There is absolutely no question that 24: Live Another Day was one of my most anticipated shows of this year. My name over on facebook is Jack Bauer related, for goodness sake! So, while I was jumping outta my seat excited for Day 9 to commence, I did find the worry of it living up to my expectations growing as the premiere date approached.

Much to my relief, the show has met my expectations, and maybe, just maybe, exceeded them. I think the shortened 12 episode season is a genius idea for the reboot, which tightens the storylines and keeps Jack and company running at a nice clip, without all the silly filler needed back in the 24-episode days. (Although some of that silly filler was the best!) (#KimBauer)

We have yet to see how the time jump will affect the story, but I am looking forward to see how and what hours they will skip.

The tropes that had become tired after eight seasons feel fresh and exciting, especially since Jack’s “Dammit’s” and “I don’t have time to explain.” and “We’re running out of time.” have been delivered judiciously and in a different manner. Kiefer Sutherland has made his always compelling Jack Bauer more subtle in some ways (After unsuccessfully trying a little torture with Simone’s finger nub at the hospital, he apologizes to Agent Morgan), while also a little wilder (shooting protesters and punching innocents in tunnels for his single-minded goals). It is a joy to watch him tackle this version of Jack, a man who is tired and broken, has been out on his own for four years, but is still committed to doing the right thing.

Bringing back the Hellers gives a nice feeling of comfort. William Devane as the POTUS, and Audrey as the ever suffering daughter, now married to the president’s creepy Chief of Staff, played by Tate Donovan. Notice how Jack still has insane chemistry with everyone he crosses paths with?  I mean, honestly, the man BRINGS IT. The reunion scene with Jack and Audrey was sweet and loving, maybe even winning over some of the Audrey haters out there. (Okay, maybe not.)

Chloe. Oh, how I love Chloe. Personally, I like the goth version, and I like her bit of backstory we got after Jack rescued her from the CIA. She has been very much in the background in the past couple of episodes, but I think with the latest BigBad reveal, we will be seeing more of her. And now I am posting two of my favorite pics of Kiefer and Mary Lynn from before the show started airing, because it is nice to see both of them smiling, and the affection between them is adorable!

And, let’s not forget the inclusion of Agent Sarah Walker Kate Morgan, played by the awesome Yvonne Strahovski. She is so awesome, that Jack gave her temporary custody of the coveted JackSack in the most recent episode. If Yvonne is getting typecast as a kick-ass agent, then so be it. Love her!

So yeah, I am having a ball with day 9 of the show. They chased Jack through London with drone missiles, for god’s sake! Of course they did. Nice to see the showrunners haven’t lost their appetite for fun, and that Kiefer is as game as ever.