24 As an Allegory

An allegory

... extended metaphor, in which objects, persons, and actions in a narrative, are equated with the meanings that lie outside the narrative itself. The underlying meaning has moral, social, religious, or political significance, and characters are often personifications of abstract ideas as charity, greed, or envy.Thus an allegory is a story with two meanings, a literal meaning and a symbolic meaning.

is in my opinion generally in the eye of the viewer, reader, or however the art is enjoyed. An allegory often occurs because the piece of art is so well done and sophisticated that it makes the audience think. Ultimately, the audience creates symbols out of characters that the author(s) probably never necessarily intended.

That's how I see the allegory of 24. I doubt that the writers and producers of the show ever necessarily intented it be an allegory. Yet, that's I have begun to see the show. Last year, 24 was an allegory for GWOT. Jack Bauer represented to full force and might of the U.S. military. Fayed represented terrorist organizations like Al Qaeda itself. Gredenko represented terror sponsoring states like Iran. Much of CTU represented portions of our population. Chloe represented generation x. Bill represented the baby boomers. Assad represented the moderates in the Arab world. Meanwhile, President Palmer represented the moderates in our own political ideology toward the GWOT. VP Noah Daniels represented the Bush position. Meanwhile, Reed Pollock and his crew represented the Neo Cons. Meanwhile, Cheng et al represent other terrorist enabling states like Russia and China itself.

This year, the show appears to be an allegory for the debate over torture and all of the aggressive terror policies. Jack is again the full force and weight of the U.S. military. Meanwhile, President Taylor represents the new Obama administration's view of the policy. FBI agent Renee Walker represents the Bush administration view of tough anti terror policies. FBI agent Larry Moss represents the dovish view on the policy. Tony Almeida represents the left wing which sees the U.S. as ultimately inherently bad. The rest of FBI represent those that will implement the more dovish policies of the Obama administration. Meanwhile, Bill and Chloe represent those that have implemented the policies of George Bush. On and only the allegory will go as the season expands and unfolds. Still, there's no doubt that if you are looking for an allegory in this season it is for the issue of tough anti terror policies.