Do you WANT another season?

Topic hijacker! ;) Yes, I would be ready for another season. This season has been interesting, if not quite off to the running start of killing Curtis and having a mushroom cloud, but as you point out, it's not yet half over. I'm sure there are great bits to come. I think 24's unique format and interesting characters can sustain another season's storyline.

I'm quite liking this season personally but you're right that sometimes you need to quit while you're ahead and not let it drag on and become stagnant.

As previously mentioned, not even halfway through the season guys... There's more than enough time for episodes to make your heart race. There are several things I've been wanting/waiting for from a 24 season: Fisrt: What about a "flashback" day? Bring back "dead" characters by doing an season that takes place prior to day 1? When Jack and David Palmer were working together, how Nina "infultrated" CTU, the possibilities of good storyline there are endless... Second: I would LOVE a "fall daylight savings time" season where just when you think it's over, there's a whole extra hour because the time gets set back an hour... "The deadline for the terrorist is in 10 minutes, we're never gonna make it... oh wait, an HOUR and 10 minutes, we'll be fine, call Jack". Third: Sadly, eventually, Jack Bauer must die for the series to continue... There will come a point when Jack will have to make the ULTIMATE sacrifice to save the country. The next season will be so different, you won't know what to expect... And that will again be MUST SEE TV. (but I love Jack too much to let him go just yet). This third point means that 24 could very well go on to be like ER or something, and be on the air for 10 or more years, but in the end have none of the original cast members. In fact, in the long run, that's the only way it stands a chance at succeding. They may even have to go "overseas" for a significant portion of a season to keep people interested. I love the show too much to say goodbye to in now or anytime in the near future. The acting is always great, the concept is too unique, and beyond that, it just kicks way too much ass to dissappear on us!

"24 could very well go on to be like ER or something, and be on the air for 10 or more years, but in the end have none of the original cast members" I would so NOT like this at all.

Agreed!24 without Jack Bauer?That's like...I can't even come up with an apt metaphor for how not-possible that would be.

If next season is the last one I think they should have it so the terrorists succeed in their plans near the start of the season and most of america is destroyed by nukes. An invading force comes into the country while it's in disaray and takes over. It's up to Jack to take them down. The series could end with Jack going off on his own while the country tries to rebuild.