What a difference a successful event series makes. Last year’s 24: Live Another Day event series not only came as a surprise when first announced, but also did surprisingly well by raking in the ratings; so well that Fox are looking to produce another 24-based event series and, should that prove successful, a new spin-off series.
Speaking to TVLine, 24 executive producer Howard Gordon said the network was also looking at introducing a “new twenty-something male terrorist hunter” as lead, replacing good ol’ JB Jack Bauer (Keifer Sutherland). Long-time 24 writers Manny Coto and Evan Katz will pen the new series and also executive produce.
The series will feature the new male lead working alongside a more experienced female agent. Unfortunately that female agent will not be Kate Morgan (Yvonne Strahovski) who was introduced as Jack Bauer’s co-lead in 24: Live Another Day, and did really well in that role. However both she and Jack Bauer could drop in and out of the series in guest-starring roles. I’m going to assume the reasoning for the new lead is something something demographics something something millennials. And as you might guess it’s not something I’m in favour of, mostly because it’s been done to death and it’s a wasted chance to try something new – Strahovski could easily lead the series herself.
Instead we’ll get:
“Hurry Troy! (I’m guessing the name. It could also be Connor or some inanimate object.) You’ve only got 10 seconds to defuse the bomb! Now first *notification bing* … Troy? Did you just take A SELFIE WITH THE BOMB!?”
“WHO ARE YOU WORKING FOR!? Oh wait, I can just browse your Facebook page. ADD ME AS A FRIEND!”
“WHY DID YOU USE A SEPIA FILTER WHEN POSTING YOUR FOOD PICS TO INSTAGRAM NICK, YOU MONSTER!?”
I can do this all day. Only one person can stop me, and it’s not a twenty-something white male with chiseled good looks, amazing hair and an attitude problem stemming from his troubled past… because I’m not afraid of being unfriended on Facebook.
So while I’m pleased there’s new 24 on the way as I quite enjoy the series, the idea of the new lead strikes a bit of a sour note with me. What do you think?
Last Updated: June 2, 2015
Kervyn Cloete
June 2, 2015 at 12:55
DAMN IT, CHLOE!!!
Lourens Corleone
June 3, 2015 at 13:40
Well, it depends. There are a few actors younger actors that could probably take the reigns and be successful, and badass. I’m hoping that Jack Bauer finds out he has a son, Jack Bauer Jnr. As long as they don’t make it Jai Courtney.