24

A very long first act focuses on the takedown of Bierko and the salvation of the entire West Coast from the terrorist-commandeered submarine. You know what? Even if it is a little too neatly wrapped up, Jack and Bierko's showdown is damn cool. And so ends the Bigbads. The Russian separatist ones, anyway. That's another thing I like: multiple tiers of Bigbads in opposition with both each other and the "good guys."
After that, Jack's focus switches back to Logan as he goes to find another way to bring him down. So again, it seems lazy how they brought up one last terrorist threat to fill time before getting back on track. But also again, I'm willing to forgive it because of its execution.
Jack pretty much wings it and enlists Chloe, Pierce, Novick, and Martha's help in his new plan: kidnapping Logan. I guess that in the second-to-last episode of a season, you can't tone it down too much.
Chloe has an ex-husband. Fancy that. Maybe?
Remove the submarine part, and the only thing anybody would remember is the stall. And what a memorable scene it is. The hour could've capsized after the first act, but it stays aloft thanks to Itzin and Smart. Greatly acted. Greatly written. Just an all-around great scene. I'm still vomiting.

Hourly Highlight:
First Bierko, then Henderson? Finally, Jack gets to kill some Bigbads again!

What I liked -» Henderson being Killed and the same for Bierko.



What I Didn´t Liked -» More time expended in Logan and Martha.



Action - » (8/10). You have action here, the action happened inside of a submarine, so, don´t expect nothing from another world, but still, is great to finally see the deaths of Annoying characters.



Drama - » Wasn´t a episode for this either.



Suspense/Tension - » (7/10). The usual tension that 24 can deliver, but nothing great here.



Surprises/Shocks - » Wasn´t a episode for that.



Time and Scene Management - » (7/10). There are scenes that are just there to buy time, but overall, I think that was good.



Plot Details/Holes- » (6/10). There are some flaws, but I don´t have the patient to describe all the details.



Beginning - » (7/10). Following the events of the last episodes, the usual.



Complication Phase - » (7/10). This time things was very simple, get inside of the submarine and kill the bad guys. This was nicely done, but nothing great or impressive.



Climax - » (8/10). Maybe when Jack finally kills Henderson, great way to kill him.



Ending - » (7/10). The usual ending, A good episode but I expected something more impressive for this first hour of the season finale. At least, one problem is over and the next episode, another problem will be over.

This was a really good episode with strong storyline and all moving to the way the final episodes should go..



Jack goes dark and with help of Chloe he tries to get to Logan and to get the confession out of him. He tries to contact Aaron.. (how he knew about him?) and via Mike Novac (and why he thought he knew anything?).. ok those things left out it was pretty straight forward try to get to Logan by any means necessary and the end when it is asked from Jack how far his he willing to go proves how much he is ready to risk.. he has now nothing to lose.. I think it was exciting and good episode.

Love it. Every series just gets better and better. This series is the latest one I am watching on DVD right now.

Jack is an awesome character who seems to go against all logic and survive every obstacle that is put in front of him.

This time he is trying to save an attack of nerve gas which is aboard a US military sub, the hostiles are aboard, and he must do what Jack does best, save the day and come up trumps. Terrorists on board the sub with control of the sub and it's missiles and in full control of the sub. Can he do it?

This was a great episode. We are now getting to the end of the season and the writer's are starting to close of the longer running stories for this season. The main question that still exsists is will Jack suceed in taking down President Logan? I think everyone was begining to have doubts during this episode if Jack would be able to take the presidnet but if i know Jack he will find a way to incrimiate the president. This was a well written episode. Kiefer gave an wonderful proformance this episode. I really liked the way they finished the episode with Jack riding the helicoper for Logan. This season was been great so far, i can only hope that hour 24 will be equally as god as this episode was. I was not expecting the death of Henderson but that was a great addition to this episode.

Wow, a lot happened in this episode. The infultration of the sub was really cool. I liked how Beirko died and Henderson saved the guy, only to find out he had been decieved by Jack after Jack gave him a gun without any ammo in it. The death of Henderson is something that I expected and was happy to see it happen. Martha Logan and Aarons scenes in this episode were okay, but nothing awesome. I liked the way the presidant almost killed himself, only to have the evidance destroyed in the end. This was a good epiosde, should make for a good season finale.

this was the first season finale of 24 i watched and i think that it was the best episode of the season. i knew that the show had huge cliffhangers but i couldn't figure out how they could if each season is a different day. but they did and it was great.at the end Jack gets captured by the chinese and is tortured while on his way to Shanghai.i think that this episode was well written and probably helped the series win so many Emmys this year.i hope that season six is as or even more action- packed as season five was.later.

