24 Kiefer Sutherland on 24: Day Eight

Kiefer Sutherland reveals what’s in store as the clock starts ticking on 24’s explosive Day Eight and Jack Bauer relocates to the Big Apple

When we last saw Jack Bauer, his life was hanging in the balance as he lay in a coma after contracting a potentially fatal infection during the course of his duties. Thankfully, as 24 returns to Sky1 for its eighth – and possibly final – series on Sunday 24 January, the agent is back in rude health and ready to take on a new terrorist threat.

With the Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU) reactivated and now based in New York, Bauer, played by Kiefer Sutherland, is looking to move back to California with his daughter Kim (Elisha Cuthbert) when he is enlisted to foil an assassination plot against visiting Middle Eastern leader Omar Hassan (Slumdog Millionaire’s Anil Kapoor).

Joining him on his mission – which echoes the assassination plot of Day One – are new CTU head Brian Hastings (Mykelti Williamson), data analyst Dana Walsh (Katee Sackhoff) and her fiancé, head of field operations Cole Ortiz (Freddie Prinze Jr).

Before the clock started ticking, we brought Sutherland in for questioning to find out what’s in store…

What can you tell us about Day Eight?
"President Taylor is getting ready to start a massive peace initiative, through a conference that is taking place at the United Nations. But there is a terrorist group that does not want this peace to happen – and that’s where the day starts to go wrong. Politically, the set-up for this series is the most realistic thing we’ve ever done. The storyline is more grounded in what could possibly happen."

What’s happening in Jack’s personal life?
"When we pick him up, he’s in a really positive place, after being in a very dark place for a long time. He is ready to move on with his life, and wants to spend more time with his daughter and granddaughter."

Does he get closer to Renee?
"The pair became very close during the course of Day Seven, and she was a major factor in his survival. He has an incredible respect and affection for her and viewers will see that play out in the new episodes."

Why has the show switched to New York?
"We got a great response when we went to Washington in Day Seven, and we didn’t feel that there was another city in the US that suited the energy of 24 more than New York."

Do you have any daredevil stunts coming up?
"They won’t let me jump off a 30-storey building, but I do as much as makes sense. Physicality is a huge aspect of the show and I enjoy that."

Is this definitely the last series?
"This is the last series that I am contracted to do, but I really don’t know about the future. If the writers came up with an unbelievable idea for another season, I would have to listen to that. But ultimately, it’s all about whether the viewers still want to watch it."

How will it feel to say goodbye to Jack?
"I walked onto the set recently and I got really sad that it’s coming to an end. I was very lucky to have made around 40 films before 24, but I won’t be too worried if I’m remembered as Jack Bauer for the rest of my life."

Could the show continue without you?
"Yes, because the star of the show is the format. It could be the last 24 hours in a firefighter’s life. It could be 24 hours of a pregnant woman whose car has broken down in a snowstorm. The possibilities are endless."

What kind of feedback do you get from your father, Donald?
"I believe he genuinely likes the show, and he’s gone out of his way to make me feel really good about it. He always makes a point of phoning me to say, ‘Hey, I just wanted to say hello, but don’t call me back because I’m watching your show.’"

Are you proud to be Canadian?
"There are 250,000 Canadians living in Los Angeles, and I’ve met a few by playing ice hockey. It’s a great way to meet friends who share the bond of being from the same country. There is a real kinship."

What are your favourite possessions?
"I love music and I have a collection of more than 50 guitars. My favourites are a 1959 Les Paul and a 1959 Fender Stratocaster. Both of them play beautifully."

What’s the most dangerous thing you’ve ever done?
"I used to ride rodeo, and once broke all my fingers. That was probably the worst accident I had. But I have watched people break their backs and get killed. It’s a very dangerous sport."