Tony returns from the dead - why oh why?

Now I am quite partial to a bit of 24. And I am a LARGE fan of Tony Almeida. He puts Macgyver to shame. His strong command of the English language - yah, uh-huh, aight - is a sheer viewing pleasure.

BUT love aside, you can't do a back-from-the-dead with Tony. He is more than that FOX Broadcasting! The man died in quite traumatic fashion after trying to avenge Michelle's death. The man died in Jack's arms. The man DIED.

Should I have seen this coming?

Most likely. You see, 24 is a complex little show. It has a clear policy on death. Only when they use the silent clock are people truly dead or at least some punk has had a pretty decent shot at offing someone.

Silent clock usage includes:

• Day 1 - Teri Bauer was killed at the hands of nasty Nina Myers in the last hour.
• Day 2 - (1) George Mason leaving CTU and (2) the crappy attempt to kill President Palmer.
  
• Day 3 - After Jack had to kill Ryan Chappelle.
• Day 5 - Edgar Stiles dies after inhaling lungfulls of nerve gas.
• Day 6 - Jack says bye bye to Audrey Raines.
  

Important moments that are not characterised by silent clock usage:

• Season 4.
• Death of Tony.

Tony, you are my hero.

For those other Tony lovers out there, check this out: