*****THIS WHOLE POST IS A SPOILER OF THE 24 SERIES FINALE*****

After eight riveting, albeit wildly uneven, seasons of terror, intrigue, and Jack Bauer kicking ass on “24,” the Fox series came to an end last night. Many thought this final season was the best the show has been in years, returning to a familiar “Jack is an outsider looking for justice” storyline. And the two-hour finale was certainly not short on roller-coaster twists, gunplay, and blood. There was even an ear bitten off! Oh yeah, Jack was balls out.

Here’s a rundown of the “good:”
Jack’s goodbye video message to his daughter Kim. When rogue CTU agent Jack Bauer decides to go full-throttle vigilante and take out the Russian president after learning he was the one who gave the order to kill Jack’s love, fellow agent Renee Walker, he realizes he may never see his daughter again. He makes a quick video phone message to her, explaining his murder spree, that U.S. President Taylor ends up seeing – and it’s the reason she decides to back out of her precious- though bogus – peace agreement in the final minutes.

Chloe O’Brian taking charge of CTU and talking Jack down. Any chance CTU’s most bad-ass nerd can get her own show? Chloe, played by Mary Lynn Rajskub, didn’t start out as a fan fave, but her consistently droll performance (and those patented IT- guy eyerolls!) as the only person at CTU who always has Jack’s back will be missed.

The Widow Hassan showing some backbone. When Dalia Hassan, wife of slain IRK leader Omar Hassan, found out that her purported ally, President Taylor, was covering up the Russian president’s involvement in her husband’s murder, the once demure Mrs. Hassan let the claws come out.

Jack and Chloe’s goodbye. Jack and Chloe are friends, but until the last few minutes of the final scene, they never shared a whole lot of emotion. Fans who have long loved the Chloe/Jack friendship probably got a little watery-eyed as Jack thanked her for her loyalty as he fled the country.

Okay, now for the “bad:”
Logan’s suicide attempt. I should have known not to get my hopes up when Jack’s sniper rifle sight was set right between disgraced former President and slimeball-for-life Charles Logan’s beady little reptilian eyes. Jack couldn’t bring himself to pull the trigger, and later in the episode Logan turned a gun on himself- but failed to finish the job. See? He really was the worst president ever – he couldn’t even kill himself the right way. After all the times Charles Logan double-crossed Bauer and betrayed his country, the audience deserved to see him taken out by Jack.

President Taylor’s 11th-hour attack of conscience. The female leader of the free world has become a character viewers rely on to be the ethical, honest president – the anti-Logan, if you will. She was the moral compass of last year, refusing to negotiate with terrorists and standing strong against torture. So the only thing less believable than President Taylor’s season-long character 180 at the flawed counsel of Charles Logan was her sudden change of heart during the signing of a peace treaty with Mrs. Hassan and the Russian president. Cherry Jones tries to make the inexplicable character shift believable – there’s a reason she received an Emmy award for her work on this show – but in the end, this whole storyline just doesn’t ring true.

Jack Bauer lives. I always thought that when the show ended, the only viable way to close out the show was for Jack Bauer to die. But of course, that would mean the end of any opportunity for a “24″ movie, right? I think fans would rather see a mind-blowing series finale that is in keeping with the show’s long tradition of “no character is safe” than propping up characters because a movie in the works. Jack’s literal last-minute escape from his assassins just felt wrong.

Well, there you have it. What did you think? Did “24″ go out on a high note?

It’s no secret that Gwyneth “GOOP” Paltrow was born into Hollywood royalty with a silver spoon inserted in a very dark place. She never lets us forget how many famous and fabulous friends she has, how well she eats, how great her shoes are (some of her shoes are pretty amazing, I have to admit), and how generally better she is than all of us peasants. In case we forget, we can always literally sign up for the newsletter to read her smugness.

As it turns out, one of The Goop’s first famous connections came from her mother’s work in the annual Williamstown Theatre Festival. Her mother, Blythe Danner, hired a son of another famous actor to babysit The Goop. The actor? Donald Sutherland. The son? Keifer Sutherland. Keifer used to babysit The Goop. My head just exploded.

Kiefer Sutherland has admitted he struggles to believe that Gwyneth Paltrow is the same girl he used to babysit when she was young.

Speaking on the red carpet at the premiere of Monsters Vs Aliens, the 24 star spoke about the times he looked after Gwyneth when he worked with her mother.

He said: “I was working in a theatre with her mother in Williamstown Massachusetts, the Williamstown Theatre Festival, and I believe on a couple of occasions I was asked to look after her for an hour or two. I think it was very funny because it’s unbelievable how fast someone goes from 13 to 18 and obviously they look so different that when Gwyneth started to work I thought ‘Well that must be another girl because I always remember her as being 11 or 12 years old.’”

[From The Press Association Hosted By Google]

Aw, that’s a cute story. Even though I think Keifer is probably a pretty screwed up guy, he’s a wonderful actor and his babysitting efforts towards The Goop are better than she deserved. I have to admit, whenever I see Keifer these days, I only see his dad. Their resemblance is so striking, I always do a double-take to make sure I’m actually looking at Keifer.

