Warning: Extremely Addictive
I was pretty skeptical at first. It didn't seem like that big of a deal. How was I to know it was any good? Addictive even? I was warned, mind you, but I'm a strong person. I won't get sucked in. I'll resist. Or so I thought...Starring Kiefer Sutherland, 24 takes TV to a new, heart-racing limit. There is an exciting episode for each hour of the day. This of course means two things: not only is it important to watch the show in the order in which it was filmed, it also means that missing even one episode could have serious repercussions.
Now let's take a step backwards for a minute. At the time of writing, 24 is in its second season on television. I missed the entire first season, but three weeks ago, Mike had to watch his show at ten o'clock. Had to. A must. No alternative.
It only took once. I tried to ignore it. I was sitting on the other side of my room, working on my computer. I really should have just gone to my room, but it just didn't cross my mind at the time. What is it they say? Hindsight is 20/20? Yeah, real helpful now. Contrary to what I said about not missing anything, I actually missed the entire first season, as well as the first few episodes of the second. It's shameful, really.
I know that when I do watch the first season -- and believe you me, I will -- it won't be the same experience as if I had watched it without the prior knowledge of what's to come. I know it would have been better if I had been stronger-minded. If I had resisted the temptation. Nevertheless, I am still looking forward to watching nearly twenty-four hours of a great series. On amazon.ca, the first season of 24 has a rating of 9/10 (4.5/5, actually, but that's an ugly fraction) stars. One guy watched it all in three days. (It took Mike four or five.)
Like The Sopranos, Oz, M*A*S*H, and other DVD series I've purchased, an internal debate shall stir deep within me. Do I make the season last as long as possible, limiting myself to one episode per day, or do I watch several episodes at once? Entire mornings, afternoons, and evenings gone. Consumed by the beast. Swallowed whole, if you will.
I've usually been pretty good with the other shows. On occassion, I've watched two episodes in a row. Once, maybe even three. Some seasons have lasted weeks. Some, a couple months! Partly due to discipline and partly to lack-of-time, they get stretched out until I feel I'm truly getting my money's worth. But I don't think I can be strong with 24. I'll make time. I'll even sacrifice something I treasure dearly: sleep.
Clearly, I'm addicted. An addict, they'll call me. Bah, they can call me what they want. They obviously don't know what they're missing or how it makes me feel. The way it makes my heart pound. My adrenaline flow. My pupils dilate. An hour's not enough. I need more, dammit, MORE! Here me now: I'll get my fix. I have to. I must. There is simply, no alternative.
