Have you ever read the excellent Agatha Christie mystery novel, And Then There Were None? This episode reminded me of that title. Not that we’re there yet — Jack is certainly not finished meting out judgment to everyone who had a hand in Renee’s death. But man, he took care of a lot of business in the space of one hour. Body count, anyone?
In case you didn’t know this already, Logan is someone you do not want to get involved with. He will always do what’s best for him, not you. President Taylor keeps taking his advice and in the same breath groaning that she should never have taken his advice. Hello! Here’s a suggestion — stop doing it. Logan’s “help” never does anyone (in 24) any good. The Russians could testify to that, but they’re all dead. Poor old Pavel got eviscerated for nothing. Logan spilled the beans and gave up the Russian delegate’s name before Jack could even growl “Mr. President” softly in his ear.
Logan may be an odious creature, but I have to give props to Gregory Itzin for this performance. He really stood out tonight, from beginning to end. I loved that scene between him and Taylor at the beginning of the episode (which screamed “Serpent tempting Eve”), and wasn’t his meltdown in front of Jack totally intense? You could feel Logan’s terror when Jack marched up in that black mask and smashed the windshield. Wow. Yes, I’ve become an Itzin fan. He’s created a truly fascinating character, and this episode was a fabulous showcase for his talents.
Next week is the big season finale — and the series finale! I’m psyched for it after this awesome hour. Here are a few more thoughts on tonight’s installment:
Did I mention how psyched I am for the 2-hour finale?! If you have predictions, please do share.
Clacked by Ruby T.
on May 18, 2010 @ 09:00 EST5EDT
Great episode! Everything with Logan was priceless and I felt the same serpent and Eve thing with him and President Taylor. Itzin is looking more and more Nixon-like, isn’t he? I just thought he was terrific and the scene in the tunnel as Jack approached in his armor was amazing, shocking and hilarious all at the same time. As for Dalia, we know her reaction from the previews as she shouts, “You betrayed me!” I’m not worried for Jack because of the impending movie, but from what I’ve read he still will not get a happy ending for the series finale. But could they kill him and make the movie a prequel and bring back President Palmer and perhaps reboot the whole operation?
I know, I’m really looking forward to Dalia yelling at the President. :-D
Wow, a prequel – that’s an interesting idea. You know, maybe all this movie talk is just meant to throw us off so that we’re really shocked when Jack dies in the finale. I don’t know. I can’t wait to find out.
Yeah, I can not wait for Monday to get here! I’d love to see a prequel movie. I think out of all the presidents Jack has worked under Palmer is still the fan favorite (and they could bring back Edgar too!). I like Taylor, but she has been so easily manipulated by Logan that I just see the worst coming for her. After this season, there’s no way she could be in the movie if it took place following this season’s events. I just hope Jack and Chloe have some resolution – if he lives.
OK – What an episode! I have so much more respect for Gregory Itzin’s acting ablitlies! He was AWESOME! Can’t believe there is only 2 more hours! I will miss my Monday nights with Keifer/Jack!
Now, I think that Jack will “die” next week. “Die”, just like Jim “died”. The name Jack Bauer will cease to exist, but the man will be alive, well and ready for the big screen! Also, I believe that Meredith was smart enough to make a copy of the “disc” and has it hidden somewhere!
Either way you slice it, (Ciao Pavel), next week’s LAST episode is gonna be one hell of a ride! Just like the past 8 seasons!
Thank you Keifer Sutherland!
-Jack attacking Logan in the tunnel was just amazing. Itzin actually looked like he about to wet himself when Jack showed up looking like War Machine. The man can play a weasel like a pro.
-Chloe or Cole are doomed. If Chloe dies there will be a fan uprising though so I guess Cole is screwed. Chloe can’t die until the movie.
-Unless he shows up next week, this is the 1st season without Aaron Pierce. Boo.
The preview said something about a “shocking end” – I think if Jack somehow ended up killing Chloe, that would be pretty shocking.
Masterful episode. I’ve loved Gregory Itzin’s work ever since his two guest spots on Deep Space Nine. Completely agree with every compliment everyone above has afforded him.
Jack is terrifyingly and remorselessly competent when his emotions shut down and his training takes over. His assault on Logan’s transport and his rampage through Novakovich’s goons reminded me of nothing so much as his calm and methodical slaughter of the Drazen clan in season 1.
I think Jack judged Logan’s babbling confession correctly. The number of people that can hold out when Jack is threatening them directly can be counted on the fingers of one hand. The bug was just evidence of his thoroughness, as well as a nice call back to Martha’s bug. Logan has tried to get Jack killed, but had nothing to do with Renee’s death, and is not worth the cost of Jack’s bullet.
So do you think Logan will survive this season, Ryan? Or perhaps he will still die as collateral during Jack’s vendetta?
I didn’t think the show would kill off Logan at all, but if it was going to happen, it would have happened last week after that amazing confrontation. It won’t work as well dramatically if Jack has to visit him a second time just to finish him off. Logistically, as well, Jack only has two hours to kill both Pillar and Suvarov, as well as experience whatever resolutions he will have with Chloe, Cole, and Taylor, so I don’t think he’ll have the time left over. Perhaps if Logan was riding in Suvarov’s helicopter or limousine which is blown up by Jack, but Logan’s headed to the hospital once again, so I don’t think he’ll be in close proximity to any of the designated targets.
Of course, the Acting Director of CTU could always draw her sidearm and delete him for trying to kill Jack again. :)
Loved the episode and love all your comments. It would’ve been smarter to keep the movie on the down low. If they had ,what with Jack being wounded, straying the wrong way(hence threatening to ruin his hero image) and his comment about not planning to return, I would’ve been seriously worried. No way they’d kill him now – it’d be the worst, most disappointing trick ever played on an audience. Things that keep me on the edge: Jack is one step away from that “Tony point of no return”. Is Tyler gonna wake up? How the hell is Jack gonna get vengeance on the Russian President – surely killing him would start world war 3? Is it just me or does it feel like they’re gonna leave a lot of stuff open and take care of them in the movie or not at all(not unheard of in previous seasons but I’d really like a satisfying, full circle kind of ending to this amazing series where I’m not left wondering “Hmm so whatever happened to ….”).
Oh, guys! You are in for such a good time on Monday! I’ve prescreened the finale, and it’s amazing. Awesome action, fantastic twists, some hilarious moments, some deeply moving moments. I can’t wait to read your comments on Monday night after you watch it. My review will be posted promptly after the finale airs, so come back here for your debrief! :-)
Tease. Shame on you :-)
Awesome episode this week, just got around to watching it.
Finally 24 is fun again. That sense of everything is possible is back. Finally. Can’t wait for Monday :-)