Eyal Podell (Ryan Burnett) Talks About Working On '24'

Article Excerpt:

“24 was a lot of fun,” says Podell. “It was great to be back on-set with Kurtwood Smith, who played my boss [Senator Blaine Mayer] in the show. He also played my boss in a little independent film we both worked on. Kurtwood tortured me in that, and here I was getting tortured by Kiefer Sutherland [Jack Bauer] in 24,” jokes the actor. “It was awesome getting to watch Kiefer at work. I’m always looking to learn from people who have been in this business longer than I have and have endured. Kiefer gave 150% of himself. he was the hardest working guy on-set and totally dedicated and committed to making the best product possible. Not one ounce of him was phoning it in, and I thought that was amazing.

“The response I received from people about my being in the show was terrific. The second they saw me on it, they started saying, ‘You’re going to die, right? He’s going to kill you. That’s what happens. If you’re with Jack Bauer, you’re dead.’ So that was tough having to keep my mouth shut about it for a few months. Of course, my character got tortured and then had his throat slit. I don’t know why, but I tend to get killed a lot on TV. Hopefully that won’t happen here,” he says laughing.

Full Article Link: scifiandtvtalk.wordpress.com

Senator Kennedy Was A '24' Watcher...

In the wake of Ted Kennedy's sad passing, some particularly interesting factoids are emerging about the senator. Namely, that along with quality time spent with his family and friends, he also chose to spend his final days watching every single episode of 24 on DVD.

A sound decision -- albeit perhaps an odd one (considering all the political assassinations that occur on the show) -- since 24 is one of the most consistently entertaining (minus a bum season or two) and compelling series of the past decade, if not ever. If I knew I didn't have much time left, Jack Bauer would probably take my mind off of it.

Link To Full Article: Televisionwithoutpity.com

24: The Official Companion Books

As a fan of the previous "24" Companion books, I was wondering why there wasn't one released for season 7 so I chatted with the author online recently (Tara Diluollo Bennett) and she indicated she has a lot of good information about season 7 and 'Redemption' and would like to do another book, but is in need of finding a new publisher.

She suggested sending an email to the old publisher so they can see there is still a demand out there for the book series.

If you have enjoyed the previous Companion books and would like to see them published again, you can send a message to the old publisher. The email is: readerfeedback@titanemail.com.

Interview Clips From '24' Cast (Paley Media Center)

Not sure exactly from what year this was, but the 24 cast and creators did a panel interview at the Paley Media Center a few years back. If I had to guess this was probably done after Season 2.

Here are a few clips I came across that I thought were interesting:

'24' Season 8 Current Filming

24spoilers Episodes 9 & 10 (hours 12:00AM-2:00AM in the storyline) should begin filming today. Midnight in the 24 universe!

8 minutes ago from Tweetie

Link: twitter.com/24spoilers

Pictures From The '24' Set Shooting Season 8

Courtesy:
BennyBlog, Kiefersplace/Kelly
(Thanks!)

No More Fake Phone Numbers On TV? - 8/26/09

You know how the phone numbers in TV shows and movies almost always begin with the very fake “555″ exchange? There’s a new company – We’ve Got Your Number – that does nothing but provide real phone numbers for TV and movie productions.

Having non-555 numbers will add an extra little bit of reality to scripted shows, and, if producers and network marketing teams are as clever as the 24 gang, they’ll see it’s also an opportunity to connect with fans.

Most 24 fans know about the 24 fan phone. The (real) phone number 310-597-3781 was used as Jack Bauer’s (Kiefer Sutherland) cell phone number on the show, and viewers who’ve called it have sometimes been lucky enough to reach a production crew member and even series co-star Carlos Bernard on occasion. Jack’s cell phone is so popular with 24 fans that it even inspired its own MySpace page.

And yes, the cell phone number is still active … go ahead, give it a try.

Source Link: TVScreener.com

(Thanks Lisa for sending the article!)

Hilarious 'If I Were Jack Bauer' Video

Very funny Jack Bauer spoof if Jack Bauer were a pizza delivery guy!

Enjoy!



