TV: 24, Season 1 (S, D)

I just finished watching the first season of 24. The show came highly recommended, and I don't mind TV so much on DVD because you can avoid those pesky commercials.

In case you don't know, the show consists of 24 episodes in real-time, what the main character calls "the longest day of my life." He's a federal agent whose wife and daughter have been kidnapped to force him to assassinate a presidential candidate. As if that weren't interesting enough, he believes there is a traitor working in his agency.

At first, I thought, how nice, the man must rescue his womenfolk. However, these two women are not victims but survivors, resourceful and brave as they support and protect each other during a very difficult situation.

The story is about much more than the plot. Everyone's story is developed: the agent, his family, and staff; the candidate, his family, and staff; even the kidnappers. All the characters are interesting and well-drawn. The candidate's wife in particular is almost scary in her Lady Macbeth-like determination to help her husband succeed.

I confess to feeling a little frustrated on occasion (mostly along the lines of Great, we have 9 hours to go), but overall the complexity of both the plot and the characters make the show suspenseful and satisfying. I'll be tuning in for Season 2. Grade: A-