24: Season 4, Episode 2: Day 4: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Review

Day 4: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Original Airdate: January 9, 2005
Writer: Howard Gordon
Director: Jon Cassar

This second part of the premiere seems to be made to compliment the first. Several players, like the Araz's, are given more screen time. Other terrorists are given more time as the first threat of the season becomes clear. CTU's incompetence is frustrating, but it serves as a way to get Jack back involved. Whereas the first episode ended explosively, this one ends on an eerie note reminiscent of current events.

The episode's opening serves to show the fallout of the last episode's climax. LAPD is dispatched to Richard's house to find dead bodies, a wrecked car and Richard cowering in his kitchen, not that I wouldn't do the same. Audrey and Heller are driven to an empty warehouse and placed in a new van to ward off people following them. Driscoll diverts attention to the kidnapping and arrests Jack for torturing Sherak, although Jack found out more in a minute than they did in thirty.

Andrew calls his mom to warn her about what happened in the hip office of doom. She doesn't seem to respond that well to it. Like many parents who are told the right thing from their kids, they don't hold it in high regard. Now, if my kid called and told me what Andrew did, I would've gotten the hell out of the house. Also, why didn't Andrew try to call his mother immediately after getting away? It seems weird that he would wait twenty minutes to warn her.

Seeing Jack in custody, Chloe tells him about Andrew's call and that Driscoll passed it on to the FBI. She calls Andrew, who is at the train station hoping to get out of town immediately. Jack convinces him to stay and that CTU will pick him up in a half-hour. Unfortunately, Kalil, the terrorist scouting Andrew's house, has been listening to the whole thing. He also snags a picture of him before bolting out, leaving the corpse of Andrew's mother.

Kalil informs Navi of the development and that he will take care of it. We learn slightly more about the briefcase, that it contains a device. Dina offers to deliver it, but Navi argues that Behrooz is a more logical choice as he wouldn't arouse suspicion and staying home would cover their alibis. What the writer is saying is they need a situation where Behrooz can seriously complicate the mission, as it has been established that he isn't as dedicated.

Back at CTU, Jack reproaches Driscoll for ignoring the Andrew lead. Driscoll doesn't seem to be fazed. Jack already feels that this investigation is poorly handled, so he uses the information he has to squeeze back into CTU. Driscoll doesn't have time to bargain or interrogate Jack for the information. She reluctantly gives him a temporary position, to be retracted when Heller is rescued. Of course, we know that this temporary stuff means little when referring to Jack.

Audrey and Heller arrive at a mysterious compound, which apparently has very poor ventilation. They are covered in sweat. The head of this part of the operation, Omar is asked whether to kill Audrey, but she's spared because she could be used as a bargaining chip (i.e., she's a lead and she wouldn't die in the second episode.)

Behrooz is about to leave when he gets a fateful phone call. Debbie, his girlfriend, has unwittingly demanded to speak to Behrooz on the worst possible day. Hastily, Behrooz ends the conversation, telling his mother he'll deal with her later, which unfortunately for him foreshadows the upcoming episodes.

Ronnie doesn't like that Jack is out of custody and onto his unit to find Andrew. He doesn't have a choice, but tries firmly to teach Jack that he will not allow him to go above him. Ronnie must have dealt with a lot of comparisons to Jack. Jack is practically the rock star of CTU. Following up Jack has to be tough: even one season of 24 is likely equal to most of Ronnie's portfolio. Ronnie must be jealous of the glory Jack has gotten during his tenure. It's too bad that they didn't have more time to develop Ronnie's character or at least mention what CTU's been like under his command.

Chloe is reprimanded for going to Jack about Andrew instead of her. Driscoll fully exploits Chloe's social awkwardness by saying she had an opportunity to tell her after Sherak was captured. Now with such a warm boss, why couldn't have Chloe placed her trust in Driscoll?

Waiting in a cell, Heller tries to reassure Audrey that they won't die there. Since she doesn't know Jack's ways in the field yet, we can see why she can't believe that. Trying to relieve her worries, the terrorists come and ask for his clothes. Earlier he had warned Audrey to cooperate with them. Unlike him, they didn't have much reason to keep her around. However, now he is giving the terrorists attitude. It may feel good, but such behavior could easily make his daughter a tool to get him to cooperate. For now, they just removed his clothes for him.

At the compound, Behrooz delivers the briefcase to one of Omar's henchmen. It almost goes perfectly, until he sees that Debbie has followed him. Some dubbed her the new Kim for this season, though in her defense, it's not likely you would expect someone you know of being a terrorist or helping terrorists. She stays long enough for the henchman to notice.

Navi slaps him when he returns. Behrooz tries to protect Debbie, but Navi demands that he call her and have her over to confirm what she knows. Navi can only see the mission, something he has been planning for five years. Behrooz doesn't want people hurt the way his parents do.

Kalil manages to find Andrew first. Jack and Ronnie scramble to find some way to find him. When they try calling his phone, Kalil interrupts by holding him at gunpoint and escorting him to the car. Through help with the MTA police, they locate where Kalil is trying to exit. Ronnie says they should pounce on him before he leaves, whereas Jack believes that if they follow him, they may be able to find where Heller and Audrey are being held. It escalates into a fight, and Jack is arrested and cuffed to a nearby pipe while Ronnie goes to capture Kalil. I bet you can guess who was right with this call. Ronnie becomes the first of Jack's many red shirts this season, but Jack is able to get the keys and free himself. Though it is morning traffic, he can still spot him ahead.

Edgar finds a video feed the terrorists have made. Heller is bound and gagged, while three masked men behind him declare that he will be put on trial within hours and sentenced. This art imitating life is especially scary considering the poor men who have been captured and murdered, with their executions broadcasted over the internet. Such a move for a show is certainly risky and must've turned off some viewers, but it didn't seem to raise an eyebrow after the controversy involving the Middle East.

Things congeal more in this episode. We know most of what they want, with mystery still lingering over the briefcase's contents. The stories are beginning to move and become more complicated. It works well paired with the previous episode as both episodes illustrate what this first part of the season will become. They aren't afraid to tackle current events either, but they do it in a way that isn't exploitative.

Score: 8/10

24: Season 4, Episode 1: Day 4: 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM Review

Day 4: 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Original Airdate: January 9, 2005
Writer: Joel Surnow & Michael Loceff
Director: Jon Cassar

It had been seven months since season three ended, and 24 would be facing a few more changes. The cast is largely new actors. In the premiere, only Jack, Chloe and President Keeler are the only spillover. Fans would have to adjust to the new characters, along with tuning in on Mondays instead of Tuesdays. Also, they had to wait seven and a half months to see this, much longer than previous seasons so expectations are high.

24 begins its fourth season explosively. A man, Brody, sits in one of the passenger cars, nervously sipping on some coffee as another suspicious man walks towards him. Brody has a briefcase handcuffed to his hand. Suddenly the conductor spots a truck stalled on the tracks. Despite his attempts to break, it collides and the explosives inside cause the entire train to derail. A henchman watching from a distance rides his motorcycle to the wreckage, callously stepping by the victims to get to Brody. He's out for the briefcase. Why is unknown. Briefcases are great for creating tension and mystery. Contents of mysterious briefcases have been featured in many TV shows and movies, including Pulp Fiction.

Over at the new CTU, Chloe and new agent Sarah Gavin overlook some information regarding a person on the terrorists watch list who has been spotted. Chloe's social skills haven't improved since last season, as she calls Sarah out for kissing up to Erin Driscoll, the new head of CTU. Through various bits of information, Sarah shows Chloe information that a terrorist attack was supposed to take place at 8 AM on the East Coast. They put those pieces together to theorize that they may have meant West Coast time. For a show that is done in real time, I'm surprised they don't do more about time zones.

Early on, we already know something big will happen at the end of this episode. It's an easy way to lure in viewers, especially first timers, since this season was a new beginning. Few shows get an opportunity to win over a large new audience this point in its run. But since 24 changed its cast, moved to a new night and changed most of its cast, they stand a chance to get those who haven't followed the previous three seasons to tune in without having to worry about past stories right away.

Up in the main office, Erin Driscoll discusses the train crash on the phone. Chloe comes in and tells her about the possible connection they've made between the train crash, the sighting and the threat. But what really is the purpose of this scene is to set up what has happened to Jack in the interim between seasons. Erin fired Jack because of his drug problem. What Jack has done since then is answered in the following scene

We cut to a hotel, a few hours after the scene in the DVD prequel, where Jack is getting ready to attend a budget meeting at CTU. He now has been working with the Secretary of Defense, James Heller. For the first time since season one, he's in a happy relationship with a woman. He's dating Audrey Raines, the daughter of his boss, Secretary of Defense James Heller. He doesn't know about it yet because Audrey's divorce to her husband hasn't been finalized. Jack is grateful to be out of CTU because he wanted a life where he wouldn't have to be detached. This recalls what happened throughout season three regarding the balance of personal relationships and public service. It is also interesting to see how Jack will return to game mode by the end of the hour.

