24 Of 24's Most Memorable Characters - Ranked
18. Curtis Manning (Days 4 To 6)
Someone who provided a rare, welcome reassurance in 24’s usual times of lies and treachery. Someone we took for granted in someways, and like all things we take for granted we only realise how much they mean to us when they’re gone.
In season six, Curtis remembers that Hamri Al-Assad - the reformed terrorist with whom CTU is working with - was responsible for ambushing his men when on a mission in Iraq. Five of Curtis’ team were instantly killed while two others were tortured and then beheaded by Al-Assad’s lieutenant. Unable to comprehend President Wayne Palmer’s decision to grant Al-Assad a full pardon for his crimes, Curtis grabs him and holds a gun to his head. When Jack offers him an ultimateum, Curtis says: “I can’t let this animal live." As he’s about to pull the trigger, Jack - having been ordered to and left with no choice - shoots him dead.
We are left with a harrowing image of Curtis slowly slumping towards the ground. An unspeakable, unfortunate act that takes its explicit toll on Jack as he stumbles away before vomiting and collapsing in tears.