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Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this very addictive series is all about terrorism. The violence is relentless, albeit mostly bloodless, and the lead character is rarely remorseful. Villains are sometimes portrayed stereotypically, although, in general, the show depicts women and minorities without bias. Discussion of sex is common, but not a major plot element.

Families can talk about world politics as it relates to terrorism, as well as concepts of good and evil. The series' frequent moral quandaries can provide good jumping-off points for talking to teens about right and wrong. Does the end justify the means? What would they do in Jack's position? How does the show make them feel about the way government and politics operate?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Sierra Filucci

In an age of both real and imagined terrorist threats, 24 brings a fearless and effective action figure into our living rooms to fight those who threaten the United States.

Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) is a rugged hero with no patience for red tape, who, when he hasn't been fired, suspended, or considered dead, works with the United States Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU). His methods are often repugnant, but his quest is always noble. What's unique about 24 -- and what makes it so compelling (and sometimes frustrating) -- is its structure. Each season takes place over the course of one 24-hour day, with each show playing out in real time. Every season, the CTU is thrown into action by a major threat; past dangers have included nuclear bombs, viruses, and plots against the president.

But even while Jack is busy fighting the bad guys (who have included Arabs, Russians, and Americans, among others), he somehow finds time to make intimate connections with others on the show, which deepens his character and allows viewers to empathize with him despite his outrageous circumstances. The show's supporting characters, especially CTU agent Chloe O'Brian (Mary Lynn Rajskub), are well formed for such an action-packed series.

That said, sometimes the formula wears thin, with certain scenarios playing out over and over again. For instance, important characters tend to die just before they reveal key information to Jack.

With frequent gunplay, hand-to-hand combat, explosions, high-speed chases, double-crosses, deception, and some sexual content, 24 is definitely not for kids. Some teens may be able to handle the violence, but while Jack is the good guy in the show, he isn't a role model by any means. With its breathless pace, moral dilemmas galore, and an innovative format, 24 is one of the most exciting shows for adults on television today. (A word of warning: 24 is expressly designed to be addictive, so if parents don't want their teens watching all 24 episodes, they probably shouldn't let them watch one.)

Season 5 Note (Includes mild spoilers)
As 24's fifth season begins, Jack -- who has been living under an assumed name and working on an oil rig in the Mojave desert since faking his death in the fourth season finale -- is pulled back into action after former President David Palmer (Dennis Haysbert) is assassinated. He quickly gets embroiled in the plot, which involves Russian separatists with nerve gas, a spineless president (Gregory Itzin), and an unstable first lady (Jean Smart) who may just help save the day.

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Content
		CS	adults	kids
Sexual Content Minor sexual activity and sexual discussions.
Violence Intense violence -- gunplay, stabbing, poisoning, explosions -- but little blood.
Language Minor adult language.
Message
	Social Behavior Jack may be the hero, but he's no role model. Murder, drugs, etc. -- he's done it all. However, most of his actions are geared toward helping keep the country safe.
	Commercialism FOX News plays a major role in the show. The Sprint logo is visible on cell phones.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Jack used to use heroin but talks about it with regret. Minor characters drink and smoke.

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