This series has everything an action series needs and more: Once you have started watching, this show is highly addictive and works like a drug that you can't live without. Comparing "24" to any other action series will only show how outstandingly thrilling this show is. It defines a new standard of action. Based on real time, and jumping from one line of action to the other, it seems that the audience is the only omniscient party. But they are also deceived. While watching, nearly every hypothesis about future events gets lost at some point.

If you love sudden turns in plot and character, just watch the first few episodes of season one. But please, don't blame me for the neglect of your friends...