24 Of 24's Most Memorable Characters - Ranked
12. Mike Novick (Days 1, 2, 4 And 5)
Mike Novick was David Palmer’s most trusted advisor…that is until he stabbed him in the back in season two. When Vice-President Jim Prescott decided to invoke the 25th Amendment on the grounds that President Palmer was seen as weak and ineffectual leader in dealing with that day’s crisis, Mike chose to back the former. A decision he was to later regret.
Feeling increasingly guilty for betraying the president - his friend - Mike sought to rectify matters by ordering CTU to prove that the Cyprus recording was fabricated meaning no retaliatory action against the fictitious Middle Eastern countries would be required.
Eventually the recording did indeed prove to be false but for Mike personally, the damage had already been done. A vindicated Palmer rejects the resignations from those who voted him out of office, much to the relief of Mike who hopes this second chance leniency will be extended towards him too. It wasn't.
Nevertheless they were reliving the good old familiar crisis days in season four, helping - more like running - the newly-elected President Charles Logan avert a potential international incident with the Chinese.