It was an entertaining episode, but looking back on last night's Hour of Bauer, I can't help but feel that we were spinning our wheels a little bit.  24 is a master at this.  We feel like, as an audience, a lot has happened, that the episode was action-packed, but when we step back a little it becomes clear that not a whole lot of story was given to us.  I think that was the case last night.  Maybe I'm crazy. 

Here is a recap of last night's episode, in an easy to digest, non-linear fashion.


Jack Bauer

Jack is told by Chang, the evil Chinese man, what he needs to bring in exchange for Audrey's well-being.  Chang wants the circuit board off of one of the Russian nukes.  Apparently, this circuit board will reveal all of the Russian defense secrets.  Jack has a slight crisis of conscience because, well, if the Chinese got that circuit board it could start World War III.  Jack only thinks of Audrey, however.

Jack calls Chloe and gets her to help him get the information off the nukes.  Chloe is reluctant, but like a good Chloe, she gets the circuit information off of Morris' screen, the only one with access to that info.  She uploads it to Jack's PDA.

Back at CTU, Morris notices that someone accessed his screen (it was Chloe).  He's about to call security, but Chloe stops him and tells Morris about everything (Audrey, Jack, the Chinese).  Morris can't keep it a secret and is about to go tell Buchanan, but Chloe decides that she'll tell him. 

Jack enter the room in the warehouse where they are keeping the nukes.  He bullies the two armed guards watching the nukes into allowing him to take the circuit board.  Jack tells them that he's on presidential orders to take the board back to CTU.  He's almost done, when Doyle barges into the room (on orders from Buchanan, who heard the whole story from Chloe), gun in hand, and tells Jack to stand down.  Jack reluctantly does.

Now handcuffed and under custody, Jack requests a phone call to Buchanan to explain everything.  Jack explains everything.  Bill is sympathetic, but can't allow Jack to go through with it.  Jack asks for one favor: to speak with President Palmer.  Jack gets Palmer on the line, explains everything.  Palmer is sympathetic, but can't allow Jack to go through with it.  But, then, Jack vows that he will do anything to not allow the Chinese to acquire the circuit.  He will strap himself with C-4, making this a suicide mission.  The President allows Jack to go through with it.

He calls Chang back and gets a tentative location to head to before calling again.  Doyle is pegged to be part of the extraction team.  They head out.


President Palmer

Everyone is happy about stopping the nuclear threat.  Palmer has a talk with Lennox about what exactly, he has on VP Daniels.  Lennox tells him about the tape recording in which Daniels conspires to commit perjury.  Palmer is happy to hear that.

Palmer brings Daniels in for a meeting.  He tells him about the tape that Lennox has and asks for Daniels' resignation.  Daniels is a tad bit devastated.  He has a bizarre, sexually-charged scene with his secretary, lamenting their situation.

Palmer addresses the nation from above-ground.  His speech is short and direct, but when he begins to take questions, he starts fumbling over his words.  He stutters.  Suddenly, he collapses violently on the ground.

Palmer has had a cerebral hemorrhage and will be out of commission for quite a while.  It is very serious.  This means, of course, that VP Daniels is back in charge.  He immediately takes a look at the President's agenda and inquires about the Bauer mission.  When he learns about the Chinese and the Russian circuit board, he immediately orders CTU to call it off.

Bill Buchanan calls Doyle, who drives the van that only he and Jack ride in.  He tells Doyle that the mission has been called off and that Jack is to be brought back to CTU under custody.  Doyle thinks he's played off the call well, but Jack senses what's up and pulls a gun on Doyle.  He has Doyle immediately pull over, which he does.  

Jack drives away, alone, in the van.


-Oscar Dahl, BuddyTV Senior Writer

(Image Courtesy of FOX.com)