24: Season 5, Episode 16: Day 5: 10:00 PM - 11:00 PM Review

Day 5: 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Original Airdate: April 3, 2006
Writers: Manny Coto and Sam Montgomery
Director: Jon Cassar

With no more nerve gas, 24 had to continue the urgency frequent in the 15 episodes preceding it. Luckily, they have a major conspiracy to topple in 9 hours. The final minute reveals the deepest layer behind the conspiracy, one that may be considered a cheat, but has largely been seen as a genuinely good surprise and an interesting angle to finish the season.

It's no surprise that Jack survived the blast (albeit without some cool burn on his face). Bierko surviving is different. While this could indicate that the writers have something planned for him, they could easily have spared him because of what they could possibly do with him later.

Since the gas crisis is over, Homeland Security now feels ready to absorb CTU. While to some degree this makes sense, overhauling personnel is going to be costly to CTU's operational capability. The nerve gas attack was a devastating blow, but as Buchanan said earlier, they want to fight back. Considering Henderson is still on the run and Jack knows that there are higher ranking conspirators at large, it would make sense to keep those who can work on so they can work alongside Homeland Security.

The absorption is made worse when Miles tries to get Audrey to turn against her friends by signing the incriminating form. Obviously, she wouldn't betray those she's worked alongside all day and those she's known for some time unless she was forced. Audrey is in an impossible situation, and ultimately has to betray Buchanan so Chloe can stay and work with Jack. This tactic seeks to divide and conquer CTU and it appears to have worked for now. But still, why wouldn't Audrey get her father involved?

The lack of continuity from Wayne being incapacitated last episode to functional with a mild wound to his hand this one is frustrating, but considering what they do with his character, it is forgivable. Since Tony died, there hasn't been anyone else (besides Jack) closely connected to those who died in the beginning of the season. Wayne's presence reminds us of what has been lost, refreshing our desire for them to get justice. It's stuff like this that shows that what happened at the beginning of the season wasn't just a cheap stunt.

Wayne reveals that Evelyn, of all people, knows the truth about what killed David Palmer. This seems a little weird considering how she probably should've been fired several time from being Martha's assistant. Logistics (including why Evelyn would have a house in LA) aside, it's unclear how long Henderson has had Amy and whether that has affected how she's worked today. Wayne and Aaron are right in assuming that Henderson will kill them after they have the evidence and of course, the only person they know to call is Jack. Having these three working together to avenge Palmer is great to see.

After the wackiness of his season three plotline, DB Woodside, like many cast members, is getting time to shine this season. Jack and Wayne play off each other very well. Wayne wants justice/revenge, but Jack knows that it takes something to kill someone (if anyone knows that, it's him). Of course, Wayne is in position where he has to kill someone for the sake of their mission. It turns out that he does have it.

Gardner does about everything possible in the suspicious red herring playbook, from lurking in the shadows to his surprise that Wayne made it to the compound (despite authorizing it, perhaps this scene was originally written for Logan) to gutting CTU to the editing choice at one of the act breaks that made it look like Henderson and Gardner were talking. Considering all this sneakiness, it would be too obvious to have him be the one behind what's happened today.

Evelyn refuses to divulge what she knows to Jack and Wayne, giving us the cliffhanger at the end of the episode. What could've been a simple rescue mission becomes more complicated when Evelyn is shot in the leg. Since they know at the end that Logan is behind the conspiracy, they can't drop her off at a hospital while they pursue whatever leads they can to get Henderson. It places them in a difficult position where almost all of their allies are dead or unable to provide significant help, while the leader of the country is the least trustworthy of all.

Of course, the final twist has been the most dissected bit of the episode. Having Logan be the mastermind behind it all saves us from the obvious Gardner angle, but does this twist really work or is it another instance of the writers pulling something out of their hats? Throughout the season, Logan has been a character who couldn't make a decision about what to watch on TV, much less anything involving national security. How could he be behind the American conspiracy?

There is a way to explain it without throwing out all the characterization we've seen so far. From the beginning of this season, Logan has been obsessed legacy. As Walt said earlier, the nerve gas was never meant to be used on Americans, but specially activated later. Averting a major attack would be a significant boost to his standing as president. However, things didn't play out that way: the Russians found out they were being set up and turned the tables. Since then, Logan has been doing damage control. They won't have to rewrite much of his character. Logan has always been weak, and that can lead to cutting corners and they have dire consequences. Is also explains why Palmer wouldn't want to speak with Logan directly about what he knew.

The hierarchy of this conspiracy is worth discussing, since those at the bottom (Walt) didn't know who was really in charge (Logan). Nathanson hinted that he may have known, but only Henderson directly contacted Logan about their plans. Clearly, this is meant to protect Logan.

While some may cry foul over the latest development, this season has been so well done, they can clearly handle it in a way that continues the intrigue and suspense we've seen so far. It is frustrating how some of the characters are behaving, but it fits well for the show, giving us more reason to root for our heroes.

Score: 8/10