A medium that strives on the familiar, television isn't exactly known for its ability to captivate, enthrall and excite. It's mighty rare that prime time provides any value beyond annoying laugh tracks, washed up film actors and "reality" shows that are anything but real.
But every now and then, prime time pleases. Many have called FOX's new show, "24" (Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on FOX 6 in Milwaukee), "the season's best new show," and after seeing the opening episode all I can say is "just you watch."
Kiefer Sutherland stars as Jack Bauer, a government anti-terrorism agent whose job and life have suddenly turned upside down. Each episode chronicles a single hour in the life of one massively crazy and flat-out amazing day. When the 24-episode season is finished, viewers will have witnessed one complete day in the life of Jack Bauer.
The show begins at midnight, when Bauer gets a call at home. He quickly learns of an assassination plot against African-American presidential candidate David Palmer, who is the first black man with a legitimate shot at winning the White House. Needless to say, his death would rock the nation.
At the same time, Bauer's teenage daughter Kimberly is out with college boys (without Mom and Dad's permission) and headed for trouble like only teenage girls can. Oh, and did I mention Bauer and his wife already have marital issues? Their young daughter's beer party stunt ain't helping things.
Don't be put off by the show's strong parallels to the events of September 11. Producers axed a sky-high shot of a plane being blown to bits, but that's about all they changed. It's riveting entertainment and FOX should be commended for bringing such an intense quality back to the small screen.
"24" is gripping television, with suspense, terror and humor. It makes its small-screen debut Tues., Nov. 6 at 8 p.m., on FOX 6 Milwaukee.
A life-long and passionate community leader and Milwaukeean, Jeff Sherman is a co-founder of OnMilwaukee.
He grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from Marquette University, as a Warrior. He holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University, and is the founding president of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM)/Fuel Milwaukee.
Early in his career, Sherman was one of youngest members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and currently is involved in numerous civic and community groups - including board positions at The Wisconsin Center District, Wisconsin Club and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. He's honored to have been named to The Business Journal's "30 under 30" and Milwaukee Magazine's "35 under 35" lists.
He owns a condo in Downtown and lives in greater Milwaukee with his wife Stephanie, his son, Jake, and daughter Pierce. He's a political, music, sports and news junkie and thinks, for what it's worth, that all new movies should be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously.
He also thinks you should read OnMilwaukee each and every day.
