The clock races into the middle of the night when the threat of a devastating nuclear attack accelerates as Jack tracks an informed terror suspect who has an explosive strategy. Back at CTU, a key player grapples with being demoted, and the day takes an unexpected stressful turn when pesky parole officer Bill Prady enters the picture.

While Jack and Cole team up in the field to shield New York from the calamitous threat, a hostage situation has CTU completely stressed out. Meanwhile, unrelenting parole officer Prady presses on in his investigation, and unexpected developments send the Hassan family into a major tailspin.

As the imminent terror threat nears and CTU copes with the day's explosive events, the onerous NSA intervenes. Conditions at CTU remain tenuous and field operatives find intense action when Jack Bauer leads them on a risky mission. Meanwhile, Chloe and Dana make game-changing moves.