(S06E17) *Warning, spoilers from the latest episode ahead.*
You see that giant question mark hanging above my head? (Humor me. Just nod and say, "Yes.") It represents the multitude of questions that abound following the latest episode of 24.
Not that the episode was bad, mind you. In fact, I think it was quite good. I was riveted throughout the whole thing. I didn't laugh or smirk. Well, I kind of did, when Milo Pressman started whining because he was jealous that Nadia Yassir showed compassion toward Mike "The Brawler" Doyle after Doyle was injured during a faux-scuffle. That bit was annoying.
But Milo aside, it was a strong, if not strangely ending episode that now leaves me questioning where we go from here and whether we've now entered the phase of 24 that sets up the next season, although it seems way too early for that, so I'm willing to entertain arguments that I'm wrong.
For one thing, I was thrilled to have Jack back. However the Jack that we saw this hour was not the soft talking guy who spoke patronizingly quietly with that Brady kid, or the Jack who, a few hours before that, spoke in hushed tones with his lustful sister-in-law. We saw a dark side of Jack, the Jack who seems to get his rocks off by looping a chain around "bad" terrorist Abu Fayed's neck after locating the suitcase nukes, and hanging Fayed, but not before giving him a snide send off about telling his dead brother, "Hello" for him.
When we left Jack and Doyle last week, they'd just apprehended Fayed. During this hour, they tried using conventional beatings to coax the location of the two suitcase nukes out of him, but that didn't pan out. So the two blond agents cooked up a plan to crash the van in which they were transporting Fayed and have him "rescued" by CTUers pretending to be members of some terrorist splinter organization. Needless to say, Fayed soon became wise to the shenanigans and took out the CTUers when the vehicle he was in entered a tunnel. (Damned tunnels! Nothing good happens in tunnels on 24.) Fayed then killed a sanitation worker and stole his truck. (Wait? A sanitation guy who's working at 10 at night? After a nuke went off?) Anyway . . . Jack clandestinely hitched a ride under the belly the truck, which Fayed conveniently drove directly to the location of the last two suitcase nukes.
Jack -- armed only with a single pistol while Fayed's team had pistols and automatic weapons -- shot at the assemblage as soon as he spotted the nukes. Our boy neutralized Fayed's security team until it was just Jack and Fayed. And they went mano-a-mano, which, as I mentioned, ended unceremoniously with Fayed dangling by his neck from a chain. After Fayed drew his last breath, Doyle & Co. converged on the location, securing the bombs.
But wait! It was only hour 17. We've got seven more hours to go. How could the nukes be secured already? And the dude who was behind the 11 weeks of attacks across the country is dead. How can this be?
The momentum and story completed shifted moments later, when Doyle handed a cell phone to Jack saying that a call had been routed to him via CTU's main phone line. And wouldn't you know it? It was Audrey Raines. Very much alive. Calling from China. From where she's being held hostage. Her hostage taker told Jack to call him from a secure line in 10 minutes or else Audrey, who Jack had been told was dead, would really be dead. I mean seriously dead. As in, not just a flesh wound.
The previews ( *WARNING PREVIEW-A-PHOBES: I'm going to mention something from the promo for next week* ) show the Chinese hostage taker telling Jack to get him "the component," followed by scenes of Jack drawing a weapon on Doyle just after telling the ailing President Palmer II that he "owes" Jack.
So the rest of the season will be about Jack going BACK to China? Or simply about trying to save Audrey who's in China? Not that I have a problem with 24 being about a mission to get Audrey released. I don't. It just seems odd to me because it takes the focus from a broad one (that of threats to the country via nuclear detonation and rampant terrorist attacks), to a much narrower one (saving Jack's main squeeze).
In other 24 developments during hour 17: Meanwhile, in the presidential bunker, President Palmer II was trying not to look as if he was about to die while faking people into thinking he was really insane enough to launch a nuke at the Country Whose Name We Shall Not Mention, even though they had nothing to do with the attacks on the United States. At the end of the previous episode, Palmer acted as though he was really authorizing a nuclear missile attack, the one he stopped power-mad Vice President Noah Daniels from commencing. But -- in a move that no doubt delighted frequent TV Squad /24 commenter CC -- the whole attack was a scam in order to coerce the Country Whose Name We Shall Not Mention's officials into coughing up more intel. Which they did. But it didn't really prove fruitful in the long run.
Palmer spent most of this episode trying to control his shaking left hand and sweating profusely. When he finally collapsed, his doctor told him he needed to go to the medical bay. But Palmer refused and demanded another shot of adrenaline, which the doctor said he wouldn't give the president because it could kill him. "No one can know," Palmer told Lennox as the president fell to the floor. Will Palmer make a miraculous recovery from the assassination attempt? Or will he be a flesh and blood leader who has to take command from a hospital bed?
Overall, I thought this was a much improved episode. Loved all the Jack-tion, the intrigue. I'm just puzzled about whether this is simply laying the groundwork for the remaining hours of this season, taking it in an entirely different direction, or if its aim is preparing us for the seventh day.
