24

I am happy to report that this series remains a 100-percent authentic, white-knuckled hair-raiser. [24 Oct 2002]

A relentless, ambitious perpetual motion machine that may go down as the most exciting thriller in TV history. [27 Oct 2002]

The opening two hours of season two suggest that 24 has lost none of its style or energy. It remains television's most exciting series. [29 Oct 2002]

The format of '24' still works beautifully. [27 Oct 2002]

Combine the new story's broader scope with the show's newfound willingness to tap into current fears, and there's every reason to hope for an even more suspenseful season. And that's even considering the drag applied by Kim's credibility-straining subplot. [29 Oct 2002]

The first two episodes this season get the crisis-fueled day rolling in superb fashion. [29 Oct 2002]

The producers' storytelling bravura grabs your guts from the first tense second and doesn't let go. [29 Oct 2002]

'24'... has matured beyond sheer novelty while retaining its relentless excitement. [28 Oct 2002]

24 strains credulity here and there... and some of the season premiere's doomsday dialogue smacks of parody. But the real-time format builds tension week-to-week as well as scene-to-scene, and Sutherland keeps adding depth to his portrayal of a man staggering slightly with the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Really, my only significant complaint about the new '24' is an excessive use of its visual trademark: split-screen images. These are fine when they're used to let you know where major characters are in different subplots simultaneously, but in next week's episode, there's a split-screen shot that separates two characters talking in the same room together!

Based on the first two episodes of season two, "24" returns tonight with the promise of another year of ambitious, outrageous, and addictive TV drama. [29 Oct 2002]

'24' is back in top storytelling form, spinning an intricate new web of mystery and suspense. [29 Oct 2002]

As twisty and spellbinding as ever. [28 Oct 2002]

Next week's episode has more taut scenes than tonight's premiere, which has to lay the groundwork for the season. No surprise -- last season, it took several episodes before "24" began to live up to its promise. [29 Oct 2002]

The real-time approach can't seem as innovative the second time around, but it is still used to great effect ... The glaring weak spot is Jack's teenage daughter, Kim (Elisha Cuthbert). [29 Oct 2002]

'24' keeps you on edge like no other series. [28 Oct 2002]

It brings with it last season's same gift for immediately innards-knotting suspense, fate-of-the-free-world plotting and page-turning viewing, if such a metaphor can be mixed. It also hits the implausibility buttons much earlier in its run, although part of '24's' genius is that it drives so relentlessly forward that it leaves no time for contemplation. [29 Oct 2002]

Compelling if not entirely satisfying. [29 Oct 2002]

The most inspired aspect of this year's primary plot is that Jack is a man over the edge, not on it. [28 Oct 2002]

One thing is certain, it’s going to be another long day on '24.' At least early indications suggest it won’t be boring.

Viewers are in for another high-powered pulse-pounder. [29 Oct 2002]