User Reviews

The season began with Arabic extremists being responsible for the nuclear attack on American soil. Then it turned out the NSA, led by Roger Stanton, was also involved. And then it was all revealed to be an elaborate scam concocted by some businessmen, Peter Kingsley (Tobin Bell) among them, in order to make more money thanks to a gratuitous war. And now, with only three episodes to go before the day ends, another element is "introduced".

The element is Sherry Palmer (Penny Johnson), returning to the show after more than ten episodes in which she was missing. The last minutes of the previous hour indicated she might be involved in the conspiracy (something that had already been suggested about fourteen hours before that), and so the majority of the 60 minutes that occur between 5:00 and 6:00 a.m. are spent showing an open confrontation between Sherry and Jack, who has never liked the former First Lady's methods. In other news, newly appointed President Jim Prescott gives his approval to the initiation of the already announced conflict with the Middle East, and Tony and Michelle decide to neutralize Ryan in some way in order to help Jack. Oh, and Kim's in trouble. Again.

That Mrs. Palmer was an unreliable, manipulative witch was obvious from her very first appearance in Day One (yes, it was that evident), but few could have predicted she would go as far as scheming against her ex husband at the expense of democracy. Clearly fond of her role, Johnson plays Sherry in typical femme fatale fashion which, paired with a new cameo by Tobin Bell, makes this episode one of the most enjoyable in terms of subtle acting. No complaints about her verbal duel with Sutherland, either. Bravo. Can't wait to see how this ends.

Jack goes to find Alex, the guy who put together the false tape. He is a computer nerd who is in way over his head. Who should show up but Sherry Palmer. Jack has to get Alex and Sherry to some sort of White House authority who will believe the story. Meanwhile, Tony and Michelle pretty much put their lives and careers on the line to assist Jack. The usual subplot with Kim having to do with the murdering wife abuser takes precious time that could be used to progress the plot.

Episode twenty-two sees Jack Bauer's mission reaching a fever pitch as he confronts the terrorists head-on. The episode begins with a high-stakes showdown, where Bauer's tactical acumen is put to the test. The direction is dynamic, with rapid cuts and intense close-ups that heighten the tension. The cinematography captures the urgency and danger of the confrontation, emphasizing the high stakes of Bauer's mission.

At CTU, the team is under immense pressure as they work to support Bauer's operation. Tony Almeida and Michelle Dessler's partnership continues to be a focal point, their interactions revealing the professional and personal stakes of their work. The writing skillfully balances the operational tension with character-driven moments, enhancing the narrative's emotional impact.

President Palmer's storyline also reaches a critical juncture as he deals with a major political crisis. The episode explores the ethical and strategic challenges he faces, revealing the complexities of his leadership. Palmer's interactions with his advisors and family highlight the personal and political stakes of his decisions. The subplot adds a layer of depth to the overall narrative, exploring the broader implications of the nuclear threat.

A standout moment in this episode is the high-stakes showdown where Bauer confronts the terrorists. The direction and cinematography are particularly effective, using rapid cuts and intense close-ups to convey the tension and urgency. This scene showcases Bauer's tactical prowess and the high stakes of his mission, making it one of the most gripping moments of the episode.

This episode has been acclaimed for its intense pacing and strong character development. The direction and cinematography effectively build suspense, while the evolving relationship between Almeida and Dessler adds emotional depth. Some viewers have noted that the relentless pace can be exhausting, but the episode successfully balances action with character-driven moments.

Furthermore, President Palmer's escalating political challenges add a rich layer of complexity, making his subplot both engaging and relevant. The intertwining of personal and professional stakes in Palmer's storyline continues to deepen the narrative. The episode's blend of high-stakes action and intricate character dynamics ensures a compelling watch as the season approaches its climax.