Season 3 improves on its predecessors once again. Its darker in tone and theme, and a more cohesive story from beginning to end. This was the first season I watched live as it aired.
I love the first half villains — the Salazar drug cartel — headed by brothers Ramon and Hector. Actors Joaquim de Almeida and Vincent Laresca do a masterful job at bringing these characters to life. They’re brutal killers, evidenced by scenes of atrocity and their ultimate plan. They are also quite believable in their roles for day 3.
We are introduced to some new characters – none would be as impactful as Mary Lynn Rajskub playing socially awkward CTU analyst Chloe O’Brian. Outside of Jack Bauer himself, Chloe would become one of the most beloved characters on the show.
Kim Bauer (Elisha Cuthbert) is back, but don’t roll your eyes. She works at CTU and it’s actually believable. It was a great way to include the character once again without being as ridiculous as previous seasons.
James Badge Dale would play Jack’s partner, Chase Edmonds, who I enjoyed but sadly is a one and done for the show.
Season 3 has a great first half, and a dark second half as the threat is the release of a biological weapon; a deadly virus.
As much as I loved the Salazar’s, I hated the overall main villain, Stephen Saunders (Paul Blackthorne) who comes off as a bit too fictional.
Season 3 is the best to date.
SEASON RANKINGS
3, 2, 1