Back at CTU, the entire crew assembles to find out how and when Sherak will leave LA. Chloe brings up the time zone difference, and being the effective leader that she is, Driscoll dismisses it. This scene also introduces Edgar and Curtis. While initially it may have been overpopulated, they were able to gain focus on three of them. Edgar is shy, but eager to please. We don't get much from Curtis now.

On the streets, Sherak calls Mr. Araz to confirm things are going to schedule. The Araz family would become one of the most compelling storylines of this season. They are also one of the most controversial. Some activist groups complained that the inclusion of a sleeper cell consisting of a family was xenophobic and drew more suspicion on them. While I can understand their concern, unfortunately some Middle Easterners are terrorists. Clearly not all of them, that is a silly thought. I don't think 24 has a racist or xenophobic agenda seeing how often they've cast minorities in pivotal roles (Tony, Michelle & Palmer.)

I think they did a good job showing the Araz family as more than mere terrorist stereotypes. Navi, the father, was probably the closest. Despite Navi's promise that the mission will change the world, Behrooz isn't into it. He is also dating an American girl against his father's wishes. Navi and Behrooz are two sides, whereas Dina is the middle. She cares about the mission, but she still cares about her son. These differing perspectives aid to the story later.

An important moral of this episode…downloading kills. Andrew Paige has stayed up all night stealing software in the hip office of doom when he stumbles upon some code that seeks to corrupt the entire internet. Now this sounds a little absurd, however, in retrospect it fits with a larger part of the threat. In Die Hard fashion, he has to leave the office so the terrorists can infiltrate and leave him the only lead. He informs his former classmate, Chloe. Of course when Driscoll find out about this, she tells her to give this lead to the FBI.

Jack and Audrey get ready to head out for their busy days. Audrey heads out with her father, the Secretary of Defense, for a secret meeting with Audrey's brother. Jack heads to CTU. Jack and Audrey seem to think that they've gotten away with something, even if Heller looks like he has some clue about what his daughter is doing.

Chloe, who must be thinking, "Everyone here is stupid except for me" more than usual, is relieved to see Jack return to CTU. We get a loose end tied up when Jack mentions that Chase and Kim are living a calm life and raising Angela in peace, which probably eased the minds of many critics of these two characters.

Jack can see something big is happening, but he must take care of his meeting with Driscoll first. Though he isn't usually vindictive, he does take some joy in giving her a hard time on her budget. This is just a scene for character relationships since they're about to capture Sherak. It's clear Jack is much better at fieldwork than his replacement Ronnie, as he can see clues at the store that they can't, which results in a successful capture.

Meanwhile, Audrey and Heller arrive at his son's house. Richard is scheduled to speak at a protest that could embarrass his father and the president. At heart, this is a typical tumultuous father-son relationship, but they should've been a little more discreet with the politics. The son, a stereotypical liberal, is depicted as a babbling idiot where Heller, a member of a right-wing cabinet, is more reasonable. Both sides offer good arguments, and they should've presented it that way. It would've offered a layer of complexity from "I'm doing this to make dad mad."

While Andrew called Chloe, terrorists raided the hip office of doom and killed his co-workers and is now interrogating the last girl, who Ids him. It's a tense moment, although he'll survive because he is a link to these terrorists. He manages to elude the men out to kill him.

Erin sends Jack over to a cubicle to work on their budget, but that lasts for a few seconds when Sherak is brought in. Jack knows the man and could be useful interrogating him. His instinct tells him that there's more to this than a train bombing or else he wouldn't be as visible. Being useful, Erin dismisses his help and lets Ronnie do it, which amounts to "Please tell me what's happening at 8. I'll be your friend. (Pause) You're mean!" Jack tries to appeal to Heller's DOD connections to allow him to extract the information, but he can't. Out of time, he shoots Sherak in the leg and finds out that the target is Heller. It's shocking, but good to see Jack back.

Though he tries to inform Heller, it is too late, as a team of kidnappers blow up one of the cars Heller's secret service agents were driving in. They ambush the secret service and take Heller and Audrey hostage, leaving Jack helplessly listening to Audrey's screams. It's an interesting angle and a great way to end the premiere.

Politics aside, this first half of the premiere is strong. The new cast eases in as if they were the old one. There's a sense of immediacy right away as a mystery threat composes the first hour, which is indicative of the rest of the season. Jack's eagerness to lead a different life, to his enthusiasm for helping prevent the attack is interesting to watch. "Instinct never dies" is this season's tagline, and it fits well with Bauer's character.

Score: 8/10

24: Season 4, Episode 24: Day 4: 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM Review

Day 4: 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM
Original Airdate: May 23, 2005
Writer: Robert Cochran & Howard Gordon
Director: Jon Cassar

I had hoped that they would be able to pull together a fine finale. After a few too many awkward episodes in the middle, it frustrated me to see such stalling and preaching. My faith was certainly rewarded. The last third was good, but the finale was great. Even with the main plot solved in the first two acts, the episode is exciting and serves as a bridge to season five.

Logan prepares to sign Mandy's pardon when Agent Pierce enters. He informs them that the woman they are about to pardon attempted to assassinate Palmer at the end of season two. This instance shows why Pierce has become a likable character among die-hard 24 fans. Though he serves Logan, he is still fiercely loyal to Palmer. But what really shows character is Palmer's firm consent to sign the pardon. This is the Palmer we know and love. Despite the harm he caused to his life, it's nothing compared to millions of lives.

Once her immunity is confirmed, she tells them that Marwan is now preparing to chopper out of the city. They race downtown where an impatient Marwan can't wait for Mandy any longer. Before they can get in the air, Jack choppers out of a plot friendly wormhole and hovers overhead. Now, why doesn't Marwan kill himself there, like many of his associates? This helicopter ride into international waters is mysterious, or could be a plot hole.

It could further support the theory that some master group is behind this like the other threats, but kept quiet to avoid a gapping loose end like in season two. Mandy seems to be a freelance terrorist, but she could reply to some mysterious boss. This group could've demanded that Mandy be flown out, since we know the missile was heading for LA.

Jack succeeds in killing the motor, which leaves Marwan and his pilot on the run. They need him alive to learn where the missile is heading. Before Marwan exits, he shoots a tracking device. Curtis, Jack and another red shirt follow them, killing the pilot before entering a parking complex. The red shirt proves his use by dying. Curtis gets shot, but is OK.

Jack takes advantage of Marwan's shifted focus (and his reloading) to shoot his ankle. Despite this injury, he still drags himself over one of the parking lot railways. Jack hangs onto him, but Marwan's free hand grabs a knife and slashes Jack's hand. He can't hold him and so one of 24's most recurring villains falls to his death. It's a shame that despite this massive appearance he didn't get to do more than just run from CTU.

Logan continues to berate Palmer for Marwan's death, although Marwan was likely not going to talk. While they argue Su, the acting Chinese consul, interrupts to inform them that they have a confession and they want Jack in custody. Palmer doesn't want to hand Jack over, considering what he's done. Walt, the aide that was a little suspicious earlier when Logan first assumed office, implies that they should whack Jack to protect security secrets. To borrow a common phrase: these guys don't know Jack. Palmer does, and he argues against these seedy politics. Logan reluctantly says no.

They find what Marwan shot before leaving the helicopter. It's damaged, but hardly enough not to give them enough missile information within minutes. Chloe and Edgar discover that it is a flight pattern. The missile is heading straight for LA. Considering every other operation has taken place there, it seems fitting to destroy it as the end. F-18s are able to find the missile and take it down. Now it may have been a little anticlimactic to hype this missile only to have it discovered and shot down within minutes, but this episode serves more to establish what season five will be.

The field agents walk back into CTU triumphant, but still deal with resolving their relationships. For the last half of the season, Michelle and Tony's relationship has been parallel to Jack and Audrey's. It's fitting that they're resolved in back to back. Tony and Michelle end happily, a rarity on 24. Despite some of their choices, it doesn't matter since it's over and they're safe. However, Audrey breaks up with Jack. It is the right decision. Audrey can't handle the decisions Jack has to make and whether Jack likes it, he is born to be in the field.

One of the best relationships on the show is between Palmer and Jack. Both men have gone through a lot in service of their country and can truly understand what that takes. Palmer is one of the few friends Jack has. He warns Jack that secret service is coming to place him in custody for the raid. The former president assures him that he will make it his mission to return him to America.

What Palmer doesn't know is that Slimeball Walt is talking with a secret service agent about a contract on Jack's life. It's almost as if this is the Mafia. Luckily for Jack, Novick listened in on the whole conversation. Novick this season was always helpful this year for Palmer, but never did anything to redeem himself for his betrayal in season two, until now.

Logan is such a loser: a half-hour earlier he was chiding Palmer for irreversibly messing up the mission, now he is basking in victory and taking the main credit. "You played a role," he tells Palmer. And what did he do? He sat in some room watching TV and taking phone calls. Palmer's the better man by not calling attention, but he can't ignore Logan's oblivious nature to Walt's dirty work. He defames Palmer's presidency and says that he doesn't want to have that type of scandal. Palmer knows that Logan doesn't want to hear of any scandal. Logan kicks him out of the bunker, even though he couldn't be more right. Again, this is the Palmer we love. If only he was in charge in stead of these nitwits.

