Day 5: 1:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m.

Captured/Recaptured. Henderson's middle name. Bad things are going on at CTU but we can tell from Karen's expression that she is smelling a rat. Chloe and Buchanan are working from his house as Jack tries to figure out what to do about a plane that is taking off. The President gets a promise from his wife that she will keep her mouth shut. Hard to believe that he would go for that. Also, he is now vulnerable because the recording is being held as currency in case he tries to kill Henderson. There is another one of those last second shots just as one of the good guys is about to be killed. This is getting a bit cliched. Still, one of my favorite episodes.

Even as the cast of shadowy players grows (beyond even President Logan), Peter Weller holds his own in the villainy department. Cornered by Jack, Henderson unloads his contingency plan and sends Secretary Heller driving over a cliff. Grief-stricken Audrey really intensifies the standoff between mentor and protégé; and even when Henderson is arrested, his spectre seems to loom.

Hope comes in the form of Karen Hayes, now wise to Logan's actions, and finally starting to aid in the operation. But that recording's still at large, and Jack is right back on the hunt. A gripping episode and a fantastic teaser for the next.

8/10

Both Peter Weller and Paul McCrane played in the original Robocop.

Episode 19 of "24" Season 5 continues the relentless pace and high stakes established in the previous episodes. Jack Bauer is pushed to his limits as he uncovers more layers of the conspiracy he's fighting against. The episode begins with a tense sequence where Jack is on the trail of a critical piece of intelligence. The tension is palpable, with the narrative expertly weaving together action, suspense, and strategic maneuvers. Each scene is meticulously crafted to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, and the plot twists are both surprising and engaging.

A particularly memorable scene in this episode involves Jack infiltrating a high-security facility. The direction is outstanding, with the use of dynamic camera work and tight editing that captures the urgency and danger of the situation. The action is intense and well-choreographed, creating a sense of immediacy and excitement. The episode also balances these high-stakes moments with quieter scenes that explore Jack's emotional and psychological state, adding depth to his character.

Character development is a highlight, with Jack's resilience and determination taking center stage. Kiefer Sutherland's performance is as compelling as ever, showcasing Jack's ability to navigate through seemingly insurmountable challenges. The supporting cast also delivers strong performances, adding layers of complexity to the story through their interactions and personal struggles. Themes of trust, loyalty, and sacrifice are explored, providing a richer context for the unfolding events.

Visually, the episode is impressive, with effective use of lighting and shadow to create an atmosphere of tension and suspense. The sound design and score are equally effective, enhancing the emotional and dramatic impact of the action. The episode concludes with a dramatic cliffhanger, setting the stage for the next chapter and leaving viewers eagerly anticipating what comes next. Overall, Episode 19 is a masterful blend of action, drama, and character development, maintaining the high standards of the series.