User Reviews

Remarkably, the two greatest TV Presidents of all time were both involved in a 25th Amendment-related story during the 2002-2003 season: the fourth season of The West Wing ended with Josiah Bartlet (Martin Sheen) invoking 25 so that he could deal with the abduction of his daughter without running the USA at the same time; and in the second season of 24, David Palmer finds himself ambushed by his own Vice President, Jim Prescott.

Prescott invites Palmer to a hearing where the entire Cabinet will decide whether the President is able to serve as Commander in Chief. These drastic actions are motivated by the fact that Palmer still believes the Cyprus recording was deliberately forged in order to trigger a war. Everyone else, though, firmly believes the imminent conflict is justified, and that attitude extends to the CTU, where Ryan Chappelle makes it practically impossible for Tony and Michelle to help Jack. As for Bauer himself, he's headed to the last known location of one Alex Hewitt, the man who supposedly created the fake recording.

With the identity of the real villain disclosed to Jack and the audience, the main source of tension in this episode is the hearing organized by Prescott: using everything that has happened throughout the season (especially the torture of Roger Stanton), the VP stops at nothing to achieve his goal. Naturally, Palmer reacts with dignity and integrity, making Episode 21 Haysbert's finest hour in Day 2 and showing Aaron Sorkin (the creator of The West Wing) isn't the only one capable of making politics dramatically relevant. In addition, the twist (again) at the end of the show proves how unpredictable and satisfying network television can be. In fact, it can be better than most cinematic thrillers.

Dennis haysbert shines bright with his acting prowess..our very dear driver from Heat. Overall this season is fast paced and highly bingeable. Current crop of showrunners need to take notes.

It would seem that in a single day a President who found a way to prevent the deaths of 250,000 people would get a little pass from his hand picked people. But here the Vice President builds a kangaroo court and convinces all these "loyal" folks that David Palmer is out of control. Jack searches for the person who made the false tape that is driving all of this. But there is another surprise to carry us to the next episode.

In episode twenty-one, Jack Bauer's quest to thwart the terrorists reaches a critical point. The episode opens with Bauer orchestrating a daring operation to intercept a key target. The direction is tight, with fast-paced editing and dynamic camera angles that capture the tension and danger of the mission. The cinematography emphasizes the high stakes, immersing viewers in Bauer's high-risk endeavor.

At CTU, the team faces increasing pressure as they analyze the latest intelligence. Tony Almeida and Michelle Dessler's professional and personal relationship continues to develop, with their interactions revealing the strain and stakes of their mission. The writing effectively balances the high-stress environment with moments of character-driven drama, enhancing the narrative's emotional impact.

President Palmer's storyline also escalates as he confronts a significant political crisis. The episode explores the ethical and strategic dilemmas he faces, revealing the complexities of his leadership. Palmer's interactions with his advisors are marked by tension and conflict, adding depth to his character and the overall narrative.

A particularly striking scene in this episode is Bauer's daring operation to intercept a key target. The direction and cinematography are particularly effective, using quick cuts and dramatic angles to convey the tension and urgency. This scene highlights Bauer's tactical skills and the high stakes of his mission, making it one of the most memorable moments of the episode.

Critics have praised this episode for its strong pacing and character development. The direction and cinematography maintain a high level of suspense, while the evolving relationship between Almeida and Dessler adds emotional depth. Some reviewers have noted that the relentless pace can be challenging, but the episode successfully balances action with character-driven moments.

Additionally, President Palmer's storyline provides a compelling counterpoint to the action, enriching the narrative with political intrigue and moral complexity. This balance ensures that each subplot enhances the overall tension and depth of the series. Episode twenty-one sets the stage for an explosive final act, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the next developments.