Season 3



Season 3 premiered in the United States on October 28, 2003 on the Fox Network with a commercial-free presentation sponsored by Ford (as with Season 2).

24: Season Three was released on DVD in the US and Canada on December 7, 2004.

Summary
It's been three years since the events of Day 2. This time, another day begins for Jack Bauer as bioterrorists are attempting to release viral capsules into Los Angeles and eventually throughout the United States. President Palmer must deal with a scandal as he seeks re-election against a Republican senator, John Keeler. Jack is again thrust into action as he tries to tie Ramon Salazar to the viral threat; however, presumed-dead Operation Nightfall operative Stephen Saunders turns out to be the mastermind behind the release of the Cordilla virus.

The season can essensially be broken up into two acts:
 * The first half of the season revolves around a multi-phased sting operation involving the Salazars and a sample of the Cordilla virus.
 * During the second half, Saunders &mdash; the true antagonist of the day &mdash; uses the virus during his call to vengeance against the United States.

Major Subplots

 * Sherry Palmer complicates things as David tries to be re-elected amid political scandal.


 * Jack's personal life: Trying to recover from a heroin addiction while trying to stop the viral threat. Soon, he learns the relationship between Kim and Chase.


 * Kim now works for CTU and has a personal relationship with Jack's partner, Chase Edmunds.


 * Saunders' personal life: his daughter attends college in California, in close proximity to the viral threat.

Jack threatens to kill Saunders' daughter unless he confesses where the other vials are. Arthur Rabens, a courier, is under orders by Saunders to release the virus. Chase stops him but must sacrifice his arm. Jack places the virus in a fridge and the threat is neutralized. Jack breaks down and cries at the end of another long day....

Main Cast

 * Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer
 * James Badge Dale as Chase Edmunds
 * Carlos Bernard as Tony Almeida
 * Reiko Aylesworth as Michelle Dessler
 * Elisha Cuthbert as Kimberly Bauer
 * Dennis Haysbert as President David Palmer