TIME On "24"

The previous issue of "TIME" magazine had a brief but interesting article (by James Poniewozik) about Fox's tv series. I take the opportunity to write some of my similar thoughts on the subject.
For someone who hasn't really watched "24", it would be easy to conclude that it's nothing more than conservative propaganda : the good americans vs the evil terrorists. This is Fox, after all!
The reality of the tv show, of course, is much different, in the same way that the actual reality of our lives isn't black and white. Whether we like it or not, the existence of terrorism is real and it's not a made-up construct by right-wing agendas. On the other hand, dealing with it effectively should not be the responsibility of a narrow political line. "24" manages to highlight all these aspects, even if it is through the excesses and exaggerations that make it an exciting show. Very real moral dillemas like civil liberties vs security are presented very rationally, with no hint of adhering to a single ideology.
Jack Bauer himself is no fan of fixed rules of conduct. Extreme situations demand extreme measures, even if that means cooperating with an ex-terrorist responsible for hundreds of deaths. I think the show is doing a very good job in stating the importance of rationality and that people are more important than rules and laws. I don't know about you, but I can't exclusively assign this idea to one political party.