Set in a new location – Washington DC – It opens with Jack Bauer (Keifer Sutherland) testifying at a senate hearing. One senator – played flawlessly by Kurtwood Smith – has a vendetta against Jack’s prior actions that crossed the line. I could watch an entire season of Sutherland and Smith arguing back and forth in court.
Alas, Jack is removed from the hearing by Renee Walker (Annie Wersching) an FBI agent who needs him for the upcoming 24 hours of fun. Annie Wersching brings a new dimension to the show as an FBI agent who works with Jack. One episode in and Renee Walker will become a favorite character of anyone watching.
Season 7 has a largely new cast.
Cherry Jones returns as President Taylor, with Colm Feore reprising his role as First Gentleman. Jeffrey Nordling debuts as Larry Moss, Renee’s boss at the FBI. Janeane Garofalo slides in as the DC version of Chloe.
The first portion of the season continues the arc of “Redemption”, and I loved it. The great Hakeem Kae-Kazim is back as Colonel Iké Dubaku, who makes for one of the best villains in the entire series. Tony Todd, Jon Voight, Will Patton, and Sprague Grayden also play dubious characters.
Don’t watch the credits!
Particularly in the first episode as they will ruin the surprises. I won’t spoil it here, but we get the return of several beloved characters.
Season 7 goes together with “Redemption.” It’s a season I haven’t watched as much and maybe that’s why its so great. It’s the darkest season tonally since season 3 and goes down as one of the best.
SEASON RANKINGS
5, Redemption/7, 4, 3, 2, 1
