24 Season 6: hr 13: Markov's Mouth, and Martha

First, I gotta mention something that impressed me last week, and now this week, again - did you see that Russian guy's mouth? Anatoly Markov's - the Russian ambassador's - frown? John Noble, who sometimes goes by the name of Nogle, and played the slimy Denethor in the last two Lord of the Rings movies, contributed a world-class grimace to the past few episodes of 24. I'll miss it.

I'll miss Charles Logan, too. Even if he survives Martha's knife wound, he's not likely to be seen much longer on the show, outside of intensive care. A tough season for Presidents, current and former.

But Powers Boothe as the VP acting as President is in high, nearly snarling gear back in Washington. It's still not completely clear how bad he is - at very least, he's a hard-ass willing to risk war - actually, that wouldn't necessarily be that bad, given the peril the U.S. is in. But Vice President Daniels looks like he may also be behind the bomb that killed Assad and put Wayne Palmer in the hospital. And at very least, he's also leaning on Tom Lennox to lie to the Arab ambassador .... Tom could use some help from Karen Hayes, who should be back at the White House pretty soon now.

Back to Martha - what a performance! Jean Smart couldn't have played her tormented role any better. And it was great to see Aaron, again, too.

Last but not least for tonight, Ricky Schroder coming on board at CTU is a good thing, too. He may have manhandled Morris, and been none too friendly to Milo, but he reminds me of ... a younger, Jack.

Always good.

Hey, did you see that Russian ambassador's mouth? How does he do that?

Useful links:

2-minute podcast of this review at Levinson news clips

World Class Frowns On Television

The Two Towers Visual Companion

The Return of the King Visual Companion