24 - Season 5 Episode 23 -

The episode is praised for its relentless speed and "masterclass in suspense," particularly during the close-quarters submarine sequences.

Mike Novick and Aaron Pierce assist Jack from within the administration, while Chloe O'Brian and her ex-husband, Morris, provide technical support to help Jack infiltrate the presidential detail. 24 - Season 5 Episode 23

The episode begins with Jack Bauer in a race against time to stop Vladimir Bierko, who has hijacked a Russian submarine and intends to launch twelve multiple-warhead missiles at American soil. Jack forms an uneasy alliance with his former mentor-turned-villain, Christopher Henderson, to infiltrate the sub. In a brutal final confrontation, Jack kills Bierko by snapping his neck while the terrorist is locked in a scissor hold. The episode is praised for its relentless speed

Jack informs CTU that he is going rogue to take down the President. Jack forms an uneasy alliance with his former

Once the missile threat is neutralized, Jack finally settles the score with Henderson. After Henderson attempts to shoot Jack with an unloaded pistol—a final test of Jack's resolve—Jack executes him in cold blood. Jack justifies the killing by citing Henderson's direct responsibility for the deaths of American icons David Palmer, Tony Almeida, and Michelle Dessler earlier in the season.

Reviewers on IMDb highlighted Sutherland's "riveting" performance, capturing Jack's descent from a professional operative into a man driven by pure, vengeful determination.