The Dharma Initiative wants you - VIDEO - Comic-Con Report
Forget the Knight Rider movie, say the series creators - TCA Report
Giveaway Monday: TV Funhouse
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
4-10-2007 @ 12:08AM
ac said...
I thought that along with the Martha Logan episode this was one of the best this season. Also since its TV I'm willing to suspend disbelief of how convienent of a time Audrey choose to call. Also Audrey can't be in China, thats a 20 hour flight. They are in LA because that is where everyone is in 24 land.
Reply
4-10-2007 @ 12:54AM
Marc said...
I believe the Chinese official and Audrey are in L.A. - he gave Jack a 310 phone number which is an L.A. area code.
Reply
4-10-2007 @ 12:57AM
Ryan said...
Audrey (and the Chinese et al.) is probably in LA just because it does seem they want Jack to get them something and are they really going to wait around 20 hours for that?
Plus the sudden momentum shift in storyline is nothing new in 24. Don't they usually have 2-3 plot arcs divided in a season? Definitely agree that it was a great episode though. Jack's epic slaughter and then fight with Fayed was one for the books. And Audrey! Yay Audrey! Please don't die.
Reply
4-10-2007 @ 1:06AM
AJ MacReady said...
Okay. I am still a big fan of the show, being as how there is literally nothing on TV like it, and while this season may be lesser than others, it is still exciting stuff.
- is it me, or is Doyle what we would figure Jack to be like 8 years ago or so?
- this is easily the best episode so far this season, very thrilling and action packed.
- who didn't cheer a little bit seeing Jack just kick ass all over everything in that patented Jack Bauer way, taking out absolutely EVERYBODY in that last warehouse?
- and Audrey is brought back; I think we all knew she wasn't dead, but hey, way to bring her back into the mix.
- I LOVE this show. Kiefer - you are the MAN. The writers keep bringing things to a new level, even if (arguably) alot of it are points you have made before.
And that isnt a problem for me. Its just the themes that 24 deals in. Even if I have seen it before on this show, I've not seen it quite that way anywhere else, and the way this show does it is enough to keep me watching.
Reply
4-10-2007 @ 1:11AM
wilymon said...
according to Expedia.com, a flight from LA to Beijing is 13 to 15 hours, giving them enough time to get back to china on time, they probably called soon after they arrived.
Reply
4-10-2007 @ 1:18AM
nukethewhalesagain said...
This is interesting. Usually the last few episodes are about beating a "big bad". But now with the big bad gone they introduce a brand new storyline. I guess this is their way to get out of a weak storyline that felt way too familiar and into something they haven't tried in a while (though its not entirely new since the first season was pretty much about Jack saving his family). Still its good to see them end this repetitive storyline. I can only hope this Audrey one is more interesting.
Reply
4-10-2007 @ 1:27AM
BigTed said...
-- We all know how much Jack loves to work alone, but was it too much to ask for him to call for backup before singlehandedly trying to take down the terrorists holding the nukes? If he had failed, he would have lost them, and the nukes, yet again. (Of course, whatever Jack does always ends up being the right thing, but he's not supposed to know that.)
-- If Milo isn't a traitor, how come he keeps behaving in a way that makes us want him to be one? What a dork.
-- Audrey is just the kind of girlfriend who's always calling just when you're finally ready to call it a night, have a burger and a beer and get some shut-eye. "Hello, Jack? My other show was canceled and I'm bored, so would you come over right this minute and rescue me from the Chinese? Ple-e-ease?" What a nag.
-- The Russians and Unspecified Mideasterners are okay villains, but nobody does eeeevil like that Chinese guy.
-- What does it say about this season so far that I'm starting to miss Graem?
Reply
4-10-2007 @ 1:46AM
mayorjimmy said...
Jack Bauer, one man army for 6 seasons running. How bout the leg sweep and neck break? Reminds me of season 4 when he stormed a compound to rescue Audrey and Heller. The man is awesome.
Maybe they're building to a massive finale. Maybe Jack has to fight Chinese spies, Russian separatists, Arab terrorists, Mexican drug dealers, and pissed German spies to save Audrey. My money is still on Jack.
No doubt this will end with Jack saving the day and getting totally screwed over for his troubles at the end.
Reply
4-10-2007 @ 1:56AM
Kyle Beasley said...
That was a much better 24. Less side characters and more Bauer. Plus Bauer yelling "Damn it" while holding onto the underside of a garbage truck made my night.
I was wondering when the Chinese would show up again. It looks like Bauer will take on all of China to save his girl. I say it's a fair fight.
http://kylebeabo.blogspot.com/
Reply
4-10-2007 @ 2:24AM
Ron said...
Did we forget already? Chen was the one who delievered Jack to CTU at the beginning of the season. Unless what you're trying to suggest is that he had already flown back to China (timeline wise, possible) only to call Jack again to tell him they had Audrey. It would make much more sense if she was in LA, maybe on the same plane as Jack when he was going back just for some added drama.
