OK, so as promised, we've got another top 24 of 24 list coming your way. In honour of a gutwrenching finale, a gutwrenching 7-month wait for s4, a gutwrenching wait for the s3 DVD, as well as the gutwrenching rumours of contracts failing to be renewed, we are proud to present the Top 24 Gutwrenching Emotional Moments of 24. This was the most difficult compliation yet, as there were so many to choose from and they are all so difficult to rank.

Kat has seen the finale 24-Inside Webcast and has assured me that it is not too disturbing to watch, so scathing review is forthcoming.

--posted by Kasia

So unless you've been living under a rock for the last 2 weeks, I assume you've all heard about the rumours reported by CNN, ZapToIt and the Hollywood Reporter about the contracts for series regular status of Carlos Bernard, Reiko Aylesworth and James Badge Dale, among others, not being renewed. I have resisted writing anything about it here on AIG mostly because I am still in fervent denial and refuse to accept that the writers would even consider writing out Tony or Michelle, whose storyline this season, in my opinion, held the series together. Not that everything else wasn't great, but Tony and Michelle were the one consistent and ever-present thread that ran through the entire season, and they were definitely what got our hearts into it.

Part of me feels that perhaps we are all jumping the gun and freaking out over nothing, because supposedly credible entertainment news sources have reported misinformation about the show in the past on more than one occasion. Remember how Dennis Haysbert and Penny Johnson Jerald were supposedly not returning for season 3? Well, they both returned. Mia Kirshner's appearance as Mandy in an even more substantial role than she had in s1 was also reported and never materialized at all. And who could forget the "news" story about Kim being a lesbian in s3? One thing I have learned with this show is that we shouldn't believe it until we see it. However, despite all that, these rumours are most assuredly disturbing and the producers and writers have expressed a feeling that things need to be shaken up. However, it is important to remember that there is a HUGE difference between shaking things up and bleeding them dry.

Obviously, we here at AIG have a vested interest in seeing Carlos Bernard return to reprise his role as Tony Almeida next season in a significant way. If the idea of little or no Tony/Michelle next season disturbs you as much as it disturbs us, please sign Linn's petition and make your voice heard. I have no idea if the powers that be would even see this petition, but it never hurts to make sure you get your two cents in and at least try to make them aware of our feelings on the subject.

--posted by Kasia

There is a new site on the Almeida Is God Fan Network. Visit Incisive : The Official Nina/Tony Fanlisting today! Several other new fanlistings are in the works, details forthcoming.

In other news, AIG has been contacted by a French journalist working in Paris, who is researching the worldwide 24 phenomenon, to be a part of his project. We are not sure yet how we will be involved, but it is quite exciting and will hopefully give us some good exposure in Europe for the site, as well as our affiliate sites. Will post more when we learn more about it.

--posted by Kasia

Finally got around to catching up with 4924CTU, the best resource for audio and video clips of the cast of 24, to find about 4 new Carlos video clips, including the 24-Inside webcast with Carlos and Reiko put into downloadable Windows Media format. For those of you who missed it the first time around (Matt, I'm looking at YOU), you can download it or watch it by checking out The Man Behind Almeida. There is also a previously undiscovered radio clip as well.

I'm afraid to watch the webcast with DB Woodside, because I have heard that discussion of Tony and Michelle's roles next season occurs and I'm not quite sure I'm ready for that yet. I will get to it this weekend, because I know you're all waiting with baited breath for my scathing review.

--posted by Kasia

For the last time in 2004, I am pleased yet saddened to announce that major updates are completed. All your favourite features, including Godlike Moments, Almeida Verbatim and Famous Last Words have been updated. As well, the official debrief and a further discussion on the finale have been posted in Fandom. Additionally, cast spotted log has been updated. Still haven't updated the e-mail archive. Still not done s2 screencaps. But the next 7 months will be long ones, so there will be plenty of time for all that. We also have some good ideas for top 24 lists in the works.

Haven't yet watched the 24 Inside webcast with DB Woodside. Will comment on that when it has been watched. DB, however, gave an utterly fantastic performance in the finale and should be commended on his excellent work all season long. Too tired to elaborate any further.

