Episode Report Card M. Giant: B+ | 1 USERS: A YOU GRADE IT Manning Down
By M. Giant | Season 6 | Episode 4 | Aired on 01.14.2007
On his way out, Fayed calls Ahmed's cell phone to say that the device arrived, although he kind of gives him a hard time about involving other people. Ahmed apologizes, and Fayed lets it go. Doesn't matter anyway, and it's not like Ahmed's actions will end up interfering with Fayed's plans in any way. Not being let go? Scott. Fayed tells Ahmed to kill the kid before he leaves. Ahmed hesitates, but Fayed insists, and Scott sits there gormlessly. It's 9:31:23.
9:37:23. Wayne's already got Assad's pardon in hand. Those things must be blank forms that they fill out like Mad Libs: "This document pardons Hamri Al-Assad for being a terrorist. Jack Bauer [Xapproves; __disapproves; __is the person whose murderer is being pardoned by this document.]" Tom and Karen arrive in the Oval Office to discuss the next move. Wayne knows Tom objects to cooperating with Assad, but tells him to get on board anyway, and says they need to talk about how to make this public. Tom doesn't want to, but Karen doesn't think covering it up is feasible. Tom concedes the point, but wants to avoid words like "pardon" and "amnesty," and Karen runs with that, saying that they need to emphasize that Assad has renounced terrorism. "Terrorist turned statesman," Tom suggests. "For every life that was lost in the past because of this man, ten more may be saved in the future by working with him." Wayne tells him to go with that, and his National Security Advisor leaves the room to relay instructions to the press office, because it's not like she has anything else on her plate right now. Once Tom and Wayne are alone, Tom says he still doesn't like it. Wayne says that just makes him appreciate Tom's loyalty more. Tom looks uncomfortable, but we cut away before he asks, "Do we hug now?" Or maybe he's just waiting for Wayne to turn around so that he can scope out the best spot for a knife.
The CTU contingent arrives in the Wallaces' neighborhood, and Kiefer deploys his men. Over his earpiece, he says that it's vital to take the suspect alive. "Slowly move into position now," he says, and then breaks into a run. He's rustier than I thought. It's 9:39:35 as he and his men converge on the house, being careful to stay out of sight.
Inside, Scott's wondering why Ahmed's not talking anymore. He asks whether Dad delivered the package, and Ahmed mumbles a yes. Scott keeps asking questions, but wonders why Ahmed isn't letting him go. All this whiny jabbering just motivates Ahmed further to carry out his orders, and he struggles to his feet, ordering Scott to do the same. Scott does, but he's quite upset that Ahmed's breaking his word. Ahmed tells him to kneel. Scott does, because he's already forgotten about that knife he has stashed. Or maybe he thinks he's still getting out of this.