Palmer warns Jack about what's happening. Tony tells him that it is unfair to be punished for the raid. Simultaneously, Buchanan lets the secret service agent enter. He defends Jack's actions and tells him that he wants to keep him until he is debriefed. However, Jack has already set his contingency plan in motion. He hit Tony and escaped. While the secret service agent goes out to find him, Tony goes along with him. They find Jack in a room and a small firefight ensures. It stops suddenly, and Tony discovers Jack's lifeless body. Tony breaks down and lashes at the secret service agent. Michelle and Chloe join overlooking his body.

This show still has some surprises, even at 96 episodes. Tony pulls out a shot of epinephrine and revives Jack. It was all a scam. They plan to switch out the bodies. This plan doesn't need much else since all those who enacted this plan wanted was him dead.

Unfortunately, such a plan deceives many people Jack knew, including Audrey. She can't handle the full story, especially after already losing her husband. One must wonder who Jack will inform of his faked demise. Kim certainly must be on that list. But it can't be too many.

Tony and Michelle sneak Jack off CTU and into a nearby railroad track. It's a bittersweet goodbye. They've been able to find a new identity for Jack so he can live beyond the border and a scrambled cell phone, but unfortunately, they can't do much else besides say goodbye. Especially with their line of work, they don't bond much with others, but they've clearly bonded a lot in all the time they've known each other and the crises they've faced.

Of course, you have to mention Palmer among this band of agents. Jack finds a secret spot and says goodbye to Palmer. Since Jack is dead, they can't keep in touch. This will likely be their last conversation. It is another emotional one of gratitude and respect among two important characters.

Hanging up, our hero puts on shades and walks, ironically, into the sunrise.

"Day 4: 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM" could've been the series finale and I would've been satisfied. It felt like one. Jack has said his goodbyes and ventured into the unknown. They've "killed" Jack, which works as a finale staple, even if the death was figurative. But this also serves to set up what will happen next. I can't wait until January to find out.

Score: 9/10

24: Season 4, Episode 23: Day 4: 5:00 AM - 6:00 AM Review

Day 4: 5:00 AM - 6:00 AM
Original Airdate: May 23, 2005
Writer: Sam Montgomery
Director: Jon Cassar

After a hit or miss batch of episodes in the middle, 24 pulled together a strong finale. Though this episode may have been better paired with the previous one, it still sets up the final arc and what will come next year well. Mandy provides a sexy villain, much needed since the three best femme fatales are dead, but Tony, Michelle and Jack center the episode.

With Tony missing, Jack assumes that Mandy has captured him, but CTU once again is understaffed. Jack requests more manpower. Curtis is taken away from what the writers concocted to keep him busy long enough for the hostage situation to occur and sent to work. Michelle panics, but has to calm down and realize that Mandy matters first. It doesn't make it easier for her.

Audrey reports to Novick that they haven't picked up any sign of the missile. Because the missile will detonate before the next radar sweep, Audrey's now assigned to create profiles of casualties and fall out for twenty of America's biggest cities. This helps to show us what is at stake with the missile's unknown target. Even if it hit the smallest city, the aftermath would be devastating.

Mandy does quick research and learns about Tony's actions in the end of the third season. Would Michelle be willing to risk national security for the life of someone she loves like Tony? Curious about the answer and desperate to escape, she calls her and asks Michelle to divert teams away from her exit, much like what Saunders did in season three.

Reiko Aylesworth gets to shine in this episode. Having a loved one kidnapped by a terrorist is scary enough, but she makes the fear of being blackmailed by them palpable to the audience. Michelle sits on this information for a few minutes, but unlike Tony, she tells Buchanan before she can compromise millions of lives. It's a tough personal choice, but it's the right one, considering what's at stake. 24 has always let us know that detachment is important to accomplish this work. Last episode we knew that she was willing to give up everything for a calm life with Tony. But she is still at CTU, where decisions have to be made for the greater good.

They figure that she should pretend Mandy still has control over Michelle and agents will reconvene elsewhere to apprehend her. It's the best way to do it. Mandy sealed her fate with that call. Though if she hadn't she would've been stuck waiting for them to find her door and barge in.

She tasers Tony unconscious to keep him dormant while she makes her next move. Then she slaps her leg on the table to get rid of the holster, causing men throughout the country to forget their names temporarily. For some reason they make a big deal of her applying lipstick. Some argue that this was to project a normal appearance to keep the neighbors unsuspicious. She walks down the hall to her neighbors'. When the neighbors let her in, she asks to see Joss. When Joss enters, she kills him. Now that just feels like she did it because she could. However, she likely did it to show the other two roommates that she was in charge and they should do what she tells them.

Logan's being squeezed by the Chinese regarding the raid. Palmer tries to assure him that the unmasked agent was removed from CTU before anyone could see him. Facing a disaster, President Logan does what he does best, panic like a little wuss. He has given up hope of finding the warhead in time. Palmer advises him to maintain composure for the sake of the nation. I, along with probably most viewers, hope Palmer pulls a Grover Cleveland and comes back as president.

Bern lands in San Diego, assured that everything would be secure for himself and that his family has been moved to a hotel. Unfortunately for him, Cheng has crashed his transport. The CTU men are bound and unconscious. Bern commences wetting his pants. He denies involvement at gunpoint, even though Cheng has evidence of his involvement and of his escape from CTU.

Tony's situation takes a toll on Michelle, who lashes out at Edgar. Even Chloe knows she's a wreck. Mandy calls CTU again as Jack and Curtis watch two figures walk under an umbrella to a car. She warns Michelle again that Tony will die if she believes she was duped. When Buchanan sends the team in prematurely (as indicated by Jack's yell), Mandy calls Michelle a "bitch" and blows up the car. Michelle's scream is truly chilling, although I guessed that they weren't the ones who exploded.

Since they have no evidence that they weren't the ones in the car, Palmer decides to shift CTU's priorities to damage control. Palmer plans on enacting martial law. Logan ungratefully denounces Palmer, though had he not been around Logan would be cowering under a table by now.

Jack still doubts that the two people who exploded were Mandy and Tony. Mandy doesn't believe in the cause, she's a hired professional. She wouldn't kill herself. He continually replays the phone call and video looking for clues even when Buchanan orders him to stop. Jack noticed that the two left in an obvious fashion. We also never see them as she talks on the phone. The camera always showed them in a wide shot, nothing close enough for us to realize it wasn't them. Plus Jack realizes that Mandy's phone isn't picking up background noises like the rain (since this is a rare occasion to introduce weather to the storyline, it fits to have it as a plot device) or the car door opening and closing.

Mandy makes a break when she sees them return to the building. What she doesn't realize is that Tony found some broken glass on the floor and cut himself with it, leaving a trail of bloody spots. One of the agents sees this and alerts Jack, who follows the trail to the garage.

As Tony is lugged into the parking garage, he tries to disable her through a semi-humping motion. To be fair, he didn't have much choice. Mandy gets her advantage back and walks him further before Jack confronts them. She tells him that he will kill him, but Tony is willing to sacrifice himself. Jack's willing to accept this loss. When he looked over the footage of the explosion, he did it because he didn't believe she was dead. Mandy knows they need her alive because of what she knows, and this discussion gives Curtis time to sneak up and punch her in the face.

Through the season, rumors had persisted regarding Tony's death. Perhaps the producers leaked this phony spoiler so fans that read them would be anxious waiting for it to happen. It did add to my suspense. I was glad to see them spare Tony and it provided a great moment when he told Michelle, crying in her car, that he was OK. Luckily they found out before she killed herself, as indicated by false spoilers. Now that he's safe, they can say, "I love you". This episode serves to bookend the long rough spot between them. It started when one was taken hostage and now it ends with the other being released.

Jack's interrogation of Mandy is a little disappointing. Grabbing her by the throat, he offers to give her a full pardon for everything she's done. While it may have been more entertaining to see him mess with her, they don't have much time left and this pardon offers some dramatic repercussions in the next hour.

In a warehouse, Cheng interrogates Bern, taped to a chair. Bern stays loyal, but Cheng tells him about what he'll face when a Chinese barge arrives in San Diego. He'll board and after an 18-day ride, be sent several thousand miles to a work camp near Siberia. The strongest argument above all this is that CTU, the US government and his family won't know what happened to him, making escape or exchange impossible. However, Cheng offers him a deal. Since he was following orders, he just needs to mention whose orders he was following and he'll be released. He reluctantly tells them it was Jack.

It would've been nice to use Mandy to finish her past ties to the show, but since it is being lead open, she could play a vital role in the next season. I knew the Chinese storyline's break would still pan out and it did. The consequences are still growing as the final hour draws near. Tony and the reactions of those close to him regarding his situation also get to have a considerable role in the episode. It helps add more to the human element of the show. I do wish we saw more of Marwan, but judging by the next episode, there wasn't much to see.

