“I’m Gonna Need a Hacksaw” – The Line That Defined Jack Bauer
24 Season 2 begins with an immediate, high-stakes threat—a nuclear bomb is set to detonate in Los Angeles within 24 hours. The first episode, titled Day 2: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM, wastes no time reintroducing Jack Bauer, showing just how far he is willing to go to prevent the attack. His chilling line, “I’m gonna need a hacksaw,” is not just one of the most memorable quotes from the series, but a defining moment that sets the tone for the entire season.
The Context Behind the Hacksaw Line
At the start of the episode, Jack Bauer is no longer working for CTU (Counter Terrorist Unit). Following the devastating loss of his wife, Teri, at the end of Season 1, he has distanced himself from his past life and has been out of the field for over a year. However, when President David Palmer learns of a nuclear bomb threat in Los Angeles, he personally requests that Jack return to duty. Jack, despite his grief, knows he is the only one capable of stopping this attack.
CTU receives a lead that a federal witness, Marshall Goren, might have critical intelligence regarding the terrorists responsible for the bomb. Goren is a criminal under FBI witness protection, but what makes him truly valuable is that a key card with encrypted information has been surgically implanted inside his stomach. This key card could be the first step toward tracking down those responsible for the nuclear threat.
Jack’s Brutal Decision: Why He Kills Marshall Goren
Once Jack confirms that the key card is inside Goren, he immediately understands what must be done. There is no time for medical teams, and waiting for permission from higher authorities could cost valuable minutes. Without hesitation, Jack pulls out his gun and shoots Goren in the chest, killing him instantly.
The room falls silent as Jack, showing no remorse, turns and calmly says:
“I’m gonna need a hacksaw.”
There is no need for further explanation—Jack needs to retrieve the key card from inside Goren’s body, and he is prepared to do it himself. This moment is shocking, not just for its brutality but for how cold and calculated Jack has become since Season 1.
The Stakes and Real-Time Pressure
The decision to kill Goren and retrieve the key card is made in seconds, reinforcing the urgency that defines 24. The clock is ticking, and every moment lost increases the risk of the nuclear bomb going off in Los Angeles.
Unlike traditional law enforcement, where protocol and investigations take time, Jack operates under extreme time constraints. He knows that waiting for backup or following proper procedure could cost millions of lives. This moment proves that Jack does not hesitate when lives are on the line.
This scene also sets a much darker tone for the season compared to Season 1. While Jack had to make difficult choices in the past, Season 2 immediately shows that he is now willing to execute someone without negotiation if it means preventing a greater disaster.
How This Scene Shaped Jack Bauer’s Character
Jack Bauer’s actions in this episode mark a clear evolution in his character. While he was already known for bending the rules in Season 1, his decision to kill Goren without hesitation shows that he has crossed a new line.
Throughout Season 1, Jack was often forced into morally difficult situations, but there were moments where he tried to find another way. Here, in the very first episode of Season 2, he doesn’t even attempt to negotiate or find an alternative—he acts immediately and without remorse.
This moment also foreshadows the brutal choices Jack will have to make throughout Season 2. The nuclear bomb threat is far greater than anything he faced in the previous season, and this scene proves that he is prepared to do whatever it takes to stop it.
Audience and Critical Reaction to the Hacksaw Scene
When Day 2: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM first aired in October 2002, the hacksaw scene immediately became one of the most talked-about moments in the series. Viewers were stunned—not just by the execution itself, but by how emotionless and direct Jack was when delivering the line.
Critics praised the scene for its bold storytelling and shocking intensity. Many noted that it set a much darker and more urgent tone for Season 2, proving that 24 was willing to take risks and push the boundaries of network television.
The moment also solidified Kiefer Sutherland’s performance as Jack Bauer, as he delivered the line with such calm determination that it became instantly unforgettable.
How This Moment Changed the Direction of 24
This single moment had a lasting impact on the rest of the season and, in many ways, the entire series. Jack’s execution of Goren showed that there were no more limits—this was no longer just about protecting his family or following orders.
It also established a precedent for Jack’s increasingly ruthless methods. In future episodes and seasons, he would continue to make morally questionable choices, often justifying them under the pressure of time. The hacksaw moment was the first clear indication that Jack had changed, and it shaped the way audiences viewed his character moving forward.
Unlike in Season 1, where Jack often struggled with the ethical weight of his decisions, Season 2 introduced a version of Jack who no longer second-guesses himself. This made him even more compelling to watch, as fans were left wondering just how far he would go to complete his mission.
A Line That Will Never Be Forgotten
Jack Bauer’s “I’m gonna need a hacksaw” is more than just a shocking statement—it is a defining moment in 24. It reinforced Jack as a character who makes impossible choices under impossible circumstances, showing that he is willing to cross any line if it means saving lives.
This scene remains one of the most unforgettable moments in the series, proving that sometimes, one line is enough to define an entire season.
