24 – Can you think of any more ways to torture Jack?

Woah. I need to sit back and digest this episode, because a lot happened.

You know, just when I thought they couldn’t possibly hurt Jack even more than he’s already been hurt, they find a way. When Renee was shot, my gut told me, “She can’t possibly die. That would be like Teri all over again. That’s just too cruel. There’s no way they would do that to Jack after all he’s been through.”

What was I thinking?! Of course, that’s exactly what’s they’d do, because the title of this television series was originally supposed to be Torturing Jack Bauer (test audiences preferred the shorter 24).

So just minutes after having “coffee” with Renee, Jack suffers yet another devastating loss. And we have our second silent clock in a row (overkill, if you ask me — no pun intended). How is this going to affect Jack? Will this turn into a revenge story? Or will he take it in stride, since he’s no stranger to personal tragedy? I know one thing for sure — that Russian hit man is in trouble.

Speaking of the Russians, tonight it was confirmed that they are very much involved with the terrorists’ plot to foil the peace conference. The Russian delegate made very little effort to hide his country’s stance toward the accord, and I guess he will soon be thinking of how best to knock Mrs. Hassan off before she can sign it.

Yes, that’s the other thing. As expected, Dalia Hassan was invited to carry on her husband’s work and was made provisional president of the IRK. I love that scene where Kayla freaks out about it, and Dalia basically tells her, “Get it together, woman!” The Ice Queen has been my favorite first lady on 24, and I’m thrilled that we’ll be seeing even more of her character.

Yet another major development was the return of President Logan. Forgive me if I sigh dramatically at this point. I’m not excited to see him again. This reminds me of all those times David Palmer decided to bring Sherry back to consult — as if she were an indispensable advisor — when he knew (and we knew) that she was going to do something criminal or insane eventually. In this case, President Taylor clearly senses that Logan is up to no good, despite all his protestations about wanting to redeem himself. I actually want to believe that he’s changed, because that would be interesting (to me, anyway) — but the ominous music that plays over the scene after Taylor has agreed to let him “help” strongly suggests otherwise.

I cannot conclude without mentioning Chloe’s promotion to temporary head of CTU New York. Congrats, crazy lady! Although Hastings was a decidedly bland CTU director, I do appreciate how graciously he handed over the reins to Chloe. She jumped right in, swiftly assessing and handling Cole’s situation with Samir. I think she’ll do all right, despite the gaping void where her people skills should be.

Quite a packed episode — what did you think? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.

Clacked by Ruby T.
on Apr 13, 2010 @ 09:30 EST5EDT