Jack Bauer & Grace

I think it would provide a sort of solace if they killed him off. Although, if they tried to continue the series without him I'd be really upset. I'm talking about Jack Bauer. He's hardcore. At least that's what I thought when I first got into 24. I tell people that if Jack Bauer and 007 (yes, even Sean Connery) were to go head-to-head, then Bauer would dominate and eliminate. However, being in the middle of Season 5 right now I'm starting to see Jack differently. The switch occurred pretty quickly when I realized that jack Bauer must live the most miserable life anyone could live.

Take the following into consideration: everybody Jack cares about dies or ends up hating him (EVERYBODY), no matter how many times he saves the world it's just not enough for the U.S. government and those around him, he constantly has to watch his back and he can't trust anybody. Sure, he's pretty much a living weapon and master of all CTU field ops,…but who would want to live like that? I understand now why Kiefer Sutherland gets depressed playing this character, because it sucks to be Jack.

One thing that occurred to me is that his life is probably a pretty accurate picture of what it would be like without grace. Jack must try to live the unattainable standard of completely living for his country. No matter what he does, no matter how much of himself he gives up, it's not enough. As a result his self-blame is enormous. Jack inanely blames himself for everything. One good example is in Season 5 when Jack asks his daughter Kim to stay at CTU for just a little bit longer before she leaves, and after she complies terrorists hit CTU with some nasty nerve gas that kills almost everyone inside except those who were able to run into sealed rooms. However, the gas is mixed with a corrosive agent that is eating away at the seals. Jack then says that if Kim dies it will be his fault for asking her to stay at CTU a little longer. How does the sin of the terrorist suddenly jump onto Jack's back? He pulls it onto himself.

I am so glad that we don't have to try to live up to God's standards. I am so glad that He sent His Son to do it. Otherwise Jack's fictional despair would be made reality in all of our lives. …actually it'd be worse because a country's standards are nothing compared to God's standards. Think about that the next time you see Jack Bauer trying to bear the weight of the world on his shoulders.