While watching the last minutes of the series finale of 24, I had a very bad feeling about what was happening. Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) is on his knees with a gun pointed to his head. The guy with the gun is about two seconds away from pulling the trigger, and I start thinking, "Damn, are they really going to kill Jack Bauer?" Then the guy gets a call from President Taylor. Jack’s reprieve is brief because, after Jack gets on the phone with her, Taylor basically tells him that he’s as good as dead. The Russians want him. The Americans will be after him too. Get out of the country. Run, Jack, run.
Jack makes one last call to Chloe. It is fitting that one of the fixtures of this show during all 192 episodes (the cellular phone calls between Jack and Chloe) is what ends it. Jack and Chloe talk. He thanks her for covering his back all these years. Chloe starts crying. Jack asks her to protect his daughter Kim and her family. Chloe says that she will as more tears fall. A drone hovers in the sky above the 59th Street Bridge, and Jack looks up at it one last time. Bleeding, beaten, and bruised, it’s a haunting image of Jack as he stares at the camera. Chloe utters the last line of dialogue in the series: “Shut it down.” The picture goes out and the iconic on screen clock clicks backwards to zero hour. Series over; Jack gone.
The true 24 fans will probably love that Jack did not die, even though it is like he is dead. He will never be Jack Bauer again. His family life is destroyed and his chances for a normal life along with it. By making him a man without a country, without a persona, Jack will be forced to do what Jack does best: survive and kill to survive. In essence that is what he has always done. It is left to our imaginations as to how he will do what he needs to do, but we have no doubt at all that he can and will do whatever it takes.
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Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
beauteous, thanks Vic! So will you miss LOST or 24 more?
2 - Victor Lana
Eric, having both go out in the same year is tough. Knowing the 24 movie will be along someday does soften the blow, but Lost is over forever because they're all dead, so I guess that's a bit harder to take.
3 - Alanna McKenzie
My heart was breaking for Jack. I can't believe it's over. For me, it not only was the fastest hour on television, but likely the most riveting series ever, esp. because I worked for the D.o.D. for so many years. Well written review, Mr. Lana!
4 - Victor Lana
Thanks for reading this article! I appreciate your comments.
5 - Dixie Normous
I just seen jack this afternoon..At a bar in NYC..drunk as a pickle.
6 - Victor Lana
Well, the character "Jack" Bauer certainly earned the right to have a few cocktails after all these years. I'd say the guy who portrayed him did too.
7 - Cindy
Nice review and opinion. I am still watching 24 season 8. I was thinking Jack is going to die in this final season, so I can't wait and find your blog instead. This TV series is very addictive and exciting at the same time.
8 - felicitas ibeh
24 jack is and example to those that love justice and honesty.
9 - Chloe
I've only just started watching reruns of the show.. I'm really getting into it and will have to try not to think about the end now lol
10 - Janet Cook
Watching 24 had kill a lot of my time. I feel very bad for Jack Bauer on the final season. He should have been released from all this duties and spend the rest of his live with his family. Now, he has no where to go and a wanted criminal. That is just so sad.
11 - Stacy Flores
OMG! 24 was the most intense series. I had recently started watching it on Netflixs. All it took was one 43 min. episode and I was hooked.:) Kiefer, if may call you by your first name. You made Jack Bauer come to life. I just wanted to say that I enjoyed 24. Also, wanted to say to all the other cast members.You all complimented each other well throughout the seasons.
12 - Lamija Cherry
The last season of 24 should have ended with Jack Bauer pardoned since he saved the country from terriosts every time and he should've gone home to LA with Renee Walker and his family... :( It's unfair he lost every woman he ever loved, and didn't have his true happiness in the end.
13 - Lamija Cherry
P.S: I'm a true Jack Bauer fan, own all the seasons, and heard there's a 24 movie coming out. Better be a "happy ending" or i'll kick some director butt.