Classic Moments: Almeida's Demise ('24')

To tie in with Cult Spy's look at miraculous resurrections, here's a trip back to the apparent demise of one of 24's most trustworthy and seemingly unflappable characters - Tony Almeida. God bless his goatee.

The Context

Tony Almeida has survived a car bomb that claimed the life of his wife Michelle Dessler. Residing in the CTU medical unit, he undergoes emergency brain surgery. He awakens a few hours later and discovers that Michelle is dead, despite attempts to keep him from learning her fate.

Horrified, he plans to kill Jack Bauer's arch nemesis Christopher Henderson, who is being kept in a comatose state in the CTU medical unit.

The Moment

On the verge of killing Henderson with a lethal dose of hyoscine-pentothal, Tony has a crisis of conscience and hesitates. At that moment, his would-be victim awakens from his coma and plunges the needle into Tony's chest.

Henderson immediately escapes and Jack Bauer is stunned to find his former comrade dying on the floor. Jack cradles Tony in his arms, screaming for help and begging his pal to hold on - but to no avail. Tony can barely muster his last words of "she's gone, Jack", referring to his beloved Michelle. He then slips into unconsciousness and his lifeless body is held by an emotional Jack.

The Aftermath

A distinct absence of the 'silent clock' leading into the end credits led many fans to suspect that somehow, Almeida wasn't dead. Even the snide Ryan Chappelle was given one after his execution in Day Three, along with the likes of George Mason, David Palmer and Edgar Stiles. However, there were no hints in the narrative that Tony's death may have been faked, like Jack Bauer's own at the end of Day Six.

Tony Almeida has now been confirmed as a key character for Day Seven of 24.