The US military has criticised the producers of TV hit 24 for featuring too many scenes of KIEFER SUTHERLAND’s character JACK BAUER torturing suspects for information. Brigadier General PATRICK FINNEGAN recently visited the set of the hit show in California to speak to the show’s makers. Finnegan is concerned about the effect the torture scenes are having on US troops abroad as 24 is popular among members of the American armed forces. According to the New Yorker, Finnegan told the producers, “I’d like them to stop. They should do a show where torture backfires. The kids see it and say, ‘If torture is wrong, what about 24?’ “The disturbing thing is that although torture may cause Jack Bauer some angst, it is always the patriotic thing to do.” Human Rights First spokesman DAVID DANZIG says, “I think there is no question (that torture scenes are having an effect). “We have spoken to soldiers with experience in Iraq who say, for young soldiers, there is a direct relationship between what they are doing in their jobs and what they see on TV. “The image of the US and its military is being affirmed.”
An interesting article which is a welcome addition to the ongoing debate regarding torture in the show, as well as in general. I’d love to know what the producers said in reply to the Brigadier General Patrick Finnegan, if we found out we’d almost have the makings of a sensible and measured debate on the issue.
source : contactmusic.com
Ireland calling…. As many of you know, over here, we have had our share of ‘terrorist’ troubles – political or whatever – that’s a subject in itself. Personally, I have being directly expossed to 3 bomb ‘incidents’ and 2 shootings – a dear friend of mine was killed in one of them and I was almost shot in the stomach (someone was in front of me but he was ok in the end) – albeit 20 odd years ago. I believe that the producers of ’24’ could have a potentially new ‘thread’ to their plot(s), ie – Ireland and the relationship between Ireland and the USA. That’s basically it. I have lots of thoughts on this – at many levels, moral, political etc.,however, the potential to even include ‘Irish terrorists’ as a single thread to a storyline is perhaps…..’fresh?’. Happy to discuss if anyone is interested…
ps. did you know that Jack Bauer can order a ‘Big Mac’ at Burger King?