What lengths will Jack Bauer go to in order to save all of mankind? We’ve seen him dance with the White Lady Devil in season three; he exposed himself to the Sentox Something-or-Other nerve gas with only his trusty hoodie to protect him in season five, and of course, he lost his wife in season one. And throughout the years, Jack has been framed for this, framed for that — it can’t be easy being Jack, can it?
And tonight, Jack is framed again, for the murder of Senator Mayer. Larry and other police investigators are on the scene; Larry is reaching his limit of understanding what Jack is made of. He calls Ethan and breaks the news about Mayer. Both men get in a bit of a blame game discourse, and when they hang up, Ethan slumps in his chair, realizing that his culpability in the day’s events was significant.
Well played by Bob Gunton, Ethan Kanin has been a red herring character. We saw him deliberately lie to Henry in the early hours regarding Roger’s death. He also conveniently went to the Pentagon during the White House attack. He was against the U.S. invasion in Sangala. But he seemed to redeem himself here and there during the course of this day.
Now, he must pull himself together to do the right thing. While Allison is having a tender moment on the phone with poor Henry – who is still in the hospital – Ethan steps into the Oval Office. He tells her about Mayer, they both have trouble believing that Jack could really be capable of the murder, Allison got to know Jack while they were in the lockdown (no smirking!); she was initially not his biggest supporter at all. But because Jack is the main suspect right now, and because Ethan sanctioned Jack’s release from custody, he knows that there will be fallout, and he wants to protect the President from the mess.
Allison does not want to hear it, but she ultimately knows that Ethan is right. Shortly, Olivia goes to see Ethan while he packs up his office, apologizing for their previous discussions. They smoke the peace pipe, Ethan only bogarts a little, and all is fine. Veerrry fine now or at least in the confines of Ethan’s office. Olivia sprays herself with some perfume, leaves and makes a phone call.
Article comments
1 - Clare
Thanks, Mary, for the entertaining recap!!
And now: are they really going to kill Jack this season? Now that I'm thinking about it, Kim just showing up to see her dad (I gather she's supposedly coming on this season) might be last goodbyes. And oh yeah, Keifer himself mentions losing Carlos Bernard in the cast - twice... the message boards are all over that spoiler! So right now, I'm thinking the inhaled "fragrance" might be ending things, (for Jack, at least), how about you?
2 - Mary K. Williams
My gut reaction is No. It just does not feel that way to me.
Also, and admittedly IMDb is not the be-all and end-all, still KS has no new projects visible, plus he's confirmed he'll be back in Season Eight.
Of course, he could just appear as some sort of amorphous being, appealing to his protegees to "Search their feelings" and "use the Protocols...dammit!" Qui-Gon Jack, right?
3 - Dr Dreadful
As I understand it, Kiefer is signed on for Season Eight and the much-vaunted feature film. I don't think any decision has been made on whether 24 will continue after that, possibly sans Jack.
Besides, chemical and biological weaponry - and indeed any other normally fatal agent - seem to have very little effect on major characters in the 24 world - remember President Palmer miraculously returning from the dead after being assassinated by Mandy at the end of Season Two? Not to mention Tony now running around quite happily after being killed by death (a.k.a. Robocop) a couple of years back.
Then again, the announcement that Sutherland is committed to another season might just be a smokescreen. 'T would be great shock value, that's for sure, but might also result in the producers and writers of the show being lynched.
4 - Clare
Ha, I like the "amorphous being". Good one.
Yea, for sure, I'd be the one to lynch the producers/writers. The thought of bawling over the loss of America Hero #1 (who no one remotely appreciates despite his numerous sacrifices!!) is not a pleasant one. At any rate, it's semi-reassuring to hear that KS is on for season 8...though I don't necessarily trust that they'll follow through, esp. with Keifer previously admiting "interest" in the charater's possible demise. I guess it's time to stop being such a spoiler addict and go along for the ride!
5 - Dr Dreadful
Speaking of characters coming back from the dead, I fully expect a surprise appearance by Ryan Chappelle this season, nursing a grudge against Jack and complaining of a really bad headache.
6 - Mary K. Williams
Good points Dr. D. We all love when 'we didn't see it coming' - but will the Powers that Be go that route for the sake of the thrill? Just doesn't seem likely.
But not impossible.
7 - Mary K. Williams
Exactly Clare - We all signed on for "the ride", it's the ride that drives the rest.
8 - Clare
Mary, I've missed reading your new recap for hour 16 this week! I hope all's well with you; maybe I'll be lucky enough to enjoy them next week...
9 - Mary K. Williams
Sorry Clare. I did watch, and started taking notes. However this week I decided I was not going to write anything up. Been a tough week here, and I can't promise what next week brings.
This is the first season in several years that I've actually not done ALL the recaps. It's very weird for me, but this is just the way it is.
Thanks for the interest Clare!
10 - Clare
You are very welcome! I completely understand, hope next week turns out a bit better. Must be that spring fever in the air. Take care.