24: Season 5

In January, I figured it was finally time to get caught up on 24. There are 5 seasons and so there are 5x24=120 episodes. On Thursday, approximately 180 days later, I got caught up. Thursday also happened to be the day that the Emmy Nominations were announced, and they were kind to 24, giving the show 12 nominations, which was more than any show that isn't a miniseries or a made-for-TV movie. I must say that I whole-heartedly agree. Jumping off to an incredibly fast start, this season never slows down and is among my favorite television seasons of any show. Among the nominations, I was epsecially glad to see nominations for:

1. Gregory Itzin for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. When Itzin shows up as President Charles Logan two-thirds of the way through season 4, the least good season really picks up. For me, it is the strength of the writing of what is happening with the president, whoever may hold the office, is really what makes the show great. The cutting back and forth between the action suspense of Jack Bauer running around and the more static tension of what's happening around with the president and his family always serves both storylines very well. Itzin's Logan is so interesting in season 4 with his incertainty, and then in season 5, he really shines.

2. Jean Smart for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. She plays First Lady Martha Logan and is the perfect complement to Itzin's president. What a terrific troupled couple! However, this category is somewhat bittersweet because of the lack of a nomination for Mary Lynn Rajskub, who is wonderful as Chloe.

3. Sean Callery for Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Dramatic Underscore). Callery has been nominated now for every season of 24, but it was not until season 5 that I realized that there is some great music in this show.