24

The Plot of 24: Day 6 – “6:00 a.m.-7:00 a.m.”

24 continues to deliver the high-octane, tension-filled drama it’s known for in the episode “Day 6: 6:00 a.m.-7:00 a.m.” After the events of Day Five, Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) has been missing in action, detained by the Chinese for nearly two years. Meanwhile, the United States has been bombarded by a series of terrorist attacks, with the clock ticking as Los Angeles joins the list of casualties. The tension is thick as political, personal, and moral dilemmas bubble to the surface in this nerve-wracking episode.

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"24" (2007)

Adding to the drama is D.C. Douglas’s character, Blake Simon, who is thrust into the political turmoil surrounding these terrorist attacks. His slick, calculated delivery as a government official brings an extra layer of intensity to the episode, especially as he advises President Wayne Palmer (DB Woodside) on controversial political decisions.

Let’s dive into the madness and see how the pieces fall in this intense episode of 24.

The Setup: America Under Siege

Twenty months have passed since the dramatic events of Day Five, and the world is in chaos. For the past 11 weeks, a series of terrorist bombings has struck various cities across the United States, with Islamic extremists as the primary suspects. As the episode begins, Los Angeles suffers yet another attack—a bus bombing that leaves the city reeling in fear and anger.

The government, led by President Wayne Palmer, is under immense pressure to act swiftly. Palmer is caught between two conflicting pieces of advice. On one side, Tom Lennox (Peter MacNicol), his ruthless Chief of Staff, urges him to detain all Islamic-Americans in an effort to curb the terrorist threat. On the other side, National Security Advisor Karen Hayes (Jayne Atkinson) argues that such drastic measures would be unconstitutional and morally wrong.

The situation sets the stage for a deeply divided White House, where fear and paranoia threaten to take over reason and justice.

Enter Blake Simon: D.C. Douglas Adds a Dose of Political Drama

D.C. Douglas appears as Blake Simon, an advisor to President Palmer, and his role in this episode is pivotal in pushing the political agenda forward. Simon, like Lennox, believes that drastic measures may be necessary to protect the country from further attacks. He cites historical precedents, including Abraham Lincoln’s suspension of habeas corpus during the Civil War and Franklin Roosevelt’s internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II.

Douglas’s portrayal of Simon is smooth, calculated, and just slimy enough to make you question his moral compass. He’s not interested in protecting civil liberties—he’s focused on securing the power and influence that comes with taking strong, decisive action, even if it means trampling over people’s rights. As Simon delivers his lines, you can feel the tension building in the room, as Palmer weighs the consequences of his next move.

The scene serves as a chilling reminder of how history is often used to justify controversial political actions, and Blake Simon’s cool delivery makes it all the more unnerving.

Jack Bauer’s Return: From Captive to Fighter

Meanwhile, Jack Bauer is finally back in the fold after spending the last 20 months in Chinese custody. He’s barely recognizable—ragged, dirty, and utterly broken by the relentless torture he’s endured. Bill Buchanan (James Morrison) and Curtis Manning (Roger Cross) meet with Chinese diplomats to negotiate Jack’s release, and we see that Jack hasn’t spoken a word in all the time he’s been held.

Jack’s freedom, however, comes at a price. The U.S. government has been contacted by Abu Fayed (Adoni Maropis), a terrorist who claims to know the whereabouts of Hamri Al-Assad, the man behind the ongoing attacks. Fayed offers to help capture Assad, but only if he gets to take revenge on Jack for the death of his brother.

In true Jack Bauer fashion, Jack accepts his fate without hesitation, believing that his death will have meaning if it helps bring down the terrorist network. However, once he’s handed over to Fayed, things take a dark turn. Fayed begins torturing Jack, but in the midst of the pain, Jack learns that Fayed himself is the mastermind behind the attacks, not Assad. Suddenly, Jack’s will to live kicks back in, and he realizes that his death would be in vain. The fight isn’t over yet—Jack Bauer isn’t going down without taking some bad guys with him.

The Clock is Ticking: Terrorists, Betrayal, and Bombs

As Jack fights for his life, the clock ticks relentlessly. The terrorist threat is more imminent than ever, and every decision made in this episode has far-reaching consequences. Meanwhile, an ordinary American family becomes embroiled in the chaos. When their Muslim neighbor’s son is arrested by the FBI, they step in to help. But things take a shocking turn when it becomes clear that the boy may be more involved with the terrorists than anyone initially suspected.

This subplot adds another layer of moral complexity to the episode. It challenges the audience to question who can truly be trusted, and it forces the characters to confront the fine line between fear and prejudice.

Political Maneuvering in the White House

While Jack is dealing with life-and-death situations on the ground, President Wayne Palmer faces a political nightmare in the White House. Palmer is torn between doing what he believes is right and the mounting pressure to take drastic action. Tom Lennox continues to push for the mass detention of Islamic-Americans, painting it as a necessary evil to prevent further attacks. Blake Simon backs him up, pulling out his history book and citing legal precedents that seem chillingly relevant in the current climate.

On the other side, Karen Hayes fights for the rights of the innocent, warning Palmer that such actions would be unconstitutional and morally indefensible. The debate intensifies as the President struggles to balance national security with the core values of American freedom and justice.

Blake Simon’s Chilling Argument

D.C. Douglas’s Blake Simon shines in this episode as he lays out his argument with cold, calculated precision. His references to Lincoln’s suspension of habeas corpus and Roosevelt’s internment of Japanese-Americans provide a chilling justification for extreme measures. While he maintains a calm, professional demeanor, there’s an unsettling sense that Simon is more concerned with asserting power than protecting the rights of American citizens.

His role serves as a powerful reminder of how political figures can use history to justify dangerous and divisive actions. Simon’s character adds to the moral tension of the episode, as the audience is left to grapple with the uncomfortable question: How far is too far when it comes to national security?

The Cast and Creators

“Day 6: 6:00 a.m.-7:00 a.m.” features a stellar cast, led by Kiefer Sutherland’s iconic portrayal of Jack Bauer. The ensemble includes:

• Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer
• DB Woodside as President Wayne Palmer
• Peter MacNicol as Tom Lennox
• James Morrison as Bill Buchanan
• Roger Cross as Curtis Manning
• Jayne Atkinson as Karen Hayes
• D.C. Douglas as Blake Simon

Created by Joel Surnow and Robert Cochran, with Howard Gordon serving as the showrunner, 24 remains one of the most groundbreaking and innovative dramas in TV history. The real-time format and nail-biting tension make every episode a race against the clock, and this one is no exception.

Wrapping It Up: Blake Simon’s Role in a Tense Political Climate

The episode “Day 6: 6:00 a.m.-7:00 a.m.” is a masterclass in suspense, with Jack Bauer fighting for his life while the U.S. government teeters on the edge of making decisions that could forever change the nation. D.C. Douglas’s portrayal of Blake Simon adds another layer of moral complexity to the political intrigue, as Simon’s calm, logical arguments stand in stark contrast to the chaos unfolding around him.

As the clock continues to tick, 24 keeps viewers hooked with its high-stakes drama, explosive action, and thought-provoking political commentary. Whether it’s Jack Bauer battling terrorists or Blake Simon justifying controversial government actions, this episode has it all.