Who would think Jack -- violent, dark, angry -- would become a messenger for the makings of a true lasting peace?

In those last hours, Jack did wrong things for the right reasons. But be clear: this wasn't really about revenge for Renee's murder. It was about President Taylor's betrayal. Jack was a patriot, after all. He loved his country more than any woman. Remember, at the beginning of the season, he was finally happy. He had forgiven himself for his sins. But he turned his back on that to help America. Again.

Can President Logan ever be killed?!

Not Private Investigator. Perpetually Imperiled.

It's much cooler than the cougar incident, and it definitely is a nice twist. Wasn't Kim just supposed to come back to save Jack from a toxic death with her compatible stem cells?

These underground criminal types are master planners. They methodically planned the whole Tony defection/Muslim stealing/bomb on the subway plan and still had a plan B, in case it didn't work. Is it because Tony knows Jack as well as Jack thought he knew Tony that they knew Jack would send Kim away and that they should keep tabs on her?

After last week's intriguing build-up -- wasn't it wonderful to see
agent Aaron Pierce again? Will he eventually tell us what happened to his sweetheart Martha Logan since stabbing her husband the former president -- you knew this week's 24 was going to be a big one.

And it was, but not in its usual way. I think the "24" that kept your heart racing has morphed into more of a character study. There's action, but not just for the sake of action like before. To me, it feels like the writers are moving toward the end of the show's run.

But before we get to the Jack/Renee Walker/torture issue, some other interesting threads:

The ladies of Polished of Raleigh, a personal shopping business, are so thrilled over the arrival Chloe handbags (think Heloise or Paddington, on the right) at Uniquities Mix, they want to have a party to celebrate.

Lisa Marie Ferrell and Paige Crowther of Polished have teamed up with Uniquities Mix at North Hills to throw the bash to introduce the line, which Uniquities added for fall at the North Hills location.

Check out the line and get some style tips from Polished (and a few deals on the bags and Polished's services) Thursday from 6-8 p.m. Bubbly and apps will be served.