Jack Bauer quotes from 24

Jack

You can look the other way once, and it's no big deal, except it makes it easier for you to compromise the next time, and pretty soon that's all you're doing; compromising, because that's the way you think things are done. You know those guys I busted? You think they were the bad guys? Because they weren't, they weren't bad guys, they were just like you and me. Except they compromised... Once.

Jack

Lauren, I have killed two people since midnight. I have not slept for over 24 hours. So maybe, maybe you should be a little more afraid of me than you are. Sit!

Jack

You probably don't think that I can force this towel down your throat. But trust me, I can. All the way. Except I'd hold onto this one little bit at the end. When your stomach starts to digest it, I pull it out. Taking your stomach lining with it. For most people it would take about a week to die. It's very painful.

Jack

Part of getting a second chance is taking responsibility for the mess you made in the first place.

Jack

How does she strike up a conversation with an absolute stranger and they just start laughing…like they've been friends forever? That's a gift. I remember thinking, "God, I wish I could do that." But I can't. That was my wife--Teri. That's what you took from this world, Nina. That's what you took from me and my daughter.

Jack

I just wanted you to know that.

Jack

The Sunday before you killed my wife... Teri and I went to the boardwalk in Venice just watching all the roller-bladers and musicians, laughing at the crazy people, spending time together. And Teri sees this sno-cone stand. She giggles like a kid. She takes off running, she wants to get in line, she wants one. I remember I was watching her, I was just... I couldn't help myself. When I look up at her she's talking to this old lady in line behind her and the two of them are laughing, and I'm thinking to myself, how the hell does she do that. How does she strike up a conversation with an absolute stranger? And they just start laughing. Like they'd been friends forever. That's a GIFT. I remember thinking, God, I wish I could do that. But I can't. That was Teri. My wife. That's what you took from this world, Nina. That's what you took from me, and my daughter. I just wanted you to know that.

Jack

I just wanted you to know that.

Jack

There are bad things in this world that are out of control. Sometimes we like to blame ourselves so we can try and make sense of them.

Jack

Shut up, stupid! You just fired at a federal agent. You better start talking to me, or I will let you bleed to death right here on this landing.

Jack

A few years ago my wife was killed because of my job; my daughter's never been the same since. This last year, well you know what I went through to bring you in, what did I get for it? A pat on the back, in the end--a demotion, and a heroin habit. I'm tired of putting my ass on the line for nothing. I'm done putting my ass on the line for nothing.

Jack

Sorry we let you down, Ryan. (pauses) God forgive me.

Jack

Let's get one thing straight, kid. The only reason you're still conscious is because I don't want to carry you. Now get in the van.

Jack

He's using you. He wanted you to get inside my head. And it worked. And now I'm… upset.

Jack

Captain. I can fly this thing if I have to, which leaves you with one of two choices. You either do what I say and you live, or you don't and you die for nothing. You understand me?

Jack

A year and a half ago, I was warned that my life was in danger, by someone within the government. I was told the only way I could stay alive was to create the illusion that I was dead. I was forced to deceive people that I loved. My only daughter will never forgive me. As I see the depth of your corruption unfold, I have no doubt that you are that source of danger. David Palmer was a great man, and he was a great President! But he was also my friend. He tried to warn me about you and now he is dead. Other people tried to help me, and they are dead, too. So Mr. Logan, I hope you understand… I have absolutely nothing to lose. You are going to be held accountable for your part of everything that happened today. You are not going to be able to hide behind the Presidency -- right here, right now, you are going to face justice! And make no mistake about this, this is personal. And if you think for a second that I am scared to put a bullet in your brain, you don't know me. I am going to ask you one last time. Who are your co-conspirators? You have until the count of three, or I will kill you.

Jack

I understand what's expected of me, Mr. President.