As season finales go, I ain't much of a big fan of them, cause majority of the time, they usually leave me disappointed. However, 24 succeeds on those finales every year! Another amazing episode, with so many twists and turns and finally justice is served for those who deserve it (except one...). This episode left me riveted for when the next season is going to start, and it left me talking alot and almost made me cry at the end :'(.

jack bauer goes to a US submarine after CTU discovers that it's going to be a target of the terrorists. jack gets assistance from henderson. the terrorist successfully takes over the sub, they plan to use the missiles inside the sub to strike on US cities. this is another classic 24 episode, it's an action packed episode, it's full of intrigue, it's fast paced, so much stuff happen here, it's really really exciting. this is what 24 is all about, the submarine action was awesome, the actually used a real sub, it looks amazing. the seahawk helicopter also played a good role in this episode.

The finale of 24 was a suberb ending to the best season yet (by far!).



When it was discovered that Charles Logan was involved in the assassination, I was worried that it was going to get a bit stupid, but it was a great twist that kept me on the edge of my seat.



The addition of Jean Smart to the cast, was, as I suspected it would be, a great decision, as she is a great actress who nailed her role, though Chloe still remains my favourite female.



The scene with Jack shooting Henderson was eerily similar to the way he killed Drazen back in the finale of season one.



When Jack was unable to shoot Logan, it was a sad moment, but when Logan was all "It's okay...It's okay that you can't shoot the President", it showed what a bastard he really was, though it was funny to see his face when he realised he was going DOWN! Triumph!



When the agent told Jack the call was coming from a landline, I knew something was suspicious, and I did not expect the Chinese to be back (though I should have, that guy was desperate last season!)



But..cliffhanger! Such an annoyance, yet so great. Next season can't come soon enough. Though, too bad there'll be no Tony/Michelle/Edgar.

This wasn't as great as the four previous "23rd episode"s. In fact, I think this was the worst. The writers have let me down this time. It's all too guessable, the president will be taken down and Jack saves the day again like he has four times already.



Despite that, I think the actors and actresses have done a magnificent job in acting, especially to Jean Smart (Martha), Gregory Itzin (Charles) and Glenn Moreshower (Agent Pierce). Interesting to introduce Chloe O'Brien's ex-husband right at the end, and once again a wonderful job by Kiefer Sutherland, nobody does Jack Bauer better than him.

After flushing the nerve gas from the submarine, Bierko begins a countdown to the missile launch as he gives his men a pep talk over the P.A. system. He promises to destroy high population areas in the U.S. to punish America for allying with Moscow.



Audrey calls Admiral Kirkland and tells him of the threat to L.A. from the submarine. Kirkland can have his F-18s in the air in approximately 25 minutes, but Audrey’s simulation shows that Bierko will launch the missiles in less than 20.



Jack calls in with a visual sighting of the sub, which is completely locked down with a guard posted topside. Bill tells Jack that reinforcements won’t get there in time, so he’ll have to try and get aboard without back-up. Henderson detects a distress signal beacon that was just launched off the sub. Jack tells Chloe to scan all frequencies to find the sender. Henderson reminds Jack of their deal; Jack will help both Henderson and his wife disappear once Bierko is captured. Henderson also wants a weapon, but Jack refuses since he still doesn’t trust him.



Chloe finds a survivor aboard who sent the signal. She patches Jack through to the young navy man, who identifies himself as Petty Officer Rooney. Jack tells him of the situation and Rooney tells Jack that the men aboard are no longer wearing their gas masks, so its safe to go aboard. Chloe locates the forward escape hatch as the nearest entry point to Rooney’s location. Jack tells Rooney to go to the forward hatch and let them in. Rooney warns Jack of a guard posted at the hatch and Jack tells him that he’ll have to kill the guard. Rooney is shaken by the news as he’s only an engineer, but agrees. Henderson again demands a gun and Jack hands him Malina’s .45.



Mike continues to brief Logan on the situation. Martha calls Aaron and tells him that she’s not had a chance to talk to Mike. Aaron wants to sneak off the grounds, but Martha tells him to hang tight while she talks to Mike.