Link: YouTube

Carlos Bernard (Tony Almedia, '24') To Be On 'Burn Notice'

Carlos Bernard Lights Up "Burn Notice"

Carlos just finished filming a guest starring role on USA Network’s hit show Burn Notice.

Unfortunately at present time, we’re not able to give out any further details concerning the character or story line. Stay tuned for more information.

Source Link: CarlosBernard.com

Jack & Renee Video

Song: "With Or Without You" by U2



Link: YouTube

Jack & Audrey Video

Here's a nice Jack & Audrey video I found set to the "Jack & Audrey's Theme" music by 24 composer Sean Callery:



Link: YouTube

Anil Kapoor To Debut In US On Small Screen

Anil Kapoor has been on a roll. After an Oscar-winning film, Slumdog Millionaire, he is all set to debut on the small screen in America with one of its most popular drama and action series, 24.

Mr India of B-town was not nervous when his first international project, Slumdog Millionaire, went to the Oscars, BAFTAs and countless other award ceremonies. But now, he is likely to get butterflies in his stomach before his debut on the American TV series 24.

"It was a tough decision on my part, because I've always done films and movies and I've always been watched in theatres all over the world. But this is the first time people are going to watch me in their bedrooms. And I'm looking forward to it, because it makes it much more exciting. I want to see what the feedback is and how it turns out to be," Kapoor says.

With the eighth season of 24 boasting of a loaded star cast, including the likes of Kiefer Sutherland, Mary Lynn Rajskub and Freddie Prinze Junior, Kapoor surely had all the reasons to be latest addition to the show.

"Everybody loves a hero, anywhere in the world. And he's the epitome of a hero and everybody would love to be Jack. That's what you can't be in real life. It's very larger than life but still it's believable. That's what's great about the show. They deal with big issues but the scenes are very day to day, very normal. Dramatic scenes with a husband, wife, brothers," says Kapoor.

He is now raring to go and add another role to his impressive roster with the TV series. According to reports, Kapoor plays a Middle Eastern leader who comes to the US on a peacemaking mission.

From romancing Bollywood actors to producing films and now being a part of popular American TV series, Kapoor seems to be in the best phase of his career. It's time to applaud an actor whose second innings is proving to be more spectacular than the first one.

Source Link: IndiaToday.com

Bauer Is Back

Link: YouTube

Jack Bauer Video

Pretty cool Jack Bauer video:



Link: YouTube

Season 7 Of '24' In Two Minutes

Link: YouTube

Ask Matt - TV Guide Magazine

Ask Matt: Can 24 Live Without Jack?

By Matt Roush August 18, 2009 03:40 PM EST

Please send all questions to askmatt@tvguidemagazine.com

Thanks, readers, for your patience. With the TCA press tour, travel and a few special assignments behind me, I’ve finally cleared the deck to address your on-target questions. Here we go.

Question: 24 has been in the news lately due to its massive budget, including its well-paid main actor. I can understand the network needing to watch its budget, especially with a show that, while still performing well, is not pulling in the ratings it was a few years ago. Kiefer Sutherland has openly spoke about his desire to play Jack Bauer on the big screen for some time now, making his departure (if not the show's) more likely. 24 has reinvented itself many times in the past, usually with good results, and losing Jack Bauer could breathe new life into the show. Annie Wersching is certainly capable of taking over the lead role, possibly the most capable person 24 has had for such a task. Do you think a cheaper, Jack-less incarnation of 24 is possible, and do you think audiences will go for it?—Todd

Matt Roush: Let’s hope it never comes to that. What’s happening now is the first round of negotiations playing out in the press. In the new issue of TV Guide Magazine, Howard Gordon tells us, “It will require several weeks of serious discussion among cast members and executives to make that determination [about whether and how to continue].” There’s no question the show is expensive; the cost is all on the screen. If Fox (network and studio) can figure out how to keep the production economically viable, I’m sure they’ll do what they can to keep it on the schedule, where it’s such an essential asset in the back half of the season. Personally, I can’t see 24 existing without Jack Bauer. It would be like going to a James Bond movie and having 009 show up. That said, there may be a movement afoot to prove that, like ER or Law & Order or CSI (to name a few), maybe the format and franchise is the star here, and 24 can keep the clock running with a new hero. (Much as I like Annie Wersching, I don’t see taking over the lead position.) Again, if that happens, I think we’ll likely see a replay of those Mulder-less seasons of The X-Files, and do we really want that?

