24 vs. Alias

Both of these shows dwell in the absurd plotwise, but since the aesthetics of 24 make a big fuss about reality -- e.g. its real-time-ness -- without acknowledging the grave transgressions thereof (i.e. you say something stupid, like oh I don't know "SHUT UP STUPID" in complete earnestness and in the end sound like a schmuck), Alias will have a warmer place in my heart just because of how ultracheeky it is about being silly. (So long as the series is actually good, though.)

To sum up: saying something dumb with a straight face, and you are no better than what you say. Saying something dumb with a smirk or a wig or a rubber dress, then we're in business.