--posted by Kasia

In the wake of the post-season3 world, there was much to discuss and much analysis to be done, but none of it will be done now. Based on how many hits we've gotten today by early evening, I don't doubt that people are wondering where the updates are! Debriefs will be posted as soon as possible. However, what I would like to say is this - to the person (not naming names) at the Inside-24 Fan Forum who told me I was "daft" for comparing 24 to Shakespeare or the Greek/Roman tradition, perhaps you might wanna tell Howard Gordon that too, as he was quoted in a recent article as saying: "I came to this real strong conclusion that '24' is a tragedy, a Greek tragedy with guns." We could have told Howard that 3 years ago ;)

Speaking of said recent article, the main subject of the article was none other than our beloved Carlos Bernard, and the article has been archived in The Man Behind Almeida.

So what of AIG during the hiatus? The LONG 7 MONTH hiatus. We plan to go on longer and stronger than ever. We have loads of top 24 lists to compile, and the 24 Season Two Ultimate Fan Commentary to look forward to in July, this time with a new participant, as Kat will be here as well. More fanlistings sites, even further analysis, as well as a likely renovation to the site's layout. New t-shirts, more poetry. Not to mention the top secret project we have in the works. We definitely plan to stick with the site all the way through to January 2005 in an effort to help curb our own severe withdrawal. We invite all of our regular readers to share our withdrawal pain and stick with AIG through the hiatus!

--posted by Kasia

So here we are. Tonight is the night of the season 3 finale. What can I say? After talking it over with my compatriots, we have concluded that season 3 has surpassed even our wildest expectations and has truly been a dream season. From Jack/Nina makeout session to Sherry willing to go to prison just to screw her ex to Jack/Tony working together in the field to the Tony/Nina reunion to the insane virus plot twists to Kim out in field ops to Tony betraying CTU to save Michelle, it has been a wild ride, and no one is waiting with their breath more baited than the staff of AlmeidaIsGod.com for tonight's finale.

I've been hearing horrible information about Carlos Bernard and Reiko Aylesworth not returning as series regulars in season 4, and am in a really bad mood because of it. To read more, visit Inside-24 Forum.

Debrief for episode 23 has finally been posted. I apologize profusely for the delay. Things should be back to normal now that I am back from holidays and my friend is gone. Debrief can be found in fandom.

--posted by Kasia

Like an idiot, I overwrote the copy of the update I posted with AIG shirt pix on the other computer, so here are the pix again:

--posted by Kasia

Godlike Moments, Almeida Verbatim and Famous Last Words have all been brought up to date for episode 23. I have debrief material saved on a different computer, plus a plethora of e-mails to update when I have more time, but I still have a houseguest. Cast Spotted Log has also been updated with a number of sightings incurred during in-flight movies. Debriefs to be posted ASAP. This episode was not terribly Tony-centric, so material is a bit scarce.

--posted by Kasia

I apologize for delays on this week's updates. This week is just as crazy as the last two weeks, with recovering from jetlag, the Calgary Flames making it to the Stanley Cup Final series and my friend Leanne flying in from Toronto for the long weekend. Thus, updates for episode 23 will be delayed until likely Saturday, however debriefs may arrive sooner than that. All fanlistings applications that I received while I was away have now been processed.

In other news, AT LAST I have received my t-shirts! I will post pictures of me modelling them here over the next day or two, so everyone can see how cute they are on. They are worth every last penny I spent on them.

In further news, the Jack/Tony bond has never been stronger. Tell me that Jack pleading Tony's case to Brad Hammond wasn't one of the single greatest moments of the season! For all Tony fans who were blown away by this display of brotherhood and solidarity, don't forget to join Brothers In Arms, AIG's most popular fanlisting!

Further update! It has just come to our attention that FOX is MOVING 24 to Monday night next season, and that season 4 will not premiere until JANUARY 2005! That's right, folks, I hope you've all been taping season 3, because it will be a 7 month wait until we get new Tony action in season 4. As if the moving of the airday isn't bad enough (it is like, if the pope woke up tomorrow and suddenly announced that people will now worship jesus christ on saturday or something), JANUARY! I am going to die, people. By the time season 3 comes out on DVD, my videotapes will be worn down to sad little nubs. Oh, it's tragic. Our entire system of functional living is being fucked with. Holy Day moving to Monday???? It seems so wrong!!! To read more, click here.