Chloe tells Jack that the missiles will launch in less than 10 minutes. Rooney again talks to Jack and gives him his position with a view of the guard. Jack instructs Rooney on how to sneak up behind the guard and slit his throat. Rooney is reluctant, but finally attacks the guard from behind and kills him with several stabs. Rooney opens the hatch and Jack and Henderson kill the outer guard, then climb inside with another CTU agent. The sub’s missile ports open as Rooney leads them to the control room.



Jack tells Rooney that he’ll have to help them lure the Russians out of the con. Rooney sneaks over to the other side of the control room, then makes a racket by knocking over a tool cart. Bierko and one of his men investigate the noise as the other stays at the controls. Jack sneaks into the control room and kills the man at the console. Henderson begins to manually reverse the launch sequence as Jack and the other agent stand guard outside. Bierko’s henchman kills the other agent and Jack shoots, but misses him. Chloe warns Henderson that they only have 60 seconds before launch. Jack and Bierko’s thug grapple and Jack loses his gun. Jack grabs hold of the thug’s arm and shoots at a pipe which lets off a burst of steam. Jack presses the terrorist’s face to the pipe, making him scream and release his grip on Jack. Bierko attacks Jack and slugs him in the head with a wrench. Jack grabs another pipe and swings above Bierko, then uses his Bauer Power Thighs of Death to snap Bierko’s neck. Henderson aborts the countdown just before the missiles are launched. Audrey calls off the F-18s.



Jack tells Bill he’s getting a lot of feedback and asks him to take him off com. Jack finds the control room deserted. He goes up on deck to look for Henderson, but Henderson gets the drop on him from behind. He orders Jack to raise his hands. “You weren’t ever really gonna let me go, were you,” he asks. “No,” Jack replies. Henderson pulls the trigger, but his gun is empty. Jack draws his weapon and moves toward Henderson. “You are responsible for the deaths of David Palmer, Tony Almeida and Michelle Dessler. They were friends of mine,” Jack growls. “That’s the way it works,” Henderson retorts. Jack shoots him twice in the chest and Henderson drops dead. Rooney comes on deck and is shocked to see what Jack has done.



The navy moves in and Jack identifies himself, then calls Bill. He tells Bill that Henderson is dead. Jack claims Henderson fired on him and that he had no choice. He then talks to Chloe and tells her to go somewhere where she won’t be overheard. She moves to her station and Jack tells her he’s going after Logan. He needs her help in modifying some communications equipment. Chloe says its not her expertise and she’ll need help.



Logan is relieved when he learns the crisis is over. He tells Mike that he plans to speak over Palmer’s casket before it is flown back to D.C. Mike leaves and sees Martha, who begs him to come with her. She takes him to Aaron, who tells Mike of Logan’s involvement with the conspiracy behind Palmer’s assassination. Aaron shows Mike Adams’ body as proof. Mike is aghast, but agrees to help Aaron sneak off the ranch and hide the body. Martha and Aaron share a tender goodbye before he leaves with Mike.



Logan calls Graham and tells him of Henderson’s death. Graham is still worried about Bauer, but Logan promises that he’s already made arrangements to have Bauer taken out.



Mike and Aaron carry Adams’ body into the woods. Jack calls Mike and is looking for Aaron. Jack tells them that he’s coming there to bring Logan to justice. Mike is worried about building a case against Logan now that the recording is destroyed, but Jack is insistent. He tells Mike he’ll be at the ranch in 20 minutes, but Mike tells him Logan will be gone before then to meet Palmer’s casket. Jack asks Mike to try and delay Logan’s departure.



Hayes tells Bill that she’s been ordered back to D.C. after she files the Bierko case. Chloe comes in and asks for clearance for a high-level work station. Bill is confused since Chloe already has clearance, but Chloe shows him the order for a guy named Morris. Chloe says she needs his help to try and salvage the Logan recording. Hayes asks who Morris is and Bill responds that its Chloe’s ex husband.



Chloe finds Morris hitting on another female employee and drags him to his station. He asks where the recording is, but Chloe tells him to forget the recording as it was just an excuse to get him access. She wants him to make some com unit modifications for digital transmitting.



Mike tells Martha that Jack is on his way to force a confession from Logan, but he needs more time to get set up. He wants Martha to help stall Logan from leaving.



Jack meets Aaron and learns that security has been beefed up around the ranch house where Logan is staying. Jack knows that Logan will be flying by helicopter to meet Palmer’s casket soon and Aaron tells him that Logan will be escorted by a reduced detachment. Jack wants Aaron’s help in getting close to the chopper.



