24: Season 3, Episode 2Day 3: 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. (4 Nov. 2003)After Goss' infected body is dropped at the hospital Jack and Chase begin to trace his last known locations while CTU tries to figure out how the virus is gonna be unleashed to the public at large. Once they figure out it's gonna be spread through cocaine shipments CTU begins to track down drug dealers in East LA. President Palmer considers canceling the debate. Director:Jon Cassar |
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If the writers of the show wanted to shock audiences for good, they certainly managed to with the last scene of the Season 3 premiere: Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) reaching for a syringe filled with heroin, in broad daylight, inside his office where everyone could have caught him.
Fortunately, he throws away the needle at the last minute, as he and Chase have to go follow up the lead of the infected corpse that was dumped at the hospital an hour earlier. Turns out Hector Salazar is in fact behind the threat and planning to release the virus via a teenage drug dealer, Kyle Singer (Riley Smith), who believes he's transporting the usual stash of illicit substances. Additionally, Chase tells Jack about his relationship with Kim, stirring yet another mixture of conflicting emotions. Politics-wise, President Palmer considers canceling the debate, while Wayne suggests a most unethical way to deal with Senator Keeler.
This second episode lives up to the promises of the season premiere by building real characters with genuine flaws and feelings. Newcomers like Chase and the Salazars are flesh-and-blood individuals after less than two hours of screen-time, and the established regulars have their charisma intact. Further help comes from the unexpected developments waiting behind the corner. In particular, Jack's drug addiction raises the stakes higher than ever: there have always been hints of darkness to his persona (hell, he executed the bad guys of Season One in cold blood); now he has become a more complex figure, fully deserving of his status as one of television's edgiest, most compelling creations.