24: Season 4, Episode 6: Day 4: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Review
Day 4: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Original Airdate: January 24, 2005
Writer: Matt Michnovetz
Director: Jon Cassar
24 thankfully didn't fall into a rut of filler episodes to draw out this kidnapping arc. Since it was happening at noon, they couldn't draw it out for hours without boring the audience. Although the rescue could've been a decent episode alone, limiting it to the opening act results in an explosive action sequence. The increased pace throughout, as complications arise, adds to the notion that viewers shouldn't celebrate Jack's victory yet.
Immediately we're thrown into a tense situation as Jack has only seven minutes to save Heller before the missile hits. Although Jack hasn't been in the field since season three, he hasn't lost his ability to operate a one man rescue mission, easily dusting off a few guards and getting one of them to reveal where Heller is located. Simultaneously on the broadcast, Omar is listing the things they're charging Heller with and that he has willingly confessed. I'm surprised that more wasn't made out of this confession. Even if it was only politically, the ramifications of a government official giving in to terrorists would be considerable.
Hiding from various thugs, Jack hears Audrey pleading to spare her father. Jack follows these cries to her cell, which luckily was sealed from the other side when the guard didn't want to hear her anymore. She rightfully insists that he go rescue Heller first, but he affirms that he will get her next. Before he leaves, he hands her a knife, which of course she will use since it takes up considerable screen time.
One thing that surprised me was how short the trial was. Perhaps they were quicker because they believed that someone could've still used Kalil's lead to find their hideout. Heller's sentence is death by a gunshot to the head. I wonder if the writers subjected themselves to watching any hostage videos the Heller one was based on. They may have only read a synopsis, and they changed things around to not be too exploitative. For example, Heller's execution isn't by beheading, and he doesn't give a prepared speech pleading for his life.
What the terrorists don't see is Jack just behind a box of conveniently placed boxes, hinting to Heller that he was safe. Heller tilts back in his chair and Jack unleashes hell, killing almost all the men in the room and freeing the secretary. The next few minutes a frenetic gunfight ensues as Jack and Heller take on the guards Jack. Jack gets shot, but since they can't kill him six episodes into the season, he has his vest on. Though they run out of ammo, the cavalry come by to mow down the other terrorists.
Only Omar remains, and he has Audrey hostage. Though they drop their weapons, he's still going to kill her. Luckily Jack gave her that knife a few minutes earlier. She stabs him. Omar writhes away in pain, and Jack throws another knife into his arm. A marine finishes the job. The three principle characters are safe and the audience gets to breathe. If the episode has one fault, it is that this opening act threatens to bowl over the rest of the episode.
With the first major threat blown away (literally), the second act serves to establish the next threat and complications, which have been hinted at through the first five episodes. While they are preparing to head to CTU for debriefing, Audrey mentions that she recognized one of the men. This ID would be important to the next few hours as no other leads exist. Also, through this exchange Heller learns that Audrey and Jack have been involved.
Jack's relationship is in a good place obviously, and the writers can't have that this early in the season. Therefore, they bring out Audrey's husband. Paul calls from CTU asking about her. He flew in from DC when she was kidnapped. Our first impression isn't that great. He comes off as a goofy English guy who says things slowly. Thankfully, he became less stuffy later in the season.
Navi reacts oddly to the news of Heller's rescue. It doesn't bother him that the execution didn't occur. He knows that the purpose of the broadcast was served. We believe that he means that the purpose was a devastating blow to the country's morale and feeling of security, but by the end of the hour we know it leads to a much darker and extensive threat.
Behrooz is furious when he finds out about the news. Someone he loved died for a red herring. He doesn't know what to believe, which further fuels the doubts he has had about the mission. Someone knocks on their door. It's Tariq, one of Navi's associates. He's there to dispose of Debbie's body. What’s implied is that he is there for more than that. The first bad sign is that they're burying a body in the literal middle of the day. Second would be the ominous looks, a trademark of 24, Tariq and Navi exchange.
