(May 19, PDI-Entertainment)
By Oliver M. Pulumbarit
Terror-smashing super-agent Jack Bauer is back, combating
malevolent forces that threaten the United
States anew in the revived “24,” a shorter
season dubbed “Live Another Day.”
Kiefer Sutherland reprises the iconic TV role, with the
Emmy-winning series finding new life, still on television, after plans for
spin-off films were abandoned.
The clock restarts after eight seasons fraught with
seemingly insurmountable challenges, the 24 episodes of each season
corresponding to a full day. This one has fewer episodes—only 12—so it remains
to be seen how the new format compresses the story and adjusts the time.
Jack has fought terrorists of various creeds, agendas and
nationalities, and sacrificed much for the security of many. By the end of the series
in 2010, the character was on the run, a former agent forced to “retire” after
a complicated mission.
In the first episode of “Live Another Day,” Jack is tracked
and, after a serious scuffle, nabbed by the London-based division of the CIA .
His presence in England
coincides with that of the visiting American president (William Devane), a
former ally. But Jack’s immediate concern is busting out his former CTU
(counter-terrorist unit) colleague, techie extraordinaire Chloe O’Brian (Mary
Lynn Rajskub), detained at the same CIA
headquarters.
It doesn’t take long to remind viewers—and unwary new
characters—that Jack Bauer is uncommonly tough and dangerous. By the time he
totes a gun again, it is clear to longtime devotees that Jack is indeed back,
poised to make the world a safer place, ready to get his hands dirty for the
greater good!
It’s a promising restart. Sutherland and Rajskub are joined
by new cast members and rejoined by familiar ones. Yvonne Strahovksi (the
serial poisoner from “Dexter”) stars as a CIA
agent who figures out Jack’s ruse and rescue mission. There’s Stephen Fry,
charismatic as the British prime minister; and Michelle Fairley (Catelyn Stark
from “Game of Thrones”) appears as a major villainess. Also back is Kim Raver
as Jack’s traumatized ex and the president’s daughter Audrey.
In true “24” fashion, Jack Bauer chases bad guys while again
convincing law enforcers of his innocence and the veracity of his new task.
Sutherland still delivers with the physically demanding action hero role, and
quickly reacquaints with that long-missed combo of fidgety problem-solving and
focused single-mindedness. And it is just as elating to see Rajskub return to
her fan-favorite character, now a goth-ish “hacktivist” who helps Jack for the
nth time.
It’s only a matter of time before a traitor is
revealed—there were a couple of moles and double agents before, after all. A
president with exploitable weaknesses; a weapon in the wrong hands; a dastardly
plot to discredit and decimate—they’re all there, refurbished for the revival.
While it primarily appeals to fans, this “24” is accessible
enough for new viewers, who should check out earlier seasons anyway for a more
complete viewing experience.
“24: Live Another Day” airs Mondays, 1 p.m. and 9 p.m.
on JackCity.
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