24 Is Back...

And I've already seen the first two episodes. Some sneaky person, using all the stealth in his power, leaked the first two episodes to the internet last week. Some other sneaky person who shall remain anonymous, downloaded the two episodes.

With its incredible linking power, a D-Link allowed us to watch the first two episodes on Mr. Anonymous's very nice 42-inch Plasma TV.

The first episode contained enough surprises to be considered pretty good. As is typical of 1-hour TV shows, it was one hour. Although, it was actually 18 minutes shorter, because the commercials were missing. For 42 minutes we suffered through mild pixelation and occasional annoying green splotches on people's faces.

Our suffering did not compare to Jack Bauer's, however. He endured some pain, but he's a tough dude, and can take it. I think over the years he has proven at least that much. After all, the dude actually died, and was brought back to life. I know what you're thinking because I also wondered the same thing. But no, this ain't no Pet Semetary: When brought back, Jack did not become possessed by some violent creature who was bent on torture and killing. Thank goodness for that.

The second episode was a trade-off. Frame rate was sacrificed for a clean picture with no green blobs. It was difficult to watch, as it only played at about 16 frames per second, just like my first Sony digital camera.

It was an exciting episode that did not repeat a lot of information from the first episode, which goes against normal 24 dialogue. I can't tell you how insane I went during last season when they mentioned Centox Gas Canisters no less than 52 times per episode. It's not like everyone was sitting around asking, "Wait. What kind of gas did he say? I missed that part."

I don't know what's more exciting - watching 24, or making fun of 24. Or maybe its seeing the first two episodes before they air.