''This isn’t CTU.''
Warning: Full spoilers for the episode below.
Now it feels like 24.
How exciting is it to see Tony Almeida again!? While his return brought gravitas to the episode, the entire hour was a success. After last week’s massive bridge explosion, we knew there would be fallout and the tone would be somber. What I didn’t expect however was just how much character development would occur. In a single episode these characters felt more alive than the rest of the season combined.
While it may be overkill to say so, Tony was awesome. It was a bit odd that his introduction lacked any pomp and circumstance-- I fully expected the “we have to call Tony Almeida” mic drop moment. Rebecca simply made a call and he was on the other line. Upon reflection, it is very 24. The world is on fire; there’s no time to be star struck.
It’s been confirmed that the short “Solitary” (From the 24: Live Another Day Blu-day) is canon in the 24 universe. Tony escaped from prison and appears to be running a mercenary crew. He seems more rational and measured than the last time we saw him. (In season 7 his erratic and uncharacteristic villainy was eventually put into context, after learning about his desire to avenge Michelle’s murder - but it was a big personality shift.) We all want Tony to get redemption, but where do you even begin that journey? He’s still a fugitive mind you, and treason is a pretty serious crime.
Tony’s relationship with Rebecca is… weird. He claims they were in a relationship after Michelle died, which raises some pretty serious timeline questions. Michelle died in Season 5 and a couple hours later Tony “died”. Our heroes did not encounter him again for three years, until the events of Season 7 began. It would have had to be in that three year period that Tony and Rebecca had their relationship. The only problem there is that Tony was presumed dead to the world. He was an illegal mercenary. Rebecca would eventually become head of CTU, meaning she had to have been working her way up the ladder. How in that time did they meet and start a relationship? Does any of this matter? Not really, but their relationship feels forced and unnecessary. If it plays into the story later I’d be happy to be wrong.
Speaking of Rebecca, she is about to have a very awkward conversation with her husband next episode. I don’t know how the “I need to torture your dad” talks usually go, but I can’t imagine very well. Donovan pushing Mullins around was an interesting scene. His character hasn’t had a lot to do so far but we saw a hint of the strength he is purported to have. With all he’s been through so far, it’s about time for Donovan to get some revenge.
The other two characters that really took a step forward are Carter and Andy. It was a pairing I did not see coming, but maybe I should have. The Jack/Chloe dynamic was in full effect. Throughout the season there have been hints as to the type of person Andy really is. While on the outside he is the sarcastic a-hole, he has been fully committed every time he has been forced to put himself out there and take a risk. Let’s not gloss over the fact that Carter basically told him it was a suicide mission. After a pretty funny line, “OK that’s a pretty big ask”, Andy agreed. That’s true heroism.
So far we have been TOLD how great Carter is. We have been TOLD he is the guy that can get things done, whatever it takes. This was the first time we witnessed it in action. I have been lukewarm on Carter for most of the season, I think he does well in the action scenes but in the quieter moments he hasn’t been my favorite. Tonight it was the small moments that sold me on him. When Andy asked him about the escape plan he pressed his lips, his eyes darted around, and a slight head tilt before he finally admitted they probably weren’t escaping. It’s a tiny thing to focus on, but it is those moments that makes characters feel alive.
Nicole is back! I mean, she never went anywhere but the show managed to make me care about her again. It was clear that keeping her stuck with Isaac was the issue. She had one of the best lines of the night as she patched up Jadalla and talked about her husband. Sure it was a take on the classic “if you come at the king, you best not miss” line, but it was delivered well. I believed and actually felt something as she said goodbye to Carter. For all she knows this is the last time she will ever see him. This was just a very well-acted episode overall.
The Verdict
Last week’s successful terrorist attack left many questions, which this episode intended to answer. In a much quieter hour of 24: Legacy, the stakes are higher and our characters are beginning to feel alive. While Tony’s return is the episode’s biggest draw, the additional time for character development affirms this is a high point in the series.
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