24's Redemption doesn't live up to its title . . . yet

There may be no TV series that brings me greater emotional agita than Fox’s real-time adventure series on steroids, 24.

On the surface, it’s an action-packed program which wraps all our modern day anxieties — terrorism, out of control governments — into one compelling ball of drama. Toss in the depiction of a black president six years before Barack Obama’s election, and I’m sold.

But the subtext for so much of 24 is seriously troubling. Viewers see hero agent Jack Bauer using torture effectively and unilaterally, sidestepping little things like due process to address a pressing crisis. Those who insist on following laws and granting rights are shown as hypocrites or worse, ineffective wimps.

No wonder some of the real-life troops who used “stress positions” on suspected terrorists turned out to be using 24 DVDs like training manuals; sometimes the show felt like a Bizarro World take on our actual military policy.

So when evaluating the new two-hour 24 movie, Redemption (airing at 8 Sunday on WTVT-Ch. 13), I’m seriously conflicted.

The story opens on our hero Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland, in typical hangdog, tortured hero mode), working at a school for boys maintained by an old military buddy in Africa. In minutes, the villains surface; brutal rebel warlords seeking to conscript the school’s students as cannon fodder for their conflict.

We 24 fans know that, in short order, several things will happen: Bauer will defend the boys, lots of bad guys and a few good guys will die, and it all will feel way too intense for two hours’ time.

Unfortunately, the Africans here get two shades; ruthless warlords and helpless victims. Even the guy running the school is British (adding to the show’s occasional right wing tilt, a French U.N. worker is also shown as a craven, traitorous “surrender monkey”-style coward). Couldn’t one righteous African be shown taking a stand?

Told in real time, the film has expansive visuals shot on location and a statesman-like Cherry Jones as the first female president. Jon Voight does everything but twirl a moustache as the villainous, suit-wearing mastermind.

When the dust settles, Redemption is a satisfying if predictable set-up to next year’s season of 24, where Jack will finally face trial for his methods. Maybe then we’ll see a repudiation of the onscreen methods that brought us so much shame in real life.

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Comments

[Peter]

I think his old military buddy was supposed to be Irish. He was so wise and honourable too, not like that damn cowardly French guy. John Bolton I believe was credit with the writing and development of that character!

Well, the fact that you can't remember his name should tell you something. And, as I recall, the guy ultimately stayed down in the hideaway with the kiddies...

[Jake Bauer]

I don't remember the character's name, but you did have the very capable African assistant, the one arguing with the UN volunteer about whether or not there was an imminent threat while they were unloading the truck.

[ac]

I agree that it was satisfying and predictable, though it could have been worse. It can ALWAYS be worse!