Day 8 marks the (initial) end to a series that reshaped the way we view television. To me, “24” goes down as one of the best shows of all time. It deserves a place alongside “The Sopranos,” “The Wire,” “Breaking Bad,” and “Game of Thrones” for its innovative style and 2000s entertainment history.
I had never watched Season 8. It was cheaper to buy than rent so I bought it, and now I’m glad I did. When I inevitably revisit the show in a few years, it will be there.
Did it match Season 7?
Day 8 is set in New York City, making it the second straight season outside of Los Angeles. It’s a facet I wish the series had explored before. One of my many criticisms of Season 6 is that it didn’t take place in China. After two straight successful seasons set in Washington DC and New York City, it was a huge miss having the same backdrop for all prior stories.
Jennifer Westfeldt as Meredith Reed. (Photo: 20th Century Fox Television)
Jack Bauer (Keifer Sutherland) is at his best in the series. He’s angry, he’s brutal, and he has a mission. There are Russian terrorists looking to thwart a peace treaty between the US and a fictitious country called Kamistan. None of the details really matter—we’re here for the Jack Bauer swan song, and boy do we get one.
Several new faces continue to refresh the cast. Mykelti Williamson plays Brian Hastings, the by-the-book director of CTU New York. Katee Sackhoff plays an attractive analyst. Freddie Prinze Jr. shines as Cole Ortiz—the east coast version of Jack Bauer. The great Anil Kapoor does a masterful job as the Kamistan President Omar Hassan.
Bob Gunton and Michael Madsen Add Flavor
It wouldn’t be 24 without Chloe, and Mary Lynn Rajskub reprises the role with her best performance to date. It’s amazing to think this offbeat introvert introduced in Season 3 would go on to be the second most popular character on the show. Thespians Bob Gunton and Michael Madsen add flavor. I won’t spoil the review with the mention of any other characters that may or may not make appearances.
The show was slated to end with Season 8. However, it did return in 2014 for “Live Another Day” which I will also be viewing for the first time. As it stands, Day 8 is a worthy ending for an amazing and groundbreaking series.
Keifer Sutherland and Mary Lynn Rajskub having fun on the set of “24.” (Photo: 20th Century Fox Television)
SEASON RANKINGS
5 – Award winning and for good reason
Redemption/7 – Love the changeup from CTU to DC
4 – A fun season that stays away from the edgier choices
3 – The first of the best seasons
2 – My first favorite season, drags at times but still great
1 – The original is always the best
8 – Still fresh to me which adds rewachability
6 – Literal dogbleep. I will skip on successive rewatches
