The eighth season of 24 finds heroic Jack Bauer (apparently) alive and, at least partially, recovered from his exposure to the pathogen in year seven.
Thus far, we know that only Cherry Jones, Mary Lynn Rajskub, and Annie Wersching are back as series regulars. Others in the cast include Mykelti Williamson, Chris Diamantopoulos, Katee Sackhoff, John Boyd, Freddie Prinze Jr., and Anil Kapoor. Elisha Cuthbert and Bob Gunton will be back in recurring roles and one would guess that fan-favorite Glenn Morshower will return at some point.
As the countdown clock brings us closer to January 17th’s premiere, Rajskub (dour Chloe O’Brian) has conceded that she thinks the 24 series finale is near. She said, “I definitely think the end is in sight, but having said that, I don’t know if it’s going to be this year. I’m dying to know, but I think we’ll have a better idea later this month.”
“If the numbers are exceptional, there’s a really good chance we’ll do another year. I think we need at least another year, but there are so many factors that go into it.”
In truth, it surprises Rajskub that the action series has lasted as long as it has. “It kind of amazes me that the show still works, to tell you the truth. We screened the first episode [of this season] and I’m on the show, and I was still just as excited. I think the show writing is better than ever. You kind of know what the concept is by now. You watch Jack, who does want to live a normal life and go with his family, but you know as a viewer, ‘Well, that’s not going to happen.’ But the way that it’s done sucks you in. You know he’s going to be torn away, but how they do it and the enjoyment of that happening still works.”
At the end of this season, 24 will become the longest-running espionage series in television history, surpassing both Mission: Impossible (in episode count) and The Avengers (in years on the air).
It is also the last season under FOX’s current contract. In August, Kevin Reilly, FOX’s Entertainment President, said he thought that there was a good chance that season eight would be the end. He noted, “There are a lot of moving parts, so we’re not sure what will happen after that.”
Whether the series ends this season or next, it seems fairly certain that we’ll see Jack Bauer continue his fight on the big-screen with a 24 movie.
Last year, the show’s executive producer, Howard Gordon, said, “My hope is to go [shoot the feature film] after the eighth season. That’s sort of what we’re aiming for. I think that a big-screen 24 will be a fitting send off for Jack.”
What do you think? Should season eight be the show’s last or would you like the series to continue on? If so, for how long?
Image courtesy FOX.
24 to end? Not definite yet, but it’s not looking good. 🙁 That sucks! Copy and paste link if you can’t click on it.
http://www.screenrush.co.uk/article/fichearticle_gen_carticle=18495629.html
PLEASE!! DO NOT take 24 off the air!!! I have watched the show since the 1st episode. There are so many ways to make it new & MORE interesting. Let Jack be in charge of CTU. Bring in some young actors for him to train “Bauer” style. Give him some sex scenes!!! YUM A Family. Loved the part when the little girl said “YOU don’t look like a Grandpa”. Bring President Palmer back from the dead!!!! There are so many things to do to spice it up!!! I know we all LOVE JACK!!!!!!
You can’t, you can’t, you can’t!!!!! Who will save the world if Jack Bauer is gone? 24 is the best show out there and after 8 seasons it still has unique plots and exciting action. I don’t understand why networks are cancelling their highest rated shows. The people want 24, so give it to them! I understand concerns about wanting to go out on a high note, but, as far as the viewers are concerned, there is no danger of 24 losing its appeal anytime soon. Please do not cancel one of the only decent shows out there, and in… Read more »
this to me is one of the best shows on any of the networks, it keeps the viewers glued to every word that is said. the acting is excellent and the suspense is great. there is not one show on any channel that i can watch except 24. i will not answer my cell phone or home phone while this show is on. they should try to keep this show on the air as long as possible. i wish this show could be 2 hours long every week. tell fox to keep this show going. believe me it will not… Read more »
Unfortunatly…all good things must come to an end…I say do a spin off show with Tony…follow the good guy gone crazy
Actually Jack Bauer passing the torch to someone else may be a very risky move. The new star of the show just may not be as interesting as Jack Bauer and the show’s executives and FOX may eventually cancel the show, ending it on a bad note rather than a good note. You don’t want to start up something disastrous. In my opinion, I believe the show can go on as long as possible based on the consistent ratings. However, based on Jack’s personal storyline, he is getting older and there’s only so much destruction Jack can face. Just remember… Read more »
This is my favorite show, why does it need to end? I have always imagined that when Keifer Sutherland no longer wants to do the show they find a character that everyone loves and “pass the torch” onto that character. The female lead in season 7 could be a good prospect… are they grooming her for this possibility? I have always thought it would be cool to have the spirit of “Jack Bauer” live on in one of his “disciples.” Someone who adopts Jack’s philosophy on “getting the job done to save lives” whether through interrogation, breaking the rules, or… Read more »
Bring back lie to me!
As long as the episodes are as well written, and executed as in past seasons (and of course Chloe is still around), I hope is goes as long as the cast wants it to continue.
This is without a doubt the best TV show ever. Jack Bauer needs to continue as long as possible. This is the best written show on TV and the cast is always excellent. Can’t say enough about the story line and Kiefer is the only one who could ever be Jack Bauer.
Are you kidding? 24 and Damages and the only 2 shows
on tv right now worth watching. Don’t take Jack Bauer
away from us PLEASE!!!
look..24 can’t be no more…my family and i watch it all together, it’s like a tradition. do not take that away from us because we’ll be really upset. i love 24 and it’s cast, it’s the best show and it’s on my favorite’s list. just keep it going please.
Please don’t take 24 off the air! 🙁 It’s the best show ever and definitely my favorite!!! I know that there is a lot at stake to keep it on the air but it the ratings are there, then keep it going!!!!!
I love it this my favorite show.
I love this show. Bring it back for more!!!