Score: 9/10

Nip/Tuck: Season 1, Episode 13: Escobar Gallardo Review

Escobar Gallardo
Original Airdate: October 21, 2003
Writer: Ryan Murphy
Director: Ryan Murphy

Finishing a first season, likely before the pilot had even aired, is hard to do. If a show isn’t renewed, the writers would love to create a sense of closure to make those who did tune in satisfied. As insurance, some stories are left open to be explored and resolved in the future. Nip/Tuck was faced with this dilemma. Luckily, Nip/Tuck was renewed and they were able to balance the closure with the loose threads for a jam packed hour.

Sean is working on another mule, as Thomas Dolby’s “She Blinded Me with Science” plays in the background. They have really done a great job with the music selection in these final episodes. The surgery is different from prior procedures as well, with jump cuts as the implants are removed. Escobar stands nearby collecting the implants after Pepe cleans them. They’ve operated on ten girls in a month: Sean wants to know when it’ll end. The drug lord only cares about his own interests.

Meanwhile, Christian is sitting in Bobolit’s house waiting to talk to him. In walks Kimber, who we haven’t seen since she went all slashy on his chest a few episodes ago. Now she's engaged to Bobolit (her second in the series) and she has developed a love for cocaine. Christian can see that she is beginning a downward spiral, even if it is hypocritical of him to denounce cocaine when he did it during their first night.

Bobolit comes in and Christian brings up an ad campaign masquerading Kimber’s surgery as his own work. Bobolit isn’t budging. In fact, he plans to run him out of town because he refused to become his partner. Also, she still thinks about Christian while Bobolit has sex with her. Bobolit raises the stakes by offering to match prices, which McNamara/Troy can’t as Escobar continues to squeeze them.

Julia prepares Gina for birth by showing her the video of Matt’s birth. Gina’s never known much about Christian. Since he moved into Christian’s house, she learned more about who he is personally. While watching this video, Julia reveals that they’ve drifted. Gina asks why Christian was present in the delivery room. Julia's answer and subsequent reaction to the rest of the video leads Gina to believe she has feelings for Christian.

During their financial crisis, a wealthy man named Mr. Parks offers them $150,000 to transplant hair from his dog’s tail to its head. The desire for physical perfection stretches into the animal world. Mr. Parks showcases Sir Winston in dog shows and can make a million dollars if he places first. Dog shows are cutthroat and many turn to plastic surgeons to help them. He's upset by the cheating, but sees it as the only way to survive.

Mr. Parks’ offer is certainly tempting to the doctors, even if it is morally questionable. The last time they picked a client for money, they wound up in the dilemma they’re in now. Their client base has suffered greatly because of Bobolit’s competition and Escobar’s mules requiring them to cancel paying customer’s surgeries. They pass on the offer either way.

Sean’s business isn’t the only thing falling apart. When he gets back from work, Julia asks where he was, even though she doesn’t expect an honest answer. He tells her it isn’t another affair. Julia wants to know what is wrong with their bank accounts, since both Matt and she were denied when they tried using a check and credit card respectively. To help her husband, she offers her wedding ring to pawn for money. This ring has been an heirloom from Sean’s grandmother, who thought Julia was the ideal wife for him. Julia has had enough. Escobar is the last straw, although she doesn’t know who he is yet.

Bobolit, the eternal opportunist, takes Mr. Parks' dog as a client. His assistant is much like Liz, but isn't treated as well. As he's preparing the tail hair to transplant in the front, the dog flatlines. He wants her to perform mouth to mouth on the dog. She responds by walking out. Bobolit's attempts to revive the dog are darkly hilarious, as he gags at the dog's bad breath during mouth to mouth.

Christian and Gina eat dinner when Gina propositions Christian. She needs to facilitate labor, and sex will do it. It is provocative, but its awkwardness and strategically covered body parts keeps it from being pornographic. They try several positions, but it causes discomfort and very little enjoyment. So they try it slowly on their side. There two people who have been extremely hostile towards each other since they met share this tender moment. Christian realizes then that he truly wants to be a father.

Ironically, Christian gets his family as Sean loses his own. He finds out about Sean's divorce as they are about to work on another mule. Bad as it is, Escobar makes it even worse by ordering them to remove one of the girl's kidneys after they remove the heroin implants. Sean refuses. Escobar puts a gun to his face. Sean remains firm until Escobar shoots Liz in the leg.

To protect Liz from further attacks from misogynistic Escobar, they send her to Bermuda. Escobar had caused them to lose much of their clientele and because Liz is gone they can no longer operate on patients. Christian appeals to Julia to help Sean, but before they can, a desperate Sean takes Julia's ring and pawns it for a gun.

Who would've thought Gary Numan's "Cars" could create such suspense? From the opening warble of the synthesizer, it intensifies Sean's confrontation with Escobar. The repetitious beat of this song and Blondie's "Rapture" work for this long scene. Escobar knows he came to kill him, and gives him a free shot. Sean pulls out the gun and holds it at the drug lord. He can't pull the trigger, despite all the drama in his life that past year. As a murderer, Escobar knows a lot about the psychology of what it takes to kill someone and Sean isn't one. Sean doesn't want to be the man who would murder someone like Escobar is. He feels Sean owes him some gratitude for giving him the courage to go to a drug lord's house with a gun. Escobar, in some twisted way, felt that he taught Sean a valuable life lesson. For that, he gives him one more assignment. He's trapped because he's been identified. If they give him a new face and remove all of his tattoos, he'll let them go.

Christian tries to reach Sean, but only gets his machine. Gina interrupts him by telling him her water broke. Cat Stevens' "Wild World", a perfect choice, starts to play. Sean lies on a hotel bed when Julia knocks on the door. She apologizes and asks him to come back home as the song's chorus kicks in. It's an emotionally rewarding moment. It works because the song can be compared, even superficially, to Nip/Tuck. Even one episode is wild.

Simultaneously, Gina is giving birth and Christian is delivering it. Soon the baby is born and Christian is shocked to find that the baby is black. Despite that, he won't stop being a father for the kid. Through Gina's pregnancy, Christian loved the kid in a way that he hasn't loved anyone outside of the McNamara family. Previously, Christian would've dumped a baby if it wasn't his, but he genuinely loves. I had a feeling that the baby wasn't his, but I was wondering how they would handle it. It turns to be a big part of resolving the conflict between Christian and the McNamaras, especially Julia.

Julia goes to the genetics lab to find the results of the paternity test. No one else needs to know the results of this test, but she gets it anyway, probably provoked by Christian's new found fatherhood. We don't know the results, which are left ambiguous as Julia looks at her family during a happy dinner. Things are fine now. Sean and Julia have reconciled, Bobolit is ruined because of Sir Winston and Escobar is away, but not until the epilogue.

The epilogue, set four months later, feels like a victory lap, with The Commodores' "Machine Gun" triumphantly providing the soundtrack. Escobar, fully recovered from his plastic surgery, walks through an airport. A bunch of men follow Escobar approaching the gate. They pounce on him. The officer calls him Mr. Barco and places him under arrest. Escobar is confused. The same officer tells him that if he is wanted for bank robbery and muder of a federal agent, he should "change [his] face." Then he pulls out a list of the FBI's 10 most wanted, the doctor's replaced Escobar's face, which was number 10 on the list, with the number two man. Of course there is a lot of logistics you could nit pick about, but if you are, then the episode didn't do its job. This surprise was a hoot.

Nip/Tuck was able to craft a perfect finale. Things were wrapped up, whereas other things were left open if they were to be picked up, which they thankfully were. Some fantastic music drives the episode, which enhances the already volatile drama. Had the show not been picked up, it would've served as a satisfactory finale, even with things like Matt and Cara and the paternity test unsolved as of this episode. Thankfully it was, and these questions were solved, but that wait was a pain from the second the credits rolled.

Score: 10/10

24: Season 4, Episode 22: Day 4: 4:00 AM - 5:00 AM Review

Day 4: 4:00 AM – 5:00 AM
Original Airdate: May 16, 2005
Writer: Matt Michnovetz & Duppy Demetrius
Director: Kevin Hooks

This episode serves to tie up one nagging loose end from the first few episodes of this season. They also reintroduce one of the few Femme Fatales still alive to maybe do something significant with her than a shock for the sake of shock. It’s a great treat for fans to see her, and hopefully they have a story more compelling than the tease at the end of the second season

These terrorists continue, in the chilling 9/11 fashion, to use our weaponry against us. Marwan has implemented the override, the internet, a nuclear power plant, a stealth fighter, the nuclear Football and now a warhead with stealth technology to kill thousands and possibly millions of people. He got all of it from the US.