Here’s Kiefer Sutherland with Reese Witherspoon at the ‘Monsters Vs. Aliens’ Photocall at Hotel Adlon on March 10th in Berlin. Images thanks to Fame.com.

What would Jack Bauer say about this? “24″ star Kiefer Sutherland’s battle with alcohol seems to be escalating again. Last year, Sutherland served time behind bars on a DUI charge, adding yet another chapter to his longtime struggle with sobriety. He kept a low profile for a while after his release, focusing mostly on shooting the new season of 24. But since his move to New York City in November of last year, the star has been spotted hitting the bottle pretty heavily in seedy bars all over NYC. Most recently, Sutherland was downing whiskey at a bar in Manhattan and getting into a shoving match.

After a night of heavy drinking and partying, Kiefer Sutherland got into a shoving match at a New York City nightspot – and then tripped twice on his way out of the bar, says an eyewitness.

The 42-year-old actor, who plays Jack Bauer on the hit FOX-TV show 24, appeared “wasted” when he arrived at the popular Manhattan bar Peter Dillon’s with friends on Feb. 12, the eyewitness told The ENQUIRER.

“He initially was soft-spoken, mellow and pleasant,” said the eyewitness. “He was ordering Maker’s Mark whiskey cocktails and was even posing for some pictures.”

But it wasn’t long before Kiefer, who has admitted to having a drinking problem, ran into trouble. According to the eyewitness, Kiefer exploded after another patron near the pool tables said something to the actor – and the two ended up in a pushing and shoving match.

“Pals had to hold Kiefer back from decking the guy,” continued the eyewitness. “After the incident, Kiefer appeared disheveled and drunk and had to be helped out.

“He tripped twice on his way out the door, but was apologizing for his actions.”

[From The National Enquirer]

As much as I like Kiefer – I’m a huge fan of his show – he’s a bit too old to be dragging himself all over Manhattan acting like a frat boy. At a certain point, that behavior can’t be chalked up to “boys will be boys” anymore, and just appears rather pathetic. Sure, everyone’s entitled to blow off some steam and have a few drinks, but with Kiefer, it sure seems like he can’t stop at “a few” and always manages to get himself in trouble. I sure hope he wasn’t driving.

Keifer Sutherland is shown out in London on 1/24/09. Credit: SplashNews

Keifer Sutherland spent 48 days last year in jail after he was busted for DUI in September, 2007, his second DUI conviction in under five years. Sutherland was behind bars for his birthday, Christmas, and New Years and said he only had one visitor during that time.

The “24″ star recently talked about his jail experience, but instead of revealing the emotional trials of being incarcerated he focused on the facts, and they’re sobering enough. Sutherland said the lights were on all the time and prisoners couldn’t cover their face. He also had a cellmate and no privacy, along with being unable to smoke, a habit he has since picked up again:

“There’s no smoking,” Sutherland, 41, tells Men’s Vogue in its December/January issue, which hits newsstands Nov. 25. “The lights never go out, 24/7. You can’t cover anything. You can’t even put your head under a blanket. All the cells have cameras in them.”

Although Sutherland has resumed smoking, the knowledge that he could go 48 days without his Camels is a comforting thought.

“My drinking was not a daily thing, so it wasn’t an issue. And, oddly enough, neither was the smoking,” he tells the magazine, adding, “I was very glad to know that I could quit. And one day soon I will.”

One thing that didn’t work out, he says, was the roommate situation.

“I was told, you know, ‘You’ll have your own cell.’ But I didn’t for the first two or three weeks; I had a cell mate,” he says. “He got out – but not for long. He came back in pretty quick.”

[From People]

Sutherland had the option of leaving jail after 18 days to go film “24,” after which he would have been obligated to return and serve out his sentence. He chose to stay for the full 48 days though, as shooting for the show was delayed due to the writer’s strike. It’s not a picnic to be in jail, but it sounds like Sutherland go through it ok. Maybe he’s learned his lesson and will call a cab or have a friend drive him home next time.

Sutherland is shown on the beach in Malibu on 8/31/08. Credit: Fame

Keifer Sutherland says that actors are paid disproportionately to the amount they contribute to society. He thinks that the people who deserve to make the most cash are in hard working and heroic professions like healthcare and teaching. Sutherland is the highest paid actor on television and makes a whopping $555,555.00 per episode of Fox’s 24. He signed a $40 million contract in 2006 that lasts through 2009 and makes him a co-executive producer on the series. In Sutherland’s estimation that’s too much.

Hollywood actor KIEFER SUTHERLAND has confessed he doesn’t deserve the millions he earns for his profession.

The 24 star believes actors are paid too much for their job and admits those working in the emergency services are more deserving of the money.

He says, “The kind of money generated around the industry is way out of proportion. The admiration bestowed on actors is also out of perspective.

“Doctors are the stars of our society – people like my grandfather who was responsible for the health care in Canada – as well as teachers, firefighters and police officers.”

