24: Season 5, Episode 1: Day 5: 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM Review

Day 5: 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Original Airdate: January 15, 2006
Writer: Howard Gordon
Director: Jon Cassar

There was massive hype about the first ten minutes that would “change everything”. Considering how Fox has hyped some of the episodes, fans certainly were justified at being skeptical. Last season there was the hype when Air Force One was shot down, which many saw coming from three episodes away. Thankfully, they learned from that and included some major twists in the episodes opening act, killing off two beloved characters (something surprisingly un-hyped). This definitely changes everything. While 24’s format doesn’t allow much in the way of an episode mourning their loss, Michelle and Palmer’s murders will be felt throughout the season.

24 earned a reputation for being willing to kill off major characters when Nina murdered Teri in season one’s finale, but the last major death was when Sherry died, and that was when she had over served her use. For whatever reason the producers had for not killing anyone since then, it lead viewers into a false sense of security. That was shattered instantly with Palmer’s assassination. His death is also a bit ironic considering the terrorists in season one tried for a whole day to kill him and failed, but these ones succeeded by getting him as he stared out the window, something he constantly did in the first season! I should’ve known Palmer was toast when I saw a picture of Dennis Haysbert in a midseason replacement show. Rest in peace Palmer, you will be dearly missed.

I certainly hope that Reiko Aylesworth (who I don’t think could’ve been any hotter in that outfit) has another job on deck as well. Michelle was a character you could originally write off, as most of her story in season two consisted of doing odd jobs and making googly eyes at Tony. But in time we were paid off with those incredibly riveting hotel episodes that showcased her unrightfully snubbed acting talent. Her love with Tony probably made them the most convincing couple on 24, which makes her death even more shocking. She brought out the best in Tony, eventually getting him to change his mind about going in to help. It is a fitting way for her to die.

These deaths, in addition to rocking the status quo to its core, raise the stakes. Instantly the crisis is in the red and the heroes are decimated. Killing off people on 24 often is to show how much is riding on the terrorists and the counter terrorists achieving their objective missions. In addition, these deaths hit close to home for the survivors. While big threats raise the stakes, the personal factor compels us.

It left a significant impression on Jack. Palmer and Michelle were probably among the few people who could be considered Jack’s friends, especially Palmer. Whenever they had a scene together, their chemistry was fantastic (if only they got to have a scene where they could hang out and watch football). The trust and respect these men had for each other was palpable, so Palmer’s death left a significant mark on him. Thanks to Palmer, Jack is still alive and Jack kept Palmer alive during the first season. Kiefer Sutherland does a fantastic job portraying the rage Jack is going through. We can imagine how much he wants those responsible to pay for what they did.

Another important reason to kill off Palmer, Michelle and seriously harm Tony is to let Chloe know that she is a target and to give Jack a reason to come out of hiding. One of Chloe’s defining features is her undying trust in Jack, and that’s something Jack doesn’t overlook. She is in this jam because of Jack, and he wouldn’t let her die because of him either. It makes sense that he would go out of hiding to help her.

Since Carlos Bernard is back on the lead cast, we can assume he will wake up from the injuries he sustained in the car bomb. His reaction will be as potent as that bomb. Tony is probably going to become the type of character we saw in Jack at the start of season two. Having Michelle leave him knocked him to below rock bottom, so having her murdered is going to bring out the “Death Wish” in him. It’ll be interesting to see how both Tony and Jack’s characters play out this season as far as their grief is concerned.

Jack is in an interesting position as far as his vengeance is concerned. Despite his survival, Jack Bauer’s record still lists him as deceased, so he doesn’t exist legally. This would allow him to exact revenge any way he chooses, as he did when he found out the last man at the yard was the one who killed Palmer. He probably would still blow away anyone responsible for his friends’ murders even if he was still on the radar. This is ultimate rogue for him. However, that will end as the season progresses; there may be a confrontation with the Chinese, who may find out that the person they thought was dead isn’t.