Feeling that Marwan can’t be broken due to his devotion to the cause, Jack tries to find out what Marwan wants. These attacks were to punish America for intervening with other countries and Marwan believes he has accomplished that. Marwan also thinks that the president only sees him as evil. Jack’s rebuttal, “as you see us”, demonstrates the hypocritical philosophy the terrorists have. It’s an interesting look at Marwan’s psyche without exaggerating his point of view to stereotypes.

While scanning Marwan’s cell phone (which, surprisingly, has stayed with him through this whole ordeal), Edgar finds the name of Heller’s son, Richard, among Marwan’s contacts. One of the bigger disappointments of the first half was that they had made a big deal about Richard’s involvement with the terrorists only to come out with “He had nothing, let’s let him go.” Someone had to have tipped the terrorists to this meeting, but there wasn’t much follow up. This episode must’ve been an attempt for them to tie up some loose ends as the season concludes.

How the various characters word the discovery of this information is interesting. Curtis says Richard called Marwan, but Tony initially said that Richard’s cell phone was used to contact Marwan. While it looks bad, it isn’t incriminating as a recorded call. Tony is more open to admit that it was someone else. Of course this hint early in the show is meant to plant the idea that it wasn’t necessarily Richard on the phone.

This lead happens to come before a group of terrorists retrieve Marwan from CTU custody. Marwan has now escaped CTU five times in eleven hours! How can CTU be so careless to let the mastermind of these attacks get away so many times? Whenever they send someone to find him, there’s only a small team of guys. The action was cool, but I hope that there is more to this break out than just a plot device.

With the warhead in play, Logan calls his cabinet to the bunker in case the target is Washington. The speaker of the house, Don Ashton, questions Logan’s decision to sit on the information and not to notify the cities to start evacuation. Don is also suspicious that Palmer is there. He talks to Novick about how he should take command if Logan feels he isn’t prepared to run. What Don fails to see is the ramifications if that happens. There would be three presidents within six hours. That would give the image of an unstable Washington, which would be devastating to the nation’s morale.

Tony uses Jack and Audrey’s situation once again to bring up his relationship with Michelle. Knowing how she feels towards him, he asks that they quit “their” jobs so they can have a normal life together. Anyone in fiction who says that they should give up a dangerous job for a peaceful life usually ends up dying before they can. They’ve been setting Tony’s redemption all season and with this it could be a possible culmination.

Richard is brought in, and Audrey begs Jack to let her talk to him first. While she tries to get the information out of him, Heller finally returns. Thankfully this comeback is relevant to his character. Frustrated by Audrey’s lack of progress, he barges in and asks Audrey to leave. Audrey, witnessing from behind the glass, saw what many of us saw early in the season. She fell in love with a man just like her dad. Looking at their dialogue, Jack and Heller’s lines are almost interchangeable.

Early in the season, they suspected that Richard was hiding something. Somehow terrorists knew about his secret meeting with his father. Heller finds out that his son got high with a couple. The girl used his phone while he was with the guy. Now it was clear that Richard, as the left wing activist, had a lot of friction with his father, a Republican. Do we really need this? A few weeks ago I argued that Paul’s death may be overkill, but now I feel the need to retract that. This is far more unnecessary. They could’ve had a three way and it would’ve still worked as a contrast to Heller’s more “traditional” values. Heller’s true opinion on his son’s sexuality is unknown, but what his son takes as disgust for it is actually directed at his unwillingness to divulge important information.

Back in the bunker, Palmer and Logan act out a scenario in front of the cabinet to make Don think that Palmer’s influence isn’t what it is. Though it works, the payoff of this hinted plan doesn’t quite satisfy. They needed to address the presidential chain of command, but it could’ve been better handled. Since Sherry’s long gone, the political scheming isn’t quite what it could be, but maybe I’m expecting too much.

Richard’s information is vague (they took a cab, he doesn’t know who they are), but it does result in a match. They also discover a tap was placed on Richard’s phone, which made Marwan able to find out when Heller would be in town. The sketch artist works on drawing the suspects’ faces as the tactical team prepares to deploy.

For some reason, Curtis can’t go into the field. Why is conveniently not said. Buchanan could’ve said, “He needs to collate these TPS reports” or something. It feels lazy for the writers to put a little effort in creating a reason to keep Curtis in CTU. They did it to throw Tony into the field and to wrap up his story as the season ends. When he leaves, Michelle says that she will go and they kiss again. The only thing protecting Tony now is that they didn’t say, “I love you.”

Audrey is further confused about the current situation. She has seen Jack do horrible things for the greater good. Jack calls her and tries to explain that he hid this dark side because it has driven away the people he has cared about. It probably isn’t in Jack’s best interest to stay this emotionally involved going into a field operation. They could’ve inserted this during another one of the personal conversations they’ve had. Or they could’ve just said he wanted to talk about it when the crisis ended. However, Jack could be heading to a Chinese jail for his actions when it’s over.

Richard stays to identify the couple based on satellite video feed. Now this is where the episode takes an interesting turn. After a 46-episode absence, Mandy, the terrorist responsible for blowing up the plane in season one and poisoning Palmer in two, returns. I had assumed that when Richard talked about this guy and girl that the girl had to be Mandy. Unfortunately I had heard she would be back, but it’s still fun to see her.

She just finished having sex with Patsy, I mean Gary, when she brings up that they can still get to Marwan. Why do they have to meet Marwan? It feels reminiscent of Sherry’s return at the end of the second season and the subsequent sting operation in the finale. Since it is almost 5 AM, I would think CTU would’ve practiced more discreet measures in getting there. It isn’t downtown LA, so the helicopter is quite loud, which tips off Mandy. She kills Patsy so he can be planted there while she escapes.

Tony and Agent Castle, this season’s recurring red shirt, are assigned to the roof while Jack and Agent McCallan look in the apartment. Unfortunately, Jack is unaware as Mandy kills Castle, just before she can take Tony hostage. Couldn’t Tony have tried to shoot her in the arm? I think had Jack been in Tony’s position, he wouldn’t have dropped his gun so willingly.

Now Jack is hunting for Mandy, in what will probably be one of the most anticipated moments in 24 history. Jack has met nearly every recurring character from all four seasons, but not Mandy. Mandy has been a cult figure among 24 fans since her sudden disappearance in the season one plot and her cameo in the season two finale. Fans thought they would be starting something to follow up in season two’s finale, but unfortunately it was a bust. Even if she dies in the next episode, they have a great opportunity to give this idolized character a worthy story line.

It’s disappointing that 24 had so many filler episodes this season the way all these new situations have been piling up. It could’ve been better paced and they wouldn’t have to worry about resolving as much. Certainly fans are waiting to see what will come from Mandy’s reemergence, which should make the two-hour finale extra fun. Next week they should emphasize the importance of the bomb. They should at least mention where it’s heading early in the first hour. Some complained about the lack of continuity with the Chinese story line, but it seems OK for them to take an hour to look through Jack’s lengthy profile. All of these complications should make for a great finale.

Score: 8/10

Nip/Tuck: Season 1, Episode 12: Antonia Ramos Review

Antonia Ramos

Original Airdate: October 14, 2003

Writers: Jennifer Salt & Brad Falchuk

Director: Elodie Keene

Aside from the Julia/Sophia subplot, this episode could’ve played well alongside the season finale as a two hour event. The return of an early villain provides a venue for significant change and complication in the characters’ lives. Things are escalating as they’re drawn deeper into an underworld where gangster exploit innocent and desperate people and hope for escaping their clutches grows dim.

Sean and Christian consult Maria, a Colombian with enormous breasts. She had two implants in each breast to appeal to American love for well endowed women. When she arrived, she found out that modeling agencies wouldn’t take someone with as large a chest as hers. As they prepare for surgery, they talk about how they can’t believe the butchers who would do two implants, a very painful procedure.

Sean is curious about the fluid inside the implants. It doesn’t feel or have the consistency of saline. Suddenly Escobar Gallardo emerges and informs then that it is heroin. Maria agreed to be his mule and snuck in a million dollars worth of heroin in her breasts. Consequences make for great drama, and the return of Gallardo is a great example of that. In addition, it’s great to see more Robert LaSardo, who really shines in the last episodes of the season.

Gallardo wonders when Maria will be available to undergo another implant procedure. They can’t believe that he would do that to her. She could lose sensation in her breasts if she’s operated on again. He ignores that concern since she begged him to be a mule and he feels the opportunity to live in America outranks the risks with these procedures. Stories of the desperately poor who’ll do anything to provide a better life for their family and the drug lords who test that claim are unimaginable here.

He draws a parallel that drug dealers and plastic surgeons aren’t that different in their function in life. Both help people deal with self-loathing and both leave “no scars”. Escobar is there to tie up a loose end. Perez, one of Gallardo’s former henchmen from the pilot episode, stole the $300,000 that he used to pay McNamara/Troy to alter his face. Gallardo wants it back. Unfortunately, they have spent the money on their business. He demands that they get it somehow in a week. To reiterate how evil this man is, he makes a rape threat directed at Julia as a potential way to repay his debt.

