Dragon Tattoo

So...you ask a question and then figure out the answer for yourself?

That's clearly why they did it. To add suspense. We don't need to see every ridiculous event, especially something as non-essential as Jack getting attacked by some random hit-team. Also, you're like, the only one who's complained about how they handled the Novakovich attack. That was one of the most badass things they've ever done on the show.

They actually showed some restraint and class with these last few episodes. Sometimes, underplaying things works more effectively.

DJariya

Agree that Dr. Peter Benton was wasted. He was just a talking head and zero significance in these last 2 hours. His reps must have called Howard Gordon and asked if they have any part he could play just so he can add 24 to his acting resume.

Original Desmond

We've seen enough explicit Bauer violence this season that showing only the aftermath of the Novakovich attack was hell effective.

Boy i feel sorry for Pressy Taylor

She may get jailed ?

devilshalo

He needed some Soul Glo.

RocShemp

That's exactly what I thought when I saw him.

Goldblum

She might get pardoned by her VP, whoever the hell he is.

DJariya

Here he is, the Pirate Master himself:

http://l.yimg.com/l/tv/us/img/site/9...0518132151.jpg

Cameron Daddo, who played VP Mitchell Hayworth for 2 episodes last season.

Michael Corvin

Underplaying the Novakovich scene? Badass.

Underplaying the final two hours Jack will be on the small screen? Weak.

In fact, in 8 seasons why underplay anything at this point? I thought the point of knowing it was the end was so they could pull out all the stops. There wasn't anything in these two episodes that benefited from the writers knowing it was the end. It could have been played as a regular season finale. In fact how it ended was a repeat of a few years back. The only difference being Kiefer's "thank you" that preceded the episodes.

MrSmearkase

I agree, sometimes that does work, but we are talking about the final hours of 24 here. A show which, in my opinion, continually and successfully pushed the boundaries of depicting violence and pain on network television. Restraint and class? Please. Why would they start now?

I'm sorry if I'm 'like, the only one who has complained about how they handled the Novakovich attack,' but it honestly seemed lazy to me. In the rush to get the story wrapped up, it's as if the writers figured that rather than stage and plot an elaborate action scene, we'll just show the aftermath. I'm sorry, but that is straight out of the Heroes writing room.

I can't think of any other time 24 has shied away from a payoff like that, and to do that in one of it's final episodes? Not one of the most badass things they've ever done.

HE Pennypacker

Can't wait for it.

Dragon Tattoo

Well, thank God the show is over then. It'll never have to annoy you with it's subpar storytelling and random obfuscations again. I, however, enjoyed it.

HE Pennypacker

Let's be fair, guy. It's a fair criticism based on the history of the program. Plus the "never have to annoy" comment is a little odd, considering the dude appears to be a fan of the show. If that complaint was produced by some dude tuning in for the first time, then I'd likely be in agreement.

Tarantino

I loved the finale and will definitely miss my favorite dramatic show of all time.

I misted up a bit when Chloe gave the order to "shut it down'.

Until the movie, Jack.

HE Pennypacker

I know more than a handful of people that dropped the show early on in the season that will ultimately love the conclusion. Too bad the discs aren't coming out until Dec. or whatever.

bee_01

Wonder if Kiefer's stomach surgery had a part in his subdued role in the final 2 hours.

Luds

I'd rather wait an extra 6 months to a year for a 24 movie if it's going to be good. I'd rather not have them rush things.

Shannon Nutt

I didn't think the finale was anything special, but I kind of admire the fact that they didn't feel they had to make things "bigger" or do anything differently than they've done in other season finales. The ending is quite similar to another season-ender (can't remember which) where Jack is essentially off on his own as a fugitive from justice - but we all knew this was the most likely conclusion, given the few details we know about the upcoming film.

I have to admit, for a second, I thought the three guys in gas masks that captured Jack at the end was actually Tony Almeda and pals RESCUING Jack (how cool would that have been?!).

Dragon Tattoo

Why does everyone still seem to hold this delusion that Tony would ever help Jack again? Did I watch a different season seven? The writers turned him into a cackling maniac. He might as well have screamed "And I would've gotten away with it too, if it hadn't been for those damn ki--JACK BAUER!" before he was dragged away.

Jack, likewise, would not have accepted Tony's "help" after how far the dude fell. Hell, this finale alone displayed how different the two are. Even at his craziest, Jack couldn't put innocent people in the cross-hairs of his own revenge, and could still be talked down. At the end, Tony just didn't give a fuck. He wasn't going to stop no matter who got in his way. You can bet he would've pulled the trigger on the Russian President.

HE Pennypacker

Agreed. Good post. But it was a mistake on the writers' part to make Tony lose his mind in the first place. Dunno why they burned that bridge of him ever being meaningful to Jack ever again.

Michael Corvin

fixed.

HE Pennypacker

Yeah, that too I wasn't fond of. But I was pleased to have Tony back in those initial episodes before we realized he was off his rocker. They shouldn't have "killed" him off either. Remember how exciting it was to see Tony rescue Jack in season four? They should have at least kept his character stashed away Michael Madsen's character style.

TGM

considering what Jack did during the second half of this season, I see a very fine line between Jack and Tony now.

although, I am a huge Tony fan, and really, really, really would love to see him team up with Jack again in the movies. (as well as Vic Mackey).... (and Wolverine).... (and Jason Bourne).

HE Pennypacker

Wasn't Tony okay with destroying an airplane full of innocents?

TGM

was he? I thought he was bluffing that part? oh well... can't say I really remember much of last season all too much...

Dragon Tattoo

See, I don't. There's a line, but it ain't that thin. At no point during Jack's rampage did he knowingly collude with a terrorist organization and provide them with advanced weaponry that could put millions of lives at risk, or take control of an air traffic control tower and endanger a flight with hundreds of innocents on board, or plot to sell said device to an African warlord who would no-doubt use it to cripple the United States. Nor did Jack ever know about but keep silent said warlord's plan for a subterranean assault on the White House, and his group's attempt to acquire nerve gas to use on the populace of DC, while also allowing a rogue, privatized military firm to gain access to a biological weapon for the sole purpose of threatening their own country all in a vague attempt to follow the chain of villainous command to the top in order to get revenge on Alan Wilson, the man responsible for the death of his wife and unborn child.