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Why Fox’s 24 prequel might actually be good

By Mario McKellop

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A new spinoff of Fox’s 24, chronicling the adventures of a young Jack Bauer, is currently being developed. And though prequels of great TV shows are always a dicey prospect, there are a few reasons to think the new show might be worthwhile.

Earlier this week, Deadline revealed Fox is currently in the middle of developing a prequel for its long-running espionage thriller 24. According to the piece, the proposed series will explore the origins of ruthless counter terrorism agent Jack Bauer, a character originally portrayed by Kiefer Sutherland during 24’s nine seasons. Although prequels are notoriously tricky to pull off, I’m feeling cautiously optimistic about this development.

Like millions of other people, I was a big fan of 24 during its initial run from 2001 to 2010. I found it’s unfolding in real-time gimmick, well-crafted practical action sequences and harrowing performances to be captivated. In fact, I liked it so much that I was able to appreciate the series in spite of its virulent Islamophobia. And though the series lost its way in its last few seasons, I found it’s 2014 revival 24: Live Another Day to be both a return to form and a fitting final chapter for Jack Bauer.

Because the show’s revival was so strong, I was willing to give the short-lived 24 spinoff 24: Legacy chance back when it debuted early last year. Unfortunately, the new series proved to be a major disappointment. It seemed to feature all of 24’s worst aspects – the overly convoluted narratives, an overreliance on shock and the blatant Islamophobia – without any of its redeeming qualities. Also, the show’s protagonist, Corey Hawkins’ Eric Carter, didn’t possess the intensity and sorrow that made his predecessor such the compelling character.

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So why am I feeling optimistic about the potential 24 prequel? Three reasons; the creative team, the period setting and the storyline. As per deadline, the prequel is being developed by former 24 producers Howard Gordon, Robert Cochran and Joel Surnow. Gordon, Cochran and Surnow were responsible for some of the best seasons of the old 24. And though Gordon and Cochran were credited for writing scripts for 24: Legacy, they were not the chief creative force behind the underwhelming spinoff.

Additionally, as Jack Bauer was 34 during the 2001 set first season of 24, the prequel series would likely be set in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s. That would mean that the show’s writers would have to find ways for Jack to save the day that didn’t involve cell phones, high-speed Internet or portable computers. And while is no guarantee that those limitations would automatically result in better scripts, I think forcing the show’s creators to rethink how Bauer operates would prompt some outside the box thinking.

Lastly, I think it’d be fascinating to see Jack Bauer become Jack Bauer. While some aspects of the character’s personality would have to be consistent, presumably Jack’s ends justify the means philosophy was something he came to over time. And the details the original 24 dropped about Jack’s military service and time with the LAPD were just ominous enough to be intriguing.

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Obviously, just because a 24 prequel is in production, there’s no guarantee it’ll be actually be produced or aired. And even if it is, it’s entirely possible that the stories Gordon, Cochran and Surnow come up with could be even less engaging than those featured in 24: Legacy. And the actor portraying young Jack could be terrible. But right now, a combination of curiosity and nostalgia has me hopeful that a prequel to one of my favorite TV shows might turn out okay.

Would you be interested in seeing a 24 prequel? Leave your response in the comments below.

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