What I’m Watching: 24

24: Season 8, Episode 9 “12:00AM-1:00AM” (F)

We’re officially back in failing territory. It didn’t take long, but that’s hardly a surprise. It’s falling back into all of the same traps as in past seasons, and treading painfully familiar ground. Doesn’t the bureau of justice or whoever it is have more important things to do than hanging one of their own out to dry for the death of a murderous criminal? The crisis is still ongoing? CTU seems to have some ridiculous desire to offer immunity up to criminals everywhere at the drop of a hat, and it also appears that terrorists have the telephone number for CTU stored in the address books on their cell phones the moment they decide to try and kill their cohorts. Immunity aside, everyone turning on each other is dizzying, and it’s enough already. How does anything get done if people insist on betraying each other every second? Jack won’t stand for it, of course, so he thinks it’s a smart idea to break into the questioning room, put his hands around the throat of Renee’s inquisitor, and act like he’s above the law he insists everyone else follow. The arrogance of Jack is appalling, even for this tried-and-true defiant character. The way he outwardly defies orders and loudly scoffs at Hastings’ plans is almost as shocking as the way he reacts as if is surprised by the reprimands. Cole certainly stepped up to the plate to help Dana, and it’s a good thing considering her truly bad idea about taking out the two guys with a gun. Because murder is better than getting fired, obviously. Cole’s tough-guy line of “if I ever see you in this city again” was a wake-up call that we are still in New York. I might have forgotten if not for all of the Forest Hills references. Dana could have been rid of Kevin for good with the help of her loyal boyfriend, but instead we get yet another twist in the form of yet another stabbing and more dead bodies. What’s left to do but roll my eyes and groan?