Oh, let me add another thing to the title: another explanation. After all, last time we saw Jack Bauer--eight months ago, roughly--he was infected with a lethal pathogen, already shivering, and just managed to shimmy himself out of Hodges' little mess. Well, Kim probably took that experimental stem cell treatment, and it probably went successfully, and the Bauers are probably trying to settle down and enjoy things as they come...

...or not. The world needs Jack again.

There is, after all, an assassination attempts on Omar Hassan, a determined Middle Eastern leader who's set to break new ground with President Taylor. It's a new peace deal they're getting into, and yet violence has to (as it always does) get in the way.

The revived CTU might be able to avert it--spanking new technology, new people, and a confused Chloe--but they need the mother of all CTU agents, Jack Bauer. I guess there's your reason why this Cole Ortiz guy aspires to be just like him, never mind us imagining Scooby Doo when we see him.

New York is set to be on fire, I say. 24 is back with 24 more hours of action and everything in between. And, like previous seasons, we have a two-night, four-hour premiere: two episodes will air back-to-back tonight from 9pm, with the next two airing tomorrow night from 8pm. But, to get you up to speed, you might want to watch the rerun of the season 7 finale from 7pm. Or check the photos below. That should be a bit easier.





(Image courtesy of Fox)