Spring Break
Prequel recaptures show's original excitement
SARA GOODMAN
Issue date: 11/21/08 Section: Opinions
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Fans of the Fox television series "24" will not be let down with Sunday's two hour real-time television special.
"24: Redemption" is a prequel to the seventh season, which will premiere Jan. 11 after the show's 18-month hiatus following the writers' strike.
"Redemption" attempts to fill in the blanks since viewers last saw Jack (Kiefer Sutherland) - overlooking the Pacific Ocean at the end of season six.
Much has changed since that pensive moment so long ago. Many die-hard fans may have been disappointed with recent seasons, but "Redemption" brings back the emotion that had been missing previously.
"Redemption" was shot on location in South Africa, and Jack has been wandering the world for the past three years, working at an American school for refugee children in the fictional country of Sangala.
As Jack prepares to leave his former friend, Special Forces Agent Carl Benton (Robert Carlyle), who runs the refugee school, the U.S. government subpoenas Jack for questioning on his past interrogation methods.
"24" SEASON
SEVEN PREMIERE
Grade: AVerdict: "Redemption" brings back the swiftness and excitement that has been absent from "24" since the first season.Minutes into the episode, which occurs between 3p.m. and 5 p.m., rebels in Sangala are plotting to overthrow their government.
Back in Washington, it is inauguration day for President-Elect Allison Taylor (Cherry Jones), who must now deal with the unfolding African situation, in the midst of transferring power from President Noah Daniels (Powers Boothe).
"Redemption" is clearly an opportunity for Fox to revitalize the series and excite fans for the approaching season - and it works.
The freshness of "Redemption" is evident from the African backdrop alone. Likewise, the addition of actor Jon Voigt, who plays a Washington villain, contributes a new element to the show.
Also interesting to note is the absence of CTU, the Counter Terrorism Unit, which has been generally the focus of the show. Perhaps this is the writer's attempt to update the show and avoid common pitfalls.
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