On this week's episode of 24, Jack Bauer continued to do what he thought was right.

That's a staple of this character, of course, which is largely why we love him. But we take extreme issue with what's actually at stake (translation: nothing) on season eight and the decisions Jack has made to accomplish his questionable goal.

In a new interview with TV Guide, meanwhile, producer Howard Gordon says last night's installment was central to the show's end game. In what way? Read on...

On the 11 a.m. hour: This is the episode where Jack's trajectory really gets defined and comes into focus, what we're going to see for the balance of the season. This is a very crystallizing moment. When Jack kills Dana unarmed, that's the first execution in his train of justice - or vengeance, depending on how you look at it.

On Jack's murder of Dana: It goes to the core of what Jack is experiencing right now: He's the judge and jury and executioner. He's taking what he perceives to be justice in his own hands. Dana has culpability in what's happened on this day. It defines the level of darkness he's descended to.

On the series finale: Jack is as about as emotionally damaged as he's been now. He's descending right now. The finale is a complex ending. It's not as tragic as it could have been. It's not entirely unhappy. But he doesn't walk off into the sunset.

What did you think of this week's turn of events?

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.