Out-Foxed by Jack: Suspending Belief in '24'

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FOX'S "24" IS far from realistic, even by television standards. Viewers are usually willing to contend with a certain degree of implausibility in order to enjoy the shows unique high body count brand of entertainment.

While I'm willing to accept that maybe Jack Bauer always happens to use the bathroom during the commercial breaks, these were the seven moments from the series thus far that required suspending one's suspension of disbelief.

1. Victor Drazen's Accent (Season 1)
While I'm sure casting film legend Dennis Hopper as the season one villain seemed like a coup at the time, there must have been some second guessing from the moment he first demonstrated his "Balkan" accent. It's almost impossible to describe the bizarre hybrid of Russian, German and drunk that Hopper evokes, but it is decidedly more disconcerting than menacing.

2. Neck Injury Non-Fatalities (Seasons 3, 7)
Given 24's typically enormous mortality rate, it seems odd that a bullet to the neck is the one injury characters seem to recover from with remarkable speed. Sure, maybe Jack did intentionally graze Agent Walker's neck this season, but back in season 3 Tony Almeida took a hostile bullet in a mall raid. He was back in the field several episodes later. No matter how resilient or committed to anti-terrorism one may be, it's impossible to convalesce from a coma, massive blood loss, and a gunshot to the neck by sheer force of will.

3. Chloe O'Brian Babysits (Season 3)
Chloe O'Brian, played by Mary Lynn Rajskub, has proven time and time again to be a loyal friend to her CTU colleagues. Even so, the episodes when she attempted to care for and conceal field agent Chase's infant daughter while at the office brought on an extended bout of incredulity. Chloe tasing a suitor in a bar I can buy. Chloe gunning down enemies with an Uzi I can relish. However, Chloe not having the sense to suggest an alternate childcare option? That I cannot believe.

4. Extreme Nepotism (Seasons 3, 6, 7)
In the real world, family connections can certainly help get a foot in the door in the working world. On 24, being related to a person in power outweighs all other considerations. This season, President Allison Taylor has unwisely brought her scheming daughter on staff as an advisor. In season 6 dithering Wayne Palmer has been elected president seemingly out of nostalgia for his assassinated brother. Most glaringly, Kim Bauer, without the benefit of a college degree or any sense whatsoever, is inexplicably employed by CTU in season 3. She immediately proceeds to distract everyone from the crisis at hand with her boyfriend problems. Good hire!

5. Jack Goes "Into Hiding" (Season 5)
After faking his death at the end of season 4 in order to escape extradition by the Chinese authorities, Jack is forced to go into hiding. Rather than start anew somewhere else, Jack opts to stay in the Los Angeles area, assume the very obvious alias Frank Flynn, and continue to wear his trademark sunglasses. It's really a shock when the latest terrorist contingent somehow realizes he's alive.

6. White House Moat (Season 7)
There have been a number of inaccuracies in season 7's portrayal of Washington D.C., but the most glaring was the White House invasion technique used by the Sangalan mercenaries. Whatever national security issues the U.S. may have, it would be nice to think that even in a fictional portrayal someone would have thought to secure aquatic access to the presidential residence.

7. Baffling Australian Indie Reference (Season 4)
Most of the incidents above make the incredulity list because they defy logic, but this one is just weird. For whatever reason, the corrupt military defense contractor is named McLennan-Forster, which fans of 1980s guitar pop may recognize as the songwriting team behind the band the Go-Betweens. The real Grant McLennan and Robert Forster had no particular connection to electromagnetic pulse bombs or other weapons systems, making this a completely random (if amusing) homage.

Written by Express contributor Meg Zamula