Tonight’s ’24’ series finale, the action-packed drama starring Kiefer Sutherland as legendary agent/operative/mercenary/anti-hero/pseudo-villain Jack Bauer, ended with a hauntingly familiar sight: Jack running from the people who want him dead.
Only now, Jack Bauer is running from America and Russia in addition to long-time nemesis China.
Tonight’s ’24’ series finale was a two-hour tribute to two themes, instead of being a farewell to Jack and crew. First, if people would just listen to Jack Bauer the show would be called ‘2.’ Secondly, a quote by Jack Bauer in the first season has never been truer: “You can look the other way once, and it’s no big deal, except it makes it easier for you to compromise the next time, and pretty soon that’s all your doing–compromising … they weren’t bad guys, they were just like you and me; Except they compromised– once.”
Viewers have been speculating on the fate of Jack since the announcement in March that the current season would be the 8th and final season of ’24.’ The show became well known for incredible cliffhangers and suspenseful scenes; each episode takes place during an action-and-gunfire packed 24-hour period. Many viewers-myself, included-hoped to see the ’24’ series finale ending with Jack getting on a plane to travel and join his daughter, Kim (portrayed by Elisha Cuthbert) and her daughter, Teri.
Currently, the rumors of a ’24’ movie are circulating. Numerous quotes from ’24’ producers, writers, and directors are popping up in various interviews, including the recent sit-down with Kiefer Sutherland by Entertainment Weekly. When asked if he was relieved to not be forced to say goodbye to character Jack Bauer because of the pending film, Sutherland replied: “It’s a huge relief for me. To go out on what we believe is a very strong high note was really important to us, and we still get to go make this film that we’ve wanted to do for a long time.”
According to the New York Post article “’24’ movie in the works” by Michael Shain, “The film — to be written by the same screenwriter who did “State of Play” and “Shattered Glass” — could be out as soon ‘as early as next year, depending on how things come together,’ producer Howard Gordon told The Hollywood Reporter.”
Unfortunately, this means that if the movie plans fall through, dedicated ’24’ fans will be faced with a cliffhanger finale to end all unfinished endings. As a fan who was hooked the first hour of season 1, I am disappointed at the prospect-no matter how remote-that Jack Bauer might not finally get his redemption and a moment of peace.
Sources:
Lynette Rice, ’24 star Kiefer Sutherland reflects on drama’s heart-stopping run on Fox,” Entertainment Weekly
Michael Shain, “’24’ movie in the works,” New York Post
