According to a survey conducted by the Human Rights First organisation, scenes of torture on American television have increased dramatically since the 9/11 terror attacks. In 2000, 42 scenes of torture were shown on prime time American TV. This figure had rocketed to 228 by 2003 with shows like Law and Order SVU, The Wire and The Shield cited as culprits.

Senior military personnel met with 24’s producers to voice fears the show was responsible for promoting illegal behaviour and, as a consequence, was not only having a negative effect on US troops in the field but also tarnishing America’s reputation on foreign soil. Forget George W Bush failing to sign up to the Kyoto agreement, it was Jack Bauer’s fault the whole time!

But it’s unlikely this rebuke will have any impact on 24’s huge critical acclaim and commercial success. The show has scooped a fistful of awards including a Golden Globe for Best Drama Series. Last year it received 12 Emmy nominations with Sutherland in line for the Outstanding Lead Actor award.

Regardless of the US military’s concerns, 24’s rollercoaster ride looks set to continue as Jack and his Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU) colleagues strive to stop the detonation of Soviet-designed nuclear weapons. Just don’t try any of Jack’s interrogative techniques at home!