24: Redemption is days away from airing on FOX.  This Sunday, Jack Bauer returns to the airwaves, making his triumphant return with a two-hour prequel film that bridges the gap between seasons 6 and 7 of 24.  It's been almost two years since the trials of Jack Bauer have been shown on television, and fans appear to be lathered up and ready to go.  While some may view 24: Redemption as a warm-up to the January premiere of season 7, it's more important than that.  Depending upon the ratings and critical reaction to the film, the direction of the 24 franchise could be dramatically altered.  There has long been talk of bringing Jack Bauer to the big screen and, if 24: Redemption whets the appetites of the fans and FOX, it may bring a theatrical 24 movie that much closer to reality. 

The 24 producers, along with Kiefer Sutherland, have made it clear that 24 will not make a theatrical film until the series has run its course on FOX.  They flirted with the idea of doing a movie in between seasons, but it proved impossible – the show's production schedule is nearly year-long anyway.  The only reason 24: Redemption exists is because of the writers' strike.  However, how 24: Redemption turns out will say a lot about 24's ability to segue into the film world.

While Redemption is entirely told in real-time, a film wouldn't necessarily be.  Jon Cassar, at Comic-Con, stated that his idea for a film would be to have the first two-thirds of a 24 film told normally.  Then, in the final act, the beeping would start and the real-time would begin.  This would be a great compromise for 24 fans and give casual movie-goers a good entry point into the 24 world.  If 24: Redemption turns out poorly, it severely lowers the chances of a 24 film being green-lit.  Essentially, it will act as a tryout.

Unlike other TV shows that have made the transition to the big screen, 24 is perfectly suited for film audiences.  It's already probably the most cinematic show on network television, at least in terms of scope.  Would the audience be there?  You'd have to think so.  Given all the crappy action movies that hit screens these days which still make boatloads of money, a classic, iconic character like Jack Bauer should be more than enough of a draw for audiences.  Also, 24 fans, can you imagine the carnage possible if a 24 film was rated R.  Good god, that would be spectacular. 

We all should be rooting for 24: Redemption to be great.  If it is, the future of Jack Bauer is limitless.


-Oscar Dahl, BuddyTV Senior Writer
(Image Courtesy of FOX)