Disappointed with 24's "Genocide Episode"

December 28th, 2008 • Africa, Conflict, Media, USA
Tags: 24, Africa, child soldiers, genocide, jack bauer, Sangala, south-africa

I got to watch the 2-hour introduction to season 7 of 24 last week, and I must say I was quite disappointed. The episode starts with Jack Bauer hiding out in the imaginary African nation of Sangala, where a civil war, involving child soldiers, funded by a mysterious American with connections in high place is about to erupt.

Sure I knew it would be all about Jack and how he saves the day but I was quite surprised how contrived some parts were. Spoilers ahead.

I was especially surprised at the way the United Nations was portrayed, as were others. They had a wimpy French guy who continually reminded us that the UN “remains neutral” in this matter, before then selling out Bauer and some orphans to the bad rebels. I mean, really? This is the best they could do? No attempt to portray the real horror of good people running up against a stilted bureaucracy run by diplomats who can’t agree.

Of course I’m also biased because an absence of a TV in my house has probably raised my standards in regard to acting and the actors in 24 weren’t of the highest standard.

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