Logan is packing a bag when Martha enters and apologizes to him for her earlier actions. Logan says he can’t get over the fact that he broke her heart and that she hates him. Martha says she never meant it and asks his forgiveness. She asks him to stay with her a little longer and they begin to kiss passionately. Logan calls his aids and tells them to have the chopper stand by until he’s ready.



Jack and Aaron sneak inside a nearby building as a guard checks over the helicopter. Mike calls Jack and tells him that Martha is delaying Logan. He asks Jack how far he’s willing to go to make Logan confess. “As far as I have to,” Jack says and hangs up.



Good episode!

Honestly, I thought the second hour of the season finale was pretty much a let down. The initial confrontation between Jack and the President just was not convincing. It didn\'t really seem like Jack expected to get anything from this guy, and i would hope the President of the United States would be adept enough to suspect that Jack may have had a back up plan.



I also find it hard to believe that the President would be blabbering about his crimes in a large open aircraft hangar, where anyone could potentially overhear the conversation. The show usually has believable plotlines but this was just not believable.

While this was an excellent episode that segways into the season finale perfectly, it also has a letdown that tried to end the bierko/henderson storyline too fast. The writers did handle it well, however. Jack guiding the only surviving crew member on the sub was very intense and reminded me of the old school 24 in which Jack often works with civilians or other specialists that are univolved with CTU. The death of Christopher Henderson was excellently shot (no pun intended). The way that it was done was surprisingly, yet wonderfully done like that of Victor Drazen (done at the Port of Los Angeles, Henderson's gun is empty, Jack empties the chamber on him, etc). The moments leading up to Jack getting on the chopper escorting Logan were equally well shot with masterful acting by the actors portraying Martha, Mike, and Aaron.

The final show of the season is a love/hate thing with me. I love to watch it, and I hate to see it go. WOW..this years season was one of the best and Jack is at his best. This actual show, kept me on the edge of my seat and fooled me time and time again with the many twists that it threw at me. I can't wait to get the DVD of the entire season and waste an entire weekend watching it over again. The only thing that I can't stand about the show, is having to wait until next Jan to see what happens next. Great season!

Bravo!

Two hours of twenty four, how will the writers ever fill all this time? If you were expecting a huge showdown between Bierko, Jack and Henderson, than you will be very disappointed. Jack and Henderson infiltrate the sub with the aid of an inside man that just happened to survive the gas attack. Henderson manages to disarm the missiles in five minutes. It’s a good thing he was trained to do that! Jack owns up on all the left over Russians and then kills Bierko with his thighs of steel. That killing move was oddly reminiscent of the chick in Goldeneye that gets off by killing her victims during sex. Now that you mention it, there was some pretty intense sexual tension between Bauer and Bierko. But, with Jack in involved there is bound to be sexual tension as he simply exudes manliness.



With the sub plot dealt with, Jack and Henderson face off. The shot of them on the sub, guns poised, in the dark was a really cool setting. Henderson has the upper hand but when he pulls the trigger nothing happens. Think Jack would actually give him a loaded gun? Better question though is how an expert spy didn’t realize he had an unloaded gun in his hand? Jack tells Henderson he never planned on letting him go and then blows him away. Good for you Jack, good for you.



With an hour and half to spare, who will Jack turn his fists of justice to next? Logan, the bell tolls for the. Logan is planning on eulogizing President Palmer which is a difficult task, but when you’re trying to bask in someone else’s glory, you just got to buckle down and do it. After having him killed it’s the least he could do. Jack plans to intercept him but he needs time to get into position so he has his friends engage in some interesting stalling tactics. Martha, its time for you to do your womanly duty. That’s right, for the good of this country, please do that man. Honestly, watching the two of them kiss almost made me wretch. Logan must really suck in the sack because according to the clock, he wham, bam, thank you ma’amed his wife in under two minutes flat!



Jack replaces Logan’s helicopter pilot and takes the President hostage. He takes Logan to an abandoned factory (because there are just so many of those conveniently located) and tries to force a confession out of him. This is all an elaborate rouse though. Cleo and her NEVER before mentioned ex husband, help create a bug that Jack plants on Logan. Remember writers, if you kill of too many main characters, you might not be able to simply invent new ones on the fly. Secret service agents swarm the area and take Jack into custody.