Source Link: TVGuideMagazine.com

More Information On The David Anders Character

This article contains updated information on the David Anders character in '24':

David Anders gets a new alias on '24'

David Anders will be playing a role on the eighth season of "24" next year. And it looks like the former Mr. Sark is playing bad once again.

Details have been slowly filling in about Anders' character on the FOX series, which returns in January. He'll have a recurring part as the son of an Eastern European mobster, producer 20th Century Fox TV confirms.

The character breakdown describes the character, named Josef Bazhaev, as the "heir apparent to an 'Eastern Promises'-style godfather. Josef is a dangerous man but is cautious and worries about things more than his father."

So yes, the man who was so indelibly eeevil on "Alias," and then went bad on "Heroes," will get another chance at villainy -- and another chance to show off his facility with accents (I still have a hard time remembering that Anders hails from Oregon, not England).

How Anders' character fits into the plot of "24" this season remains an open question. We know the action takes place in New York, that Jack Bauer is working with a reconstituted CTU and the threat may involve a Middle Eastern leader ("Slumdog Millionaire's" Anil Kapoor) who's in the Big Apple to address the United Nations.

Anders joins a host of new actors on "24," including Kapoor, Katee Sackhoff, Freddie Prinze Jr., Mykelti Williamson and Jennifer Westfeldt. Kiefer Sutherland will, of course, be back, along with Mary-Lynn Rajskub, Cherry Jones and Annie Wersching.

Source Link: Zap2it.com

David Anders Joins Jack Bauer in Season Eight of 24 - 8/17/09

From Julian Sark on Alias to Adam Monroe on Heroes, David Anders just can't keep away from our favorite TV shows.

Reps for Anders confirm to us that David will be a recurring character on season eight of 24, joining the likes of Freddie Prinze Jr. and Battlestar Galactica's Katee Sackhoff. 24 is really beefing up its cast this year, raising alarm in fans that it will truly be the final season.

So what's David doing this season while Jack Bauer is hunting terrorists in New York, and how long will he be sticking around?

"He will be in a handful of episodes," says David's rep.

The rep was coy to say what his part would be, but when asked if David's new 24 character would go the way of Adam Monroe on Heroes, he laughed and said, "You never know."

Source Link: eonline.com

EW Article About Jack & Audrey Now Posted On Their Website

'24' Scoop: Time Running Out For Jack-Audrey Reunion
by Michael Ausiello

If the coming season ends up being 24’s last, don’t count on Kiefer Sutherland’s Jack reconnecting with former love Audrey (Kim Raver), who lapsed into a catatonic state at the end of season 6. Exec producer Evan Katz tells me that a series-ending story has been hatched should 24 clock out for good next May—and it doesn’t involve an Audrey-Jack reunion.

“Some of the things we’re doing this season preclude [her returning],” he says. “So I think not. She was in bad shape the last time we saw her.”

Katz says a number of “contingencies are in place” that could either tie up the series or keep it going. (Reilly had suggested that the show’s hefty budget could make another season cost-prohibitive. Another hurdle: Sutherland’s contract expires in May.) “We have a scenario that would work well [if it's the end],” he says. “But we also have a bunch of scenarios where the show could go on in different ways…. We’re remaining flexible.”

What happens if a decision isn’t made by the time the final episode is shot in February? “That’s a great question,” says Katz. “Hopefully it’ll be clear before then.”

Source Link: ausiellofiles.ew.com

Thoughts About Audrey's Non-Return To '24' - 8/16/09

"I love you with all my heart...and I always will."
-Jack Bauer (to Audrey Raines)

[Closing moments of Season 6]

As a big fan of the Jack and Audrey relationship in '24', I was disappointed to hear from the Entertainment Weekly article last Friday that the character would not be returning.

I have found it interesting that the 24 fan base seems to be divided on this character and I've noticed quite a large number of Audrey-haters out there. That's a fan's prerogative to not like a character, but as a fan of the character I wanted to take some time to defend her and the Jack/Audrey relationship.

