24 (TV Series) Day 4: 8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. (2005) User Reviews

The situation heats up

[MaxBorg89 · 8/10 · 6 February 2009]

That Jack Bauer is a bad-ass has been a well known fact ever since 24 made its first appearance. That he has problems with authority is also a given. It's a relief, then, that the opening episode of Day 4, for all its minor weaknesses (not very interesting new characters), was keen to remind us of Jack's official status as contemporary television's ultimate tough guy, with our hero risking jail time just to prove he was right and his former boss wrong (he tortured a suspect, you know).

Episode 2 picks up from that point, with Jack convincing Erin he's trustworthy enough to get reinstated for the time it will take to rescue Secretary Heller and Audrey Raines. She reluctantly agrees, knowing Jack is probably the best at following up on their only lead so far: Andrew Paige (Lukas Haas), a computer programmer who was in the wrong place at the wrong time (kind of typical, since Haas played the Amish boy in Witness) and is now wanted by the terrorists. While both fronts look for him, things get complicated for the Araz family when young Behrooz is asked to carry out an assignment and his girlfriend Debbie follows him to the warehouse that's being used to detain Heller. In addition, a video of the hostages is broadcast, with the terrorist leader announcing Heller will be put on trial in three hours.

From a character-related standpoint, the most interesting aspect of this episode is how Chloe O' Brian is allowed to become a nicer person than she was in Season 3, establishing her new role as Jack's primary ally (an element that will be developed in the future), while everyone else is practically the same as in the previous hour. Not that there's much time to nag about annoying characters: the real-time pace is still a killer, and that's why, even in its more "disappointing" moments, the show is nothing short of positively thrilling.

The Bodies Start to Pile Up

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 25 January 2019]

I'm not sure exactly what the bad guys are up to at this stage, but they've been working on it for four years. The poor hacker is being pursued because he was able to break through their wall. His colleagues and his mother have been murdered. One of the hard things about this show is the routine way the bad guys casually take a life. They are utter horrors. Jack returns with restrictions. He must follow orders from the guy that took his place and be in Erin's face. The Secretary of Defense is imprisoned, as is his daughter, the one Jack is in love with. It's going to be a rough 22 hours.

Jack Bauer continues his relentless pursuit to uncover the terrorist network responsible for the attacks

[fernandoschiavi · 8/10 · 4 June 2024]

In the second episode of the fourth season, Jack Bauer continues his relentless pursuit to uncover the terrorist network responsible for the attacks. The episode opens with Jack and his team piecing together clues from the train bombing, leading them to a suspected terrorist hideout. The direction employs a mix of wide shots and close-ups to capture the suspense and urgency of their mission. The cinematography enhances the tension, emphasizing the high stakes and the intricate nature of the investigation.

At CTU, Erin Driscoll faces mounting pressure as the investigation intensifies. She must balance her professional responsibilities with her personal struggles, particularly her daughter's deteriorating mental health. The writing delves into themes of duty and sacrifice, adding emotional depth to Driscoll's character. Her interactions with her daughter provide a poignant counterpoint to the high-stakes action, grounding the narrative in personal challenges.

President Keeler's storyline takes a dramatic turn as he confronts political adversaries who seek to exploit the crisis for their own gain. The episode explores themes of power and manipulation, showcasing Keeler's strategic acumen and resilience. His interactions with political rivals add a layer of complexity to the narrative, highlighting the precarious balance of power within the administration.

A memorable scene in this episode is Jack's raid on the suspected terrorist hideout. The direction and cinematography work together to create a high-tension sequence, with tight shots and rapid cuts that convey the urgency and danger of the operation. Jack's tactical skills and determination are on full display, making this one of the episode's standout moments and underscoring his role as a relentless hero.

Critics have praised this episode for its intense action and intricate plot developments. The raid sequence, in particular, has been lauded for its execution and suspense. Some reviewers have noted that the rapid pace can be overwhelming, but the episode effectively balances action with moments of character-driven drama. Additionally, Driscoll's personal struggles add a layer of emotional complexity to the narrative, promising further intense and unpredictable developments as the series progresses.

Who Can You Trust?

[ccthemovieman-1 · 6 November 2007]

Things intensify as Jack bargains to temporarily reinstate himself with the C.T.U. with hostile boss, "Erin Driscoll" (Alberta Watson). He gets some help from Chloe, who actually is pictured in a positive light, which is rare.

Speaking of women, boy does it look like there are very few likable and trustworthy ones in this show, at least at the beginning here. "Driscoll" seems mean, the terrorist teen boy's girlfriend "Debbie" is a royal pain in the butt and the kid's mother always is making faces so something is up with her. I don't like Jack's girlfriend, either, but maybe that's just me.)

The men aren't exactly feel-good people, either, but not as annoying as these women, except for the Secretary of Defense's son, who is a real piece-of-work. The Secretary. "James Heller," seems pretty solid and it's good to see veteran actor William Devane play him, but outside of he and (Keifer Sutherland as "Jack Bauer," is anyone a nice person, capable and trustworthy? We expect the villains to look bad, but the "good guys" too?