Martha Logan

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24 character

Martha Logan
Gender:	Female
Jobs held:	First Lady of the United States
Affiliation:	White House
Family:	NA
Spouse:	Charles Logan Ex Husban
Current status:	Active
Portrayed by:	Jean Smart
Seasons:	5, 6

Martha Logan is a fictional character played by Jean Smart in the television series, 24. She is married to President Charles Logan and is the First Lady of the United States. The character is based upon Martha Beall Mitchell.

[edit] Bio

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

Martha received a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Stanford University. Prior to marrying into politics, she served as a member of the Santa Barbara Museum Board of Trustees. She first met Charles Logan when he was serving in the California State Legislature. She was the most trusted advisor for the indecisive politician. However, at some point she suffered mental illness and was committed to a mental institution in Salem, Oregon. Martha was a close personal friend of David Palmer, and was devastated by his death. Prior to his murder, Palmer had discovered a traitorous conspiracy involving Logan's Chief of Staff Walt Cummings and ex-CIA agent James Nathanson, and had planned on alerting the Logan Administration using Martha as a go-between (he asked to meet with her about a "matter of national security"). Martha was convinced that Palmer was killed to prevent this meeting from taking place, but President Logan (not yet revealed as complicit in Palmer's murder) attempted to downplay her hysterics as delusions from a disturbed woman. At one point Logan spoke of having Martha committed. Eventually Martha obtained physical evidence proving Palmer tried to warn her of some national emergency. Logan decided that with Martha getting closer to uncovering a conspiracy, he would be best served to keep her close to him. Martha was eventually vindicated when Cummings was exposed and she seemed willing to forgive her husband for apparently dismissing her as crazy.

Several hours later, Charles Logan is forced by the terrorist Vladimir Bierko to provide them with the Russian president Yuri Suvarov's motorcade in exchange for no further American deaths. Frustrated with Logan's negotiation with the terrorists, Martha decides to join the motorcade behind his back. The motorcade is ambushed, but Martha, President Suvarov, and his wife survive, thanks to the intervention of Secret Service agent Aaron Pierce. Martha is shocked that her husband was willing to sacrifice her and the Suvarovs. When she learns how Logan agonized over this decision, she eventually forgives him; though still upset, she realizes that, in the midst of the current crisis, the country needs her husband more than she does.

Around midnight, Martha learns that Secretary of Defense James Heller has demanded a meeting with Charles. She asks Aaron why, and he says he will meet her later. However, Aaron is nowhere to be found at the meeting place, leaving only his cell phone on the ground. Very close to discovering the truth, Logan confesses to Martha his responsibility in Palmer's death and implores her to remain quiet for the good of the country. Martha tells Logan that she hates him and will never forgive him but does not want the country to suffer because of him. Logan later assures a man known as "Graham" that Martha has been dealt with and if she learns the complete truth, he will deal with her accordingly.

Martha begs Cummings' successor Mike Novick to get her medication so she can get some rest. Mike is concerned she is hiding something from him but Martha dismisses him. Later, Martha takes several pills in front of Mike and quickly falls into a relaxed state. Later, Logan comes to her room and begs her forgiveness for what he has done. Unbeknownst to Martha, Logan had intended to commit suicide after a final goodbye because CTU agent Jack Bauer had succeeded in bringing evidence implicating him in Palmer's death to CTU. Martha tells Logan she is horrified to be married to him.

Later Martha notices a black car driving on the grounds. She goes to investigate and finds Agent Justin Adams attempting to kill Aaron. She distracts Justin for a moment while Aaron knocks his gun away. Martha then reflexively kills Adams in an act of defense. A shell-shocked Martha tells Aaron that she won't keep quiet for Logan any longer and tells him to be sure to get away safely. Martha and Aaron then disclose the entire situation to Mike. With Jack on the way to the retreat, Martha agrees to stall Logan before he leaves for a press conference. She is forced to make love to Logan in order to give Jack the time to sneak onto Logan's helicopter.

Later, during a procession for Palmer, Mike informs her that Jack failed to coerce a confession from Logan, she begins publicly screaming that Logan is a murderer. He drags her into a hangar where he strikes her and threatens to put her away in an asylum for good if she has another outburst. During his tirade, Logan acknowledges all of his misdeeds, unknowing that Jack had earlier placed a small listening device on his pen. The confession quickly reaches the Attorney General who orders the U.S. Marshals to arrest Logan. Having successfully played her part in bringing down Logan, Martha smirks in silence as he is taken into custody.

[edit] Trivia

Before her vindication, a quick scale of squeaky notes would accompany the background soundtrack whenever her character appeared, known affectionately among fans as the "cuckoo music".

Martha Logan is the first "proper" First Lady seen on 24. Before her, President John Keeler was widowed, and President David Palmer was divorced (though not free of Sherry Palmer).

Government on 24

Presidents

President David Palmer | President John Keeler | President Charles Logan

Vice-Presidents

Vice President Jim Prescott | Vice President Hal Gardner

Others