24 is an iconic action-thriller TV series that lasted for years. At first, the conceit of the show might seem rather gimmicky. It takes a moment to acclimate with the real-time storytelling, which sometimes caused issues. However, the writing was consistently sharp, even when it was redundant with traitors. That’s because 24 successfully added a human element to the traditional action story. Jack Bauer is a no-nonsense agent with a very particular set of skills, to be sure.
But he isn’t without his flaws, and he does attempt to maintain his relationships, keeping him relatable. Let’s review how fans rated the best and worst of this memorable show. It’s ranked from bad to worse, and good to best. Spoilers!
Worst: Day 8: 8:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
It should be duly noted that literally none of the lesser 24 episodes have an awful IMDb score. Even when this show is operating at its slowest, it’s still pretty effective. It can have a tendency to break off into more uninteresting tangents, but the overall story remains intact. It’s only a matter of pacing. So, to be fair, season 8 began with two-parters for the first four episodes. This selection immediately followed, and basically reigned in that breakneck speed.
Renee is asked to reenter her cover identity with the Russian mob, and the decision causes a lot of disagreement. That struggle between Jack’s hesitation and Renee’s determination is actually pretty captivating. In fact, there’s a lot of politics all around, including among the terrorists. So, despite some compelling dialogue, the only offense here is the abrupt change of pace.
Best: Day 5: 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
It’s significantly easier to find moments to love in this show. This is the episode that killed Edgar, who had become a surprisingly likable counterpart to Chloe. The suspense of the nerve gas attack is a very iconic moment in the show’s history. Of course, attacking the CTU headquarters was still novel at that point. And the Sentox gas also manages to kill dozens more. The episode wasn’t afraid to end on a sad note, and even the closing clock is uniquely silent. It was a devastating loss, compared to the minor setbacks that usually hinder our heroes.
But the infiltration was well balanced by engaging drama. Kim finally learns that Jack is still alive, and their reunion is very moving. Kim was frequently a frustrating character, but it’s a genuinely heartfelt scene, featuring some of her best acting.
Worst: Day 7: 4:00 a.m.-5:00 a.m.
This episode is something of a misdirect for the audience, which clearly prefers consistent speed. The story has slowed down again, even though Jack and Renee seemed primed to hunt Tony. This episode ultimately ends up being all about the setup for an impending terrorist attack. Tony plans on framing an innocent Arab, so Jack and Renee to pursue the fall guy instead.
And Olivia’s melodrama was never particularly interesting, and her acting isn’t quite up to par. However, Chloe has a tremendously touching moment with Jack in the episode, breaking down about his looming death. Just like Jack later admits, it’s truly surprising how Chloe organically developed into the closest ally and fan favorite.
Best: Day 5: 7:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m.
This season premiere had one of the most shocking openings of the entire series. Many times, the show was actually able to subvert expectations, despite traversing a tired genre. And this episode’s bold move, wantonly killing major characters, is truly memorable. In fact, it is so unceremoniously done, there is a sting of realism. We don’t even have time to grieve. We only want explanations for the characters we’d invested in.
Tony and Michelle may have had a soapy relationship, but they were interesting individuals. Tony would certainly go on to create some very compelling action. And Palmer was a major loss too, a likable President from the inaugural season of the show. Chloe is on the run, and Jack was in pursuit of the culprits. This striking setup made for one of the series’ fastest, most tragic stories.
Worst: Day 6: 1:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m.
For many viewers, seasons six and eight had the weakest episodes of the series. They had a distinctly different visual feel, and involved great change in general. In this episode, it’s pretty frustrating to see Audrey reduced to a catatonic state. However, it does make for some decent drama. In fact, this episode is comprised entirely of drama, although it progresses the story well. There’s simply a great lack of action, and that may account for the lower rating, once again. However, the drama also seems to be going through the motions as necessary.
Sure, it’s well written and acted. Unfortunately, it’s also fairly predictable, and feels more like connective tissue that’s homework for the subsequent episodes.
Best: Day 5: 6:00 a.m.-7:00 a.m.
The fifth season once again takes one of the highest rankings, due to audience investment. President Palmer and Michelle were terrible losses, and we needed serious resolution. President Logan was consistently a sleazy, hateable character, a compelling bureaucratic villain for Bauer. Jack’s effort against Logan is truly suspenseful, and the plan is very clever. It’s only fitting that he’s undone at Palmer’s funeral.
In fact, everything turns out exactly the way audiences could hope—until the rug is swept out. But the cliffhanger ending of Jack being abducted by the Chinese isn’t cheap. It’s well-earned, given Jack’s history with Cheng Zhi. It’s more of a well-executed promise than a gimmick.
Worst: Day 6: 12:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m.
This episode preceded the previous “worst” selection, as day six continued its strain for tension. Characters frequently use unlikely logic, so that the plot can maneuver its way into suspense. Because it ends up satisfying enough anyway, some may forgive certain lapses in judgment.
But the show is held to a higher standard than that by this point. Ultimately, Jack is undone by bureaucracy, allowing the Chinese to end up with a critical circuit board. It works as a piece of intentionally frustrating entertainment, but it also feels somewhat manufactured. The story overall is also a bit more choppy than usual, with a series of disparate character moments. Although, Chloe’s harmful insult to Morris is pretty startling.
Best: Day 3: 6:00 a.m.-7:00 a.m.
Season three featured the unhinged Jack, still scarred by drugs from undercover work. And Kim, of course, was causing issues by dating Jack’s young partner, Chase. That made for a lot of high school drama, unfortunately. However, this episode is all about the tragedy of Ryan Chappelle. Saunders’ demand for his death made for some great conversations about ethics. And Ryan’s emotional reaction to the situation is totally understandable.
This is an impossible situation for Jack, who clearly takes no pleasure in helping him with martyrdom. Chappelle’s death is truly a failure for CTU and Jack, who did everything they could to catch Saunders. It’s a haunting moment for fans, as one of Jack’s darkest decisions.
Worst: Day 8: 12:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m.
Dana Walsh is predominantly a mess of a character. It turns out that she’s yet another mole, a well the series has dug into one too many times. Consequently, everything that happens regarding her ex is actually a red herring. And therefore, ultimately, pointless. Unfortunately, it was already pretty uninteresting to begin with.
The entire conflict with some loser ex-boyfriend was a very frustrating tangent. Worse, Hastings’ character is decidedly irritating to watch. His decisions just don’t add up, and apparently for the simple purpose of deliberately drawing audiences’ dislike. Ultimately, audiences just disliked the episode, rating it the lowest of the series.
Best: 11:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.
Dennis Hopper overdoes it, and he doesn’t once pull off that silly accent this whole season. But this season one finale was a stunning piece of writing nonetheless, creatively tying up loose ends. The inaugural season of the show was truly historic, establishing many important elements used throughout subsequent seasons. These innovative characteristics really set a unique tone on television. Despite capturing Nina, saving Kim and killing Victor, Jack still loses his wife.
The unexpected death of Teri was a brave decision, especially after they had both overcome so much. The closing scene with Jack is absolutely heartbreaking. That emotional through line is the most distinguishing factor in this show. For all of the thrills, 24 is always willing to dive headfirst into the consequences of being an action hero.
