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For Jack Bauer, it should be getting better by now.  He’s finally in possession of the recording that proves President Logan’s involvement in the assassination of President Palmer.  He’s in control of the plane and heading back to the airport.  And he has allies in CTU helping him out even as the U.S. military is searching for him.  It’s not perfect but it’s a lot better shape than he was in an hour or two ago.  What Jack doesn’t know is that the people working with Logan and the reach they have; for instance, the reach they have to send out signals that hijackers are in control of the plane and plan to use it as a weapon.  Once that signal is out, Logan can shoot down the plane and everyone in it, thus wiping out any evidence against him.

In case you’re counting, that’s now two seasons in a row that have had plots dealing with planes being shot down; last season’s bombing of Air Force One and now the diplomatic plane that Jack’s currently on.  The show’s producers wisely quickly get this plane dilemma over quickly before we get more of Jack on the run from the government.  Only this time, he has help from inside of CTU.  As everyone from Jack to Audrey to Chloe converge back inside CTU’s H.Q., it appears that the day may finally be over and justice will be done.

All the while, President Logan wrestles with his own conscience.  While he knows that the things that he’s been a part of today are horrible and terrible, he does believe that they were the right things for the country and for his Presidency.  Logan may be the best character introduced to this show since the beginning.  Last season after he took the oath of office due to Air Force One being shot down, he was weak and ineffectual at the job.  Former President Palmer was even brought in to “advise” and secretly lead the country during that crisis.  This season, he seemed even more weak and weasly but we now know that he’s part of a larger conspiracy.  On top of that, he’s dealing with a crazy wife.  With Jack and the late President Palmer, you always knew what you were getting.  Their actions were noble and predictable.  With Logan, he’s almost as crazy as his wife and keeps you guessing.  I’m actually willing to start up the Logan re-election campaign now.

With three more hours left, this episode sets up the endgame.  The good guys plans are falling apart while the bad buys machinations seem to go along unaffected.  This strong episode sets up the remainder of the season where it’s time for Jack Bauer to do what he does best: shoot people and save the country.

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