You know, if the writers of 24 really want to shock us, they'll have Tony come back safe and sound. They'll have the happy, reunited couple retire from CTU, buy an old farmhouse in upstate New York, open an antique shop, homeschool their kids, grow organic vegetables, and live happily ever after. Now THAT would be shocking!
Otherwise, it's an overused, old ploy of setting up the viewers' hopes and emotions, only to have them dashed as the newly reunited sweethearts are separated for a final time...by death. Sheesh.
A birdie (not a spoiler) tells me that Michelle, Buchanan, or even Edgar is in more trouble than Tony. This is 24, after all, and the most dangerous place for any major character is CTU Los Angeles.