When the Audrey character was first introduced, I liked her immediately and I thought she was a good match for Jack; not to mention the off-the-charts chemistry between the actors, Kim Raver and Kiefer Sutherland. She wasn't someone who worked for CTU or was another field agent. Audrey worked for the DOD as Jack did at the time. She seemed to be good for Jack while he tried to establish a new life away from CTU and field work.

Of course, 24 being what it is, the contentment between these two at the beginning of season 4 didn't last long.

First Audrey and her father, the Secretary of Defense were kidnapped by terrorists, then after being rescued by Jack and the Marines, her life is threatened again when she and Jack go to look at security footage to ID a suspect involved in her kidnapping. Then her estranged husband Paul comes back in the picture and she has to witness Jack torture him and when he does so, she sees a side to Jack she's never seen before and it scared her. Later, when out in the field with Jack, Paul gets shot and is paralyzed. Then Jack has to make a decision regarding a witness that has information about Marwan that ends up killing Paul. She ends up breaking up with Jack and ultimately Jack has to fake his death, but Audrey believes he is really dead and is devastated.

Audrey certainly had a bad Day 4.

Much of dislike of the Audrey character is based on the criticism that all she did was cry and was a victim all the time. Plus she wasn't worthy to be Jack's girlfriend because she didn't understand the kind of work he used to do and some of the things he had to do to get the job done.

While I can kind of understand why there would be that criticism, I think it's really a knee-jerk reaction to the character without really thinking about where this character was at the beginning of that season and why what she went through would have been so traumatic for someone in her position.

Here is what I mean. Audrey was working in an inside-the-beltway job at DOD. She couldn't really understand the kind of work Jack had to do until she saw it for herself when Jack had to torture Paul to make sure he wasn't connected with terrorists. I can understand how difficult it would be to see the man you love being that brutal to someone (your estranged husband no less) even though it was something she knew Jack had to do.

I also remember when Audrey and Bill were arguing about Jack going against the President and Bill said something to Audrey like politics and policy are are fine in Washington D.C. but out here things aren't always so black and white. I'm paraphrasing, but basically he meant that you can talk about what should be done and how protocol should be followed in theory, but sometimes in the real world you have to do what is necessary. In Audrey's sheltered little world of DOD policy and politics, she didn't understand that, so it made sense to me for the character to behave the way she did.

Again, while I can see why some 24 fans didn't like the Audrey character or had some criticisms of her, what I can't figure out why these same Audrey-haters completely forget how much stronger the character was in season 5 and showed some of the characteristics they wanted to see in the character in season 4.

Here's some examples of how Audrey "redeemed" herself in season 5:

• Audrey went against protocol in order to help Jack and enlisted Chloe's help several times to do so.
  
• Audrey actively worked against Lynn McGill to get him replaced when he was out of control and couldn't do his job.
  
• Audrey risked her life in order to help Jack secure the recording and was injured by Christopher Henderson in the process. She did not want Jack to give Henderson the recording.
  
• Audrey told Jack she was ready to do whatever it takes and was willing to go however far she needed to to get the recording back.
  
• In between seasons 5 & 6 (off-screen), Audrey put herself at risk again by going to China to try and find Jack and in the process was captured by the Chinese and tortured.
  

This piece isn't written to criticize those who never cared for the Audrey character, I just thought she was a good character and a good match for Jack as a romantic partner. This is just to give my perspective as a 24 fan and a fan of the character.

I would have liked to have seen a reunion between Jack and Audrey in season 8, but if the writers/producers want to pursue a future Jack/Renee relationship, if approached and written the right way I would be open to that. I just believe the Jack & Renee characters are too much alike to be romantic couple and I just see them more as friends or partners in the field.

I'm still holding out hope that if 24 goes beyond season 8 and/or if there is a theatrical movie, Audrey is still alive somewhere, recovered from her China experience and she and Jack will ultimately be reunited someday.

-By 24FanForever

The Ausiello Files - 8/14/09

Click on the article to enlarge

Source: Entertainment Weekly

'24' Heads To The Big Apple - 8/13/09

Start spreading the news!

