Each season of 24 is easily set up into three parts, each with its own threat. The first eight episodes had the CTU going after Sergei Bazhaev and the nuclear rods. The next eight episodes had the CTU going after Samir and the nuclear robs, which already was a nuclear device. Now we're hitting the final eight episodes of the season--and with the world a shambles, after the death of President Hassan and his peace treaty--who will we go after?

It's pretty easy to assume that we're still going for Samir. President Hassan's murder is not something that President Taylor will let slip, especially considering that Jack got so close to saving him. Also, the move makes things a bit more complicated in the international arena: President Taylor can still wage war against Kamistan, after rogue efforts within the country subverted what could be a breakthrough in world affairs.

But as we've seen in the past few weeks, President Taylor's biggest asset (and perhaps her biggest liability, judging from Rob Weiss' thoughts) is her idealism. She'd probably say, "we are so close to this peace agreement and I can't just let it go like that." Thus, with the treaty in the water and her reputation at stake, she has to reach out to someone she doesn't want to reach out to: disgraced President Charles Logan.

Yes, say hello again to Gergory Itzin.

Tonight he returns to reprise his crazy president role, he who masterminded a handful of terrorist attacks himself. After being stabbed by his crazier wife, almost dying, and eventually disappearing from public view, President Logan returns to help President Taylor flag up the peace agreement that is a critical part of her administration. If only there is still a peace to uphold--frankly, after what happened last week, things should get really intense. The silent clock says it all.

While that's happening, Chloe gets new responsibilities, as CTU reels from the discovery of Dana being a mole. I presume she'll do things better anyway--and Arlo will really stare at her eyes rather than in other body parts. (I still wonder what Cole has to say about this, but I guess he's effectively sidelined.) As for Jack? He'll make an unprecedented emotional decision--a move that, considering recent events and Jack's promise to protect President Hassan at all costs, could mean the unthinkable. So unthinkable, I can't even think of it!

24 returns tonight from 9pm on Fox.

(Image courtesy of Fox)