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by Frederic Germay
It really looks like 24 is pulling itself together for these last few episodes, yet I find myself asking the same question that so many other fans are probably asking -- why couldn't have this happened sooner? The sixth season has fallen far beyond the other seasons in terms of quality, and in some episodes, it seems as if the writers may have even given up already. However, the season premiere, the Jack vs. Fayed episode, and last week's episode have been some of the best episodes in the series. Apparently, the maintenance of quality is a difficult task when series start to run into more than five seasons…
Enough about the bad, let's focus on the good! The first 20 minutes or so were jam-packed with action, even more so than last week's episode. Jack switched into full-power superman and took out more men than Doyle's team combined! Jack even managed to achieve the near impossible -- make Morris' character slightly interesting by persuading him to grab a terrorist in a chokehold! What's even more amazing is that Jack actually caught up with the seemingly invincible Cheng, and managed to recapture little Joshy Bauer. Too bad Cheng escaped, though. At least now, the 24 writers will be able to give his character more reasons to outlive his welcome! *rolls eyes sarcastically*
Turns out Bauer Sr. wanted Josh to come with him to China, and in exchange he would provide the Chinese with the circuit board. However, when Cheng failed to present the boy, Philip decided to push the buttons of an already ticked off Vice President Daniels. As for Daniels, I actually am glad that he has something else to deal with, besides repulsively pawing after Lisa. Knowing that her character probably won't play a part for the rest of the season, I guess its fair to say that she got her comeuppance for attempting to dupe Michael Shanks. Somebody had to go down for allowing such a lame plot twist to live for so long!
Unfortunately, there were also negatives in this episode, a fact that is starting to feel like a natural occurrence. Morris had to make his character annoying once more, by dragging Nadia down into the self-pity pool and adding unnecessary soap-opera drama to an otherwise good episode.
As for the ending, I must congratulate the writers and directors for executing that scene beautifully. I love how Josh was carried out in the helicopter, and Jack was held down by what seemed like an army of CTU personnel. Judging by a few spoilers that I was able to unearth about the finale, a little mystery person in a car might very well dignify the exit to an incredibly disappointing season. Fingers crossed! I give this episode a 8/10.
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