Returning to CTU, Heller tells Audrey that she needs to be clear to Paul that their relationship is over. He now knows about her relationship with Jack. Their ordeal softened his "traditional" views about relationships, since he is calm about it, but he's still blunt. Paul is naïve about his chances rekindling their marriage, which makes him more of a sympathetic character.
Curtis watches a live feed of agents documenting the evidence when he finds the briefcase we've known about since the premiere. No payoff just yet as it is empty, but a corporate logo on the briefcase provides a useful clue. The logo is for a defense contractor called McLennan-Forester and its CEO isn't talking until he gets clearance.
Debbie's mother didn't go to the cops, Dina reports. She can't help but notice Navi's disposition and Behrooz's absence. When she finds out where he is and whom he's with, she cries hysterically. Tariq is bad news in general and went to bury Debbie and kill Behrooz for his inability earlier. Navi blames his life here as what made him an unbeliever towards their cause. While Dina may believe that too, her maternal side's strong presence presents an interesting dynamic. Only Navi is cold blooded enough to murder his son. Perhaps he always knew this, and that's why he sent Dina out to watch Debbie's mother.
Heller triumphantly congratulates CTU for saving his and his daughter's lives. Driscoll gladly takes the credit and attempts to squeak by Jack's disapproving glare. Jack's classier than arguing over who gets the glory since he isn't in this work for rewards. He gets temporary control of Ronnie's position, effective until the end of this crisis. Driscoll wants Jack to respect her rules, though. Unfortunately, nothing is said about rehiring Chloe, who proved to be an asset in Jack's investigation. Driscoll should relax about disobeying her rules until the crisis is over.
During his conference with the heads at CTU, Heller asks to see his son, unaware that he has been subject to sensory deprivation. Initially he is outraged by it, believing that Richard wouldn't be involved with terrorists despite the massive ideological differences they have. He goes to the room where Richard is held and asks him to be clear about everything, but he is withholding something from his personal life. In a cold moment, Heller permits Curtis to do whatever it takes to find out what this is. He loves his son, but his duties are to protect millions. But is it the right call? It could be. 24 has a unique opportunity to explore the ramifications of these actions that harm others even if it saves lives.
Paul sees Audrey being bandaged and asks her about their future together. She does the right thing, but it must've broken his heart to tell him that she was in love with another person. Although she doesn't say who, Jack inopportunely comes in to check up on her. When Paul leaves, they have a tender moment alone, a rare time in between crisis. Paul doesn't seem to have a clue until he sees Jack and Audrey interacting while looking at photos of the men from the hideout.
While Behrooz prepares to dig Debbie's grave, he sees that Tariq has a gun with him. Knowing what will happen, he smacks him in the head with the shovel. Behrooz wants to know who set out to kill him, if it was Marwan (the first mention of the big bad this season). Tariq tells him it was Navi. Following this bombshell, Behrooz can only act on his anger as he beats Tariq's head in, driving off in Tariq's car afterward. This episode is a turning point in his arc.
As the episode ends, we finally find out what was in the briefcase. The McLennan-Forester courier was carrying an override device. This machine is capable of controlling nuclear power plants remotely, preventing or causing meltdowns. Power plants are protected by firewalls, but Jack deducts that Heller's trial was a mere forum to unleash a virus that would allow them to override the protection the plants have. 104 plants are at risk of meltdown. That is hardcore scary.
Marianne hears this and walks to a remote location, calling her contact to inform him that they know. Many had a hard time buying another mole at CTU, including me. Though it is believable as every action we've seen Marianne take be manipulative and opportunistic. She is known to do things to increase her power and advance her career.
Mole revelation aside, this is a great episode and one of season four's highlights. It's unfortunate that the middle section of this season would plod along. This episode's accelerated pace is an asset. It also serves to keep the intensity going even when the first major threat has passed. Also having one of the worst terrorist attacks yet on 24 helps to add the urgency and importance.
