24 knows how to do finales. Even season 6, an absolute train wreck of a season, had a good finale. This episode didn’t disappoint either.
The big thing that happened in this episode was, of course, the death of Audrey. I enjoyed the fake-out of her death. Deaths on this show are done for one of two reasons: for shock value (see David Palmer), or emotional value (see George Mason). In this case, the death came for both reasons (albeit the latter not arising until a good few minutes later with Jack). 24 often gives us those moments of false hope, and I feel that it strengthens the impact of the character’s unfortunate fate. The issue I had with the scene was Kate's reaction to Audrey's death. Her overdramatic reaction was unwarranted due to the lack of companionship between them. The sudden pause with Kate holding Audrey (when she was still standing) was laughable, and the look Kate gave Audrey as she held her was that as if they were a lesbian couple. I'm not buying the instant deep connection from Kate, not one bit.
What was brilliant to see, however, was Jack’s reaction to the news. Quiet moments are a rarity on this show, which makes it that much more important when they do come. Kiefer Sutherland played it to perfection. His portrayal of Jack has always been superb, and this was one of his best moments in the role.
Jack’s near suicide was followed by a scene reminiscent of the season 1 finale. It’s always fantastic to see Jack go all… well, Jack. His grief was, as it usually is, channelled into anger, and he proceeded to launch a one-man screaming assault on Cheng’s men. It was incredible to watch, and it culminated in the long-awaited decapitation of Cheng.
Speaking of fantastic reactions, William Devane and Tate Donovan really brought their ‘A’ game in this finale. Mark’s quiet admittance to Jack that Audrey loves him was superb – it was almost as if he realised it just as he said it. Donovan is equally fantastic later in the episode as he sees Heller on the floor and realises that Audrey had died. The look of devastation was conveyed beautifully by Donovan.Devane’s final two scenes are superbly played too. The collapse followed by a slight shake of the head was great to see. It was, however, his final scene in which he really stood out. Short monologues are seldom seen on 24, but like those aforementioned quiet moments, they are brilliant when they come.
Heller’s speech about his Alzheimer’s was incredible to watch. It’s so sad to watch Heller suffer like this. I love how the show toed the line as to whether it was a good or bad thing for Heller: Is it good that he forgets what happened to Audrey, or is it bad that he forgets he had a daughter? Devane delivers it to perfection.Similarly to season 8’s finale, Jack admitted how much he needs Chloe. Their friendship has come so far since her introduction in season 3. Jack had no hesitation in trading himself for Chloe, and that was to be expected. She is, really, his only remaining friend, and after just losing Audrey, he was never going to let Chloe die.
In the end, Jack got into the helicopter with the Russians (though not before threatening the guy) and as they flew away, the silent clock played. I’m still not sure as to how I feel about this ending in relation to the season 8 finale. I’m sort of leaning towards it being better, purely because at the end of season 8, Jack was desperate; whereas the ending here is him totally at peace with what’s happening. Decrypting the CTU files (for the final time):
- TWO SILENT CLOCKS. That’s the first time it’s ever happened.
- How awesome was Jack and Belcheck’s raid on the docks?
- They used the same music in Heller’s scene at the airfield as when he was at Wembley in episode 8.
- Kate left the CIA. Considering all she’s been through, not really surprising.
- They showed the actual decapitation. Odd for a broadcast network to show something so gruesome.
- I feel really sorry for Ron (the President’s aide). He had to keep so many secrets AND tell Heller that Audrey had died.
- WHERE IS THE SEASON 10 ANNOUNCEMENT FOX?!
So, what did you guys think of the finale? Let me know in the comments below. Also, for the season review, we’re going to do a roundtable podcast, so look out for that in the next couple of weeks.
Great review! When Jack learned about Audrey I thought "oh no, we know what happens now, full revenge mode!!!"
ReplyDeleteAbout Kate, the way I see it, her reaction to Audrey's death wasn't about her, but because she promised Jack that she'd rescue her and keep her safe. After everything that happened with her husband, I think she saw an opportunity to redeem herself by helping Jack save the day and by helping Audrey, only to fail in the end, that's why the desperation, the several "I'm so sorry" to Jack and her quiting in the end.