Reply
4-10-2007 @ 2:25AM
Mickey said...
Horray! Jack's back, and 24's on track. It felt like an episode of old, a good one.
I suspect the writers just decided to cut their losses and get the heck out of the nuke suitcases story. They'd simply bitten off more than they could chew and, frankly, the prospect of any further nuclear explosions for "our entertainment" was starting to get kinda creepy.
You're spot on, Meredith: the Milo hissy fit was totally lame. Talk about misplaced priorities: "I'm feeling jealous so I'm not going to help you fight the terrorists who are blowing up our cities, so there!" Yech. It just didn't ring as true, but instead played like a poor soap opera.
Beyond that, a great time. I thought Pres Palmer looked strong, and his hardball tactics -- threaten General Habib's family with death -- were both unpleasantly realistic, and totally appropriate. Too bad, though, that his sister hadn't been in the room for that bit; they'd have had to carry her out on a stretcher.
As to what's next, well, I must say I find it a bit strange that the Chinese would try to pull Jack off duty when they in all likelihood would have guessed that he'd have been kinda busy in trying to help prevent (yet another) nuclear attack. Seems kinda inconsiderate of them, doncha think? Unless, of course, they had already been tipped off to the fact that the nuclear threat was over! But by who?
And with Audrey is back on the scene, can Papa Heller really not be far behind?
Reply
4-10-2007 @ 2:25AM
JueYan said...
*possible spoiler*
Wheres the other nuke? Through the end, only one suitcase is seen open. When Doyle confirms, he doesn't open the closed case. Is there a nuke at large? A set-up for future plots?
Reply
4-10-2007 @ 2:29AM
Chris said...
You review 24 and don't know that the Chinese hostage taker's name is Cheng? He appeared in season four, five, six and the season six prequel. Bauer yelled his name at the end. He's the one guy who has not felt the wrath of Bauer and deserves it the most. What a joke. And they are not in China. How ignorant/dumb can you be? Sorry for being harsh, but you are not good at this. You do not have to be a hardcore fan to know who the hostage taker is (you don't know his name okay, his voice and face do no change) or are you like Michael Scott and can't tell the difference between Asian people?
Reply
4-10-2007 @ 2:39AM
Delmarc said...
This episode was just too kick-ass to analyze. What a terrific hour.
Reply
4-10-2007 @ 3:51AM
Allan said...
Geez whiz, Chris, chill out already! Some people get all bent out of shape over the smallest things. You know the hostage takers name. Good for you. And thanks for reminding the rest of us. Hey, stick a gold star on your forehead if you like. But don't hit us with the name-calling.
Merideth pumped out a great review, and did so in a matter of minutes. Others have jumped in with quick comments, most of them interesting, and some of them fun (yeah, I mean you BigTed).
C'mon Chris, get with the program. I bet you're smart. You don't have to be mean.
Reply
4-10-2007 @ 7:37AM
jennifer said...
i agree with most of the other posters... how did you not know that cheng and audrey were in la? as soon as he said '310' i knew exactly where they were... the chinese were not happy giving up jack and i'm sure they were up in the air with audrey on their way to the us.
as far as the story line changing, it's apropos for 24... the first plot twist was jacks dad, then finding out about the russians... why not add the chinese back into the picture?
speaking of jacks dad, i'm sure he'll be back, and somehow mixed up with the chinese. the season will probably end with jack killing his dad.
Reply
4-10-2007 @ 7:42AM
Jeff said...
I thought it was a better episode tan the last few but the ending really turned me off. This season seems to be recycled from bits of all the other seasons. Taking Jack's loved ones hostage in order to get him to do something has been done enough . Lets hope Kim isn't eaten by a Chinese coug
Reply
4-10-2007 @ 8:22AM
Karen said...
Or let's just hope she is......
Reply
4-10-2007 @ 8:52AM
Hugeliver said...
Jack's back baby!!! What an episode!!!
Only complaint...HOW do these Chinese know EXACTLY when to call to ruin it for us viewers? This is the second time Jack's had a phone call (okay, the first one was fake) RIGHT at a great moment. Let him enjoy his victory for once!! Let's see him hoisting a beer with the boys on the team!! : )
I hope they can wrap this storyline up and not drag out this Chinese thing through ANOTHER season. Let's get back to something like season 1 or 3!! Good old Jacktion and no more love triangle crap or endangered presidents! It's been done.
WHAT an episode though. I said to my girlfriend "This episode made up for suffering through soooo many bad ones!"
Reply
4-10-2007 @ 8:53AM
Joe said...
Good episode. Now that's over with, I can get onto my real problem. The new site layout is horrible. There is almost no room for the actual articles, it's crammed with ads and it still has all of those useless links. The logo also looks like it was done by a 12-year-old. Overall, I guess the quality of the layout has finally dropped to match the quality of the writing.
Reply