User Reviews

Well, at least my earlier complaint or question about how such unreliable, less-than- honorable people could work at a high-security place like C.T.U., is shown to be a justifiable one. Right off the bat, in the first minute, the unit's director, "Erin Driscoll," along with "Curtis" agree to fudge the files to cover their butts because they don't want to get in trouble for hiring the person who turned out to be the mole! Unbelievable! Is anybody outside of Jack Bauer totally honest or competent? I guess a few, but not many.

One of them, it turns out, is the nerdy "Edgar Stiles." He's a sharp guy. What don't they give this guy some credit? They don't even say "thanks" for discovering the mole and doing all the good he's doing....like figuring a way to shut down most of the power plants before they melt down. Who else is doing this? The man gets no respect. So far, he's the office hero in this story. Bauer is the Rambo-Superman out in the field but good ole Edgar is more than carrying his weight with the computers, and that's saying a lot since he's a big boy.

Anyway, after last week's incredibly-dramatic with bombs and assassinations, we pick up with the continuing saga of how Jack and the crew is going to find this "override" device to stop six remaining nuclear plants from a meltdown, and we also have the story of the two Ariz family members - mom and teenage son - on the run, from their dad and his terrorist group who need to kill them.

The latter- the story of the Ariz family - is the bulk of the suspense in this episode. Without spoiling anything, all I can say is I was right in the previous comments that the father, "Navi," was in big-time trouble, thanks to the other two members of his family. Funny, but I am anything but sympathetic to the mom and son. Are we supposed to be?

This is an episode where the Ariz family is front and center. The boy and his mother are trying to stay alive, but good old Dad is out there. He has decided to kill both wife and son. Once Marianne is apprehended, the two top people at CTU make a deal to cover their tracks when it come to her hiring. Another couple of bad eggs running this top government agency. Jack and Tony are together. Tony's loyalties take over when push comes to shove. His life is a mess and this is a purposeful assignment.

In Episode 9, the tension continues to build as Jack and the CTU team get closer to uncovering the full extent of the terrorist plot. This episode is marked by a series of high-stakes decisions and moral dilemmas, highlighting the complexities of the characters and the dire circumstances they face. The direction is meticulous, maintaining a high level of suspense throughout.

One of the most striking scenes in this episode is Jack's desperate attempt to extract information from a reluctant informant. The raw emotion and intensity of this scene are enhanced by Kiefer Sutherland's powerful performance, which has been praised by critics from The A. V. Club for its "gritty realism and emotional depth." The episode also delves into the personal struggles of other characters, such as Tony Almeida, adding layers to the narrative.

The cinematography is particularly effective in this episode, using tight close-ups and dramatic lighting to enhance the tension. The editing is sharp, with quick cuts that keep the action moving at a brisk pace. The sound design also plays a crucial role, with a tense score that underscores the urgency of the situation.

In conclusion, Episode 9 is a compelling blend of action and drama, with strong performances and meticulous direction. The episode's ability to balance the high-stakes plot with character-driven moments makes it a standout in the season, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.