I can't even tell you how ...

Question: I can't even tell you how much I'm enjoying 24 this season. It's the first season I've watched completely (mostly because Fox finally switched it to a time slot that doesn't conflict with anything else I watch), and what makes it even better is that I'm guaranteed a new episode each and every week. Has this scheduling had any effect on 24's ratings? I'd also like to say how much I love Jean Smart as First Lady Martha Logan — there's a contingent out here who think the last five minutes of the season should show her running off with loyal Secret Service Agent Aaron Pierce while President Logan whines to Novick, "Mike, what should I dooooooo?"
Answer: Oh, Lisa, you have no idea what a little hornets' nest you have stirred up. Just wait until you see tonight's (March 6) two-hour episode. There's a moment between ambush survivors Martha and Aaron that will tickle you to no end. (And let me just say that no 24 fan can afford to miss these episodes. It's a real and shocking turning point, and so far it looks like Fox has kept a lid on the biggest twist of the show's mid-season.) To answer your bottom-line question: The "nonstop" scheduling of 24, with no breaks or repeats because Fox keeps it off the air for half a year, is a resounding success. It stimulates interest and desire for the show upon its return each year, and like most other constant TV viewers, I wish more shows could adopt this sort of pattern. But that's not the way network TV generally works (example: Lost), and my advice is just to suck it up and enjoy the new episodes whenever they show up. This time of year, unless you're talking 24, it's stop-and-start, and that's just the way it is.

Here's another shout-out to Agent Pierce from Santos, with whom I totally agree: "What are your thoughts on 24 finally giving Secret Service Agent Aaron Pierce his moment to shine? Despite being a bit player, Pierce has always been a character worth watching, due mainly to actor Glenn Morshower's quietly intense performance. Recent episodes have already shown promise of giving Pierce more to do, and the Feb. 27 episode fulfilled that promise. A groggy Pierce managing to wake up in enough time to take out the two terrorists who were attacking the presidential motorcade was a terrific, applause-worthy moment and evidence of why 24, despite whatever flaws it may have, still works as a whole."

Yes, it does, and I expect to be reading testimonials to another relatively unsung 24 hero as this week progresses.