George Mason was always kind of a prick, but - with the help of a death sentence and a touching interaction with his estranged son - the writers were able to humanize him in a very short time. The same thing will happen to an even bigger jerk next season. It's a neat trick and not all that easy to pull off.
This episode is anything but a light and fluffy affair, with the bomb having to be flown out into the desert. Who volunteers for this suicide mission? You guessed it. This gives a chance for Kiefer Sutherland and Elisha Cuthbert to play one of the show's best scenes; and even though Jack cheats death at the last minute, this is really all about that one scene. And their teary farewell is a unique opportunity to really inject emotion into the show.
It's also a testament to incredible plotting. It's not just Jack and Kim, but Jack also shares an excellent pep talk with George. That flight is a perfect vehicle for sending Mason out in a blaze of glory. You weren't ready to like the guy (even just a few episodes prior), but the hero's sendoff feels well-earned.
Season high-point, to be sure.
10/10
This episode is anything but a light and fluffy affair, with the bomb having to be flown out into the desert. Who volunteers for this suicide mission? You guessed it. This gives a chance for Kiefer Sutherland and Elisha Cuthbert to play one of the show's best scenes; and even though Jack cheats death at the last minute, this is really all about that one scene. And their teary farewell is a unique opportunity to really inject emotion into the show.
It's also a testament to incredible plotting. It's not just Jack and Kim, but Jack also shares an excellent pep talk with George. That flight is a perfect vehicle for sending Mason out in a blaze of glory. You weren't ready to like the guy (even just a few episodes prior), but the hero's sendoff feels well-earned.
Season high-point, to be sure.
10/10