MAY 26, 2009 --

It was touted as the final "24" of the season. Accordingly, LPR thought that the season's story -- a ruthless attempt by private mercenary companies to keep their government contracts -- would be wrapped up by the end of the 24th hour.

Truth in television, however, would have required the words "To be continued" appear on the screen after the concluding episode.

Was the bad guy tortured for information by the attractive FBI agent? Will the president stay in office? Will the other bad guys regroup? Will Tony escape or be set free? (Obviously Jack Bauer will recover.)

Or will "24" next season have a different scenario, and tie this season's loose threads by dialogue in the new day dawning for "24" viewers? Hmm -- seems like a way to get viewers to stay tuned.