At the speech set over President Palmer’s casket, Martha learns that the confession tactic failed. She starts screaming that her husband is a murder. Ok nothing to see here White House press core. Logan takes her aside and smacks her around a bit and explains to her, once again, his entire evil scheme, which is then recorded by the listening device. Surprise, you are on candid camera **** Logan is dragged away in disgrace. Audrey rushes over and she has a tender moment with Jack when they are interrupted by a messenger saying Kim is on the phone. Something just smells fishy here; Jack’s life cannot end happily. Sure enough there is no phone call, and a bunch of Chinese dudes grab him and throw him aboard a ship. Damn, I mean how many times has that happened to you? Should have seen that coming Jack. Please let season six be Jack beating up a bunch of Asian dudes that know kung fu. I give the writers props for maintaining continuity and bringing the Chinese back though. I hope they do the same with the Russians because the Russian President definitely knew something was up and I bet he could figure out that Logan set him up.



Parting Thought: Oil Cartel anyone?

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I wasn't overly impressed with this episode. Much like the last 5 episodes this was yet another attempt to cram as many silly storylines into an episode as possible.



This time the action turns to a Russian submarine which was convieniently located at a civilian dock with minimal security. Bierko and the boys have gained control of the vessel using the last (and very convienient) canister of Cyntox gas. All crew members die except the one which will open the hatch to let Jack in. Which was handy. Jack gets smacked round the head a few times with a spanner but shrugs it off like it never happened. Henderson, who despite being the brains behind the days events, gets caught out by the old 'you gave me an unloaded gun - oh no!' routine. Groan. Baddaboom everything wrapped up within 20 mins. I still can't quite believe this was the best the writers could come up with.



With Henderson and Bierko dead, only President Logan remains to receive some Bauer justice. Mike Novick is informed of the situation and despite having absolutely no evidence to back it up, seems to support action against Logan. Is Jack seriously going to torture the President?



Good points however were Maurice O'Brien who is everything I would imagaine Chloe's (ex)husband to be. Where has this guy been the whole time? He should have been drafted in as soon as Edgar bit the dust. Finally yet another great moment between 'Marty' and Charles Logan. Needing to stall her husband until Jack is in position leaves her with limited options, which are, beg his forgiveness and seduce him. The look on Martha's face is priceless as she realises what she must do. Dynamite.

The was an amzing episode. The attack on the sub was some great action. "24" is still keeping it new and trying out new locations, which keeps the show innovating and exciting. The best scene by far was when Henderson goes to shoot Jack and finds there are no bullets in the .45 Jack gave him. Jack picks up his USP and fires two rounds, killing Henderson, somewhat reminiscent of when he killed Victor Drazen in season 1.



I also liked how the made the attack on the sub by Jack a real and believable as possible. They just didn't have Jack conveniently find an open hatch.



This episode, coupled with the next one, was a great way to end the season.

Now don't you guys (and girls)think Bierko died to easily? or is it just me, and If I was hit on the head with a HUGE spanner I would be down for the count I would not be able to get back up and I have a thick head (no pun inteneded there!!)



At least Henderson is out the way(he should have checked his gun, the fool!)

Hey Mrs Logan finally does have some uses, althought she had to use her bedroom skill it will be the last leg up the Logan gets today!



Somehow this episode left me wanting more and thanks goodness it is a back to back episode otherwise I am not sure what I would do.....onto the finale!!

OK, let’s forget the bygone. Forget that Logan is a whining adversary that doesn’t quite match the worst villain profile. Forget the yuppies, they are going to remain “dark” for now. Forget about the hoo-hah with the recording , the easy Russian hide-out…



But I can’t get over the feeling that things are becoming way too convenient for Jack and Co that Day 5 is coming off feeling like a charade. 5x22 had one survivor that lived with the intel that “Bierko said this is not over yet…” . When all is lost, with Bierko locking himself in the sub., 5x23 gives us paddy officer Rooney, the surviving crew – who is not really a crew, remember he is on a Russian sub? So having paddy officer Rooney, an American is really very convenient for Jack and the guy happens to be able to fight as well.



All said, this eventful day is coming to end with a lots of adrenalin pumping, heart pulsating actions and loadful of Jack heroics AND a lot of help from his friends, the WRITERS.



If they make it any easier, Jack would just have to send in Chloe to do the job. Why not have Jack wiggles his lips or something – that way we can forget that this is suppose to be a real-time, like-real actioner that 24 has established itself to be. For Day 1 to Day 4, we had Jack dealing with dilemmas, life or death situations where he had to make hard-to-live-with choices. Day 5 had everything falling so neatly in place better that my cleaning lady could ever do with my desk.



