Captivating ‘24’ tops ‘Flight 93’

Mon., Jan. 30, 2006

Kevin McDonough United Feature Syndicate

“Flight 93” (9 p.m., A&E) is the second cable movie to depict the horrible events of Sept. 11 in a moment-by-moment fashion. The Discovery Channel aired a similar film some months ago about the very same subject that was watched by a wide audience.

This new version is not the better of the two.

Next to the choice to air “Flight 93” at all, the most curious decision by A&E is to broadcast it on a Monday night opposite “24” (9 p.m., Fox).

Like “Flight 93,” this superior weekly drama offers viewers the cathartic experience of watching Americans take decisive actions to confront terrorists. Both take place accompanied by a ticking clock.

But “24” operates in the realm of fiction and melodrama, freeing the viewer to watch it without feeling that one’s patriotism and emotions are being exploited.

Viewers are well aware that “24” operates in a formulaic universe, where every hour unfolds in real time and ends with a cliffhanger worthy of a silent serial. The show is so well established, popular and self-aware that it has begun to comment on its own peculiarities.

Was anyone surprised that Chloe would be “punished” for her one-night stand and discover that her furtive lover was a mole? But the real kicker came when Edgar, Chloe’s partner in computer wizardry and emotional dyslexia, asked her to open up and express herself.

Our heroine’s response was one for the ages: “OK, Edgar, after we find the nerve gas and the terror level is dropped, we’ll have some chamomile tea and I’ll tell you my secrets, OK?”

Other highlights

Rinky-dink entertainment on “Skating with Celebrities” (8 p.m., Fox).

Opposites detract on “Wife Swap” (8 p.m., ABC).

Comic-book fans bug out over Monica on “Las Vegas” (9 p.m., NBC).

Bold-faced names and product placements abound on “In Style Celebrity Weddings” (9 p.m., ABC).

A script written in blood on “CSI: Miami” (10 p.m., CBS).

Allison imagines herself a mental patient from the 1950s on a memorable episode of “Medium” (10 p.m., NBC).

L’amour le merrier on “The Bachelor: Paris” (10 p.m., ABC).

Series notes

Doug feels snubbed on “The King of Queens” (8 p.m., CBS) … Revelations on “Surface” (8 p.m., NBC) … Labor pains on “7th Heaven” (8 p.m., WB) …The lease they could do on “How I Met Your Mother” (8:30 p.m., CBS) … Alan’s cradle will rock on “Two and a Half Men” (9 p.m., CBS) … Rose mulls intimacy on “Related” (9 p.m., WB) … Keeping secrets on “Courting Alex” (9:30 p.m., CBS).

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