“You probably think I’m at a disadvantage. I promise you I’m not.”
Perhaps the one constant about 24′s reputation is the character of Jack Bauer, the legendary presence that beat up baddies, constantly yelled “DAMMIT!”, and was an all around badass. Interestingly, the show’s seemed to have fallen off the radar until now, mostly living on through Bauer and various shows that are what they are because of 24. There’s no denying that it was an ambitious and important series, and guess what? It’s back.
It’s a new world, and we’re thrown into an environment that draws from such current real-life issues as drones and security. It’s not a particularly nuanced or interesting take on the issue, but it provides a context that paves the way for the story the show intends to tell; interestingly, the writers place Jack and Chloe on opposite ends of the spectrum here, with clashing ideologies that only serve to emphasize the ways in which they’ve grown apart over the four years.
If anything, it’s been a regression for both; as the times have changed, they’ve started to believe less and less in what they’re fighting for, and they now seem like shells of their former selves. It’s a situation that’s been a long time coming: they’ll keep fighting, running, and hiding, but they can only do so for so long. In fact, through the contrast between Chloe’s hacker group and Jack’s fisticuff ways, we start to get a sense of obsoleteness for the latter’s methods.
Of course, that’s not to say he can’t kick some serious ass. Sutherland, as always, plays him perfectly, from his stoic expression throughout the first forty minutes to the small flickers of humanity that come to the surface when he’s talking to Chloe. In addition, the show continues to deliver with the action sequences; for me, it never gets tiring to see Jack choking out a guy while handcuffed or bullets just missing their targets. This is simply vintage 24, and those who’ve tired of it have moved on by now.
Elsewhere, we’re also introduced to a multitude of new characters, from Yvonne Strahovski’s rule-breaking Kate Morgan to Benjamin Bratt’s CIA head Steve Navarro to Tate Donovan’s Chief of Staff Mark Boudreau. Right now, this has the makings of a typical 24 scenario of backstabbing and moles and “political intrigue”, so I’m hoping for a change of scenery. Strahovski is compelling enough as Morgan, and I’d like to see the writers do something with a female character without having her fall in love with Jack Bauer (something akin to early Renee, as that seems to be the characterization thus far). I’m happy, though, that Michelle Fairley’s going to play a prominent role as a/the Big Bad, as she’s created a menacing presence so far.
Ultimately, Live Another Day seems to be utilizing its length and setting to its advantage, kicking things off with a highly entertaining premiere. It remains to be seen whether the level of quality will be maintained, but any time Jack Bauer’s involved, it’ll be a ride. I look forward to it.
Beep. Boop. Beep. Boop.
We’re back.
GRADES: B+ (11 am-12 pm), B (12 pm-1 pm)
OTHER THOUGHTS:
-I’ll get more into the characters as we progress in the season. Others of note: William Devane returns as President James Heller, and John Boyega plays Chris Tanner, a drone pilot who’s framed for the murder of various soldiers.
-Speaking of: “YOU’RE ABOUT TO DIE. GET OUT OF THERE!!!!!!!”
*Soldier stands around for a good 30 seconds and asks questions*
Ah, 24.
-Might as well not even build those government buildings anymore. One episode in, and an explosion at the CIA.
-So, what exactly is the point of setting the show in London, hiring a bunch of British actors, and having them fake American accents?
-Well, hello, Simone (Emily Berrington), and your ear stabbing ways.
-Every time Kate said “intercept”, I heard “intersect”, and missed Chuck all over again.
-Wow, lots of buttons on Jack’s hand. Next week, he orders take-out and tweets.
-Writing these episode titles are a pain. Seriously, look at that mess up there. You got “Live Another Day”, then “Day 9”, and some random times.
-Join me as a I cover the next 10 weeks of 24. Let’s hope it’s good.
Photo credit: FOX, 24
Polar Bears Watch TV 
I was four when this premiered haha, a little too early for me, would I be able to jump on the bandwagon this season? Or does it require some knowledge of earlier seasons?
24 has some recurring characters (Jack, Chloe, Audrey, and Heller are the only ones for LAD), but for the most part, each season is self-contained. You should be able to pick up what’s happening.
And yeah, I was too young when this premiered as well. I actually didn’t start it until after it had gone off the air.