Product Description

Critics and audiences agree: 24 is the most addictive thrill ride on TV.

Learn the secrets of its richly complex and irresistible world.

Every week some 15 million people watch the most riveting show in postmodern pop culture: the television series 24. That's why it has earned countless cover stories and in-depth commentaries in publications ranging from The New Yorker to USA Today, as well as attention from hundreds of bloggers. For political pundits as varied as New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd to Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, it's a Rorschach test of our views on terrorism.

Secrets of `24': The Unauthorized Guide to the Politics, Moral Philosophy, and Technology Behind the Most Riveting Show in TV History uses this blockbuster series as a jumping off point to pursue real issues of relevance to our times--from whether torture is ever justified to whether individual rights should be sacrificed in the fight against terrorism. These are "big think" issues, complemented by a survey and analysis of the technologies and methods that drive the suspenseful plots. The illuminating collection combines original interviews and commissioned essays from leading political figures, cultural commentators, celebrities, and experts on technology, security, and terrorism with carefully selected anthologized op-eds and essays. It follows the wildly successful model the authors established with Secrets of the Code and their Secrets books--which have more than four million copies in print worldwide and have been on more than a dozen international bestseller lists, including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Publisher's Weekly, and USA Today.

Secrets of `24' is an exciting, engaging, and informative read for everyone fascinated with the series--and an essential companion for understanding the show's central concerns. It will be in stores just in time for the start of the show's seventh season in January 2008, and the widely anticipated movie.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #636311 in Books
• Published on: 2008-01-01
• Released on: 2007-12-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 256 pages

Customer Reviews

"My Name Is Jack Bauer, ..."
Call me an addict if you like, but I've watched every season of 24 live on Fox TV as it unfolded in its real-time scenario AND I've watched them all on their subsequent DVD releases -- with the exception of Season 6, at present -- along with their special features and commentaries ... so you can only imagine the kind of outright glee I experienced when I happened across "The Secrets of 24: the Unauthorized Guide to the Political & Moral Issues Behind TV's Most Riveting Drama" on the shelves at the local bookseller, had to have it, and read it right away (a rarity for me if based solely on my ever expanding library of "things to read before I die" library). Like the show, I couldn't put the book down, so much so that it begs me to offer one surprised observation from the getgo: why are these "Secrets" unauthorized? It would appear that many of the essays contained therein either quote what show creators Robert Cochran and Joel Surnow have publicly said about the program, about its influence, about its topics, etc. Indeed, it appears clear the Cochran and Surnow even dissected some of the pieces presented here in their interviews. It's a mild curiosity more than it is a major gripe, but couldn't the mere act of making this an official sanctioned publication only helped its sales?

Well, enough with the semantics ...

The "Secrets of 24" is a stellar book, the perfect companion for fans of the show's idea. Rather than spend time exploring the various controversies of each series, the authors have collected interviews and essays from think tank types, almost all of exploring some facet of the ideas that fuel the show's popularity. From political differences (both liberals and conservatives love the show but for very different reasons), from academic differences (what does TV say about our society at large versus what does it say about us militarily) and even quick swatches of infotainment (brief interviews with the cast and crew about the show, its impact, and what it all means in the scope of television history) get terrific play between these covers, and there's so much to explore you'll find yourself watching the clock -- inserting your own 'plunk-plunk-plunk' like the show ticks down each approaching second -- hoping to "just read one more page" before going to bed ... until you realize it's morning, and, oh no, work is calling! If you're as jazzed about the exploits of Jack Bauer as I am, you won't be able to put this one down.

I'll admit that I generally don't put a whole lot of stake into what comes out of any actor's mouth when they're sermonizing about the evils of our world, but, thankfully, "Secrets" avoids most of the pratfalls by having these contributors focus on 24 as a phenomenon, even when they don't so much see the show in that vein. From politics to people, from terrorists to Tinseltown, everyone here has something to say. There are admittedly a handful of interviews that don't so much relate to 24 as they could have, but, all in all, these "Secrets" are best shared amongst the fans of the award-winning TV series. If anything, this book will help you pass the time waiting for another day in the life of Jack Bauer ... and reliving the old ones.

Secrets of 24:
The surprising parallels to the De Vinchi Code. When sane people read or watch fiction for the joy of it and then act like it's effecting our culture in negative ways. Great book to read if you're hooked on "24" like I am. The later chapters are really outstanding on how torture is addressed by West Point generals and FBI consultants. After you read this book you'll appreciate the work involved in making the "24" series or any good work that comes out of Holly Wood. Nowadays it's not much.