The ads on Fox weren't kidding when they said that the first 10 minutes would change everything!

I was absolutely not prepared for former President Palmer's assassination. Sheez, we're talking about well liked character from the first four seasons -- BANG, dead just like that. And then Michelle getting taken out right afterwards.

I'd have to say that this is probably the best setup that 24 has done since the first season. Already in the first two hours we've had two mainstay characters from previous seasons killed, Jack Bauer framed for assassinating former President Palmer, and now a hostage standoff at the airport with the President's own security chief involved in the conspiracy.

The direction that the storyline is taking seems a lot more personal than the past three seasons. Jack was tight with Palmer and Tony and Michelle, so it will be very interesting to see the lengths that he will go to this season. No need for a nuke or bioterror threat, there's more than enough tension going right now.

Another two hours tomorrow! Can't wait!