In the show24, lives are on the line every episode—every hour, every minute. Betrayal is one of the show’s most devastating and electrifying themes. Fans quickly learned that no character was safe from turning to the dark side, with allies and friends revealing hidden motives that shook Jack Bauer and his colleagues to their core, making for some ofthe most legendary villains of24.
24quickly became legendary for its twists, constantly surprising audiences with the unthinkable as trusted figures flipped alliances, often with deadly consequences. From government officials tothe best of Jack Bauer’s closest allies, the show’s betrayals weren’t just story devices; they were moments that defined the stakes of the show, each treacherous turn cementing24as an unforgettable drama where loyalty is a fragile line—a show where a single betrayal could change everything.
10Marie Warner
Appeared In Season 2
Marie Warner’s betrayal in season 2 remains one of24’smost surprising twists. As the seemingly innocent younger sister in a wealthy family, Marie was engaged to Reza, a man her family suspected of terrorist ties. When it’s revealed that Marie is the one actually involved with terrorists, viewers were left stunned.
I Honestly Think One Of 24’s Worst-Reviewed Seasons Was Jack Bauer’s Best Moment
Despite mixed reviews, 24’s Season 8 showcased Jack Bauer’s relentless spirit and gripping narrative, proving to be one of the show’s finest.
Her transformation from a loving sister to a cold-blooded killer was a chilling moment for the series. Though not one of the show’s main characters,she was crucial to the plot of the season, and Marie’s treachery was personal, hitting close to home as she turned against her own family. Her role in the nuclear threat against Los Angeles showcased how24could keep audiences guessing about who could be trusted, making her one of the series’ first unforgettable betrayals.
Appeared In Season 8
Farhad Hassan’s betrayal in season 8 served as a stark reminder of how power can corrupt. A high-ranking figure in the fictional Islamic Republic of Kamistan, Farhad is first presented as a leader pushing for peace. But he’s ultimately revealed to be pursuing his own interests,conspiring to acquire nuclear materials in a bid for personal powerover the good of his country.
His betrayal of his own brother, President Omar Hassan, and his people was shocking, showcasing his ruthless ambition. Farhad’s actions nearly led to a nuclear disaster and have severe consequences, making him one of the show’s most calculated traitors. Though his betrayal wasn’t personal to Bauer, it reinforced how even those in positions of authority could abandon their morals for personal gain.
8Jamey Farrell
Appeared In Season 1
Jamey Farrell’s betrayal in season 1 marked the first instance of treachery and treason within CTU, setting the stage for the show’s future betrayals. Initially introduced as a quiet, unassuming member of Jack Bauer’s team,Jamey is later revealed to be working with terrorists. Her betrayal shocks her colleagues and makes her one of24’s earliest traitors.
Although her motivation stems from financial struggles and family pressures, her actions ultimately lead to devastating losses, reminding viewers early on that no one is safe and that even those in CTU could be compromised. Jamey’s betrayal is a pivotal moment in24’s debut season, laying the foundation for many similar developments to come. Yet she is far overshadowed by season 1’s other twist villain, whose twist takes place in one of24’s best episodes.
7Christopher Henderson
Appeared In Season 5
Christopher Henderson’s betrayal of Jack Bauer in season 5 was both professional and deeply personal, making it one of the more interesting and multi-faceted betrayals of the show. As Jack’s mentor and former ally in CTU, Henderson was someone Bauer trusted unconditionally. However, when Henderson’s involvement in a conspiracy surrounding government corruption is exposed, he becomes one of Jack’s most dangerous adversaries.
Henderson’s actions lead to some of the season’s most tragic moments, including the death of beloved characters. The betrayal stings even more because of their past connection, as Henderson becomes the embodiment of everything Jack despises. Henderson became the thing he sought to destroy. Henderson’s ruthlessness and willingness to manipulate those around him make him one of the series’ most formidable foes, showing that the worst betrayal can come from those who are typically deemed trustworthy.
6Dana Walsh
Dana Walsh’s betrayal in Season 8 is one of the show’s most dramatic twists, revealing her as a double agent embedded in CTU. Initially introduced as a tech analyst with a troubled past, Dana becomes entangled in CTU’s operations before revealing her true allegiance to terrorists. Her manipulation of colleagues and her involvement in a deadly conspiracy make hera character fans loved to hate.
Dana’s hatable nature made her one of season 8’s best characters.
However, arguably, Dana’s despicable nature is what made her one of the best characters inthe best season of 24. Her deception impacts CTU’s operations and leads to disastrous consequences, as her double life catches her colleagues completely off-guard. Dana’s betrayal, while controversial among fans, showcased24’s commitment to adding twists that lend itself well to the show’s unpredicatability.
