24 - Fair and Balanced?

donheff · 01-20-2007, 07:31 PM

I am an inveterate 24 watcher. I am also a pinko. My favorite lefty shows (Oberman) and blogs are questioning the current 24 as a neo-con wet dream. Islamic American groups are also upset. I think its fair and balanced.

What say you?

unclemick · 01-20-2007, 07:38 PM

Heck - I'm an old SW Washington 'real Democrat'. I remember watching "I lead Three Lives" as a kid. My Dad watched too - he still thought Nixon and McCarthy sucked.

24 - It's a drama. I liked his dad's role in "The Dirty Dozen."

heh heh heh

Nords · 01-20-2007, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclemick2

24 - It's a drama. I liked his dad's role in "The Dirty Dozen."
heh heh heh

And "Kelly's Heroes"...

lets-retire · 01-21-2007, 08:52 AM

I can't vote you don't have an "it's only entertainment and has more logical flaws than Microsoft Windows" button.

Eagle43 · 01-21-2007, 09:31 AM

Well, gee I dunno.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...cstillwell.DTL

West Wing? Oprah?? Politically Correct Thought Police?
First amendment, anyone?

rjpatt · 01-21-2007, 09:46 AM

I love 24, but I believe they made a big mistake in negotiating with terrorists in the first four episodes. It is the policy of the US not to negotiate with terrorists, and that is a policy that to my knowlege would never be broken.

Baxter · 01-21-2007, 10:32 AM

I only watched the first season, but I got tired of seeing Jack torturing the bad guys while yelling "where's the bomb?" each week, so I tuned out. It felt like I was 1) being desensitized to the idea of torture, and 2) being taught that torturing the bad guys was a Good Idea because it yielded productive information. So yeah, in that sense it felt like a neo-con wet dream.

dex · 01-21-2007, 10:41 AM

Let's never forget that this is televison and this show might appear to be less liberal than other shows when considering the majority of shows like the Law and Order series and West Wing.

All these shows (like political parties) point out that people watch shows that reinforce their beliefs.

I like 24 (I don't have a TV but read about it on the web and rent the DVDs) because main characters actually get killed and have human flaws. I guess it is the uncertainty factor.

Yes Jack is the superman of today - he takes a beating and still keeps on ticking; he doesn't eat, drink, have sex, shower or go to the bathroom. This season he is showing his self doubt. Maybe they are setting it up for someone to replace him in the field.

newguy88 · 01-21-2007, 10:58 AM

I have a problem with a show like 24. I saw 9/11 . Been there , do not need to see some BS show about some BS actor stopping terrorists.

Sorry the show is not worth my time.

Alex · 01-21-2007, 12:05 PM

I have enough stress in my life.

poboy · 01-21-2007, 12:14 PM

Bond, James Bond.

donheff · 01-21-2007, 02:18 PM

I am amazed that over 70% haven't even seen it. Rent the first season - it is a hoot. By the way, by "fair and balanced" I don't mean accurate, realistic, reasonable or anything else. It is an entertaining cartoon patterned along the lines of Flash Gordon. But it does go every which way at once. This season the bad Muslims have detonated a nuke in LA; the US is about to open internment camps; and we have already had a few "successful" torture episodes. On the other hand, Jack has partnered with a former Bin Laden who has decided to disavow terror and go "legit;" he had to kill his buddy to prevent him from killing the Bin Laden guy; the President's sister is leading the first amendment resistance to the internment camps; and her Muslim boss is in a camp but helping the US. Oh, by the way, the President is an African American (not the first for 24).

Come to think of it, the show is so ridiculous that I have no idea why I like it. But I guess if it is one of Clinton's top three as well as GW's I am in some sort of company.

Leonidas · 01-21-2007, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donheff

On the other hand, Jack has partnered with a former Bin Laden who has decided to disavow terror and go "legit;" he had to kill his buddy to prevent him from killing the Bin Laden guy; the President's sister is leading the first amendment resistance to the internment camps; and her Muslim boss is in a camp but helping the US.

Come to think of it, the show is so ridiculous that I have no idea why I like it.

I watched about ten minutes of it one night and found it completely devoid of any semblance to reality. Of course, I'm a conservative who enjoys most of the Law & Order shows and was a big fan of West Wing, so maybe I'm the wrong guy to ask.

califdreamer · 01-22-2007, 08:17 PM

I was at a small gathering recently and everyone was referring to Jack Bauer. I asked, "who's Jack Bauer?" and got astonished looks.

d · 01-22-2007, 08:34 PM

i sense the "thought police" have found a new interest.

