The Clock Runs Out

Sometimes saving the world isn't all it's cracked up to be. At least that was the case for Jack Bauer as he (and the audience) went through 24 episodes of sheer agony during Season 6.

For the first time, 24 was uneven and unentertaining - either rehashing plot ideas we had seen in previous seasons, or stretching the realm of believability far beyond what even 24 fans could reasonably digest.

But last night was 24's chance for redemption. Not so much a chance to save an already lost season, but a chance to at least give fans hope for Season 7. Internet and publication rumors had been making the rounds for weeks that a "long dead" character (the odds-on favorite was Tony Almeida, played by Carlos Bernard) would make an cameo for the last-second cliffhanger.

As the clock clicked off its final seconds, however, no such revelation was made. In fact, no cliffhanger at all, as Jack stared off into the sunset on a day that was much more draining for fans than it was for his character.

The show's producers have promised a sea change next year and a whole new approach to the series (although it will retain its "real time" format)...but the question is, at this point, will fans still care?

24 returns for Season 7 in January 2008.