When Julia goes to her yoga class, she meets Sophia Lopez, who is taking the class as well. Sophia draws much attention to herself and gets strange looks from everyone in the studio except for Julia. Julia’s story doesn’t fit so well in retrospect because of their decision not to continue the Sophia Lopez character. It feels a bit like a rehashed version of the “Sophia Lopez” episode, where someone garners tolerance for a different lifestyle.

Getting $300,000 is stressful enough, but in addition, Christian has to prepare for his family. Gina is now six months pregnant and eager to buy expensive items for the baby, in addition to child proofing Christian’s apartment. The pregnancy has changed Christian. Though he still doesn’t like Gina eating on his $1,100 sheets, he rebukes her for trying to smoke while pregnant. She agrees to stop, but only if he’ll buy the expensive things for her.

Approaching the deadline, they find that they’re still short of what Escobar wants. They have to take “less desirable” clients, such as the man with two tongue tips, and ask for payments up front in cash. By the meeting, they are still short, but Escobar cuts them a deal to have them exclusively work on his mules. Sean shoots his mouth off and Escobar threatens to cut off his hand, effectively ruining his livelihood.

Following this Christian and Gina are out shopping for things for the baby. There they meet Brad, one of the clerks. Within minutes, he is more affectionate than Christian has been to her through their whole relationship (if you can call it that.) She even gives him her address for the order, something Christian doesn’t know. While at the store, Pepe gives him further instructions about a new mule coming to town.

The strange looks Sophia got results in a petition to remove her from the class. All the members have signed except for Julia. They are concerned about having a man there, even if he underwent gender reassignment. Julia’s comfortable with having her in the class, and begs Susanne to let her speak to Sophia to see if she can do anything. Actually, she doesn’t, but instead supports her enrollment. Because of her support, she gets a girlfriend to discuss her problems with, which doesn’t have much impact as she doesn’t come back to the show.

Sean still doesn’t want to cave in to Gallardo’s demands, but Christian sees no other option. The last time he tried, he was tortured with Botox injections. They’re stuck in an impossible situation as a murderer holds them hostage with threats of violence if demands are not upheld. The consequence for taking in a client like Perez has snowballed beyond anything from which they could walk away.

Christian finds out her address and confronts her about her ability to raise this child. She lives in a houseboat, which can be dangerous for a child. The marina isn’t clean either; there are rats everywhere. Christian is right, but Gina refuses his help and throws his gift of a stroller in the water.

Sean rushes out of the house, which raises Julia’s ire. In the wake of the affair, heading out for “late surgery” is going to rouse above normal suspicion. He failed to notify her before she started to prepare dinner. Frustrated, she throws the frying pan in the sink. Matt tries to comfort her by saying that he’s likely not having an affair. She’s upset that he found out about it and that he’s trying to cushion the act itself. Matt leaves frustrated that he’s being treated like a kid. Somehow, this scene doesn’t function as it should. They should’ve spent more of this episode focusing on the aftermath of Henry’s decision to tell Cara instead of Julia’s friendship with Sophia.

Sean and Christian prepare for surgery when Liz enters. She isn’t there for them, but for the girl who was mutilated for the drug trade. Pepe comes in and tells them there’s been a complication and they need to go. Liz was right to come. The title character is in a seedy hotel, convulsing because of an infection she got from the unclean tools the butchers used.

This is where we see what a callous monster Escobar truly is. He’s not doting over her. He’s satisfying his cocaine desire in another room as 80s pop music plays (which becomes far more sinister than it was ever intended). He doesn’t even know her name (Pepe tells them). Instead, he refers to her as derogatory words. He’s only concerned with the heroin inside her. Once he gets it, he leaves them to do whatever with Antonia.

They do the right thing and treat her in their office. As she learns her prognosis, she asks when she’ll be well enough to travel to Fort Lauderdale to pursue her modeling contract. She hasn’t figured out that it was all a scam so Escobar could get drugs into the states. This news crushes her. To see such a delicate, beautiful girl be mislead by a vile monster like Escobar further escalates the hatred from the audience.

As Christian gets his order from the baby supply store, he finds out that Brad had slept with Gina. Brad has a pregnant woman fetish. Where the Christian we knew from early in the season would’ve congratulated him, the new one is furious that he would brag about being with the mother of his child. This child made Christian able to see outside of himself.

Matt and Julia discuss the aftermath of that previous conversation. Matt is certain that something is wrong. They don’t have time to say much before Escobar comes from one of the rooms with Annie, holding her hand. He tells them that this visit is to let Sean know he visited. It is tense as he grabs the kitchen knife and slams it down on a cucumber. He compliments her on her choice of produce, which is true to his character; a blend of the psychotic and charismatic.

Gina tries to light another cigarette, which Christian swipes before she can. Now she is pursuing her sexual addiction on top of her other self-destructive attitudes. She dismisses his concerns as his way of making her life miserable, but he sees it as protecting the baby. He knows she can’t handle being a mother alone so he invites her to his house so he can be an active participant in helping this baby’s development. They sleep together (in the literal sense) and they experience intimacy that they never were able to in the past. He touches her stomach tenderly and feels the baby kick and she finally divulges her last name. Something she had held out on him since they met.

Sean has come a long way since the pilot episode. With his family threatened, Sean warns Escobar, who at the time is “busy” with a mistress, never to go near them again. Escobar commends Sean on his audacity, but tells him his visit was to make sure he knew that he wouldn’t get any resistance for future work. Then he gets back to his mistress, threatening that he could easily do what he’s doing to his wife. It’s unsettling as he makes Sean watch. They have no choice, and take another mule as a patient.

The episode fully utilizes Robert LaSardo, who was underused in the pilot episode, to show the consequences of their actions wouldn’t be limited to self contained episodes. The titular character’s ordeal, while brief, was affective and disturbing. Certain elements outside of Sean and Christian’s story don’t work ideally, but the whole is moving to a satisfying conclusion.

Score: 8/10

24: Season 4, Episode 21: Day 4: 3:00 AM - 4:00 AM Review

Day 4: 3:00 AM – 4:00 AM

Original Airdate: May 2, 2005

Writers: Joel Surnow & Michael Loceff

Director: Kevin Hooks

The show is starting to wrap up its fourth season. The first of the final four is an interesting mix of complications and consequences, which need to be addressed in the end. Luckily, after that lengthy mid-section they found their voice again, where a lot is at risk. However, if they focused more on the hunt for Marwan, especially since they finally found him this episode, this episode could’ve been more suspenseful.

Audrey seems much calmer only a few minutes after screaming hysterically at Jack for putting Lee’s life over Paul’s. She’s still very upset, but seems to be slowly grasping the fact that Jack did it to get the information necessary to find the warhead. It’s still too much for her to be around him, so Jack excuses himself. Buchanan reinforces that he made the right choice, but it will haunt Jack along with countless other decisions.

Novick informs Jack of what happened to the Consul because of the raid. He instructs Jack to assemble his team and tell them to form alibis for their locations during the seige. Although I don’t like it when the government lies and distorts the truth, this instance it’s much better than honesty. The truth could result in war with China, which neither country wants. They’ve had to resort to the unpleasant, but unavoidable because the alternate would be much worse.

One of Marwan’s henchmen tries to jam CTU satellites but can’t because new software had been recently installed. He informs Marwan, who says the schedule will be moved up by an hour. This could’ve been used better to amplify the search for Marwan in this episode, which would’ve made the payoff more rewarding. They could trace that signal. If that was how they handled it, it could’ve provided an interesting dynamic. Paul would’ve died because they needed information that they got from a different source entirely.

A common complaint among viewers was Palmer’s idea for an alibi. A group of anti-Chinese terrorists was behind the attack. It makes sense, but an easier route would’ve been to pin the blame on Marwan. Marwan’s clear on eliminating any lose ends in his plan. They don’t care about international law. They care about what it takes to achieve their goal. If you list the things he has done in the last 24 hours it is clear that invading a consulate wouldn’t be out of his range.

Palmer’s confident that they can save face since the tactical team was masked. Nevertheless, this back story crumbles before they can even tell it. A man named Cheng discovers Bern’s unmasking while reviewing the security footage at the Consulate. He doesn’t know who it is immediately, so he calls for the photo to go through the databases to identify him. This one action ended up complicating things beyond an easy remedy.

Because Audrey didn’t want Jack near her, they had to make a reason for them to interact again to achieve maximum tension. For this episode, he needs her to authorize something to pass data over to him. Chloe has to spell this out, which isn’t that different from prior episodes. Although this time, she offers to be someone to confide in. This catches Jack off guard. How weird do you have to be where Chloe could be the sense of balance?

Jack asks for the clearance. It gets more awkward as Audrey asks about Lee’s condition. The pressure is on Jack. Paul died because Jack believed Lee would provide useful information to prevent the warhead deployment. If Lee dies or the warhead detonates, then she will never forgive him. While she screamed at him at the end of the last episode, that was the initial shock. She may be able to forgive him if he can save the day. For now, she still would like Jack to leave her alone.

