Despite testing us now and again with jaw-dropping contrivances - a cougar, amnesia, Dennis Hoppers Bosnian accent - 24 has kept suspense high and its fans happy. Until now.
The climax of Season 5 saw Jack Bauer hauled onto a plane headed for a remote Asian prison, giving the writers the perfect chance to change the setting or overhaul the format. Instead, they lazily bring Jack back to LA, where - yawn - more generic Arab terrorists have nukes and Wayne Soul Grooves Palmer has inexplicably become president.
Even worse, Bauers dastardly brother and dad are introduced, turning 24 into Dynasty with ordnance. Lets hope hope fresher ideas and more innovative thrills await in Season 7.