Scott Davis continues his look at 24: Live Another Day as he reviews episode 3…
There is always a point when watching 24 when after the first few episodes have set-up the story, the threat and so on, that you know the day has truly begun. It’s like being on a roller-coaster ride and after the first few seconds of climbing or slow build-up, you reach that first turn or drop, and you know there is no going back.
As with the first two episodes, the new 12-episode format allows for a much sharper, more focused plotline, allowing the writers and directors an even more pulse-pounding flow of events than with the original series.
After the events of the double-bill beginning of LAD, we hit the ground running from the off, as the story strands start to unravel. After offing seemingly integral computer hacker Derrick Yates (Jospeh Millson), and stealing his drone device, his Russian girlfriend reveals herself as Simone Al-Harazi (Emily Berrington), daughter of the shadowy Margot (Fairley), who it seems is set to be one of the seasons big naughty’s. With more focus Margot and her siblings here, we learn of their intentions to utilize the drones under military control to hit big in the UK, with Euston Station, Parliament and Downing Street their big targets, taking down two governments simultaneously.
Hot on their trails though are of course Jack (Kiefer Sutherland) and Chloe (Mary Lynn Rajskub), whose intel from Chloe’s current employ, Open Cell, have helped them track down both Yates and Simone. Of course, this being 24, it would be amiss to expect a smooth, by-the-book apprehension, and as they close in, Simone manages to escape their clutches and return the device home.
Chloe, the closest to Simone as she exited Charing Cross Station, reveals her true reason for working for Open Cell and boss Adrian Cross (Michael Wincott): the death of her husband Morris and son Prescott, killed in a hit-an-run that while seemingly an accident, was directly targeted at Chloe for her involvement in season 8’s events.
A few paces behind, Kate Morgan (Yvonne Strahovski) and the CIA, trying desperately to determine what Jack’s involvement in the drone strikes are, or indeed any ulterior motives, and what he ultimately is after. Back at the flat complex in Ealing, they detain Basher (Tamer Hassan) who was the key figure in hiding Yates whilst he prepared his drone technology. Of course, such a leading figure in the set-up of Yates’ operation, Basher takes some convincing before spilling the beans.
Both they and Jack descend onto Parliament, where all roads are leading. President Heller (William Devane) is about to speak to the House regarding the drone strike, fearful of both what backlash waits from the British, and whether his ever-changing memory loss will ultimately be his downfall. Jack, posing as a intel officer, tries to enter Parliament to warn both Heller and the Prime Minister (Stephen Fry) of the impending threat, but is double-crossed by Adrian, evading capture by Morgan by firing on the huge crowds lining the streets outside, and enters the House.
For all the impetus LAD builds up through episode 3, it is the truly heart-breaking story of Chloe’s family that stands out here. Jack, almost disgusted that her gaze was averted from Simone, is almost as inconsolable as we feel in that moment, and reminds us that while he is as hard as nails, he is human after all.
Aside from this, it is a rip-roaring continuation of the show that has hugely impressed so far. Sutherland and Rajskub continue to anchor the show with energy and coolness; Stahovski and Fairley continue to impress, and the ever-reliable duo of Devane and Wincott add a touch of class to proceedings.
As the threats come into focus a little clearer, and those behind the attacks are slowly “revealed” with typical 24 mystery, what is clear is that the new show has so far delivered all the aspects we love, living up to the buzz pre-release, and leaving us wanting more as soon as the clock closes on another excellent hour. Can the pace be sustained? Only time will tell….
Scott Davis