Season eight of 24 will take place in New York City. And in order to make it look authentic series star, Kiefer Sutherland says they'll actually be shooting the action-thriller in the Big Apple...um...part of the time. When shooting in the city isn't possible, production will do the next best thing - computer generate the city that never sleeps.

Sutherland says not to worry, 24 has filmed this way before - and views have been none the wiser.

Comment (24FanForever): OK, now I'm confused. I thought there wasn't going to be any NYC location shoots due to budgetary issues. Then I came across this today. Is 24 shooting any of season 8 in NYC or not? Hmmm...

Source Link: Hollywoodoutbreak.com

Why Jack Bauer is Way Cooler than James Bond...

Comment (24FanForever): I found this to be an interesting take on comparing the Jack Bauer character to the James Bond and Jason Bourne characters. Of course we all know Jack Bauer IS the coolest, but I found it an interesting read so I decided to post it.

“Right now, terrorists are planning to assassinate a presidential candidate. My wife and daughter have been kidnapped… and people that I work with may be involved in both. I’m Federal Agent Jack Bauer, and today is the longest day of my life.” – Jack Bauer monologue in the opening episode of most seasons.

What is it with these men with initials JB? James Bond. Jason Bourne. And now Jack Bauer. I am not even sure if it was a conscious decision by their respective creators. Somewhere down the line, Tom Clancy missed the drift and named his agent Jack Ryan. And so he never got to the cult status the other three undeniably enjoy. Hard luck Mr. Ryan.

The problem with Ian Fleming’s James Bond is that, he is a show off. He needs to constantly show off his skills. He simply has the urge to flaunt his license to kill. And though he is known to follow the adage, “kill first, ask questions later”, he wastes just too much time chasing women and having sex. He rarely gets injured. Or should I say never? Till about Casino Royale, which was the twenty first movie, we never got to see the other side of James Bond. Superheroes need a back story. It makes them dark and vulnerable. Perfection is not good. And in the case of James Bond, it is unexplained, unwarranted perfection.

That is where Jason Bourne comes in. Back story? Well, that is exactly what he is trying to figure out. He is smart, can kill, and run for his life. He devises inventive techniques to get out of a situation, sometimes scientific, sometimes practical, sometimes both that you instantly idolize him. Bourne is unmoved, emotionally and mentally strong in all situations. And he avoids physical damage to himself with unbelievable precision compared to the other two. He travels between countries as if he just took a Virar fast from Andheri. He is a wonderful schemer, and his presence of mind can give Jackie Chan’s limbs an inferiority complex. And of course, Paul Greengrass and Matt Damon gave us three cracker of movies with some kickass soundtrack. That just did it.

Jack Bauer is ruthless. He has a long history, and often, whether you like it or not, he has a family to protect along with his country. Yes, Jack is loud and more dramatic than the above two. Yes, Jack has tremendous stamina compared to the above two. Yes, Jack is your quintessential Indian B-movie hero who doesn’t eat a single bullet in an ambush, who operates amidst immense physical and mental pain and he has only 24 hours to do all that. Hey, even Jason Bourne took a holiday in Goa!? However, there is magic realism when it comes to Jack Bauer(Not the magic realism wrt cinema, but just a literal meaning). He doesn’t operate alone. He has a whole counter terrorism unit, the government etc. working to provide him with every resource. That way, he has people covering and backing him up. It does bring in a little bit of credibility to the proceedings, though not entirely. But Jack doesn’t waste time. He doesn’t use inscrutable techniques the way Bourne does sometimes. He is plain, raw, in your face and thinks the world is simple where men are either black or white. And that is why Jack Bauer is way cooler!

All said and done, am still waiting for the Bourne sequel that Matt Damon has signed up for. And I am definitely looking forward to Daniel Craig’s third outing as James Bond. For the sheer opulence involved. And am also waiting for season 8, when our own B movie hero Mr. Anil Kapoor, appears on 24!

