(S08E12) Stephen Root didn't set the building on fire, but last night's '24' was the best episode of the season so far.

Jack and Cole teamed up to chase down Tarin, but their potential buddy cop moments were undercut by an overzealous SWAT team leader and some very crafty terrorists. For the first time in a long time, '24' delivered edge of your seat suspense and some truly exciting twists and turns. Spoilers after the jump.

Did anyone see that twist coming? I sure didn't. Tarin's double-cross turned the suspense factor up to eleven and paid off in a big way. And seeing CTU get taken out by an EMP blast? Well that was just awesome.

Sure we've seen CTU compromised before, but so what? I welcome the prospect of watching Jack and Cole hit the streets to dole out justice without the aid of their usual tech support.

The episode's opening moments were a little overstuffed with exposition (and drone boy Arlo is really starting to get on my nerves), but things picked up in the hotel room with Tarin and Kayla (poor, poor Kayla). Hassan's daughter wisely decided not to jump out the window of a Manhattan high-rise, but she was forced to watch Tarin play a bloody game of 'Duck Hunt' that ended with an entire SWAT team dead on the ground.

I was hoping we'd get to see a big screen-style car chase/shootout after Tarin fled the hotel, but no such luck. The bad guys ditched their getaway cab before Jack and Cole could fire one shot. So how'd they manage to do that? I'm guessing they used one of those secret underground tunnels the baddies are so fond of this season. Those things really come in handy, huh?

I actually enjoyed watching Stephen Root torture Dana with his insistent, forceful nature and Southern, er, charm. So she wants to give herself up? I have no problem with that. I just hope she doesn't drag Cole down with her. I find myself rooting for the guy, especially when he's working alongside Jack.

Will Dana be punished for her crimes? Probably. But I'm more interested in seeing the fallout from the reveal of file 33. So Hassan's government stole classified info detailing the US's anti-nuclear defenses? Like I typed before, these are some very crafty terrorists. Not only did they manage to take out CTU, but they also successfully damaged Hassan's credibility with the US. Say bye bye to those peace negotiations, Hassan. I don't think you can talk your way outta this one.

This could be the final season of '24', unless NBC picks it up. Frankly, I'd be happy to see the show end this year and transition to the big screen. It's time for the franchise to ditch the 24-hour gimmick (and the tedious subplots) and deliver a solid and focused Jack Bauer adventure story.