But before he goes rogue, it is weird to find Jack living a quiet life with a family. However, we see that he hasn’t lost much of what made him a master agent, as he quickly pulls a gun when someone knocks on the door. He also has a bag of tricks, filled with an unknown amount of weaponry. Jack is able to call Derek’s bluff when he asks about something that Jack did before they met. Derek doesn’t like him (how many guys like the guy who isn’t their dad who is dating their mother?) but that piece is meant to bring him into harm’s way when Jack has to take him hostage.

We knew that Jack’s calm suburban life would crumble quickly and Derek’s suspicion makes it messy. Of course, Derek’s mother Diana’s trust is a bit misplaced since Jack is there because of a lie. Jack must’ve never thought that he would be involved in his former line of work again, as we might have had last season’s finale been the last episode. However, the deus ex machina of Jack faking his death wasn’t as clean as they hoped.

I certainly don’t blame Derek for freaking out at the sudden change in his mom’s boyfriend. When he woke up, he thought Jack was “Frank”, the guy he’s supposed to hate. Within an hour, he sees what Jack is capable of, and that opinion changes completely. At first, he is rightfully scared, as Jack seemingly kidnaps him because he doesn’t want Derek to go to the police. Both Derek and Diane have right to be worried, as I don’t think Jack has hijacked a helicopter during the time he’s know them.

Chloe has come a long way since we first saw her. Originally, a character some found annoying, she has become an integral piece of the show (and after two seasons, finally admitted to the lead cast!) Now people are using the word “hot” to describe her! Of course, this is vital for the next big 24 love triangle between her, Edgar and Spenser (boo Spenser!) Spenser appears to be this year’s red herring as far as moles are concerned because of his less than cordial attitude towards Edgar, who he enjoys flaunting Chloe in front of.

Logan, who is now president (we don’t know if Keeler died or was just incapacitated following the strike in season four), hasn’t learned much since season four. Logan is obsessed with how he’ll look in the history books and keeping his wife out of the way more than having Palmer’s assassin apprehended and consoling a grieving nation. I'm surprised there wasn’t more action on behalf of Mike Novick or Aaron Pierce, who had meaningful relationships with Palmer, to convince the president otherwise. Regardless, Logan wants to go ahead with his photo op.

Martha Logan, his wife, is an interesting character; although some have cried that this storyline is too familiar of various tacked on personal storylines like Driscoll’s daughter last season. After seeing all four episodes of the premiere, I'm inclined to believe there is more to her than we thought and unlike Maya Driscoll, is directly connected to the conspiracy. Jean Smart is a bit like William Devane was in season four, a higher profile new addition to the cast, so they likely have some big things in store for her. We get the impression that she is unbalanced, but we don’t hear any specific mental disorder she has. Is there something wrong with her, or is the medication she’s taking the cause of her behavior?

It does bring to question why Palmer would want to talk to someone whose credibility would be questioned. Obviously, he wouldn’t want to talk to Logan because Logan was so ungrateful of Palmer’s invaluable help with the warhead (although he gladly took credit for the victory), but didn’t Palmer have any other friends in high places that he could relay whatever he knew to them? This is, of course, speculation because we don’t know what David wanted to tell her. What he knew of the conspiracy could be only appropriate for Martha to hear.

With these new terrorists, new questions arise. The season five prequel told us that someone hacked into Chloe’s system for the files relating to Jack’s “death”, but if they were going to assassinate Palmer and pin it on Jack, why were they chasing him in the prequel? This could be explained later. In addition, why do these terrorists want Jack to come out of hiding? Do they have a personal vendetta against him? Did they find him while planning this strike and in the process found a perfect fall guy? Or are they related to the Chinese? Why are they doing this today, when Logan is set to sign a treaty with Russia? It’ll be interesting to see the answers as this season plays out.

This was a fantastic premiere, possibly the best of the five. Killing off two of the central characters of the first four seasons was risky, but it paid off extremely well. The personal stakes are raised instantly, as is our personal interest. I also think with the new additions to the production staff (David Fury hurrah!) the dialogue has gotten significantly better, allowing more characterization. The writers were able to jump over the hurdle of how to get Jack back without making it contrived flawlessly. This could easily become the best season ever.

Score: 9/10