24 Live Another Day Series Blog: 22.00-11.00

We’re eleven hours in to 24: Live Another Day, and Jack Bauer has defeated a drone plot, saved London from devastation, saved the US President’s life, arrested a remember of the CIA for being a mole, and brought about the murder of a Russian politician. Now, in the space of twelve hours, condensed into one, Bauer simply has to prevent nuclear war between American and China whilst still being wanted by the Russians. With the challenge of a time-jump that has never been done before in 24 history, the finale to Live Another Day dealt well with coping with the different storylines before the season’s end.

(source: tenplay.com.au)

One thing that is clear from the start of the episode is that things did not look good for Audrey, one of the show’s most beloved characters. She spent most of the episode pinned down by a sniper, making it clear that the Chinese would not let her get out alive. This was a fact that Jack seemed to know, despite putting Kate on a mission to save her. Meanwhile, Jack went down to the Southampton docks to apprehend Cheng who was trying to flee the country with the help of the Russians. With Chloe’s aid, Jack and Belcheck began systematically taking out Cheng’s men, Chloe’s feed, however, is soon detected meaning that Kate had to act fast in order to stop Cheng ordering Audrey’s death. Kate moves in just in the nick of time, saving Audrey whilst Jack moved in on Cheng. Whilst going back to CIA headquarters, a second shooter suddenly appears, shooting Audrey. As hard as Morgan tries, Audrey quickly dies with simply a tear rolling down her face receiving a silent clock as the finale reaches its midpoint.

Minutes later, Kate phones Jack to tell him the tragic news. He is speechless. A static close up lingers on Sutherland’s face as the actor delivers an Emmy winning performance as he is in complete and utter despair, with the thought that everyone close to him dies evident on his face. There is a moment where Jack takes out his gun and it is unclear what he will do, but then he hears Cheng’s men nearby and his face turns to uncontrollable anger as he quickly shoots all of the men in quick succession. The only men left alive are Bauer and Cheng as they fight but Jack’s sheer anger meant that Cheng had no chance as he was quickly unconscious. Cheng’s capture quickly convinces the Chinese President and war is avoided. Bauer then takes the opportunity to kill Cheng, taking his head off with a samurai sword in classic 24 style. After leaving the boat, Jack tries to find Chloe but finds that she’s, once again, been kidnapped. Someone soon calls and arranges to meet Jack to get her back. It is soon revealed to be the Russians wanting Jack to hand himself over.

With the ’12 hours later’ time-jump coming ten minutes before the end of the season, plot lines are quickly wrapped up with Boudreau revealed to be heading back to the States in custody and the President boarding Air Force One with Audrey’s coffin which is draped in an American flag. He states that when he returns, he will resign from office as he bleakly admits that his dementia will soon set in and he will forget that he even had a daughter, let alone the tragic manner in which she died. In standard 24 fashion, it is a sad ending for the Hellers.

The friendship of Jack and Chloe has been one of the staples of 24 since for many seasons and Day 9 returned to the roots. Jack soon forgave Chloe for helping Cross and seemingly turning her back on him but they were soon back working together with Chloe stating “I’m the only friend you have left, whether you want to admit it or not. With the time-jump showing Jack hand himself over to save his best friend, he stated “You were right what you said earlier, about being my best friend” and the pair briefly held hands before Jack disappeared into the helicopter with neither character knowing when, or if, they would see each other again. The episode closes with a silent clock as Jack leaves for Moscow to face the consequences for the crimes that he committed in the name of justice for his country. A silent clock was used once again, causing some to question whether Jack will die in Moscow as this is the first time it has been used specifically for Jack, but nothing is certain.

24: Live Another Day has been a critical, commercial, and creative success with fans and critics alike praising it with the ratings also being high. Live Another Day certainly lived up to the best seasons of 24 as emotional punches were thrown, the drama continued and the show’s trademark suspense was bountiful. With 24 having a panel at this year’s Comic Con, cast members wishing for its return, and fans being open for a return, Day 10 does not seem completely out of the picture. With Jack being held by the Russians, there is certainly possible storylines for a new season, mini-series or film and there is certainly no reason to rule out a return for Jack Bauer.