Dilemma on "24"

[question everything]

OK, I am a fan. Have watched every single episode of it.

They tried to go after Serbs, and Mexicans drug lords, and Russian and former British spy bent on revenge, but this year they are back to the "safe" villain of Islamic terrorists. Not all. Some want to change their ways and start negotiating and for that they are threatened by other terrorists, even being betrayed by them.

But against an official of the Homeland Security (of course) who wants to put all American Muslims in "detention centers," there are others whose concerns about the Constitution is stronger then their fear of more attacks - many, in major American cities as the new day opens.

And when we are outraged that a Muslim has been dragged by the FBI for what it appears nothing more than his religion... well, there is more than just appearance (don't want to spoil, for the ones who have yet to watch yesterday's two hours program).

Yes, "24" is full of action, watching it while sitting at the edge of the chair and the time flies fast. But I thought it was interesting, at least yesterday, that people and events were not simple black and white concepts. That being concerned about what keeping this country "safe and secure" included also debates about what such measures can do to the basic ideas of this country.

[JacksonWest]

1. I think they're going in an interesting direction this season.

They reference the very real detention centers(Haliburton) and demonstrate what I think would happen if our country came under attack again. There's nothing wrong with making a movie or a show about middle-eastern terrorists. It makes more sense than Canadian terrorists. The show is clear to show:

1. It is detrimental to assume that someone is a terrorist simply because of their nationality, race, or religion.

2. It is detrimental and unwise to suspend civil liberties during times of fear or tension.


Beyond that, it's entertaining as hell. Someone will always get upset about anything that shows a middle eastern person as a terrorist. However, if someone takes that to mean all middle Eastern folks are terrorists-fuck 'em. Anyone that stupid is beyond saving.

[question everything]

2. Well said

and more of the detention center was shown today with, again, two sides of having people there.

[itsmesgd]

3. it's FAUX TV people, wake up

[Bucky]

4. Touched by the hand of evil, it is itself now evil. Like "The Simpsons" a tool of the Nazis among us

Have I got that right, "itmesgd"?

[Tektonik]

5. don't forget about that vile 'American Dad' either! n/t

[fujiyama]

6. LOL

I guess all of us liberals watching it are just asleep.

Maybe it's just ridiculous escapist entertainment for one hour every week. Maybe that violates some rules of liberalism...If so, too bad, I'm hooked.

I'll admit, I don't like the show's defense of torture as a tactic. But I do enjoy the wild plot twists.

BTW, Fox TV has some shows that aren't conservative propaganda. Family Guy, Simpsons, and American Dad sure aren't. And even 24 isn't always RW. Corporate crooks are frequently featured as baddies.

[BigBearJohn]

7. Ending tonight's show with a mushroom cloud plays right into Bush's hands.

FEAR FEAR FEAR FEAR

It won't be long before the terrorists are detonating
nuclear bombs in the good ole U.S. of A.

As much as I like the drama of the show, it is playing
right into this administrations hands.