.

Finally there's a featurette on the making of the seventh season and talks about the various problems encountered by tackling how to keep the show fresh and how the writers strike impeded the production.

- Finally -

24 Season Seven is not a disappointment, in fact I'd say it's one of the most enjoyable so far with many bad guys, loads of double crosses, a few surprises and Kim Bauer appearing....although this time she's not being chased by cougars.

Summary: The Jack Bauer Power Hour Keeps on rolling