24: Legacy

I remember when the original "24" began, it was the best thing since sliced bread in terms of TV. In 2001 we were just beginning to see the upward tick of quality series that would eventually lead to a golden age of television with networks like HBO, FX, AMC, and now Netflix contributing some of the most engaging series ever made for the small screen and turning television into an experience akin to going to the cinema.

"24" was dark, edgy, it had novelty with the fresh real-time concept, and it had a very engaging plot and a great lead. It was TV crack.

"Legacy" attempts to recapture that magic, but ultimately fails. It's not that Kiefer is no longer around. It's not that the real-time format is old hat now. It's the fact that the human drama is no longer interesting and the plot is a rehash of old ideas like being served warmed-up leftovers that have been in the fridge a day too long.

The suspense isn't as intense, the actors aren't as intriguing, and there's no blonde little girl running around getting into mishaps with cougars and everything else. In essence, the "magic" is missing from this reincarnation and that feeling of being on the edge of your seat for the entire hour is sorely lacking. This is "24", no doubt, but it's a hollow version of its predecessor that lacks bite and feels so very routine. Even the dark, brooding nature of the original series is absent and composer Sean Callery's themes are strangely lackluster and fail to pull you in.

I am holding out hope that this improves, though as of this writing we are currently on episode 5. As of now, this is watered-down "24" with no soul, no grit, and no spunk. What do you have left? A by-the-numbers action series with shootouts, explosions, and people running around "doing things." This reboot needs a soul. Right now it's "watch in the background while playing on your phone" material.

I have watched episode 9 just seconds ago.

I have been following this series from the first Season and it has been my favourite show up until now.

Not the cast.. not the director... They are OK..

But the plot holes made this series non-watchable now.

No need to go in details.

Watch yourself and see...

Being a huge fan of 24, knowing 24:Legacy coming out was good news. Anticipating with excitement, and watching it with lowered expectations after reading some reviews, it turned out... is the same old good, 24.

What's good with the old 24 was the intensity, the spying, story-line, plot holes, all the flaws and amazing acting by Kiefer Sutherland. With 24:Legacy, everything remains except for the good acting (from the lead mainly).

It's inevitable to compare 24 with this new show, especially when 24 only ended not too long ago. Having said that, it's also important to keep an open mind that as all the actors have changed, the chemistry of the show would also differ. All in all, the story is as expected (good old CTU), the intensity is there, the constant search for the mole through the story, basically everything we enjoyed from 24 is replicated. So if you're looking for something new, this may not be for you. But if you're never tired of the same old 24, then you may enjoy this.

With all that said, there is only one problem. The lead actor, Corey Hawkins, playing Eric Carter. One of the main reason 24 was so great was because of Kiefer Sutherland. Until this day, I could still picture Jack Bauer in my head of how he would react and handle different situations and national crisis. Unfortunately, Corey Hawkins does not live up to this legacy. 5 mins in the show and I realise his acting is not up to par. Blank facial expressions, poor action scenes, with little to none chemistry with other actors/actresses. Having only watched the first episode, I truly cannot understand and relate at all what this character Eric Carter is, which is pretty much the main job of an actor. Now fortunately, the supporting roles were done properly by all others. Whether it's Carter's wife or his brother, CTU members, and even the terrorists, all performed on an acceptable standard.

There's no one TV series or movie that's perfect. So, accepting one's flaws and enjoying the show is all we, as audiences can do. But, if the acting of the lead does not shape up, that's too much of a flaw to bare and I might just give up after a few episodes. Let's wait and see.

For now, I'll give it a 6/10.

My first experience with Corey was through the Walking Dead and I was certainly impressed with what he gave us during his short screen time. Unfortunately, I think he made a mistake of taking the lead role in a spin off that was never going to work. My mom and I watched every episode of the original 24 and when it came to the end, there was no doubting that the show had run its course. Hate to break it to you, but Eric is no Jack Bauer even though we're only a few episodes in. It's boring, predictable and uninteresting.

Admittedly, I am a bit of a walking dead fanboy. In my humble opinion, Corey went for the short-term gain instead of looking at the long-term. Needless to say, I don't see this lasting very long as a fan of the original and after watching the first few episodes.

I am a big fan of 24 from the very beginning. Season 1 and 2 are still the best for me (meaning lesser plot holes and suspension of disbelief). From there the show kept repeating itself and became quite generic, even so generic that you can effortlessly predict the twists coming. And yet I continued watching and enjoying - the characters were solid, the pace was good and all in all I got what I wanted and what I enjoyed (just not so much as the the first season which is normal).

24: Legacy is no different - it follows the same formula, it doesn't offer anything new but also it does not take away what we need in 24 - characters and pacing. Which is alright for me - I don't expect anything groundbreaking anyway. Something that is bugging me a little - since this will be aimed at hardcore fans I just would like to see more references towards the old series (so far we got just one for Edgar Stiles and waiting for Tony Almeida to appear).

The new lead is quite alright, also I never thought that 24 should end with Kiefer (don't get me wrong he was born to play this role) so I am not taking out any points for him missing.

To conclude: it is the same old done according to the standards. Nothing more, nothing less.