OK, enough gripes already. Jack is still my favorite hero. But 5x23 comes close to cliché which 24 is certainly not meant to be.



I just absolutely love the scene between Henderson and Jack. I honestly don’t think that Jack would have killed Henderson if he didn’t first fired at Jack. Whilst Jack is ruthless and cold, he is a hero. And heroes don’t kill in cold blood unless he is justified to do so. Henderson deserves to die, and he knew it himself, being out maneuvered by Jack yet once again, “good for you”, as he rightly noted with a wry smile.



So, I am moving to 5x24 – the final hour. Let’s hope the writers come clean this time.

I have to admit the first 10 minutes of the show is what really brought the show time a little because it was a little bit boring at first, but at the end, 24 just hit us with it's usual bone chilling scenes. I just wished they gave Bierko a little more time, because I felt that he was killed way too early. They should've atleast killed Bierko at the end of the first episode and then in the next episode, go on with the President storyline. But yeah, Bierko wasn't really the focus of the story line. Jack Bauer's leg snap to Bierko was the most awesome thing of this episode. After that, he freaking shot Christopher Henderson! It was pretty clever for Jack Bauer to outsmart Robocop by not giving him any rounds for his guns since he knew that he was pretty much going to turn his back on him.

An oustanding way to finish off the fifth season. Jack Bauer gives a great performace and props to the writer for extanding the show and leaving an awsome, undpredictable, and astonishing ending! Just when you think everything is over its not, the irony is inconceivable. From the past seasons of the 24 this was the highlight of Kiefer Sutherland's carrer and the show. With phenomonal performances, trillers, twists, and spectaculor overall emtional decsion making! This season conclusion most definately deserves a ten our of ten. Enough said about the season finale. Until season seven rock on!!!



GO JACK BAUER GO!!! and now I am out, PEACE!

It’s always tough when the series ends in a two-episode finale, because it can be difficult to keep the events separate in one’s mind. At least the producers resist the urge to present the episodes as one big episode, preferring to just air them back-to-back. For the purposes of the reviews, however, and the interests of ensuring that future DVD or TV airings will get distinct commentary, this covers only the penultimate episode of season 5.



The episode begins in the same unlikely point where the previous installment left off: with Bierko and his men in command of a Russian submarine, intent on using it to inflict massive casualties in protest of the peace accord signed in the season’s first few hours. Does it wrap things up a bit? Sure, but it also distracts from the massive plot holes used the force the story in this direction (like, say, the nerve gas being vented in a matter of minutes, allowing Bierko and his men to control the sub without masks, or exactly one friendly surviving!).



There is one good thing about the situation: Jack is still forced to work with Henderson. That has been one of the benefits of the recent episodes. The surviving friendly is a typical “24” red-shirt, used to make things easier for the writers. Time that would otherwise be wasted on getting into the submarine is circumvented by having the red-shirt provide an opening (though, of course, at personal cost). Rooney’s moral issues are an easy source of tension.



While the writers might have tossed in a needless distraction with Bierko’s escape and return to prominence, the real story (the game against Logan) continues in the background. Martha is exactly the right person to step into Jack’s place while he’s distracted, and her alliance with Agent Pierce is just plain fun. It would have been better if the writers had focused solely on the maneuvering between Jack’s allies and Logan’s allies, but that ship has sailed.



Submarines are particularly interesting (and challenging) for film purposes because of the unique style and layout. It’s not something that many civilians will ever see, and so it has a certain voyeuristic flavor to it. Filming in those cramped spaces is not quite as fun, however, and it’s impressive how well the production crew pulled it off. It’s not perfect, but considering the constraints of network television, this is quite good.



It’s a bit too easy for Rooney to draw away Bierko and the majority of his guards, leaving the control room exposed. And predictably, Henderson disarms the missiles and Jack kills Bierko with seconds to spare. Since Henderson had to work alone, they get to have another confrontation once Henderson sees an avenue of escape. Finally, there is a moment of emotional outlet for Jack, and it’s quite brutal (in a coldly satisfying way).



With Bierko and Henderson dealt with (in a way that spells trouble for Jack, thanks to Rooney, who already feels morally compromised), the plot returns back to where it should have remained: the chess game with Logan. And once again, a reason is contrived to place Jack in a position of limited resources. It’s still not clear why the writers needed to waste some much time with the attack on the sub, but one gets the sense that it was to buy time for themselves.



