1 — Watch 24 4x21

Reviewers on IMDb praised the episode's "masterful build-up of suspense" and the kinetic energy provided by the cinematography.

Critics and viewers often highlight this episode for its relentless pacing and high-stakes "cliffhanger" ending. Watch 24 4x21 1

Habib Marwan accelerates his timeline after realizing CTU has upgraded its technical defenses, making it harder for him to jam their satellite tracking. By the end of the hour, Jack Bauer and Curtis Manning track Marwan to a factory. Despite a fierce gun battle, they arrive seconds too late to stop the launch sequence; the episode ends with the team helplessly watching as a nuclear missile is fired toward an unknown target. Reviewers on IMDb praised the episode's "masterful build-up

The episode centers on two parallel conflicts: the physical hunt for terrorist leader and the political fallout from a raid on the Chinese Consulate . By the end of the hour, Jack Bauer

The sight of a nuclear missile launching on American soil remains one of the most iconic and high-stakes moments in the show's history. Air Date May 9, 2005 Director Bryan Spicer Key Death Paul Raines (confirmed dead at the start of the hour) Major Reveal