Jack and President Heller endure the unthinkable to thwart the terror attacks of Margot A-Harazi. Meanwhile, Jordan faces a life-or-death struggle and Kate takes drastic measures to track down Margot before it's too late.
"6:00PM - 7:00PM" happens to be the 200th episode milestone for the 24 franchise. So, it's only fitting that the hour features a classic trope of a character heroically giving their life in the battle against the terrorists to better the greater good. It's a powerful device every single time the show has done it. And yet, the frequency that it's been done has somehow never really lessened the moments themselves. The show has always replenished the ranks of memorable supporting characters that it can let live and die at any given moment. William Devane has been outstanding this season as President James Heller and this episode especially is a wonderful showcase. He's a man who has come to terms with the circumstances. Like always, there simply is no time left. The deadline is quickly approaching and the only reasonable option is for Heller to meet Margot's demands and sacrifice himself and trust her that she will destroy the remaining drones.It's a powerful story solely centered around these characters beliefs. Heller started this season advocating for drone rights in London. That was the only purpose of his trip across the pond. And yet, he's had to sit back and watch as Margot has taken over control of six U.S. drones to do whatever she pleases with. She has all the power in this dynamic. She wants justice for Heller killing her husband in a drone strike years prior. She won't let anything risk exposure of their hideout or compromise their mission - going so far as to kill her son-in-law and try to kill her daughter. She's willing to put innocent lives at risk in order to get what she perceives as just. She never expected Heller to surround to her which would force her hand and cause the destruction of London.
But he did call. He knows what needs to be done and his mind has been made up. And that completely throws Margot off. All both have to go on is the other's word. Either side could be deceiving the other. Margot is hoping Heller is at Wembley Stadium at 7:00PM and Heller is hoping that she will destroy the drones after his death.
The true wild card, as always, is Jack. He's fighting for more time while also battling a man who has made his final decision. Jack pleads that there has to be another way. But there isn't. The true turning point comes when Heller drops the bombshell that he has Alzheimer's. That's ultimately what sways Jack into complying with the plan. He's letting a man choose how he goes out of this world. Heller dies as a hero and not as a shell of his former self. Jack and Heller have had their disagreements in the past but they both recognize the need for this to happen. What really got to me was when Heller mentioned that Jack would be doing the exact same thing if the roles were reversed. Jack is always the hero, putting his life on the line in order to stop terrorist attack after terrorist attack. He's closed himself off to the world. His life is his work. There's only a select few people out there that he actually loves - and his exile hasn't been the best thing for any of those relationships.
The hour also tries getting our hopes up. Kate and Chloe may have found a way to hack into the system controlling the missing drones. They just need enough time to do it while working under less than ideal circumstances. The concept of time has always been a rich quandary on 24. The clock is ticking down and decisions have to be made in the height of the moment. The people in this line of work have to be able to live with anything that they let happen as a result. Jack, Heller and company couldn't live with themselves if they allowed any further destruction of London. But it's all for naught. Chloe made progress but not enough to keep Heller from walking out onto that field to accept the missile coming towards him.
It's a devastating conclusion. The aftermath of which should prove to be very interesting. Four episodes remain this season. Will Margot stick to her world or will some new twist force those drones to stay in the air and Heller's sacrifice to be in vain?
Some more thoughts:
- "Day 9: 6:00PM - 7:00PM" was written by Robert Cochran and directed by Jon Cassar.
- So when Heller negotiates with Margot, it's a personal choice rather than the state's policy because he's resigning. And yet, later on, he still has the power to give Jack a Presidential pardon?
- That pardon will also lead to even more of a headache for Mark and the Russian government.
- It's just devastating watching Audrey learn about what her father has just done and then to learn that Mark knew about it the whole time and didn't tell her. This could be the straw that breaks the camel's back with that relationship.
- Given the risen terror threat, Jack and Heller slipped out of that government building way too easily!
- Jordan being able to realize it's Steve trying to get him killed is the most redeeming part of that story.
- Oh and it seems that something's coming up on the horizon involving Adrian, Steve and Chloe as well. I can't wait! (He said sarcastically).
- Damnit. Heller deserved a silent episode-ending clock.
