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24 Interviews - Jennifer Hart Weed
Author of the new book 24 and Philosophy, Jennifer Hart Weed, the Assistant Professor of Philosophy from Tynedale University College, Toronoto talks to Second Wave about what she likes about 24, what inspired her to write a 24 book and what she would do if she met Jack Bauer. Second Wave Exclusive!
Second Wave: How long have you been a fan of the show?
Jennifer Hart Weed: I have been a fan since the second season of 24. The first season came and went without my notice; I discovered it on DVD. After the first episode on DVD, I was hooked. Then I watched season 2 and the subsequent seasons as they were aired.
JHW: My favourite thing about 24 is the storyline. The writers of 24 are not afraid to introduce new characters midseason, or to kill off major characters, and this decreases the predictability of the show. Also, the writers aren't afraid to have conspiracies within conspiracies, which keeps the viewer guessing. I think it is one of the most complicated shows on television.
SW: What made you decide to write a 24 book?JHW: We decided to write the book because all three of the co-editors are huge fans of the show. The show lends itself to philosophical exploration because there are so many provocative topics and scenes in the series. We wanted to share those discussions with other fans. SW: What sort of issues does your book cover?
JHW: Our book covers different topics, include Jack's search for meaning, suspicion and trust, just war, torture, the use of technology in the show, etc. SW: How did you collaborate writing the book with the two other writers: Richard Brian Davis and Ronald Weed?
JHW: The co-editors all teach Philosophy in the Department of Philosophy at Tyndale University College in Toronto. We work together, we teach in the same department, and we all share a passion for 24. Working together on the book project was a great pleasure! SW: In your opinion, what do you think has been the most outrageous plot on 24?
JHW: The most outrageous plot on 24 has to be almost any plotline involving Kim Bauer. Like many fans, I did not like Kim very much and was always hoping they would cut short her storylines in order to get back to the political intrigues and Jack-centred action sequences. However, the plotline in particular that had been aghast in disbelief was in Season 2, from 6-7PM, when Kim encountered a cougar in the wilds of California. Please, people. SW: What do you think would be a good thing to explore in the upcoming season?
JHW: I would like the writers to explore a little bit more about Nina's connection with the Germans from Season One, and why she had to kill Teri Bauer once she discovered Teri had overheard her German conversation. I don't think those plot elements have ever been explored and it would be good if they could revisit that storyline. SW: What do you hope the cast and crew of 24 would say if they read your book?
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JHW: I would hope that the cast and crew of 24 would recognize that our book is positive about the show and that it is written by fans of the show. Not all of our contributors agree with everything that is portrayed on screen, but I am sure that not all of the actors agree with everything, either. Nevertheless, our book is mean to be a fair treatment of what are some controversial issues and I would hope that the cast of 24 would conclude that we handled those issues responsibly. |
Richard Brian Davis and Ronald Weed SW: One final question: If you met Jack Bauer, what would you say to him?
JHW: If I met Jack Bauer, I would want to interview him. I'd like to ask him questions about what motivated him to enter CTU and I'd like to ask him where he thinks his service to CTU will take him. I'd be interested in whatever he had to say; he is a fascinating character! Thanks a lot for the interview, Ms. Weed!
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