Well, last week Dana Walsh got caught and President Hassan headed to the big salon in the sky. President Taylor was falling apart and CTU’s always running out of time. So really, what else is new? I think I’ll just take the same format as last week and give a bevy of thoughts about tonight’s fairly excellent episode.
It’s one thing for CTU to get infiltrated by terrorists and people of questionable ethics. That happens every single season (sometimes more than once). But when the New York EMT squad is compromised, well that’s when I really start to worry. Is there no sacred government or municipal entity left? I’m so disillusioned. The Russian guy just walked right up and injected Terrorist Samir with some kind of killing fluid (or poison, as the kids say). The Big Apple has no hope. Next you’ll tell me the Dock Workers’ and Sanitation unions have some kind of mafia tie.
Let’s just assume for a second that Chloe’s resume speaks for itself in terms of technical knowledge and CTU background. Let’s also assume she is at the highest level of government clearance and her experience allows her to make good decisions in real time. Now, let’s have just one conversation with her and realize she, in no way, should ever be put in charge of CTU. This is the same person I thought was literally blind for the first half season she appeared in 24. Although I do need to give her some props for knowing Samir didn’t die from natural causes. Almost no one in the 24 universe dies from anything natural. It’s always sketchy, or really damn bloody.
President Taylor is the most accessible President in the history of the United States. Literally anyone can walk up to her, even in times of extreme crisis and politely request, or even demand a meeting. She’ll instantly put everything to the side and entertain all callers.
Ethan (Shawshank Warden as I’m fond of calling him) inspires President Taylor to channel her inner-Jerry Seinfeld when he suggests the old President to help and she says, “Logan.” (I just imagined hearing her saying, “Hello...Newman.”)
When the CTU medical staff hears the flat line sound from Samir’s EKG machine is there any reason to look at the screen to confirm no heartbeat? I was looking down writing and I knew the guy was dead yet the medics decided to stare at the machine readout. Come on fellas.
President Logan came back tonight as sneaky and squirmy as ever. As much as I hated his character, there’s no denying Gregory Itzin plays the part of little weasel as well as anyone. His eerie looks, self-deprecating and yet seemingly insincere persona all make him a genuine villain. Like an all-time 24 villain. I hate that guy.
“I’ll take out Bauer while I’m at it” – Random Russian Operative. Have there ever been more misguided words muttered in all the annals of television?
This was one big episode of forgiveness. President Taylor forgives Jack for Hassan getting killed. Hassan’s family forgives President Taylor for getting their father and husband killed. The random guy who worked for Hassan and got put in lockup and tortured forgave the Hassan for the turmoil. Hastings forgives everyone for getting him fired and even does it with a smile. America sort of forgives Charles Logan for being the worst President in 24 history. I forgive Freddie Prinze Jr. for not finishing his accent and speaking classes in acting training.
And then there’s Renee and Jack. One thing 24 has never felt the need to do is keep its characters around just for the sake of having them. Tons of people have come and gone at random times in various seasons. I thought I liked my Jack tough and without a ball and chain attached. He’s a wild bird that needs room to fly. Plus, I kind of always imagined him as some kind of asexual government killing machine. I know he was in love with his Terri and that drug lord’s wife for a time, but these last couple of seasons he’s been unencumbered by the lady folk. That being said, what happened to Renee is a truly sad moment in the series. For a guy who has never caught a single break with his friends, family or co-workers I just wanted Jack to be able to keep something nice in his life. I imagine this new development makes Jack an ever more focused, killing machine (a la Denzel’s character in Man on Fire).
This was, I thought, one of the best episodes of the season. It kept the action and plotlines tight and focused. That’s encouraging as we storm toward the end of a truly great series. Now it’s time for Jack to leave his mark in ways only he can: with tons and tons of bodies.