--posted by Kasia

It's Holy Day. It's 1:30 am. I'm back in Canada. I've seen 10-11AM. I've read through all of the incredible updates going on here on AIG, my baby, while my second in command has been in charge. Matt, you have done an incredible job. I laughed my sad, pathetic, up-for-over-24-hours ass off at the top 24 Betrayals list. Brilliant humour and incisive insight. The debrief was incredible and echoed everything I was thinking while watching the episode, literally minutes after stepping in the door after my father dropped me off from the airport. I've been in 4 cities in a 24 hour period and I am exhausted, but not too exhausted to write a little kudos to the shape I found the site in when I returned.

It was strange having such a 24-less week, not talking to Matt or Kat or having any contact with anyone who'd seen episode 22. But things kept reminding me of what delicious Tony goodness I would be returning to, including my uncle's girlfriend's cousin living on the corner of Balfour Road, I saw a Parsloe Lane, my grandfather was in the Saunders Ward at the hospital and I passed through the Finsbury Park tube station, home to the mosque Tony made famous in s2 during his interrogation of Reza.

I would love to detail further observations about the episode, but I am too god damn tired. I need to crash, but I'm off work tomorrow and hoping to pick up my AIG fanwear! This episode was the epitome of the Jack/Tony bond and once again, season 3 lives up to another criteria for "the perfect season": Jack/Tony in the field. AND there is another episode on in like, 21 hours. Praise Almeida!

--posted by Kasia

Happy Holy Eve! Two more hours to go - the season has flown by. It seems like just yesterday, Jack and Nina were making out like high school kids, the Salazar boys were playing nicely together, and David and Sherry were on awkwardly sweet terms.

Oh, how things can change in a matter of hours. In a tribute to relationships long destroyed, AIG brings you a new list - The Top 24 Betrayals of 24! This list can be found in our fandom section.

In other news, welcome home kash! Your absence has been felt in the pit of AIG's stomach.

--posted by Matt

While writing and posting this week's Godlike Moments, I couldn't help but contemplate the effect of the last two episodes on the nature of this website and its entire belief system.

Most people I know who watch the show and aren't hardcore Tony Almeida fans (sounds impossible, I know, but there are such people) seem to think that Tony sold out, and would disagree with our basic theory that Almeida is completely selfless in all of his motives. Most people talk like Tony did a bad thing by jeopardizing millions of lives to save Michelle.

Me, I'm not really so sure. I agree that it was a shock to see Almeida acting somewhat out of character, by completely disregarding his job, his country and his duty, as these have been established as things that Tony values highly.

What we didn't realize, especially with him being an ass to her this season, is that Almeida has something he values even more than any of those things, and that's Michelle. You may say this still means he's acting selfish, but I disagree. He's knowingly sacrificed everything: his job, his future, maybe even his own life (if he were to get the death penalty for treason) just to keep her safe -- to protect another. The fact that millions might have died is only a factor if you consider one life to be less valuable than many lives... which is the whole notion of Utilitarianism that was brought up when Chappelle was sacrificed. The evil lies in Saunders; he wanted Chappelle killed, he threatened to kill Michelle, he's threatening to kill the millions.

The fact is that Tony was given an impossible choice by a twisted villain, and was bound to be considered "wrong" either way he went... I mean, would you really consider him a good guy if he stood by and watched as somebody cut out his wife's eye, made her suffer and then killed her? Just for duty's sake? Fuck that. Anyone who's been in love knows that's not an option. So I say screw the job! Save the girl!

Almeida IS God, people. Don't ever forget it.

--posted by Matt

The quotes are up, Jack, you sonofabitch! The quotes are up!!

--posted by Matt

The Holy Trinity is explored, I root for sherry and we realize we might actually sorta heart Chloe in this week's late night AIG debrief.

More updates to come. We miss you, Kiki!

--posted by Matt

"Just because you sacrificed your wife for this job, doesn't mean I'm gonna sacrifice mine!"

Does it get any better than this? What a fucking great episode! The Jack/Tony relationship has been brought to its most spiritual level yet. I don't have the words to describe my high when Tony brought up Teri.

