David Palmer wins the primary, taking not only California, but all eleven states. Kim is released from prison when Melanie tells the truth, but is recaptured by henchmen of the Drazens soon after. Jack and DeSalvo are ambushed by Andre's men, and Victor Drazen explains the connection between himself and Jack. Jack offers Alexis Drazen in exchange for his freedom. Victor and Jack escape the facility just before CTU enters.
Jack and his men prepare for a confrontation with Stanton's renegade soldiers as they converge on the bomb. Kim becomes suspicious of her host, but is forced to stay because of her status with the police. Stanton finally breaks down and gives Palmer the location of the bomb.
Hector Salazar tries to convince Ramon to let Jack live in order to purchase the virus. Claudia expresses her fury about being left behind when Jack arrested Ramon. Hector's men capture Chase and Ramon forces Jack to prove his loyalty. Anne Packard ends her relationship with President Palmer.
Jack makes a deal with Dina to put her and Behrooz in a witness protection program in exchange for infiltrating one of Marwan's terrorist cells. Chloe is called by Michelle and is reinstated into CTU. Audrey realizes that she may still love Paul, and Mitch Anderson sneaks onto an Air Force base.
CTU investigates a new lead on Bierko, but finds resistance from German intelligence officer Theo Stoller. Martha Logan is skeptical of the administration's move for a curfew. New Homeland Security officials attempt to change operating protocol involving Chloe O'Brian and Bill Buchanan. Meanwhile, Wayne Palmer has some information he has to get to Aaron Pierce that someone doesn't want getting out.
Jack, through CTU intel, finds and captures Gredenko, who negotiates a deal with CTU. To thwart the Vice President's plans to bomb Fayed's country, Karen Hayes and Sandra Palmer awaken President Palmer from his chemically-induced coma in hopes that he will rescind the order to strike before the missile launches.
As Juma's men prepare the President for her "statement," Bill makes a heroic sacrifice to save her and the other hostages. Honoring his friend's last wishes, Jack resolves to continue his conversation with Ryan Burnett, even while an assassin prepares to silence Burnett for good. In the aftermath of the attack, Olivia accepts her mother's request for aid, and delivers a warning to Ethan Kanin.
Incarcerated in federal prison for murdering a suspect, Jack Bauer fights off an attack from three MS-13 members in the shower. Ryan Chappelle and Christopher Henderson butt heads over the question of Jack's guilt. Former MMA champion Mark Kendall hits the mat in preparation to win back his title.