User Reviews

For pure inventiveness alone, this episode deserves a special place among the finest hours of 24's history. The previous hour's last scene hinted at the possible genius of what was to come, and the fourth episode of Day 4 exceeds those expectations with gusto and grit.

What's happened is Jack was following a suspect on the highway after rescuing Andrew Paige and said suspect stopped at a gas station. In order to keep him there long enough for Chloe to set up a satellite surveillance, something drastic was needed. Hence the brilliant decision of putting on a ski mask, entering the gas station's convenience store with a gun in full sight and staging a robbery. Too bad Driscoll has been tipped off by Sarah and Edgar (Louis Lombardi) regarding Chloe's behavior and is determined to stop Jack once and for all. On the other end of the line, Dina Araz has to resort to extreme measures when Behrooz's girlfriend discovers too much, and Secretary Heller and Audrey try to escape from their captors.

Yes, Driscoll is still the least interesting character introduced on the show so far, but this time her confrontation with Bauer is a truly tense affair, courtesy of the cleverness of the opening set-up and the added tension coming from the connected subplots. If the rest of the season - or at least most of it - stays on track like this, 24 will once again be able to assert its position as the most exciting thriller on television.

This is my second season of watching this show, having started with Season 3, and it continually amazes me how they like to show the C.T.U. office occupied by such untrustworthy characters. There's no way people of this caliber would be hired at a top- secret, high-security place like this....but it makes for good television drama. It's especially true in this season because you really have no idea who is on the level and who isn't, except for Chloe who seems to be Jack's only reliable friend, even if she is an extremely aggravating person!

Anyway, all this comes into play big-time on this episode and Jack continually needs help to keep his cover as he tracks down a terrorist named "Kalil." In this particular hour, his focus is maintaining his "robber" appearance at the gas station/convenience store, trying to stall for time to enable Chloe to keep cover safe via computer. But Jack has problems, as he always does, and people at the CTU are wising up fast to Chloe so things are tense this entire episode. Hey, that's fine with me; it makes for another interesting hour of entertainment.

I left a lot of things out, too, so suffice to say this 10-11 a.m. time slot is filled with a number of surprises and interesting side stories, one after the other. It wears you out, watching it!

In episode four of the fourth season, Jack Bauer races against the clock to prevent a major terrorist attack. The episode begins with Jack and his team following a lead that takes them to a suspected terrorist hideout. The direction is sharp, utilizing a mix of wide shots and close-ups to capture the urgency and intensity of the unfolding events. The cinematography enhances the tension, emphasizing the high stakes and the relentless pace of Jack's mission.

At CTU, Erin Driscoll faces mounting pressure as the investigation intensifies. She must balance her professional responsibilities with her personal struggles, particularly her daughter's deteriorating mental health. The writing explores themes of duty and sacrifice, adding emotional depth to Driscoll's character. Her interactions with her daughter provide a poignant counterpoint to the high-stakes action, grounding the narrative in personal challenges.

President Keeler's storyline takes a dramatic turn as he confronts political adversaries who seek to exploit the crisis for their own gain. The episode explores themes of power and manipulation, showcasing Keeler's strategic acumen and resilience. His interactions with political rivals add a layer of complexity to the narrative, highlighting the precarious balance of power within the administration.

A particularly gripping scene in this episode is the raid on the suspected terrorist hideout. The direction and cinematography work together to create a high-tension sequence, with tight shots and rapid cuts that convey the urgency and danger of the operation. Jack's tactical skills and determination are on full display, making this one of the episode's standout moments and underscoring his role as a relentless hero.

Critics have praised this episode for its intense action and intricate plot developments. The raid sequence, in particular, has been lauded for its execution and suspense. Some reviewers have noted that the rapid pace can be overwhelming, but the episode effectively balances action with character-driven moments.