24: Legacy

First of all let me say ,that i regard 24 as a legendary show,in the top-3 TV series ever made for television and the character of Jack Bauer,probably the best ever character in a TV show.Kiefer Sutherland has acted so well,that you actually think that he has a double life,one as an actor and one as a CTU agent,that's how well he has played his role.

So when you put the logo of 24 on a new show with no one of the previous cast present(at least till now),but keep the same form of direction and play(events occur in real time)you make your first and fatal mistake.You can't help but compare, everything you see to the original 24 series. The answer from the producers of the new show to this,was action, action,action.I saw the first two episodes and in the first 2 hours there were so many things that have happened,that it came to the point to be a little funny.It's the only ''weapon'' that they have in making you watch the show,don't let the rhythm fall and make you bored.But it feels from the first minute that they overdoing it.

Also the magic of 24 was that even if it was an all action packed show,the characters were very well ''builded'' and the dialogues between them very well written,giving to 24 many times a sense of a political thriller. Here you get the feeling that Eric Carter,the leading character is traveling in time to be able to do all the things he needs to do.And it's unfair to Corey Hawkins who plays Eric Carter because he acts well, but he has to live with the burden of being compared to his predecessor.

Overall it would have been much better if the producers had made a show without the logo of 24 and with just the real time event format, the only common thing between the 2 shows.I will watch it out of respect for the effort and because of curiosity, but it already feels like a poor relative.

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.

24: Legacy was never going to be the same without Kiefer Sutherland's Jack Bauer. It was just common knowledge. At least 24 ended on a good note when it finished in 2010. I'm still yet to see 24: Live Another Day, but my interest was sitting on the 50/50 mark. I thought I'd give 24: Legacy a chance regardless, but after the first episode it was just the same thing done all over again albeit with a different cast.

Nothing against Corey Hawkins stepping into the shoes as the heroic Eric Carter, but he just doesn't have the same presence and charisma as Kiefer Sutherland's Jack Bauer.

24: Legacy just didn't have me hooked from the first episode. Rewind back to the very first episode of 24, and there were plenty of twists and turns to have you hooked as well as a variety of interesting characters. 24: Legacy failed to tick all the right boxes.

Just as well that 24: Legacy was cancelled after one season. It just could not resurrect the same popularity, and a lot of 24 fans were very indifferent. Sorry, but the 24 legacy should have been left well enough alone.

4/10.