With queen Kasia out of the country, the AIG debrief will be between me and Kat, and may not be up for another day or two, but TRUST me, readers, heavy analysis will be done.

--posted by Matt

What am I, chopped liver? I did those updates like they ain't no thang!

Now that Kash is in England, I'm in command of this site. That's right, I'm making a power play, just like Alberta Green. Things have been out of control here these past few days. Starting now, they're back in control.

My loyal subjects, please feel free to bask in the joy of lengthy Almeida Verbatim and an even lengthier Godlike Moments. As 9am-10am was quite possibly the greatest Tony episode to ever air, I tried to do it justice.

Happy Holy Eve to you all!

--posted by Matt

I'm so sorry, ya'll. I tried my best to finish the updates, but there just weren't enough hours in the day. I'm about to call a cab to the airport, but just wanted to say that this round of updates will be posted as SOON as I get back.

--posted by Kasia

There is a new site on the Almeida Is God Fan Network! Visit Holy Trinity: Official Fanlisting for the Jack Bauer/Nina Myers/Tony Almeida Relationship! 4 FLs upcoming when I return from England. May yet be further updates later today. Stay tuned.

--posted by Kasia

No time for major updates today, I was running around like a madwoman trying to get everything done, but I have managed to post our debriefs related to discussion and analysis of 9-10am. Given that our site is dedicated to Tony, and this was Tony's most significant episode EVER, it should not go without analysis for more than 48 hours. Also added a couple of new items to the drinking game. I will have quite a few boring hours to kill in the early morning tomorrow as I wait to go to the airport at 4 AM, so hopefully I will have an opportunity to finish full updates prior to departure.

--posted by Kasia

The Almeida is God 24 Character Quiz is now the third most popular TV related quiz over at Quizmo and the 5th most popular quiz overall. I am stunned. Thanks to Mari, one of our most beloved site visitors, who posted the link to it over on the Inside-24 Fan Forum (the BEST 24 forum), suddenly this quiz has had massive surges in popularity!!!! Thank you Mari!

--posted by Kasia

Last night's episode was an episode of epic proportions. There is so much to say about its briliance and sheer importance, but I can't even begin to explain it right now. All of the salient points will be covered in our debriefs, which will be posted soon. There is bound to be a great deal of further discussion on these issues as well. Unfortunately, updates will be slow this week. I have 3 days before I leave for England and I have a lot to do before I leave. I am going to try and make some time in between running my errands and preparing for my trip to get this set of updates done, but I don't know when they will eventually be posted. I am going to try my absolute hardest to have them posted before I fly out. Believe me, this is not because this episode is less important, it is because it is MORE important. Every single Almeida scene was utter unadulterated genius and in order to capture and appreciate this in the proper manner, I need time. All I will say for now that is that Jack and Tony have become one. Their souls exist on a plane unreachable by any other character, even Palmer.

I've not had a chance to watch the entire 24-inside webcast yet. I watched just over half of it, and Carlos Bernard is as funny and cool and intelligent and passionate and irreverant as ever. God, I love him. Reiko Aylesworth has a light inside her that shines, and both actors clearly have nailed the concept of what it's all about. My favourite part so far (as I have not yet watched the last 1/3 of it) is when Carlos is asked if he would like to see his character turn bad and Reiko responded something to the effect that "there are so many other things to explore besides good vs bad." That basically says it all right there. It's not about being a "hero" or a "villain". It's about the shades of grey in between, the human motives, what would you do for your country, for your family, for love? One thing I can say for sure is THANK ALMEIDA that the idiot bimbette was given the boot. She sucked and the fans knew it. The moment she likened Nina to a fart was the moment she signed her own pink slip. Anyway, I would love to extrapolate further on this, but unfortunately, I have a lot of work to do (on my real job, not this site, sadly) before I leave on Saturday.

On the bright side, I spoke with Matt and he has committed to keeping things up and running while I am away. So AIG readers, you can still expect plenty of action over here while I am gone. I will be back on May 17. The biggest thing I will miss about being at home while I am on vacation in England is this site! Will probably write more later after I have watched the full webcast and had even more time to ruminate on the unrivalled excellence of this latest episode. Updates coming as soon as possible.

