The first five seasons of 24 remain, in this reviewer's opinion, the gold standard of the series in terms of intelligence, creativity, casting and emotional resonance; arguably the most riveting television ever. I gave them all 10 stars. These were very much the product of writer, co-creator and self-described Hollywood right-winger Joel Surnow and were adept at reversing liberal expectations, for example featuring a villainous-and black- First Lady, and imposing agonizing choices on the protagonists. When Surnow's full time commitment ended following the fifth season the franchise shed a dozen IQ points. But 24 still scored as more entertaining than your average fare thanks to the compelling format he devised with Robert Cochran and the always reliable Kiefer Sutherland.

Critics and many fans considered Season 6, featuring Jack Bauer's pathological family (who knew?), a misfire. The chastened producers were determined to right the ship and the first half of Season 7, set in Washington DC, re-captured some of the old magic (Surnow returned as exec- producer for the fist eight episodes) before entropy set in and the show collapsed into terminal silliness (those ridiculous missiles!).

Season 8, now re-located to New York City, starts lethargically but generates electricity as it builds. CTU resurfaces in a whiz-bang setting and Sutherland contributes a driving performance, some say to the point of stepping out of character and damaging the Bauer brand in his character's quest for vengeance. The season makes little use of NYC exteriors but that doesn't much matter as the bulk of the action plays out, in traditional 24 style, inside offices, parking structures, warehouses and behind the tinted windows of SUVs. Heavy demands are placed on the viewer's common sense (the early seasons sold their improbabilities better) and plot warhorses stampede again, e.g. 'the mole', but you get your money's worth. Get ready for Season 9...