Cheng calls CTU to tell them that he believes that CTU was involved in the attack on his consulate. This doesn’t make things any better as Michelle can’t deny their connection. The call provokes Cheng to call the Secretary of State, who approves Cheng to visit CTU to question them about their involvement.

The Secretary of State informs President I’ll Just Watch Some TV (Logan), who storms into Palmer and Novick, furious that such an action would be taken. He must be thinking “OK, I was president for an hour and I let a terror suspect get away. So I call in a guy who could do the job better and he freaking invades China!” Covert operations are typical for nations all over the world and Palmer needs to be allowed to clean up his mess.

We get another taste of the Michelle/Tony reconciliation, when Tony says that he hates life without her. She says she didn’t want life to turn out the way it did. This is to make sure we knew the storyline wasn’t dropped and to keep it going until the final hours. I hope that they can concoct a resolution if they do reunite that is true 24, not gooey.

Cheng arrives and questions Buchanan and Jack. He knows a lot about covert operations and Cheng rightfully assumes that he could head a mission like this quickly. Finally, we get some information on Heller’s location, as he disappeared to a meeting around 8 PM. Although I do reaffirm my belief that Heller’s best left off camera until he’s useful dramatically, this update is appreciated. Now how about a Behrooz follow up?

Back to CTU, where Jack sees Bern, who they said wasn’t in that night, talking to Chloe. Jack’s very clever, and fakes a phone call so he can leave the room and get Bern away from anywhere that would make him noticeable for Cheng. While he’s successful in getting him out, Bern could still be questioned later. This is a good instance of putting a loose end aside to be resolved after this season’s events so the writers won’t worry about including it in future episodes.

Lee wakes up, and Jack gets the location of three places Marwan has chosen as hideouts. Before he heads out, Audrey confronts him about having to lie to the Consulate about Jack’s whereabouts during the invasion. CTU’s cover story involved the two analyzing data. She’s sick of all the lying and breaking of protocol that Jack has done since the beginning of the season. Jack argues that they have gotten results, but Audrey’s side may have more weight. While stopping all but one plant from melting down and saving Heller and Audrey is admirable in this timeline, nearly every other part of their plan has come to fruition.

Ultimately, Audrey lies and says that Edgar was with them. Since Edgar was a big part of this alibi, why wasn’t he informed about CTU’s scheme to shift blame to a radical group? When Cheng finds Edgar, he unwittingly gives them further reason to believe that CTU was involved. China begins to search for Jack’s personal file. This raises the stakes even higher and puts the writers in a place where they can’t write themselves out of easily.

Logan agrees to sign off on an order to expel Cheng from CTU. While it may be suspicious, they’re sure they can explain that because of the crisis they can’t be tied up in an investigation (or as they know it and Cheng believe, a cover up). The President is mad, but Palmer tells him that they have to worry about American lives first before the Chinese. Which is true, since the threat of Marwan’s attack is definitive and imminent compared to the Chinese. It’ll be interesting to see a Cold War dynamic in these final hours.

Thankfully, Jack finds Marwan and incapacitates him. Marwan has escaped CTU’s clutches so many times already that another time would’ve been too absurd. Besides, it’s the final four episodes and his luck was bound to run out before the end of them. This has been the earliest the mastermind of a whole season has been caught. I hope that they can figure out something useful for him in the final episodes to explore his character, which has gotten lost in his constant run from CTU.

Here’s a great way 24 messes with our expectations. When Jack and Curtis find the launch countdown for the warhead, there is a minute left on the timer. It’s typical for them to stop it within seconds of initiation, but they don’t. Another part of Marwan’s plan succeeds. Once it has started it can’t be stopped, they’ve told us. So the best case scenario would be to detonate it in an isolated area like in season two, but how can they make that fresh?

Only three hours are left. How can they tie everything up? Everything has accumulated immensely in the last few hours. I don’t know how Jack will get out trouble with the Chinese government, but it may prove to be an interesting dynamic for next season. If only they had focused more on hunting down Marwan while showing Cheng’s visit to CTU, they could’ve created more suspense. Nevertheless, the warhead’s in the air now, what will they do? I can’t wait to see.

Score: 7/10

Nip/Tuck: Season 1, Episode 11: Montana/Sassy/Justice Review

Montana/Sassy/Justice

Original Airdate: October 7, 2003

Writers: Lynnie Greene & Richard Levine

Director: Michael M. Robin

Father, surgeon, husband, the only difference is all of mine are named Sean, and no operation can help them get along. –Sean

We play multiple roles in our lives. Our interactions, relationships, jobs and beliefs all add to the complexity of every human. Unfortunately, the best interests and desires of these roles are constantly in conflict. How can we find harmony with all of these roles in our lives as situations cause conflict between what various aspects of ourselves want? We see how these characters deal with conflict of roles: pious/compliant, husband/adulterer and playboy/father.

The doctors consult Ms. Caine, a woman looking to get her cankles, calves and ankles in one continuous form, changed to normal shaped legs. It isn’t anything special at first glance (although those cankles and the subsequent surgery are gross), but later it’s clear that she has to work hard to maintain stability.

Liz informs the doctors that someone wants to speak with the “antichrist”. Christian excuses himself from that suddenly awkward situation. In his office, he meets Gina, who informs him that she’s pregnant with his baby and gives him a week to decide if he wants to have it. She’s had two abortions, one of which had complications that she thought would leave her barren. This pregnancy could be her last chance at motherhood.

Christian is shocked. He has always taken so many precautions with birth control, even calling himself an expert on applying a condom. He doesn’t immediately suggest abortion though, which shows he is more humane than Gina would like to admit. Luckily, I've never been in this position (because there’s no way I'm ready to be a father at 21), but I know being told you’re going to be a father is a life changing event. It certainly changes Christian, even restricted to this episode alone.

Christian brings the problem to Sean while they’re prepping to operate on Montana. Obviously, the impact of such a revelation is still very clear. Sean is still distracted following Megan’s death and telling his wife about the affair. Before they head in, he slips that he was still grieving at Annie’s birthday party. Christian, her godfather, wasn’t invited.

At the McNamara’s Christian arrives with a gift for Annie and asks for an explanation for why he was excluded. Julia says she isn’t comfortable having him in their lives now. She asks him why he didn’t tell her about the affair. He says that if he did it would’ve betrayed the friendship they have. Then Julia mentions that they had a fling. Julia is mad at Sean for cheating. However, she did the same thing. Julia’s juggling the role of Sean’s wife and the object of Christian’s affection by casting him out for fear that she’d be too tempted.

Cara has recovered from the accident that nearly left her blind. She finds Matt and asks her to her prayer club. When he goes, he’s surprised to see Henry there and actively participating. To cope with his guilt, Henry has decided to change his faith to Christianity. Unfortunately, for him, this is merely a half measure. He doesn’t realize to be redeemed; he needs to confess his involvement. Christianity is clear that sins must be confessed, not glossed over, to be forgiven.

He has also developed a crush on Cara. This is clearly a bad sign. He’s not attracted to her in a normal way. Somehow, he thinks that this will make up for what he did. His crush on Cara is an offshoot of this guilt. He believes that somehow he can have a loving relationship with her. This will be what will redeem him. Guilt has warped him so that he thinks that he really loves her. In reality, he only loves his chance of salvation.

Following her cankle surgery, Montana wakes up and has a fit when she can’t have Juicy Juice. Sean realizes that there is an underlying problem so he and Grace meet with Montana’s doctor. She informs them that she has Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD). When Montana acted out, it was actually Sassy. Sassy is an 8-year-old and the only remaining personality aside from Montana. The other personalities are controlled through her. If Sassy is happy, then the other personalities stay dormant. Her doctor recommends performing a breast reduction surgery on Montana so it will please Sassy.

I don’t know if her statements have any scientific weight or if it’s meant to continue the story. From what little I know about MPD, it isn’t as if one living with it could have a conversation between the personalities, but that they’re so fragmented that a person can’t function. This version of MPD is more common in soaps, which fits for Nip/Tuck, even though it is very un-PC.

That night, Sean and Julia talk about what they want to do with their marriage. They play these scenes so well it feels as if I'm watching a real life couple. Noises like the turning pages in Sean’s book become much louder in the awkward silence. Julia doesn’t know if she wants to stay married to him and asks why they even married in the first place. Here’s another important piece of back story. Julia’s pregnancy with Matt was what provoked them to get married. This is a big reason why they’re not happy now. Marriage felt more like an obligation than something they did for love.

She is reluctant to resume intimacy with him. To earn her trust, she makes him get a full STD test because Megan had many blood transfusions. When his results show that he’s clean, Julia rejects him again. He wonders if the whole ordeal was to humiliate Sean the way Sean’s affair humiliated Julia. They both agree that the only way this relationship will work is if both of them are honest. Despite that, Julia is still hiding something about Matt.

With Julia’s proclamation, Christian sees Gina’s pregnancy as the opportunity to start the family he has never started. Gina tells him that since he’s a day late he missed the window to stop her from having the abortion. Later we learn this is a lie, but it says a lot about what Gina has become. She wants him to feel the pain that he caused her to have.