[From Contact Music via Fark]

CEOs of corporations also get paid sick salaries and bonuses that often are tied to their company’s performance. The people beneath them who are responsible for the success of the organization often get screwed. This is especially evident in cases like Enron when thousands of workers got robbed of their pensions but higher ups pocketed millions – even though they’re the ones who caused the company’s collapse through illegal business practices.

Firefighters, police officers, and teachers do deserve more considering the difference they make in the world and all the time and effort they put in. Many doctors are already pretty well compensated, though. Insurance costs can be prohibitive for doctors, especially obstetricians, and in some specialties they’re struggling.

Sports stars also make huge amounts of money when weighed against their contributions to society. Scientists, mathematicians and geniuses should be marketed in a way that allows them to profit on their superhuman knowledge and ability in a way that’s comparable to athletes. There are only so many game shows that people will watch, though.

Sutherland may be complaining about the inequity of his salary, but he’s definitely spending at least part of his maybe not-so-hard earned cash. According to documents filed in his 2004 divorce, he spends $34,000 a month on expenses. It’s surely a lot more at this point now that he’s the richest guy on TV. Dr. House needs a raise.

Keifer Sutherland is shown at Comicon with the writers and producers of 24 on 7/25/08. That guy to the far left is calling me with those creepy eyes for some reason. Credit: Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos

Well Kiefer Sutherland copped a plea deal in his DUI case, and is set to start serving 48 days in jail right before Christmas. That makes me happy. I’m not really a fan of his (I know a lot of you are die hard “24” addicts) – he’s just got way too long a rap sheet for me. Whenever I see him on TV, I keep thinking (DUI DUI DUI DUI) – it’s distracting enough that I really can’t enjoy the guy. Which is too bad, because I’m told he’s pretty talented. According to the terms of the agreement, Sutherland doesn’t have to do all his time at once. Boy is that a cushy deal. Why not just give him a Lay-z-boy and a selection of fancy chicken nuggets in his cell while you’re at it?

“‘Based on the agreement, Sutherland will first serve 18 straight days in county jail for violating probation’ says veteran DUI attorney Lawrence Taylor. ‘He’ll be spending Christmas and New Year’s behind bars.’

“After that, Sutherland, 40, will have six months to complete an additional 30 days for the DUI – which he can even serve on weekends if he chooses to do so. He’ll be allowed to serve the second portion of his sentence in a city jail (which is seen as less harsh than a county facility).”

[From People]

It sounds like the National Guard for drinkers. “If you’re willing to commit two weeks a year and one weekend a month, you too can drink all you want and then drive home, probably running over a wide assortment of animals.” I think the California legal system should put that on some fliers. I’m glad he’s going to do some actual jail time, I just think it should interfere with his life a little more.

“The 24 star is ordered to appear in Metropolitan Court in Los Angeles on Dec. 21 for formal sentencing. He’s expected to plead no contest to a misdemeanor DUI count and admit that he violated probation from a 2004 DUI conviction. He will then be taken into custody by sheriff deputies on the spot and transported to the L.A. Men’s Central Jail. The plea deal stipulates that he cannot be released on home electronic monitoring. Sutherland released a statement late Tuesday saying, ‘I’m very disappointed in myself for the poor judgment I exhibited recently, and I’m deeply sorry for the disappointment and distress this has caused my family, friends and co-workers on 24 and at 20th Century Fox. I appreciate the support and concern that has been extended to me these last weeks both personally and professionally.’

“His studio, 20th Century Fox, indicated that the jail term would not affect the show’s production. Sutherland will have until July 1 next year to show proof to the court that he completed the 30 days of jail time. Anything less will be deemed as another probation violation, the agreement says. Sutherland will also be sentenced to five years’ probation, complete an 18-month alcohol education program and attend weekly alcohol therapy sessions for six months.”

[From People]

On the one hand, I’m glad that it seems like celebs are having to serve actual time and aren’t getting as much special treatment lately. On the other hand, the guy has a really long rap sheet, and I don’t think something as convenient as this jail sentence is going to do anything to temper his self-destructive, entitled attitude.

Mike Walker in the Enquirer manages to have hero stories about your favorite TV stars every week, and his latest news is no exception.

Keifer Sutherland was said to have been out hiking when he came across a frightened 9 year-old on a rocky cliff. The boy’s older brothers had jumped from the cliff to the water below, but he was too scared to join them and was stuck there cowering. Sutherland came to the rescue! He carried him down to his brothers and then told them what’s what:

Out hiking with a pal, the “24″ star suddenly heard loud cries – and moments later found a frightened youngster standing on the cliff, paralyzed with fear. Turns out the kid and his brothers had climbed the cliff to jump into the creek far below. The older brothers jumped first, then yelled, “Come on in, the water’s fine!” The kid lost his nerve, couldn’t jump – and was afraid to climb back down the hill alone. Kiefer piggy-backed the boy down to his brothers, then read them the riot act.

[From The National Enquirer print edition, January 29, 2007]

Like I said, this guy Mike Walker has hero news every week so I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets stories fed to him by the TV networks. He had two separate stories about medical heroics by Dr. McDreamy Patrick Dempsey that sounded a little too good to be true.

Sutherland could have helped this boy, but it probably wasn’t as big a deal as he’s making it out to be.