24: LIVE ANOTHER DAY Episode 8
Episode Title: “Day 9: 6:00 PM-7:00 PM”
Writer: Robert Cochran
Director: Jon Cassar
Previously on “24: Live Another Day”:
If watching government officials turn themselves over to terrorists and agents holding guns at doctors to force them to manhandle their patients seems familiar, then there’s a good chance that you’ve seen one of the previous nine seasons of “24.” The creative team of “24: Live Another Day” seems to have no problem coming up with action scenes, but a lot of these story beats are the same ones that we’ve seen many times before.
As always, there are full spoilers ahead. So if you missed last night’s episode of “24: Live Another Day” then you should probably skip this recap!
This Is Not a Great Plan
Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) is summoned to see President James Heller (William Devane), who goes on to inform Jack that he’s agreed to turn himself over to Margot Al-Harazi (Michelle Fairley) to prevent the drone attacks on London. Jack seems personally offended at the idea of negotiating with terrorists, but Heller’s loophole is that he’s resigning the Presidency and he’s only got a short period of time before Alzheimer’s destroys his mind.
So, Jack comes around to the idea. But he tells Heller that they’re going to need the help of someone on the inside. Amazingly, Margot seems serious about destroying five of the drones in return for the President’s surrender.
Wake The B**** Up!
Of course, Jack isn’t going to just give up on Heller. He informs Kate Morgan (Yvonne Strahovski) that they need Simone Al-Harazi (Emily Berrington) to talk even though the doctors insist that Simone will die if they wake her prematurely. So, Kate slips into Lady Bauer mode and she pulls a gun on the doctors to force them to revive Simone.
This time, Simone actually gives up Margot’s location while admitting that her mother will have escaped by now. But Simone also reveals that her late husband hid a device in the house that may be able to stop the drones. Shortly thereafter, a CIA strike team retrieves the device and uploads its contents to Chloe O’Brian (Mary Lynn Rajskub).
The Awkward Situation Room
The President’s pick to help him is his son-in-law and chief of staff, Mark Boudreau (Tate Donovan). Although Mark isn’t any more enthusiastic about Heller’s decision than Jack was, he agrees to help Jack smuggle the President out of the building. Mark promises to do everything that Jack asks for, including a distraction in the form of a staff meeting.
The Big Goodbye
Before he leaves, Heller gets a great moment with his daughter, Audrey (Kim Raver) as they remember better times together. Audrey doesn’t realize that her father is saying goodbye, but it’s emotionally satisfying for him.
Once the plan is in motion, Jack and Heller hilariously sneak out of the British compound. Heller even distracts one of his secret service agents before Jack knocks the man out and stuffs him in a bathroom.
Did Steve Find This Assassin on London’s Craigslist?
Meanwhile, in the subplot that no one cares about: Jordan Reed (Giles Matthey) calls Steve Navarro (Benjamin Bratt) for an emergency extraction… which only allows Steve to once again send the world’s worst assassin after him. Seriously, this trained killer is so inept that he lets Jordan get the drop on him and he still manages to get himself killed after he stabs Jordan in the chest!
Before Jordan is badly injured, he does seem to realize that Steve is the one trying to kill him. And back at the CIA control area, Kate a few others have noticed Jordan’s vaguely explained absence.
Mark Grows a Spine
Back at the British compound, Audrey stumbles upon Heller’s farewell letter and his letter of resignation. Audrey is incensed when Mark doesn’t try to hide the fact that he was in on the plan. Audrey even yells at Mark that she will never trust him again.
Then Mark the weasel actually finds his voice and declares that it was an honor to serve Heller and to assist him in his last request. Mark essentially tells Audrey that she can end their marriage if she wants to, but they will not try to disrupt Heller’s plan because that’s what he wanted. Mark doesn’t even tell Audrey that Jack is the man who is bringing Heller to his doom.
This doesn’t make up for signing Jack over to the Russians or forging Heller’s signature. But it’s the most character development that Mark has had in eight episodes.
President Carter… I Mean Crater
Jack gets President Heller to Wembley Stadium before the deadline. Unfortunately, Chloe and Kate’s new lead doesn’t pan out in time, so Heller goes through with the plan and positions himself in the middle of the field.
Margot and her son, Ian Al-Harazi (Liam Garrigan) can barely believe that Heller has gone through with the deal. But that doesn’t stop Margot from eagerly insisting that she personally fire the missile that obliterates Heller.
In the aftermath of Heller’s death, Margot enjoys a moment of smug satisfaction. And… no silent clock for Heller? That’s screwed up, “24.” The writers clearly remember the previous seasons, judging by the some very familiar plot twists have played out. But when a major heroic character dies, they’re supposed to get a silent clock at the end of the hour. It’s tradition, damn it!
Now it’s time for all of you to share your opinions about this week’s episode in the comment section below!
