24: Out of Time?

In the famous and frantic words of Jack Bauer, 24 could be “running out of time!”  Fox is expected to soon announce the cancellation of 24, stopping the clock of the hit television drama after its current eighth season.  Also in the legendary words of Jack, my reaction is:  “Damn it!”

Debuting less than two months after the terrorist attacks of September 11^th, 2001, 24 has been a stalwart for Fox.  Told in real time, 24’s action-packed espionage storylines focus on the fictional Counter Terrorist Unit and its protagonist, Jack Bauer played by Kiefer Sutherland, who must uncover and stop terrorist threats within twenty-four hours.

Apropos after the September 11^th terrorist attacks, the popular show has dominated the television drama market as it has won several Emmy Awards and Golden Globes, including the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series in 2006 and the Golden Globe for Best Drama Series in 2003.  Additionally, 24 landed at number six on Empire magazine’s 2008 list of “The 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.”

Although Kiefer Sutherland has expressed interest in a ninth season of 24, it appears that the countdown to the end has begun.  24’s thrills could not make up for the high production costs and falling ratings.  The premiere of “Day 8” was its lowest since “Day 3.”  With eight seasons, a TV movie event (24:  Redemption), toys, a board game, and a video game, 24 may have run its course.  However, just like every cliffhanger hour of 24, there may still be something left to keep fans intrigued and wanting more.

Rumors have swirled for years of 24’s big thrills hitting the big screen.  Those rumors have become all the more official with the statement from Fox on February 9, 2010 that its film branch, 20^th Century Fox, confirmed plans to produce a major motion picture adaptation of the show.  Billy Ray (State of Play, Breach, Shattered Glass) has been contracted by 20^th Century Fox to pen the screenplay.  Taking 24 into a new market, the film industry may prove profitable as the show may have done all it could do with the medium of television.  Yet, one interesting question remains:  how will 24’s final day end?

As the seconds tick down on the final hour of 24, what will become of Jack Bauer?  Will he die heroically to save the world?  Will he live happily ever after with Kim and Terri?  Will terrorists finally be able to sleep at night when Jack officially retires?

What do you think?  What would you like to see happen in the finale of 24?  Leave a comment!

There is only one true way to find out.  Tune in to Fox every Monday at 9 PM EST to catch a ride on the riveting rollercoaster that is 24.

Geoff Burch

Geoff enjoys talking to strangers, spoiling his appetite, listening to loud music, dating girls, and doing everything else his mother once warned against. He has written short stories, poems, and a screenplay. He loves sports: athletic and political. Geoff lives by his own philosophy: When life gives you two choices, take the one that will make a better story.

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