It would be too easy for Jack to be in immediate contact with Martha, Pierce, or Novick, but the fact remains that they are all allies. The moment when Novick realizes the truth is one that was postponed far too long. As Chief of Staff, he really dropped the ball. Happily, once Novick makes his choice, he takes decisive action and Jack makes contact. (And for those who love the idea of Martha and Pierce, there’s a nice little scene that actually manages not to go too far.)



Just when the episode and plot gets back on track, the writers trot out the most annoying and unnecessary plot contrivance yet: Chloe’s ex-husband. And sure enough, he happens to be in the building already, even though the place has been under intense security for hours after the nerve gas attack and there was no reason for him to be there. It’s the very definition of contrived and ridiculous, and another sign that the writers wrote themselves into a corner and grasped at every straw possible to get out of that hole.



By the end of the hour, the final confrontation between Jack and Logan is in the wings. Martha manages to play Logan, and damned if she isn’t great at it. For all his faults (and those tossed onto him by the writers, ruining his more noble frailty from the earlier episodes of the season), Logan loves his wife. She knows just how to get past his defenses. Others might be able to exert their influence through threats, but she owns his heart. (One gets the feeling it’s not the first time she feigned interest in her husband!).



Of course, this episode brings up a number of continuity issues. First and foremost, wasn’t Wayne Palmer going to see to his brother’s body? Whatever happened to Wayne? Considering how well served the character was by his return, it would have been better to see him involved at the end. Also, this business with Chloe’s ex-husband is ludicrous and smacks of a retcon tossed into the mix when writers try to substitute real character development with a quick “fix” where none is needed.

This episode offered a good thrill with the attack on the submarine. Watching Jack Bauer snap a neck with his legs NEVER gets old. =)



I thought Christopher Henderson's death was a bit understated. Jack could have put a couple more bullets in him like he did in Season 1 with Victor Drazen. Jack's speech just before was very touching though.



I thought the addition of an ex-husband to Chloe's character was amazingly hilarious. Definitely one of the most interesting turns on 24.



This episode was all about setting up the finale, but it was good ep and offered a good conclusion to some villains.

So this is how the 2nd to final hour of Season 5 is delivered. And there\'s no hesitating in saying this, this episode really packs a punch. From nearly 12 city shattering missles launching, to Jack\'s oh-so-sweet revenge, I\'m finally glad the he finally pulled the trigger on the Jack*** known as Christopher Henderson. And he did it with Tony, Michelle, and Palmer in mind. Nothing was more satisfying than Jack emptying two bullets into Henderson, but I wanted him to load his whole round at him. I wanted the idiot to have at least 12 holes in his body. That\'s just too bad though, because if that did happen, I\'m sure parental watchdog groups wouldn\'t be too happy. And Mike finally discovers what has been so messed up about the past couple of hours, and it\'s a lot to take, so I have to salute Mike for being such a patriot like that. Very intense as well was the clearing for the event to come...the ultimate showdown between Jack and the twisted and wickedly evil President. This is the most intense episode of the season by far, but the Final Episode is about to make heads roll and defy the meaning of intense. Oh boy, oh boy, I can\'t wait to see the look on Logan\'s face when he sees Jack.

***A final review of "24", Day 5***



I knew it. I freaking knew it. From the SECOND President Palmer was assassinated, that this was going to be the best ride television has ever offered, and it delivered like a Chinese restaurant. The purging of characters, the breaking of cliches, the addition of great guest characters, Kiefer Sutherland and Gregory Itzin's flawless acting, it all gelled in one big slew of "24" perfection. The only problem to this season is that it is over, unfortunately.



The final two episodes were everything that they were hyped up to be. Gregory Itzin should win the Emmy for Best Supporting Actor as his unreal portrayal of President Charles Logan. He was the standout gem this year, as he successfully made everyone in the 24 fanbase hate his guts. He did his job, and should be rewarded appropriately. Kiefer Sutherland wil probably not win against James Gandolfini, but he should certaintly be in top consideration. His character over the course of such traumatic days has broken down to a man who has only one woman to cling to and his deep-seeded desire to save the United States of America. His detachment from ordinary life and his unrelenting ability to interrogate to get what he needs i.e. Henderson's wife, was done as well as anyone could have. Bravo to Kiefer and Itzin.