Robert the Red · 01-23-2007, 09:01 AM

24 feints left and right in it's overt politics, just to be tricky. It's coherent political message lies in it's sub-text (the underlying assumptions) -- that being "tough" is what matters. The ur-message is reinforced by the fact that Kiefer Sutherland is not very good at portraying non-tough emotions.

bosco · 01-26-2007, 09:59 AM

q) how did Bush get the public to accept him trashing the bill of rights, torture, detentions etc.?

a) by revving up the fear of terrorism to an irrational pitch. classic Goebbels strategy.

does 24 seem to assist in this strategy? suitcase nukes going off in LA etc. Wouldn't surprise me if the White house consulted with the writers.

Sandy · 01-26-2007, 10:05 AM

Haven't a clue

I'm obviously out of touch with popular culture; had to read almost the whole thread to figure out what you were referring to.

justin · 01-26-2007, 10:20 AM

My thoughts - I can't vote because there is no option for "geez - it's just tv".

I tend to fall on the "conservative" side of issues - maybe that means 24 is right leaning?

I had never considered this when I was watching 24. I try to sit back and enjoy the show and not try to conjure up subtle pretexts that may or may not be present.

24 isn't political commentary - it's an action flick.

shiny · 01-26-2007, 11:02 AM

DH watches 24 and when its on I notice that they get a lot of their news from Fox news. But then again, the show is on Fox so... maybe that's irrelevant.

As a lawyer I would rather people have a fair trial than be tortured into admitting things, but that would be one long boring show!

What was up with Chloe kissing Rush Limbaugh this summer at the Heritage Foundation?

Just random 24 thoughts...

View Poll Results: Is 24 fair and balanced?
It is a neo-con wet dream	3	6.12%
Sorta right	3	6.12%
Fair and balanced	7	14.29%
Sorta Left	3	6.12%
Typical LW media	0	0%
24 what?	33	67.35%
Voters: 49. You may not vote on this poll

01-20-2007, 07:31 PM	#1
donheff Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 2,694	24 - Fair and Balanced? I am an inveterate 24 watcher. I am also a pinko. My favorite lefty shows (Oberman) and blogs are questioning the current 24 as a neo-con wet dream. Islamic American groups are also upset. I think its fair and balanced. What say you? __________________ Every man is, or hopes to be, an Idler. -- Samuel Johnson

01-20-2007, 07:38 PM	#2
unclemick Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ... Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: north of Kansas City Posts: 5,560	Re: 24 - Fair and Balanced? Heck - I'm an old SW Washington 'real Democrat'. I remember watching "I lead Three Lives" as a kid. My Dad watched too - he still thought Nixon and McCarthy sucked. 24 - It's a drama. I liked his dad's role in "The Dirty Dozen." heh heh heh

01-21-2007, 08:52 AM	#4
lets-retire Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,304	Re: 24 - Fair and Balanced? I can't vote you don't have an "it's only entertainment and has more logical flaws than Microsoft Windows" button. __________________ You don't want to work. You want to live like a king, but the big bad world don't owe you a thing. Get over it--The Eagles

01-21-2007, 09:31 AM	#5
Eagle43 Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 1,653	Re: 24 - Fair and Balanced? Well, gee I dunno. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...cstillwell.DTL West Wing? Oprah?? Politically Correct Thought Police? First amendment, anyone? __________________ Resist much. Obey Little. . . . Ed Abbey Disclaimer: My Posts are for my amusement only.

01-21-2007, 09:46 AM	#6
rjpatt Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 145	Re: 24 - Fair and Balanced? I love 24, but I believe they made a big mistake in negotiating with terrorists in the first four episodes. It is the policy of the US not to negotiate with terrorists, and that is a policy that to my knowlege would never be broken.

01-21-2007, 10:32 AM	#7
Baxter Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 62	Re: 24 - Fair and Balanced? I only watched the first season, but I got tired of seeing Jack torturing the bad guys while yelling "where's the bomb?" each week, so I tuned out. It felt like I was 1) being desensitized to the idea of torture, and 2) being taught that torturing the bad guys was a Good Idea because it yielded productive information. So yeah, in that sense it felt like a neo-con wet dream.

01-21-2007, 10:41 AM	#8
dex Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 3,058	Re: 24 - Fair and Balanced? Let's never forget that this is televison and this show might appear to be less liberal than other shows when considering the majority of shows like the Law and Order series and West Wing. All these shows (like political parties) point out that people watch shows that reinforce their beliefs. I like 24 (I don't have a TV but read about it on the web and rent the DVDs) because main characters actually get killed and have human flaws. I guess it is the uncertainty factor. Yes Jack is the superman of today - he takes a beating and still keeps on ticking; he doesn't eat, drink, have sex, shower or go to the bathroom. This season he is showing his self doubt. Maybe they are setting it up for someone to replace him in the field. __________________ Sometimes death is not as tragic as not knowing how to live. This man knew how to live--and how to make others glad they were living. - Jack Benny at Nat King Cole's funeral

01-21-2007, 10:58 AM	#9
newguy88 Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 2,119	Re: 24 - Fair and Balanced? I have a problem with a show like 24. I saw 9/11 . Been there , do not need to see some BS show about some BS actor stopping terrorists. Sorry the show is not worth my time.

