There are three rules to abide by in life: never say that the backpage isn’t funny, duck and cover if you hear “GIMME DEEZ!” and do not under any circumstances come within 10 feet of Jack Bauer if you value your manhood. Jack Bauer is the king of raw, unadulterated testosterone. If you disagree, feel free to try to claim his crown.

24 stars Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer, an ex-government special operative facing charges of torture while simultaneously aiding the FBI in thwarting a terrorist threat from militants of an African nation who the new President of the U.S. is attempting to stop.

Needless to say, it’s fast-paced and there is a lot going on at once.

This is the first season I’ve watched 24, and it has quickly become my favorite show on television. The cliffhangers at the end of each episode make the suspense between Mondays overwhelming. The show manages to skillfully juggle four or five storylines at once, keeping the viewer gripped throughout.

The events of each season transpire over one day, occurring in real time while a dramatic digital clock ticks off the time like a bomb. It makes the action even more dramatic and thrilling. Just when you think a problem is resolved for one character, the trademark split-screen appears, drawing you into another pressing conflict.

All of the storylines unfold at the same time, impacting one another in intricate ways. The viewer never gets the sense that a plotline is becoming stale, as 24 seamlessly transitions between events.

The acting talent largely revolves around Kiefer Sutherland, the only well known actor on the show. Other actors of note have smaller supporting roles, but Sutherland largely carries the show. The script is very well-written and everything feels very believable. While some actors shine more than others, the cast is mostly very capable.

The show has churned some controversy in the past over supposed glorification of torture. The show does have numerous scenes in which Jack tortures bad guys to get information, but Jack uses it to save American lives. Despite the continuing debate, the show continues to show Bauer torturing villains.

The seventh season of 24 is a guaranteed adrenaline rush, with riveting suspense and exciting action. Kiefer Sutherland is better than ever, and the plot is gripping and dramatic. The new season of 24 isn’t good; it’s amazing.