--posted by Kasia

Inside-24.com, one of our excellent affiliates and probably the best and most comprehensive 24 fansite out there, named AIG their Site of the Month for May. Ever since we launched this site we have dreamed of being named Inside-24's Site of the Month. At last, that dream has been realized :) :) :). This is a huge honour and it means a lot to us! Thank you, Inside-24!

In other news, in pursuit of being the premiere destination for 24 minor character and interpersonal relationship appreciation, we will be launching 5 new fanlistings over the next several weeks. I will be out of Canada in England for 11 days starting May 9, which means that site updates will basically be on hiatus except for whatever Matt gets around to doing in between working his 2 jobs. UK webmasters, if you have any interest in meeting for lunch at all while I am in the London area to do a little Tony appreciating and meet a North American fan, by all means, e-mail me. All fanlistings will be on hiatus between May 9 and May 17.

I am stressed out about being out of the country for the 3rd last episode of 24, but it was a necessary evil. I will be setting my VCR, but just in case it malfunctions or is possessed by TGOVD, I will also be getting my mother and friends to tape it. On the bright side, when I get home from England, I will have an episode to watch and then another episode the next day.

Last night Kat and I came to the conclusion that Aaron Pierce is the only minor character to have survived all 3 seasons of 24. I mean, of course it is conceivable that he could still die, but it doesn't seem likely. We could not think of any other characters that have been in all 3 seasons aside from the major players. If you can think of any, make sure to let us know.

Today, AIG cracked 3000 visitors! Thank you again to all of our loyal readers who continue to visit us week after week. Tony loves all of you.

Happy Holy Eve to all!

--posted by Kasia

I found this article on tvguide.com insider news, but you have to register to view it, and that's annoying, so I am posting the text here. Carlos's conviction that Almeida will live through the end of season 3 is highly encouraging, but what of the not-good cool thing? This is all making me very nervous.

24 Star: "I Will Survive" - by Daniel R. Coleridge - originally posted on April 26 on tvguide.com

As 24's Agent Tony Almeida, Carlos Bernard is always embroiled in CTU intrigues. Especially since Tony's wife and co-worker Michelle (Reiko Aylesworth) is right there with him in the antiterrorist trenches. And now, she may be infected with the lethal virus, which means Tony's more torn than ever between his duty and dedication to his spouse.

"That's the underlying theme of this season for most of the characters," Bernard tells TV Guide Online. "How do you have a relationship and do a job like that? In the last few episodes of the season, a couple of us are really put to the test. Do you choose your job or relationship? Without telling you what happens, it's a tough decision."

Speaking of agonizing choices, Tony's missus recently made one: She ordered suicide capsules for the Chandler Hotel's virus victims, just in case they needed 'em. Yikes! "I don't think it's too extreme," he says. "I mean, if I was exposed to something as gruesome and painful as that death is, I think I'd rather take a cyanide capsule than sit through it. As long as it's a sure bet that you can't do anything about it."

Crazy things happen constantly on this show — such as Tony's miraculous recovery from that gunshot to the neck. Don't plot twists like that test Bernard's credulity just a bit? "Absolutely!" he laughs. "Although, I think Jack died and came back to life last year, didn't he? So if he can get away with that...

"Of course, I questioned it," he adds. "Everybody [in the cast] talked about it. Here's how I dealt with it: I had major surgery last year. I had badly dislocated my ankle playing basketball. My leg was a bag of bones and they had to screw all the bones back together to hold them in place. My foot was going in the wrong direction! It sucked. But I had major surgery and was up and around, since I had to get back to work in a week or so."

Well, we hate to quibble, but a sports injury isn't quite the same as Tony's near-fatal gunshot wound! "No, I wasn't shot in the neck, but I was on one leg!" he chuckles. "Listen, if you're gonna nitpick about stuff like that, you got the wrong show."

On the bright side, Tony will likely live to see more danger beyond this season. "I've seen the last script, but they're really good at giving out fake scripts. Key scenes will be different," Bernard explains. "In the version I saw, yes, I do survive. However, something pretty interesting happens to my character at the end. It's very cool, but not in a good way."

--posted by Kasia