01-21-2007, 12:05 PM	#10
Alex Full time employment: Posting here. Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 696	Re: 24 - Fair and Balanced? I have enough stress in my life. __________________ Oh, you hate your job? Why didn't you say so? There's a support group for that. It's called EVERYBODY, and they meet at the bar.--Drew Carey

01-21-2007, 12:14 PM	#11
poboy Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 361	Re: 24 - Fair and Balanced? Bond, James Bond. __________________ Fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life, son.

01-21-2007, 02:18 PM	#12
donheff Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 2,694	Re: 24 - Fair and Balanced? I am amazed that over 70% haven't even seen it. Rent the first season - it is a hoot. By the way, by "fair and balanced" I don't mean accurate, realistic, reasonable or anything else. It is an entertaining cartoon patterned along the lines of Flash Gordon. But it does go every which way at once. This season the bad Muslims have detonated a nuke in LA; the US is about to open internment camps; and we have already had a few "successful" torture episodes. On the other hand, Jack has partnered with a former Bin Laden who has decided to disavow terror and go "legit;" he had to kill his buddy to prevent him from killing the Bin Laden guy; the President's sister is leading the first amendment resistance to the internment camps; and her Muslim boss is in a camp but helping the US. Oh, by the way, the President is an African American (not the first for 24). Come to think of it, the show is so ridiculous that I have no idea why I like it. But I guess if it is one of Clinton's top three as well as GW's I am in some sort of company. __________________ Every man is, or hopes to be, an Idler. -- Samuel Johnson

01-22-2007, 08:17 PM	#14
califdreamer Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 430	Re: 24 - Fair and Balanced? I was at a small gathering recently and everyone was referring to Jack Bauer. I asked, "who's Jack Bauer?" and got astonished looks.

01-22-2007, 08:34 PM	#15
d Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 1,457	Re: 24 - Fair and Balanced? i sense the "thought police" have found a new interest.

01-23-2007, 09:01 AM	#16
Robert the Red Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 290	Re: 24 - Fair and Balanced? 24 feints left and right in it's overt politics, just to be tricky. It's coherent political message lies in it's sub-text (the underlying assumptions) -- that being "tough" is what matters. The ur-message is reinforced by the fact that Kiefer Sutherland is not very good at portraying non-tough emotions.

01-26-2007, 09:59 AM	#17
bosco Full time employment: Posting here. Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 936	Re: 24 - Fair and Balanced? q) how did Bush get the public to accept him trashing the bill of rights, torture, detentions etc.? a) by revving up the fear of terrorism to an irrational pitch. classic Goebbels strategy. does 24 seem to assist in this strategy? suitcase nukes going off in LA etc. Wouldn't surprise me if the White house consulted with the writers. __________________ I have an inferiority complex, but it's not a very good one.

01-26-2007, 10:05 AM	#18
Sandy Full time employment: Posting here. Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 856	Re: 24 - Fair and Balanced? Haven't a clue I'm obviously out of touch with popular culture; had to read almost the whole thread to figure out what you were referring to. __________________ I would not have anyone adopt my mode of living...but I would have each one be very careful to find out and pursue his own way, and not his father's or his mother's or his neighbor's instead. Thoreau, Walden

01-26-2007, 10:20 AM	#19
justin Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 4,010	Re: 24 - Fair and Balanced? My thoughts - I can't vote because there is no option for "geez - it's just tv". I tend to fall on the "conservative" side of issues - maybe that means 24 is right leaning? I had never considered this when I was watching 24. I try to sit back and enjoy the show and not try to conjure up subtle pretexts that may or may not be present. 24 isn't political commentary - it's an action flick.

01-26-2007, 11:02 AM	#20
shiny Full time employment: Posting here. Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Tokyo Posts: 652	Re: 24 - Fair and Balanced? DH watches 24 and when its on I notice that they get a lot of their news from Fox news. But then again, the show is on Fox so... maybe that's irrelevant. As a lawyer I would rather people have a fair trial than be tortured into admitting things, but that would be one long boring show! What was up with Chloe kissing Rush Limbaugh this summer at the Heritage Foundation? Just random 24 thoughts... __________________ Time is the coin of your life... Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you. Carl Sandburg