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
This episode marks the first appearance of Cheng Zhi (played by Tzi Ma), who becomes one of Jack's longest-running and most significant adversaries throughout the series.
Their relationship hits its lowest point following the death of Audrey's husband, Paul Raines . Audrey blames Jack for forcing a doctor to prioritize a terrorist suspect's surgery over Paul's, and she tells Jack she cannot be near him. Watch 24 4x21 1
The two continue to manage the tactical operations at CTU, with Michelle struggling to balance the professional necessity of the mission against the personal tragedy involving Paul and Audrey. Critical and Fan Reception
Critics and viewers often highlight this episode for its relentless pacing and high-stakes "cliffhanger" ending. The sight of a nuclear missile launching on
Habib Marwan has an actual nuclear missile, not just a portable warhead Day 4: 3:00am-4:00am - Wiki 24 | Fandom
In the 21st episode of Season 4, titled "Day 4: 3:00 a.m. – 4:00 a.m.," the tension reaches a breaking point as the domestic threat of a nuclear launch converges with a major international diplomatic crisis. Plot Summary: Domestic and International Crises Audrey blames Jack for forcing a doctor to
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.
