(S07E04) "I'm not with anyone until someone starts answering some questions." - Jack

As great as it is getting early screeners for a show, believe it or not, there's actually one caveat - especially when you're writing reviews. It forces you to choose your words ever so carefully, respecting the fact that not everyone has seen what you have. When it comes to 24, that's no easy task. Trust me - it wasn't easy knowing the whole truth about Tony while writing about the first hour of this season. One can only drop little hints like "humongous twist" and "there's more to this" so many times before you start to sound like a know-it-all jerk.

That being said, I can breathe a sigh of relief now because I'm caught up with the rest of the world and the truth - the whole humongous twist truth - is finally out.

I previously mentioned that Tony isn't completely bad. However, now we know he wasn't completely good either. He's nothing more than a bad guy with a conscience. Emerson saved Tony's life, helped fake his death, and gave him a job. Tony ran Emerson's crew of baddies for three years, fueled by his anti-government feelings, until the stakes got too high (the CIP device). Enter Bill and Chloe - the remnants of CTU.

With Dubaku paying off government officials using Sangala's diamond wealth, it didn't really give Jack much choice other than to join the cause. Besides, he really has nothing better to do... except go to jail. The look on Jack's face when he realized that Tony really was a terrorist for three years was pretty steely though - I really thought he was going to punch Tony after that bit of info. However, with two men on the inside, the "new CTU" is certainly better off that they were four hours ago. One thing that bothers me? How come they don't have more people involved? Yes, the government is corrupted - I get that. But surely there are some other folks out there they can trust. Heller? Karen Hayes? Morris?

Hands down, the most exciting part of the hour was Henry's meeting with Samantha - confirmation that Roger found hard evidence on a member of his mother's cabinet having ties to Sangala. Something about trading with a Sangalan company via a Swiss bank in the Bahamas and the potential to reap millions should Juma's cause succeed. Henry looked floored when he heard the news, but that wasn't the most intriguing part - Agent Gedge watched the whole exchange. I don't think he's bad, but in his effort to do the right thing, he'll probably end up telling the wrong person about the meeting. My gut still wants to say that the corrupt member is Ethan Kanin, Taylor's Chief of Staff, but he's too obvious. He's been acting shady and has thus far played a major role. So if it isn't him, could it be someone we haven't met yet? Who's the Vice President?

More thoughts on hour four -

• Sean's wife being on the plane is essentially the exact same plot as Adam's sister being exposed to the virus in season three.
• I can't believe that after not seeing Jack for over three years, Bill was ready for Jack to be an acceptable loss. That just didn't feel right. Then again, he made almost the same call when Jack got out of the Chinese prison and Bill was ready to hand him over to Abu Fayed last season.
• How great was it when Walker went all "Jill Bauer" on Tanner in the hospital? She got the info she wanted.
• I'm not 100% clear on what kidnapping Matobo is going to get Dubaku. Sure, he could use Matobo as a bargaining chip with the President, but I thought the CIP device served that purpose pretty well. So is there another reason?
• I loved the exchange between Jack and Emerson. No fooling Jack - the man has all the right answers. I wonder if Emerson had ever considered Jack as an ideal candidate for his organization? He went though many of the same things Tony did and when Jack traveled the world after season six, how come Emerson never reached out to him? Seems a little odd that a guy so concerned with results would track Tony but not Jack. Bauer is infinitely more "qualified."

For now, and there's really no other way to say this, but it's going to be a race against time. Agent Walker is proving to be far more resourceful than expected and I bet it won't be long before she and Jack cross paths again. Something tells me it won't be a friendly exchange.