24 - Season 5 Episode 23 [SAFE]

Reviewers on IMDb highlighted Sutherland's "riveting" performance, capturing Jack's descent from a professional operative into a man driven by pure, vengeful determination.

First Lady Martha Logan plays a critical role, using her influence to stall the President long enough for Jack to gain access to the helicopter, Marine One. Critical Impact & Reception 24 - Season 5 Episode 23

With the immediate terrorist threat over, the focus shifts entirely to President Charles Logan, the season's ultimate antagonist. The episode begins with Jack Bauer in a

The episode begins with Jack Bauer in a race against time to stop Vladimir Bierko, who has hijacked a Russian submarine and intends to launch twelve multiple-warhead missiles at American soil. Jack forms an uneasy alliance with his former mentor-turned-villain, Christopher Henderson, to infiltrate the sub. In a brutal final confrontation, Jack kills Bierko by snapping his neck while the terrorist is locked in a scissor hold. Once the missile threat is neutralized, Jack finally

Once the missile threat is neutralized, Jack finally settles the score with Henderson. After Henderson attempts to shoot Jack with an unloaded pistol—a final test of Jack's resolve—Jack executes him in cold blood. Jack justifies the killing by citing Henderson's direct responsibility for the deaths of American icons David Palmer, Tony Almeida, and Michelle Dessler earlier in the season.

Jack informs CTU that he is going rogue to take down the President.