Overall, it was a fantastic season, and I think the shorter season worked better. I wouldn't mind for 24 to come back again, actually, I would love for it to come back again!
I'm curious to know why is there a Comic Con panel if the season is already over, could it mean that an important announcement is on the way?
Thanks. I had no issue with her call to Jack, but the immediate reaction as she was shot was just unnecessary.
ReplyDeleteI don't know. Hopefully they'll announce a season 10 at Comic Con.
Pleassssse Season 10
ReplyDelete"The issue I had with the scene was Kate's reaction to Audrey's death. Her overdramatic reaction was unwarranted due to the lack of companionship between them. The sudden pause with Kate holding Audrey (when she was still standing) was laughable, and the look Kate gave Audrey as she held her was that as if they were a lesbian couple. I'm not buying the instant deep connection from Kate, not one bit. "
ReplyDeleteI disagree with this a bit. Her reaction was not about having this connection to Audrey, but a character that operates very similar to Jack, she basically let herself down and Jack down at the same time. She also gathered, despite that I think she also has feelings for Jack too, that Jack and Audrey were close, and I think this also reminded her of the loss of her husband. However what I think made the scene great was when she finally told Jack, it was at the PERFECT time, because it gave him the adrenalin to take out all of those men!!!
Great Review Bradley! Sorry I wasn't more active during the season, but I have been super busy and was a few episodes behind on and off! I really enjoyed the season, especially Kate (YS became one of my favorite actresses since her role in Dexter--I now know what the Chuck fans were talking about!!!)
I'm hoping part of season 10 (And you're right, WHERE is that announcement, FOX?) will be about a rouge group (Chloe, Kate, and maybe Tony) looking for Jack! (I hear it might be spin-off-ish, because KS allegedly doesn't want to do much anymore)!
Kate´s reaction wasn't so weird to me, she let the Presidents daughter die on her watch when she thought she saved her (that alone would have been enough) and she knew that Jack had a relationship with her ( she listened to Jack's and Audrey phone call + her husbands comments).
ReplyDeleteI really liked Kate's character, she was a perfect fit for Jack, nothing romantic but they were thinking alike. I so hope there is going to be a Season 10!
I can understand why Kate choose to leave the CIA......first she learn of her husband was wrongly accused of treason and then she fails to save president daughter.......I guess she cannot handle it anymore.....
ReplyDeleteNikita Fan you are dead on with your Reply I felt the same way when watching that scene. As a team/partner Jack and Kate were perfect for each other
ReplyDeleteThanks. I have been a 24 fan from day one of the series, and it amazes me how they manage even in season 9 to find somebody who clicks instantly with Jack on screen as much as Kate did. If there is going to be a season 10, I hope Kate and Chloe work together to get Jack out of Russia. I certainly would like to see her again on 24.
ReplyDeleteI am with you on that
ReplyDeleteI thought the episode was a great finale, but I remain incredulous about the Audrey storyline and how that all went down. I've expressed thoughts in other comments. At least one other online reviewer has expressed a similar concern. Basically after you've done something so many times it starts to lose its impact. I feel that way about the Audrey storyline. That, and it felt like they shoe-horned the shoe-horn so that they could shoe-horn this event into the story. I do appreciate the impact, but it felt like it didn't really fit with everything else that was going on.
ReplyDeleteMainly thinking that Cheng wouldn't have had the time to orchestrate the whole thing while on the run. Too many questions. I guess he had contacts inside the Chinese embassy, which is likely how he learned that Audrey was exposed. But why not have a second sniper instead of some random guy lurking at the park. Wouldn't random guy have seen Kate and co show up and blow it up then?
I realize this is all kind of nitpicky, but it really have a hard time getting past it.
I like Manny Coto's "fantasy" of having the Russians needing Jack's help on something only he can do LOL
ReplyDeleteAlso, we need a DVD extra or webisode where Kate and Chloe nab the sniper who killed Audrey.
The thing is that Audrey's efforts did not to help capture Cheng. Instead, she and her friend at the Chinese embassy die - for nothing.
ReplyDelete