In the days leading up to the series finale, there was great speculation that Jack Bauer would die in the end. The producers and writers obviously knew better than to let that happen. Besides a 24 movie in the works, there are the residual elements that benefit from a breathing Jack Bauer as opposed to killing him off. For example, when the inevitable eight-season DVD package hits the market, people are more likely to invest those hard earned dollars in something that keeps their favorite character alive in their imaginations and in any other configuration likely to follow. Will there be 24 novels, cartoons, comic books, video games, and action figures? Of course there will be, and they will be more marketable with fans thinking Jack is out there somewhere in the world.
The series finale scored some points early on in the first hour when Jack kidnaps ex-President Chucky (your friend to the end) Logan’s lackey Pillar (acting head of CTU), and forces him to stitch up the wound in his side. As Pillar sews Jack up, Jack points a gun to his head and basically explains his actions not only in this season but for all eight seasons of the show.
He tells Pillar that he would have accepted justice through the law, but President Taylor blew the opportunity for that by becoming part of the cover-up. This is when Jack decides to take the law into his own hands. He then has no choice but to become “judge and jury” for those nefarious characters who have plotted to set off a nuke in Manhattan, kill innocent people, and leave Renee Walker and other law enforcement people dead in their wake. This has always been Jack’s motivation, and he is finally able to speak the truth. He will right the wrongs, he will stop the bad guys from winning, and he does not care who or what gets in his way.
Pillar gets knocked on the head for his trouble and Jack goes upstairs in the building across from the UN. His plan is to get Chucky to call Russian President Subarov into the office, giving Jack a clear opportunity to nail the bastard who ordered Renee's death with his sniper rifle. At this point Jack has recordings implicating Subarov, Chucky, Taylor, and a partridge in a pear tree to boot. Chucky knows this and is shivering worse than a guy in his skivvies in an outhouse in January.
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.