Original Airdate: January 24, 2005
Writer: Matt Michnovetz
Director: Jon Cassar
24 thankfully didn't fall into a rut of filler episodes to draw out this kidnapping arc. Since it was happening at noon, they couldn't draw it out for hours without boring the audience. Although the rescue could've been a decent episode alone, limiting it to the opening act results in an explosive action sequence. The increased pace throughout, as complications arise, adds to the notion that viewers shouldn't celebrate Jack's victory yet.
Immediately we're thrown into a tense situation as Jack has only seven minutes to save Heller before the missile hits. Although Jack hasn't been in the field since season three, he hasn't lost his ability to operate a one man rescue mission, easily dusting off a few guards and getting one of them to reveal where Heller is located. Simultaneously on the broadcast, Omar is listing the things they're charging Heller with and that he has willingly confessed. I'm surprised that more wasn't made out of this confession. Even if it was only politically, the ramifications of a government official giving in to terrorists would be considerable.
Hiding from various thugs, Jack hears Audrey pleading to spare her father. Jack follows these cries to her cell, which luckily was sealed from the other side when the guard didn't want to hear her anymore. She rightfully insists that he go rescue Heller first, but he affirms that he will get her next. Before he leaves, he hands her a knife, which of course she will use since it takes up considerable screen time.
One thing that surprised me was how short the trial was. Perhaps they were quicker because they believed that someone could've still used Kalil's lead to find their hideout. Heller's sentence is death by a gunshot to the head. I wonder if the writers subjected themselves to watching any hostage videos the Heller one was based on. They may have only read a synopsis, and they changed things around to not be too exploitative. For example, Heller's execution isn't by beheading, and he doesn't give a prepared speech pleading for his life.
What the terrorists don't see is Jack just behind a box of conveniently placed boxes, hinting to Heller that he was safe. Heller tilts back in his chair and Jack unleashes hell, killing almost all the men in the room and freeing the secretary. The next few minutes a frenetic gunfight ensues as Jack and Heller take on the guards Jack. Jack gets shot, but since they can't kill him six episodes into the season, he has his vest on. Though they run out of ammo, the cavalry come by to mow down the other terrorists.
Only Omar remains, and he has Audrey hostage. Though they drop their weapons, he's still going to kill her. Luckily Jack gave her that knife a few minutes earlier. She stabs him. Omar writhes away in pain, and Jack throws another knife into his arm. A marine finishes the job. The three principle characters are safe and the audience gets to breathe. If the episode has one fault, it is that this opening act threatens to bowl over the rest of the episode.
With the first major threat blown away (literally), the second act serves to establish the next threat and complications, which have been hinted at through the first five episodes. While they are preparing to head to CTU for debriefing, Audrey mentions that she recognized one of the men. This ID would be important to the next few hours as no other leads exist. Also, through this exchange Heller learns that Audrey and Jack have been involved.
Jack's relationship is in a good place obviously, and the writers can't have that this early in the season. Therefore, they bring out Audrey's husband. Paul calls from CTU asking about her. He flew in from DC when she was kidnapped. Our first impression isn't that great. He comes off as a goofy English guy who says things slowly. Thankfully, he became less stuffy later in the season.
Navi reacts oddly to the news of Heller's rescue. It doesn't bother him that the execution didn't occur. He knows that the purpose of the broadcast was served. We believe that he means that the purpose was a devastating blow to the country's morale and feeling of security, but by the end of the hour we know it leads to a much darker and extensive threat.
Behrooz is furious when he finds out about the news. Someone he loved died for a red herring. He doesn't know what to believe, which further fuels the doubts he has had about the mission. Someone knocks on their door. It's Tariq, one of Navi's associates. He's there to dispose of Debbie's body. What’s implied is that he is there for more than that. The first bad sign is that they're burying a body in the literal middle of the day. Second would be the ominous looks, a trademark of 24, Tariq and Navi exchange.
