TV: Sons & Daughters, 24

I was skeptical about Sons & Daughters, especially of ABC's ability to pull off a show of this type. I found the first two episodes ("Anniversary Party" and "Bowling Night") were genuinely funny. I especially like the idea that some of the dialogue is improvised. It gives an unfinished, gritty, fresh feel to the show although it is not too "out there." There is still a story and a direction but I think that often times the best comedy comes from spontaneity, and it's hard to be spontaneous when you have a script all written out. I am looking forward two the next two episodes of the show, which will be aired back-to-back.

24 has been exceptional this season. Monday night's double-header was perhaps the most intense two-hour block of television I have ever watched. First Jack shooting an innocent woman in the leg and then Edgar dying - it was almost too much to handle. After two episodes like that, the producers/writers have a lot to live up to the rest of the season, and there's still quite a bit to go.