Day 5: 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

I have to point out how amusing it is to see Timothy Omundson playing a Russian terrorist. Not to discount the man's acting abilities, but this is Lassiter wielding a gun and barking orders. It'd kinda funny.

But the episode isn't all that humorous, with Jack going undercover as a software guy to track down the nerve gas - an effort that drags him into an attack on a shopping mall. Not the "Die Hard" scenarios at the airport from a few hours ago, but the guy still walks out a hero.

8/10

i've gone five seasons in this series without missing one show, but this one is so stupid i wished i had. as someone who worked for police at both airport and police HQ of a major metropolitan area, i was flabbergasted at the moronicity of the writers on this one. when told they can move in at anytime on the terrorists, the writers try and make this look believable as jack sits on his tush because of a president who is a coward and no one else has the moral courage to stop known terrorists from releasing a deadly nerve gas on a shopping mall in the unlikely event that their chances are any better after they have been complicit in the cruel deaths of potentially thousands of shoppers. this was really, REALLY ridiculous. I do not know of any leaders of police, Intel, or Emerg services who would have let this happen. ANd i just read the reviewer who agreed with the ''manly thing'' (read in actual point of fact - cowardly) to do because some dipstick POTUS who can't make ANY decisions and a brand new fat little neocon substitute ''leader'' (read - frightened yes man rear seat QB) at CTU decide to let hundreds of people suffer and die right in front of themselves! What a cockamaney FARCE this one was and if i didn't think the usual writers were coming back with some sanity i'd have trashed the whole series along with this - the dumbest and stupedist episode ever written for a major series!

Marked by intense action sequences and significant character revelations. The pacing remains brisk, with each scene contributing to the overarching narrative's complexity and urgency.

A standout moment in this episode involves Jack's daring escape from a heavily guarded facility. The direction is exceptional, with dynamic camera work and quick edits that heighten the excitement. Critics from Variety praised the episode for its "exhilarating action" and "sharp, suspenseful storytelling," noting how it maintains the show's high energy.

The episode also delves into the psychological aspects of Jack's mission, exploring his mental and emotional state. Kiefer Sutherland's performance is compelling, capturing Jack's relentless drive and underlying vulnerability. The supporting cast continues to deliver strong performances, adding depth to the characters and their interactions.

Visually, the episode excels with its use of split screens and real-time action, creating a sense of immediacy and urgency. The sound design is equally effective, with a pulsating score that underscores the tension. The cinematography employs shadows and contrasting light to enhance the mood, while the editing ensures a smooth and engaging flow of events.

In summary, Episode 8 is a thrilling continuation of the season's narrative. The combination of intense action, strong character development, and effective direction makes for a captivating hour of television. As the story unfolds, the stakes continue to rise, leaving viewers eager for the next episode.

While this had the usual action scenes, it lacked reality. To think that because one guy may lead them to the canisters, they would sacrifice everyone in a shopping mall is ridiculous. What would happen is Jack would kill the terrorists and wait for the next opportunity. Mike and the President show their cowardice again when they decide to make Cummings death look like a natural reaction to depression.