24 is one of the most impressive series in television history. The real-time concept is innovative. With perhaps the exception of the first episode of Season One, split-screens are skillfully employed to increase suspense and excitement. From the leads, to the most minor of characters, the acting is perfection. Kiefer Sutherland, Dennis Haysbert, Carlos Bernard, et al are flawless. The effectively used background music / dramatic score is to be praised as well.

Another noteworthy aspect of 24 is that the series has a large following with DVD buyers and renters who are not weekly TV viewers and have never seen a broadcast of the show. The first two seasons of 24 were each repeated one time on commercial TV in 24 hour long marathons. To keep the DVD consumers motivated, with the exception of the first two seasons as noted above, episodes of 24 are never seen in repeats (except overseas).

Also most impressive is that in the first three years of the series, the writers did not have characters say a single throw-away line to manufacture dramatic irony or make stress relieving levity. No light moments. No additives. No artificial sweeteners. The drama in the early years of 24 is as straight as TV ever gets. Season 4 did occasionally go for humor -- sometimes failing, and sometimes with great success. In any case, the end result is always interesting.

24 is television drama, action and suspense at their very best. When watching 24, every second counts!