B.I.D. Dose of Jack

B.I.D. an abbreviation for "bis in die" which in Latin means "Twice a Day". Jack as in Keifer Sutherland, a.k.a. Jack Bauer, the former Los Angeles Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU) director whose death was staged in last season's final episode of Fox's 24.

Two each night of last Sunday and Monday (reason why I skipped The 63rd Golden Globe Award – but channel surfing allowed me to see the nomination of Keifer Sutherland). It goes back to its Qweekly schedule this coming Monday. My Mondays will never be manic again. At least for the next 20 Mondays (Fox is suppose to air new episodes non-stop).

It was 5 years ago when I started watching Fox's 24 in almost the middle of the first season. Its original release delayed because of its plot (terrorism) and proximity to 9/11 and its scenes about a plane being blown-up in the air cut. My TV reception then was absurdly grainy, I can't help but miss several episodes. Thankfully, the website provided quite a detailed blow by blow account on episodes that by the time I discovered the solution to my hopeless TV (hooking it to the cable-outlet), I had followed along the storyline fine. When Season 1 DVD became available in Blockbuster, I completed a 24 marathon in no time. Since then, the only time I would miss an episode was when I am (1)On call and there's either no TV in the call-room or someone needs a physician's attention from 7-8pm (2)Out-of-Town (3)Hmmm, I don't think there is a 3rd reason. You can tell I am a fan.

Gregory Itzin as President Charles Logan (who assumed presidency last season after Air Force One was shot down) plays a very convincing spineless wimp of a moron (at least this is how I see him -- his portrayal so effective that I seriously want to strangle him). I can't wait for him to crack once he learns about the nerve gas threat. And look who stopped by CTU! A hobbit disguised as a CTU agent! My apologies to Sean Astin, but I can't help but fondly remember him as Samwise Gamgee.

The 5th season's premier definitely placed me at the edge of my seat and in panic: President Palmer assassinated?! Michelle Dessler dead with husband Tony Almeda in critical condition?! Chloe almost killed?! I thought, geez, they're wiping out all the original characters in a bloody manner! One day, I really would not be surprised (but undoubtedly wistfully flabbergasted) if Jack Bauer gets killed for real.

But for now I will just go for the thrill ride. For Jack, it's just another one of his extremely bad days.