Returning to CTU, Heller tells Audrey that she needs to be clear to Paul that their relationship is over. He now knows about her relationship with Jack. Their ordeal softened his "traditional" views about relationships, since he is calm about it, but he's still blunt. Paul is naïve about his chances rekindling their marriage, which makes him more of a sympathetic character.
Curtis watches a live feed of agents documenting the evidence when he finds the briefcase we've known about since the premiere. No payoff just yet as it is empty, but a corporate logo on the briefcase provides a useful clue. The logo is for a defense contractor called McLennan-Forester and its CEO isn't talking until he gets clearance.
Debbie's mother didn't go to the cops, Dina reports. She can't help but notice Navi's disposition and Behrooz's absence. When she finds out where he is and whom he's with, she cries hysterically. Tariq is bad news in general and went to bury Debbie and kill Behrooz for his inability earlier. Navi blames his life here as what made him an unbeliever towards their cause. While Dina may believe that too, her maternal side's strong presence presents an interesting dynamic. Only Navi is cold blooded enough to murder his son. Perhaps he always knew this, and that's why he sent Dina out to watch Debbie's mother.
Heller triumphantly congratulates CTU for saving his and his daughter's lives. Driscoll gladly takes the credit and attempts to squeak by Jack's disapproving glare. Jack's classier than arguing over who gets the glory since he isn't in this work for rewards. He gets temporary control of Ronnie's position, effective until the end of this crisis. Driscoll wants Jack to respect her rules, though. Unfortunately, nothing is said about rehiring Chloe, who proved to be an asset in Jack's investigation. Driscoll should relax about disobeying her rules until the crisis is over.
During his conference with the heads at CTU, Heller asks to see his son, unaware that he has been subject to sensory deprivation. Initially he is outraged by it, believing that Richard wouldn't be involved with terrorists despite the massive ideological differences they have. He goes to the room where Richard is held and asks him to be clear about everything, but he is withholding something from his personal life. In a cold moment, Heller permits Curtis to do whatever it takes to find out what this is. He loves his son, but his duties are to protect millions. But is it the right call? It could be. 24 has a unique opportunity to explore the ramifications of these actions that harm others even if it saves lives.
Paul sees Audrey being bandaged and asks her about their future together. She does the right thing, but it must've broken his heart to tell him that she was in love with another person. Although she doesn't say who, Jack inopportunely comes in to check up on her. When Paul leaves, they have a tender moment alone, a rare time in between crisis. Paul doesn't seem to have a clue until he sees Jack and Audrey interacting while looking at photos of the men from the hideout.
While Behrooz prepares to dig Debbie's grave, he sees that Tariq has a gun with him. Knowing what will happen, he smacks him in the head with the shovel. Behrooz wants to know who set out to kill him, if it was Marwan (the first mention of the big bad this season). Tariq tells him it was Navi. Following this bombshell, Behrooz can only act on his anger as he beats Tariq's head in, driving off in Tariq's car afterward. This episode is a turning point in his arc.
As the episode ends, we finally find out what was in the briefcase. The McLennan-Forester courier was carrying an override device. This machine is capable of controlling nuclear power plants remotely, preventing or causing meltdowns. Power plants are protected by firewalls, but Jack deducts that Heller's trial was a mere forum to unleash a virus that would allow them to override the protection the plants have. 104 plants are at risk of meltdown. That is hardcore scary.
Marianne hears this and walks to a remote location, calling her contact to inform him that they know. Many had a hard time buying another mole at CTU, including me. Though it is believable as every action we've seen Marianne take be manipulative and opportunistic. She is known to do things to increase her power and advance her career.
Mole revelation aside, this is a great episode and one of season four's highlights. It's unfortunate that the middle section of this season would plod along. This episode's accelerated pace is an asset. It also serves to keep the intensity going even when the first major threat has passed. Also having one of the worst terrorist attacks yet on 24 helps to add the urgency and importance.
Score: 9/10
posted by Matt @ 11:42 PM
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