Silent clock



A silent clock is a rare event on 24 that features a clock with no beeping at the end of a scene or episode. It is used to punctuate highly emotional scenes, often following the death of a significant character.

Because of often drastically varying circumstances, as well as the infrequency of the silent clock, there don't appear to be many patterns for use of the device. Some silent clocks are accompanied by noises in the foreground or background, while others have faint music underneath. While the silent clock usually denotes death, two characters have continued on past their silent clock moment, George Mason for an additional episode and David Palmer for two more years. To date, only one silent clock has occurred before the end of an episode.

The effect of the silent clock could be accentuated by the split screen that is put in place immediately prior, depending on the circumstances. Upon the death of Teri Bauer, the screen was split between the scene of Jack cradling Teri's body alongside black and white clips from Day 1 12:00am-1:00am. Immediately preceding Ryan Chappelle's death, there was no split screen, possibly to create the expectation that the episode was not quite over and he would somehow escape, until the appearance of the silent clock, confirming that he had indeed died.

The silent clock has been used 5 times, only once per season in Seasons 1, 3, and 5. It was used twice in Season 2 and was not used at all in Season 4.

Uses of the silent clock

 * After the death of Teri Bauer. (Day 1 11:00pm-12:00am)


 * George Mason's departure from CTU on Day 2 (9:35:58). (Day 2 9:00pm-10:00pm)


 * Following the attempt on David Palmer's life. (Day 2 7:00am-8:00am)


 * After the execution of Ryan Chappelle. (Day 3 6:00am-7:00am)


 * Nerve gas is released into CTU killing Edgar Stiles as well as 40% of CTU's employees. (Day 5 6:00pm-7:00pm)

Silent clock sounds
No silent clock on 24 to date has been completely silent.


 * Following Teri Bauer's death there was a very quiet howling wind with footsteps.
 * Breathing can be heard during Palmer's clock.
 * Ryan Chappelle's silent clock had a train whistle.
 * And both George Mason's and Edgar Stiles' had faint music with their silent clocks.

Fan controversy
An online fan controversy arose regarding the lack of a silent clock after the death of Tony Almeida. In an online podcast interview on TVweek.com, writer and producer Evan Katz acknowledged learning about the dispute on various blogs and discussion boards. He explained to the DJ that "people were angry that Edgar got the silent clock and Tony didn't." He was surprised at the fan reaction, but understood it because Tony had been a cast member for five seasons.