24

Author: Tara Dilullo (Author)
Publication Date: May 8, 2007
Publisher: Titan Books
ISBN: 978-1845764630

Book Description:

The worldwide hit television series, “24″, introduced us to Jack Bauer, a Special Agent at the Los Angeles branch of CTU–the Counter-Terrorist Unit. Over the past five years, millions of viewers have avidly followed his adventures hour by hour, minute by minute, as the series became famous for its labyrinthine plots, thrilling action and nail-biting suspense. Now, for the first time, “24′s” legions of fans can go behind the scenes of this unique show with this series of full-color official guides. The third and fourth seasons are celebrated here with in-depth episode breakdowns, unseen pictures, and exclusive new interviews with the cast and crew.

Review:

I have been right there with Jack Bauer since day one. When “24″ debuted in 2001, I marveled at every left hook, right cross, double cross, massive explosion, and white-knuckle torture session. At the time, actor Kiefer Sutherland was best-known to me as Donald Sutherland’s son, the guy who played a vampire in “The Lost Boys”, and the poor sap who got jilted by Julia Roberts at the altar back in the early ’90s. Now he’s a household name, known for his top-notch acting and vigilant producing on one of the best, most exciting, innovative TV series of the decade.

It’s also one of the most complex (and sometimes complicated) shows in recent memory. And my memory often fails me… when the 2007 season began, I vaguely remembered Gredenko, the Russian villain. But was I remembering him from a previous season of “24″, or was I remembering seeing the actor in something else?

Time to whip out my handy-dandy “24″ Companion books, written by noted “24″ expert, Tara Dilullo. (The Companion to Seasons 1 & 2 came out late last year, and The Companion to Seasons 3 & 4 will be out in a couple of months). These hefty, nearly-square, thick-paged paperbacks are packed with full-color photos, but at their heart is a wealth of information on each episode laid out in an excellent “at a glance” format. Just skimming through the latest tome, I had at least 24 “ah-ha” moments!

Best of all, Dilullo’s writing is clear and concise. She manages to steer clear of spoilers and does an amazing job of connecting all the threads of the stories, showing how characters and consequences have certain through-lines from hour-to-hour and even season-to-season. The show is truly a labyrinth, yet she makes everything simple as a mouse-maze.

You don’t know Jack until you have read this unbeatable book. 24: The Official Companion Seasons 3 and 4 is highly recommended not only for new recruits, but for seasoned fans as well.