Commitment and the battle between good and evil are recurring themes in the story.

The characters, though they struggle at times, commit to their jobs, to each other, and to the community. It is this commitment that teaches Hope the lessons she needs to learn, and provides the security she desires. Hope's relationship with G. T. is "good," but she battles internally with self-doubts (evil) in the face of difficulties over which she has no control. In the political plot line, this same battle between good and evil is fought. Bauer avoids an ending that is too pat by first allowing the "bad guy" to win the election. In the end, good does triumph, but not without challenging the courage and fortitude of the "good guys."

The major themes are primarily developed through the main character, Hope, and her relationships with the other characters...