In a word: life. Rather than beloved characters dying, as they have been doing since Season 1, and especially in Season 5, everyone lived tonight. Even the main bad guy - though that's more of a hunch than a fact.
Jack lived. Of course, he did. In spite of some rumors here and there, there was no way he could die and 24 continue. Doyle lived - though he may have been blinded by the bogus circuit-board that blew up in his face. Buchanan lived - and put in a great swan song in the field - which I hope will not be his last appearance on the show, even though he and Karen are supposed to be retiring to Vermont.
Chloe collapsed, but she'll live - maybe even happily ever after. She learned she's having a baby with Morris. Life ... Josh survived, and Phillip--
Well, Jack refrained from shooting him - that's always a mistake if you really want someone dead - and Phillip was on the rig that was rocket-attacked ... but, my philosophy is, if you don't see the character shot point blank in the head, we may see him on another season.
Audrey put in a good performance - unconscious. Ok, that was a cheap shot, but as I've said here before, I'm glad to think that she and Jack are finished.
And Jack looks out at the sunrise in the end, in what may be the most quiet ending of 24 in his history. (And one of the best performances, ever, by Kiefer Sutherland. From his telling off Secretary Heller, to his looking out at the dawn, reminiscent of the best of The Spy Who Came In From the Cold.)
We learned a lot about Jack and his family this year. There is something that feels very clean-slate now, which means just about anything is possible next year.
And so, without meaning to sound too clever about this, I think 24 did indeed manage to surprise us again. With a central story that ended well before Hour 20. With a second story that ended with 30 minutes still ticking tonight. And with a low-key last scene that greets the new day.
I'm satisfied. It was a good 24 hours. The only thing I wish I could see is Day 7 beginning right now ... tick, tick, tick....
(And I'll be back here next year, with my reviews of Day 7, hour by hour.)
See also 24 Redemption: a 24 Even Keith Olbermann Might Like
Useful links:
The Spy Who Came In From the Cold John Le Carre's classic novel
The Ten Gadgets Jack Bauer Can't Live Without funny, well researched, and useful list from Free Geekery
Listen to 4-minute podcast of this review at Levinson news clips