Sean and Grace decide not to give Montana the breast reduction surgery, which provokes another personality, Justice, to emerge. Justice is vengeful, like a cowboy demanding her namesake. She threatens that this would be the beginning of a re-release of all the personalities and more. This part feels a little hokey, like science fiction, which probably didn’t please those in the MPD community.

Julia makes an excuse to go to Christian’s apartment so she can swipe a comb to use for a DNA test. Initially, I was apprehensive by this storyline. “Who’s the father?” is a cliché storyline in soap operas. However, watching this from the perspective of knowing what happens in season two, this gains credibility on a repeat viewing as a step in the storyline.

After Justice’s emergence, they decide to do the surgery, which suppresses Justice and satisfies Sassy. Sean asks where Sassy goes when Montana has control. She says “underneath”. Sean asks how he can do that. Everyone in this episode is hoping for something that will make all their roles in life get along. They still need to find it.

We knew Henry’s case for redemption was weak, and it’s proven when they’re eating lunch in the cafeteria. Henry wants to go to the prom with Cara, but she asks Matt instead. This sends Henry off again. This is what happens when redemption is bargained instead of accepted. Henry never thought about what he would do if Cara rejected him. Although by the end, he seems determined to come forward.

Gina comes forward to tell Christian that she didn’t have an abortion. Although she despises Christian, she sees this baby as a second chance. Her life has been a struggle to fill a hole of loneliness. No matter how much sex she has, it doesn’t work. This child changes that. She already loves the baby unconditionally and wants to have a realistic arrangement with Christian.

Julia’s ready to tell Christian that he may Matt’s father. However, when she arrives, she finds out that Gina’s pregnant. She hastily leaves his apartment, leaving him confused as to what her real intentions were.

It wasn’t easy to follow up “Adelle Coffin”, but they do a fine job nonetheless. While MPD may not have been the most sensitive way to handle such a situation, it works. All the characters deal with a situation where their multiple roles and their demands contradict each other. Julia’s pursuit of who Matt’s real father is is enhanced knowing what happens in season two. All the characters are dealing with conflicting roles, which works as the season ends.

Score: 8/10

Nip/Tuck: Season 1, Episode 10: Adelle Coffin Review

Adelle Coffin
Original Airdate: September 30, 2003
Story: Dell Chandler and Ryan Murphy
Writer: Dell Chandler
Director: Michael M. Robin

Adelle Coffin is a landmark episode. The events that occur in this episode, their presentation and the aftermath deliver on what was promised early in the season. Through great acting, we are fully entrenched in the action of this episode. This is probably the best episode of the first season. It is an episode that changes where the show is going.

To start, Christian reattaches several fingers of a man who sliced them off in a garbage disposal. Liz realizes that Christian has attached the middle one where the pointer should be and vice versa. She informs Sean, who substitutes. This is a funny reminder of the significant difference between Christian’s talent and Sean’s. Christian resents and is frustrated by it. He feels like a little kid, even calling Sean “dad”. Sean bluntly reminds him that the patient’s been under for four hours and he could correct it in two instead of an additional four.

This incident isn’t random like the butt implant from the pilot. After his mistake, Christian worries in the waiting room. Sean and Christian are up for recertification and this incident significantly diminished his confidence. Christian has always known that he is the showman whereas Sean is the talent in the practice. Sean tries to cheer up Sean by reminding him that he is extremely proud of the practice they created from scratch. The bond between these two men has lasted since Sean tutored Christian relentlessly until he passed and Sean’s not giving up on him now.

Sean’s resolve extends over to treating Megan. Despite her doctor’s lack of options, Sean wants to get a second opinion. They discuss it again over dinner, but Megan gets sick and they leave early. Although Sean tries to reassure her things will get better, she doesn’t believe it. As their car pulls up, she says that she doesn’t want to die a slow painful death because of the cancer. Sean says that that’s all anyone could want. Megan then tells him she will do more than hope for a peaceful death.

If one thing doesn’t quite fit in this episode, it is Mrs. Grubman and her fiancé’s consultation. Perhaps this is meant to be comic relief in a serious episode. I never would have expected to hear Jerry Hardin (Deep Throat from “The X-Files”) ask for a scrotal lift, and that image will be stuck in my head forever. Mrs. Grubman wants a vaginal rejuvenation and to have both procedures free. Although Christian argues the loophole, Mrs. Grubman reminds him of her lawsuit, which could be brought back with a phone call. To insult him further, she asks that Sean perform her surgery because he is more talented.

When they sign in, we’re told right away the importance of this exam. In addition to certification itself, the entrance fee is non refundable and if they fail, they’ll have to give up another week to retake the test. They won’t be able to practice during this time either. At the welcome desk they run into Bobolit, still cocky, but hiding his meetings with Christian. Sean brings up that Christian has been seeing Bobolit, but before they confess to anything, he clarifies by saying that he’s seen his billboards. Odd that there wasn’t much follow up from last episode, but this episode’s events were more pressing.

They have to operate on cadaver heads to prove their efficiency. We don’t see much of the first day aside from the sparse, white room and the eerie clicking of the hammers as several doctors perform rhinoplasty simultaneously. The two have trouble immediately as their exam begins its second day. Christian’s pops out of its position. Knowing that his head committed suicide, Sean engages with his subconscious via his head, the titular Coffin. This feels a lot like the show Six Feet Under, in which dead bodies talk to the characters and elaborate fantasies illustrate what the characters are thinking. While it is indulgent, it’s probably better dramatically than learning about Sean’s medical knowledge of suicide through books or dialogue, which may be hard to transition.

Through this fantasy he sees Adelle as a bored old woman who died similarly to the way Megan wants to go, but wound up suffering immensely before because she did it wrong. Her advice sounds more like something Sean would know as a doctor, which still works as opposed to an actual ghost recommending this. However, she is far more mocking outside of this brief moment of compassion, which is representative of the way Sean picks on himself.

Christian isn’t as talented as Sean is, but Sean’s advice to practice turns out to be more practical than he thought. Christian originally dismisses it since finding a practice head would be more difficult than in school. However, through a chance article Liz found, he has an opportunity to practice on a homeless Jane Doe. Sure, it’s contrived, but on a show like Nip/Tuck, this is normal and fun.

The pivotal piece of this episode centers on Megan. Without hope, she prepares to die on her own terms while Sean tries to convince her to live. He had just met her, but he would have to let her go. Her speech, comparing life to a trip to the carnival, was particularly moving. While she wants to continue living, her life is more painful. It’s exhausting and tragic.

Sean agrees to help her, as we saw with the glass of milk hint before we saw his tear stained face during the “Rocket Man” sequence. This scene holds up near perfectly. Watching it for this review, I was caught in the emotion again. Elton John’s music fit exactly within this scene, but with the space analogy symbolizing death instead of isolation. It’s a shame that Julie Warner wasn’t nominated for an Emmy. Her powerful performance enhanced this episode. Despite only being around for a few episodes, Megan’s death became a turning point in the show, and she played a big part in that. They utilized how her situation was out of control so we were fully involved in it.

Her death causes Sean to break down. The following day at their exam Sean’s subconscious gets the best of him. Adelle is right when she says that the affair only made his pain worse since they had to part soon after meeting. He could have gotten away with the affair, as it died with Megan, but he can’t keep his grief private, nor deny Julia’s request to attend Megan’s funeral with him.

At the ceremony, Jim O’Hara, who Megan criticized for not wanting her to feel remorse for her condition, finally allows himself to cry. Unfortunately, her death was what it took him to feel. He never thought about how out of his control it was until that moment. He thought by maintaining his composure he’d handle the situation. Sean knew the situation was out of his control, but denied it for as long as he could.

What gives Sean away is the way he dispenses his part of her ashes in the sea. The directorial queues intensify the emotions, as the ashes fall at different speeds for each of the three who attended. Julia’s dumping is done in real time. Sean can’t let go initially, but eventually does and the ashes scatter in slow motion. Julia’s expression as the camera cuts to her is interesting. She is mad, but not furious, as if to save it until later. The camera is tilted upward too, which shows Julia having the advantage in this situation.

When they come home, she confronts him about it and he tells the truth. Julia certainly has every reason to be furious with him, but her lack of aggression makes this scene more intense. Both of them cry so convincingly that it could’ve been that the actors were deeply immersed in the scene. They finally come clean about how they’ve been feeling since the beginning of the show. It’s too bad for their sake that they couldn’t have done this earlier, but for the audience, the pay off was worthwhile.

This episode is an emotional knockout that shows how successful the writers can be at delivering a conclusion to an arc while starting another. Julie Warner, Dylan Walsh and Joely Richardson are all exceptional and deepen this episode’s impact. Adelle Coffin was one of the episodes that had everyone talking and surprisingly, it’s one of the least risqué of this season, although suicide will always be a taboo subject. When it’s over and the audience has caught its breath, they can only ask “Where do we go from here?”

Score: 10/10