Ep 3. Day 4: 9:00 A.M.-10:00 A.M.

In the third episode of the fourth season of 24, the tension is heightened as Jack Bauer races against time to uncover a conspiracy within the government. The episode opens with Jack enduring a brutal interrogation by the Chinese government, who have accused him of killing their consul. Meanwhile, the President faces pressure from his Vice President to declare martial law in response to the terrorist attacks on Los Angeles.

At CTU, the Counter Terrorism Unit, Chloe O'Brian is trying to track down a rogue agent who has stolen a file containing sensitive information about the government's plans to fight terrorism, as well as evidence of illegal activity within the administration. With the help of CTU Director Erin Driscoll, they discover that the agent, Andrew Paige, has gone off the grid and is in possession of a valuable chip that can unlock classified information.

As the clock ticks down, Jack and his team work to stop Paige before he can deliver the chip to the terrorists. They stake out a meeting place, but things go awry when one of the terrorists, Hamri Al-Assad, shows up unexpectedly. Jack decides to take a risk and approach Assad, hoping to negotiate a deal that will lead them to Paige and the chip.

Back at CTU, tensions are high as Driscoll struggles to manage her staff and balance her personal life with her professional responsibilities. She has a strained relationship with her daughter, who is suffering from a mental illness, and is called out for her abrasive management style. Despite these challenges, Driscoll remains focused on the task at hand and works to support her team in their race against time.

As the episode unfolds, alliances are tested and loyalties are questioned. Jack must navigate a moral gray area as he seeks to protect the country from both terrorists and corrupt officials. Meanwhile, characters who were previously unknown begin to emerge as key players in the unfolding drama, deepening the show's intricate web of relationships and power struggles.

With its trademark real-time format and pulse-pounding action, 24 season 4 episode 3 is a thrilling installment in the series, showcasing the series' unique blend of political intrigue and high-stakes action. As the plot thickens and the characters face increasingly difficult choices, viewers are kept on the edge of their seats, eager to see what will happen next.