5Tony Almeida
Appeared In Seasons 1 Through 5, 7, & Legacy
Tony Almeida’s betrayal in season 7 shocked viewers due to his long-standing role as one of Jack Bauer’s closest friends and allies. After experiencing tragic losses and trauma, Tony goes rogue, aligning himself with terrorists in a desperate attempt to achieve his own form of justice against the government that “killed his wife.”
Tony Almeida was the only character from the original series to show up in the spin-off,24 Legacy.
Tony’s mind-boggling turn from hero to villain to hero to antihero is heartbreaking, particularly after watching him evolve over several seasons. Tony’s betrayal feels personal, as his actions deeply impact Jack and leave him devastated. While it was an odd twist that did not stick the landing as well as some of the show’s absolute best, it was still effective. Tony’s motivations are complex, driven by grief and anger, making his betrayal both tragic and unforgettable. Tony’s journey from friend to foe stands as one of the series’ most intense twists.
4Olivia Taylor
Appeared In Season 7
As the ambitious daughter of President Allison Taylor,Olivia’s betrayal in season 7 added a shocking layer of political and familial drama to the final arc of the season.Olivia’s ruthlessness becomes apparent as she orchestrates the assassination of Jonas Hodges, a key conspirator against the US, to protect her family’s legacy. Her actions ultimately lead to her mother’s profound disappointment, as President Taylor is forced to confront her daughter’s corruption and lack of morality.
What makes Olivia one of the most interesting antagonists of the show is that her betrayal to the United States is completely understandable, if not entirely commendable.
Olivia’s betrayal feels personal and bitter, challenging family bonds in a powerful way. Yet it is hard not to feel bad marginally for her, as she tried to call off the killing, even if it was too late. What makes Olivia one of the most interesting antagonists of the show is that her betrayal to the United States is completely understandable, if not entirely commendable. Her actions left a lasting impact on her family and the political landscape, and made Olivia one of the series’ most complicated and understandable traitors.
3Sherry Palmer
Appeared In Seasons 1 Through 3
Sherry Palmer, the manipulative ex-wife of President David Palmer, is one of24’s most cunning and disciplined characters. Throughout her appearances, Sherry operates from behind the scenes, often pushing boundaries for her own gain. Her betrayal of Palmer in Season 2, as she manipulates and conspires against him, shows just how far she’s willing to go to gain political power.
Sherry’s relentless ambition and moral ambiguity make her one of the most unforgettable characters,and her betrayal hurts not only David but also the country she claims to want to protect. Sherry’s willingness to risk everything, even her ex-husband’s safety, paints her as one of the most conniving figures in24history.
2Nina Myers
Nina Myers’ betrayal in Season 1 is one of24’s defining moments, and is considered one of the most iconic moments of the show. Originally introduced as a trusted CTU agent and Jack’s lover, Nina is eventually revealed to be a mole working with terrorists. Her double-cross feels like a dagger through the heart for both Jack and the audience, especially when she kills Jamey Farrell and Teri Bauer, Jack’s wife.
Nina’s betrayal marks a point of no return for Jack, setting him on a path of unrelenting justice. Her cold, calculating nature makes her one of24’s most iconic villains, and her actions have a lasting impact on the show’s narrative. Nina’s betrayal is not just great; it is one of the best and most iconic moments of the show.
1Charles Logan
Appeared In Seasons 4, 5, 6, & 8
At the top of the list is Charles Logan, whose betrayal in Season 5 rocked the entire show. As the President of the United States, Logan is initially seen as a somewhat ineffective leader. However, it’s later revealed that he is deeply corrupt and directly involved in terrorist activities. His betrayal goes beyond personal grudges or revenge; it’s a calculated and far-reaching conspiracy that endangers countless lives.
Logan’s involvement in numerous heinous acts, including covering up crimes and collaborating with terrorists, makes him the show’s most intriguing traitor, even if he is not quite as iconic as Nina.
Logan’s involvement in numerous heinous acts, including covering up crimes and collaborating with terrorists, makes him the show’s most intriguing traitor, even if he is not quite as iconic as Nina. The revelation that a sitting president could be so corrupt was a gut punch for the audience, making Logan the ultimate villain in24. His betrayal left a profound impact on the series, solidifying his place as24’s most unforgettable antagonist.
24
Cast
24 follows CTU (Counter-Terrorism Unit) agent Jack Bauer as he contends with various threats to national and international security by any means necessary. With each season comprised of 24 episodes telling Bauer’s story in real-time, 24 brings the action to life one day at a time. Racing against the clock, Bauer is forced to make impossible decisions in the name of public service, bending his personal morals to get the job done.
