Analysis of the show 24

Topic: Media Instructions: Watch one TV police drama of your choice (or one archived show on DVD). Be sure it is a drama (that is a fictional presentation) and not a reality or infotainment show (ie edited video of real police work). Write an analysis of the show (at least 500 words) in which you identify as many of the characteristics of ” media cops” as you can find illustrated in the show. Begin, though, by naming the show and providing a brief synopsis of this episode’s story.
TV Show: 24
The show tracks the events of one day (24 hours) in the life of likable, down-to-earth federal agent named Jack Bauer played by Kiefer Sutherland and each episode chronicles every hour of the day, and is shot in real-time. The show’s uniqueness stems from the character relationships, the script, dialogue and attention to detail. The themes are handled in such a manner that the viewer is compelled to watch every twist and turn whether the shows is about kidnappings, bomb threats, personal vendettas, assassinations, or terrorist attacks.
This show is best described as the most innovative, ground-breaking television show of the past 50 years. The reason for this is the fact that it uses split screen cameras, and a real time format to create the element of a quality made show previously unseen in other TV shows.
As the hero is put through his paces, viewers learn to care about him as more of his life and his past is revealed. Playing Jack Bauer, Kiefer Sutherland is perfect for the role, displaying professionalism as the agent as well as showing the more human side of the character. The show also follows Jack’s colleagues at the Counter Terrorist Unit in Los Angeles, as well as the actions of the terrorists and particularly an important political figure such as a Senator or President played by Dennis Haysbert whose acting is superb. The support team of the show, among others played Carols Bernard as Tony Almeida and Elisha Cuthbert as Kim Bauer, also play a major part in each episode. Their motivations, personal strengths and shortcomings are also revealed. The interplay between these characters and that of Jack Bauer in association with the adverse situations is very finely narrated. The show’s striking point is that it constantly surprises viewers in unexpected moments, and the viewer never knows what to expect. With constant twists and turns, anything can happen.
The script of each episode is top notch and deserves a mention in its own right. The attention to detail is closely adhered to with the real time aspect of the show and mistakes with this time aspect are rare. This strengthens the authenticity of the show. With the innovative use of multiple split screen camera shots the lives and situations of the characters are shown as they occur in real time. This draws viewers to the realization to their own lives run parallel to those of others who we don’t even see or think about but is a real aspect in people’s everyday lives. With the camera’s focus on Jack’s point of view, we observe the world through his eyes, feel the pressures he feels and involve us in the show.
24’s real-time nature gives the show a strong sense of urgency, emphasized by the beeping of an on-screen digital clock appearing on a black background before and after commercial breaks (the latter of which reveals certain visual plots and locations one second at time as they occur). At various times during a segment of a show the digital clock appears at the center bottom of the screen. Throughout every episode the action switches between different locations, following the parallel adventures of different characters all involved in the same story.
The story may change; new characters may come and go but one thing remains the same; the show’s underlying story about one man’s fight to do what’s right. If there is an imperfect aspect to this show it may be that some of the action sequences are slightly predictable, but this is rare and should not detach from the viewing pleasure of the show. The show evokes every emotion under the sun but is nevertheless gripping, thrilling storytelling of the highest calibre.

References

24 – Seasons 1 – 4 DVD