So you've heard about this show called '24', everyones raving about it, you think you should give it a go. But you don't have a clue whats going on, well then this is the guide for you.

'24' is set in what they like to call 'real time', each 24 episode series covers the events of one day, and one episode covers one hour in that day, so every episode is one hour (well, not when you cut out the breaks, but lets not get fussy, there'll be plenty of chance to critise the show once you've jumped on the bandwagon).

The first series covers the events of the day of the californian presidential primary. As Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) Head of the L.A. counter terrorist unit is given the assignment of protecting presidential candidate David Palmer (Dennis Haysbert) from a suspected assasination attempt. At the same time he must cope with his family being kidnapped by the same terrorists.

The show is big on twists, unpredictablilty and keeping you guessing and it's very good at it, so good that when your trying to answer the big questions, you will undoubtedly come across the correct theory at some stage but only in the slew of other uncorrect solutions, meaning that after from the odd freak of nature, you never know something until they want you to.

Multiple storylines can be at times hard to keep track off, but are thankfully aided by use of split screens. Although by no means the first use of split screen, but it has certainly brought it back "in to vogue" as it were, and the increased use of split screen by other tv shows and films can undoudbtedly be at least partially credited to the show.

It's advised that you watch all of series one, before watching future series, as it is in my mind the best so far, and is likely to remain the best for the forseeable future. It also lays down vital emotional foundations which are neccesary to fully appreciate key aspects of future plots.

If you have any other questions about the show, feel free to contact me via the feedback form.