User Reviews

Well, here's the deal after the first few minutes. Chase and Jack are coming back to Los Angeles, Jack just having captured Nina. They figure Almador's headed to Los Angeles with the virus but they don't know his intentions. He is an arms dealer, not some biological terrorist.

Meanwhile, Sherry's the ex-wife of President Palmer, is hot on the trail of Alan Milliken, whom she thinks just might have killed a potential foe, someone whose testimony will put an end to Milliken's threats to Palmer.

At the office, Chloe is under watch by security because she brought a baby into the office and won't say whose the kid belongs to, and is acting a little strange.

This episode turns out to be a nasty woman one in which three females all do bad things, led by Nina, who tries to bring down the C.T.U.'s computers, Sherrie and Julia, both of whom stand and watch as Alan Milliken can't get his pills and winds up dead. Well, there's one threat eliminated. However, there is still Amador to catch. He's supposed to meet some guy named Alvers.

Another woman also plays a prominent role in this hour: Chloe, who helps get the computers back in line but her secret about the baby leads to a soap opera finish.

The first half of Day 3 was crammed with events, characters and shocks, and ended on a quite discouraging note (Amador heading to Los Angeles with the virus after giving Ramon Salazar a bomb that eventually killed him). The second half starts with the program's trademark relentlessness, taking full advantage of the real time and the presence of Sarah Clarke as one of the show's juiciest villains: Nina Myers.

With Ramon dead and Amador at large, Jack and Chase choose to take Nina back to the CTU. During the journey, however, she asks if she can make a phone call, and by using that trick she activates a computer virus that jams the agency's entire anti-terrorist network. Her terms: unless she's taken back to Mexico, there will be nothing left to save. As for the other manipulative woman, Sherry Palmer, she decides to confront Alan Milliken personally, a choice that might not pay off the way she expected.

This is one of the most tense episodes of the season, the entirety of the running time (well, almost) being devoted to the CTU's attempts to neutralize the computer virus. It's an exercise in textbook suspense that keeps the characters and the viewers alert all the time: relaxing is not an option here.

Additionally, this is the episode where awkward computer analyst Chloe O' Brian (Mary Lynn Rajskub) is allowed her first moment in the spotlight, anticipating her more prominent role in seasons to follow and proving she isn't just a "pain in the ass", as she was described a few hours ago.

Didn't Kim kidnap a kid last season and now she tries to put Chloe down for doing it? I don't remember Kim ever calling CPS!!! I'm starting to dislike Kim with every season!!!

As Jack, Chase, and Nina head back to LA, Nina plays a card. She tricks Jack into putting a worm in the computer system at CTU. The only person capable of doing anything about is Chloe, but they are so caught up in her having brought a baby into the unit, they are ready to ship her off to jail. Nina makes demands that they turn the plane around and head back to Mexico. In the other plot element, Sherry goes to the house of MIlikan and pulls quite a coup, leaving death in her wake. We get some satisfaction for a change, although that representative who stole the virus is on his way to make a connection with a guy named Marcus. So everything is back in the lap of CTU as we head into the 14th hour.

Episode thirteen of "24" intensifies as Jack Bauer finds himself in the middle of a high-stakes negotiation with Nina Myers. The episode begins with Bauer and Myers in a tense standoff, each leveraging critical information. The direction uses tight close-ups and deliberate pacing to highlight the psychological chess game between the two. The cinematography captures the claustrophobic atmosphere of their interaction, emphasizing the personal and professional stakes.

At CTU, Tony Almeida and Michelle Dessler face mounting difficulties as they attempt to trace the origins of the virus. The strain on their relationship is palpable, with both characters making tough decisions that challenge their morals and loyalty to each other. The writing delves deep into their personal dynamics, adding layers of complexity to their professional challenges.

President Palmer's storyline shifts focus to internal betrayal within his administration. The episode explores the theme of trust and deception, with Palmer having to navigate through a web of lies and political maneuvering. His interactions with his advisors and political rivals add a rich texture to the episode, providing a sharp contrast to the action-centric plotline of Bauer.

A standout scene in this episode is the negotiation between Bauer and Myers. The tension is palpable, with both characters playing off each other's vulnerabilities and strengths. The direction and cinematography work together to create a suffocating atmosphere, making the audience feel the pressure of every word exchanged. This sequence underscores the personal history between Bauer and Myers, adding depth to their confrontation.

Critics have praised this episode for its psychological depth and character-driven narrative. The intense focus on Bauer and Myers' dynamic offers a refreshing break from the action-heavy sequences, allowing for deeper character exploration. Some reviewers have noted that the slower pace may not appeal to all viewers, but it effectively builds suspense and emotional tension.

Moreover, the thematic exploration of trust and betrayal in Palmer's storyline adds a rich layer of intrigue. The episode effectively balances personal drama with overarching political stakes, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging narrative. As the season progresses, the intertwining of personal and professional conflicts promises even more riveting developments.