Memorable "24" Scenes - (Interrogation) Season 4

"What Is Your Primary Objective!"
- Jack Bauer (Season 4, Ep. 1)

One of the signature characteristics of "24" are the interrogation scenes throughout the series.

They have been the subject of much debate, however many have been very memorable. This one occurs during the first episode of Season 4 when Jack breaks protocol (once again) to interrogate a terrorist subject.

A terrorist suspect, Tomas Sherak has just been arrested and brought to CTU for his apparent involvement with a train bombing that occurred earlier. Jack now working for DOD suspects the Sherak is involved in secondary bigger attack and based on intelligence, this strike may occur by 8 am.

Jack wants to talk to the suspect himself but runs up against resistance from the Director of CTU, Erin Driscoll and the Secretary of Defense, James Heller. After trying initially to go through proper channels, Jack is running out of time and takes matters into his own hands.

The buildup to Jack's interrogation is so well-executed; from the music by Sean Callery, to the way Jack works his way into the interrogation room is masterful.

When Jack enters the interrogation room, he doesn't waste any time, he turns over the table in the room and confronts the suspect by yelling, "What is happening at 8 o'clock?" he then shoots the suspect in the knee and shouts: "What is your primary objective?!" Classic Jack Bauer. The suspect finally breaks and and gives a somewhat surprising answer: "The Secretary of Defense!"

Jack then tries to call and warn Audrey and Sec. Heller but it's too late, both Audrey and Sec. Heller are kidnapped while Jack is on the phone. Kiefer Sutherland plays Jack's panic when he calls Audrey to perfection.

Season 4 was the first season of "24" I watched. I was hooked after this first episode and this interrogation scene was one of the reasons why. Great suspense, tension, acting, writing, direction, editing ...everything that makes "24" in my opinion the best drama ever on television.