The prior episode teased the uncovering of Audrey as a mole inside the government. And with how important she is to Jack, that's not something to sneeze at. By now, with how the show usually goes about the big reveal, the regular viewer is conditioned to just accept that she's bad, and the interrogation begins.
The dramatic intensity of this episode derives from the punishing of a woman who just might be innocent, and suddenly torture loses its luster. And the look on Kiefer's face after his withering third degree speaks volumes. He really puts his all into it, and that's largely what makes this work. Is it a distraction from the threat? Sure, but it's well-staged and just goes to show the increasing personal toll on these characters (Jack and Audrey just cannot catch a break).
But by the end, the race is back on and Jack is outrunning a fireball. It's a thrilling finish to a very heavy hour.
9/10
The dramatic intensity of this episode derives from the punishing of a woman who just might be innocent, and suddenly torture loses its luster. And the look on Kiefer's face after his withering third degree speaks volumes. He really puts his all into it, and that's largely what makes this work. Is it a distraction from the threat? Sure, but it's well-staged and just goes to show the increasing personal toll on these characters (Jack and Audrey just cannot catch a break).
But by the end, the race is back on and Jack is outrunning a fireball. It's a thrilling finish to a very heavy hour.
9/10