The gues stars meshed perfectly into the plot. Sean Astin, (Lynn Mcgill) Peter Weller (Henderson), Jean Smith(Martha Logan), Julian Sands(Vladimir Bierko), and Jayne Atkinson (Karen Hayes) were all great this season. They added to the everending saga of Jack Bauer and helped his character become one of television's most beloved. Atkinson's stern but geniune performance as Karen Hayes made her a hate-but-then-love character that 24 has been so famous for. Gifted talent Julian Sands hid his British accent well as a deranged Russian sepratist who did not die off as quickly as most midseason terror threats usually do. Although his body count was relatively low compared to Saunders or Marwan, he still was responsibile for the death of beloved Edgar Stiles, a huge midseason shocker. Jean Smith was a pleasant surprise as the incomporable Martha Logan. Originally displayed as a pointless side character with mental problems, she blossomed into the series' most important guest star, with a historic smile as her husband was taken away. Sean Astin, although his role was small, made a significant impact during the nerve gas attack on CTU. Too bad he died so quickly, but most power trip characters get what's coming to them in the end, even though he went out heroicly. And last but not least, a ghost of season 1 past, Christopher Henderson was the brains behind the entire plot. His ability mirrored Jack's, as he proved to be a most formidable "24" villan, and may have been the most formidable since Victor Drazen or Peter Kingsley. Job well done by the guest cast.



The criticism that this season faced was heavy, as questions of how they would administer another terrorist attack, how they would fit 24 episodes, and other cliches. Every single thing that happened this season was NOT predicted by anyone at any time. The writers did a superb job of mixing cliches, breaking them, and adding new material that has led the way for future seasons of 24. For example, the fact that Petty Officer Rooney in the submarine did not die is proof positive of this. Usually, subordinates who help Jack die in the midst of battle, yet he lived, as the writers stick their tongue out at anyone who dare defy their brilliant creation. "24", as I mentioned in the beginning of this season, is the most balls-out, death-defying, face-cracking, back-breaking, nerve-wrecking adrenaline rush on network television. No show can relate to this. No network, no matter how many feeble attempts they throw out on their Fall and Midseason schedules (NBC, I'm looking in your direction) can match the intensity and fervor of "24." ABC may run "Lost" in the same format, ripping of FOX adamantly, but we all know that an island full of pretentiousness can never own up to Mr. Jack Bauer and his Jackpack full of tricks. Godspeed, Bauer, Wong-Ji Ling.





1010.

Well, this episode certainly wasn't as good as it's counterpart, but it still wasn't bad. He showed Henderson no mercy, but Henderson didn't deserve it. After this entire day, I probably would have done the same thing. I loved the Jack-Aaron-Mike-Martha alliance, it was great to see people actually on Jack's side for once. I think the whole thing with the sub could have been a lot more exciting, but whatever. It was just like, "Okay, it's over." There was a lot more potential with this episode that they didn't explore. But, I love this show, so whatever! Can't wait until January!

Action packed and Amazingly deceiving.



Great Moments:



- Jack's invasion of the Submarine was the biggest action piece of the 2 hours and it was great. Jack got some great kills and snapped Bierko's neck with his knees adding more to the kill count. Also, lets mention the crowbar to the face.



- Henderson getting 2 to the chest was fantastic and executed well. Great cinematographer that made the moment seem more brutal. The wide shot with Henderson and Jack just looking at each other was great.



- Morris is hilarious and a great counterpart to Chloe. I want to know more about him and have him become a supporting character.





Great lead up to the final episode

This was a thilling episode. It began with supsenseful action that 24 is known for when Jack took over the submarine, but the remainder of the episode was all information gathering. I was surprised to see Henderson deactivating the missiles, especially later when he confessed to Jack that he knew the whole time that Jack was not going to help him disappear. Jack's cold and emotionless murder of Henderson was a high point of this episode, yet I liked Henderson's sociopathic methods so much I wish that he could have returned for season 6. The rest for the episode only showed how Bauer and co. intended to bring the president to justice by bringing Mike into the plan. The only key events were Bierko and Henderson's death and Mike beginning to get involved. The beginning with the submarine was good and thrilling, but the rest only kept me wishing the next episode would hurry up and come.

this episode was exciting to start off with but just slowed down in the end. the whole saving the submarine was cool but it flew right by. the incident ended at around 5:25 leaving another 45 minutes as a setup for the next episode. these next 45 minutes were really really slow and nothing exciting happened except that mike is now in the loop. i don't really see how they're gonna end the next one. i'm still expecting a surprise from the president saying that he told the chinese that jack is still alive and to get the information out of him. overall. a decent episode. not one of my favorite but it was still pretty exciting.