that is the same formula for this show every year.
each season the guys that you think are running the terror project, are gone by episode 5....then you meet the next higher level....and they are gone by episode 12....and then you meet the next level....and they are gone by episode 20...and that sets the stage for the leader of the terror movement by episode 20 and a 4 hour show down with Jack Bauer.
I have seen every episode of this show each season, and i think it is entertaining, but it is really a bad show.