Link: gradwolf.wordpress.com

Latest '24' Ask Ausiello News - 8/12/09

Question: In your Ask Ausiello absence you promised to keep us busy with lots of prattle from the press tour. Well, you lacked a little on the 24 front. How about making up for that now? —Jordan

Ausiello: Katee Sackhoff won’t be stuck sitting behind a computer for long. I’m told her brainy bombshell will be sprung from CTU’s fancy new headquarters by episode 5. In other 24 news, there’s a big Audrey Raines scoop in the new issue of Entertainment Weekly (on sale Friday).

Source Link: Ausiellofiles.ew.com

Also, Kim Raver's pilot "Inside the Box" has been delayed:

Link: NYTimes.com

Comment (24FanForever): I know some '24' fans don't agree, but I've always been a fan of the Jack/Audrey relationship. I hope all of this means Kim Raver is coming back to '24'!

Jack & Tony Season 7 Music Video

Song: "So Cold"
By: Breaking Benjamin

Source Link: YouTube

Women Just Can't Resist Jack Bauer...

Sue Johnston's crush on Kiefer

(UKPA) – 2 hours ago

Sue Johnston has admitted she has a crush on Kiefer Sutherland - and would love to play his lover in 24.

The Jam And Jerusalem actress told Reveal magazine: "I'm a huge fan of 24 and I do have a bit of a crush on Kiefer Sutherland.

"Well, it's actually more on his character, Jack Bauer, because he's so tough and vulnerable and exciting... Ideally, if I was offered a part in 24 I'd like to play his lover."

But she continued: "But that's not going to happen, so I'd be happy to be a colleague or his mother - that's the reality of the situation when you get to my age."

Sue also insisted she would not be resorting to the surgeon's knife.

She said: "I'm quite happy in my own skin - wrinkled as it is.

"I don't understand how some people go in for all these facelifts.

"How can you be an actor if you can't move your face? All these stuck faces with no expression look weird."

Asked if there would be a Royle Family comeback in the near future, Sue said: "I couldn't possibly comment, but I do think there's a lot more mileage in it."

Source Link: UKPressAssociation

'24' Only One Of Two DVD's To Earn More Than 17 Million

"So far this year, only two DVD shows have earned more than $17 million in revenue. The aforementioned True Blood and 24, which has sold $17.6 million worth in 11 weeks."

Source Link: SpoilerTV.blogspot.com

An Executive at Fox Drops Hints About a Murky Future for the Costly ‘24’ - 8/9/09

By EDWARD WYATT

Published: August 9, 2009

While most of the television world was atwitter about Paula Abdul’s failed contract negotiations last week, Fox Broadcasting fired the opening salvo in another looming contract battle, this one over the future of “24,” which stars Kiefer Sutherland.

Kevin Reilly, the president for entertainment at Fox Broadcasting, surprised the producers of “24” on Thursday when, in response to a reporter’s question, he said that Fox had not decided whether “24” would return after its eighth season, which is in production for broadcast beginning in January.

“We haven’t made any decision whether it’s back or not,” Mr. Reilly told Abbie Bernstein, a writer for iF Magazine, an online publication. “It’s going to come down to a business decision. It’s not an inexpensive show on the network books, and we also want to finish strong. This is not a show we want to prop up. It will be a whole creative and business discussion and something we’ll have to deal with over the next few months.”

While it was no secret that Fox had committed to the show only through the coming season, two senior television executives close to the series said they were nevertheless surprised by Mr. Reilly’s remarks.

“I think it’s a sign that the network is ready to play hardball,” said one of the executives, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because, he said, he would like the series to continue.

With its heavy action scenes and with Mr. Sutherland earning a reported $13 million each season, “24” is expensive to produce. Fox Broadcasting will want to limit how much it has to pay for the rights to televise the series even though it is produced by 20th Century Fox Television, a sister division of the News Corporation.

Already, producers have been told to keep costs down. While Mr. Sutherland shot scenes for the seventh season of “24” in Washington, there are no plans for him to film scenes for the coming season in New York, where the eighth season is set.

Instead, New York street scenes will be shot either outside in Los Angeles or on a soundstage using green-screen technology, with backgrounds inserted digitally.

Source Link: NYTimes.com

'24' Is Popular Everywhere

"Other TV programming in Afghanistan includes state-run news and lifestyle shows, a popular locally produced drama about an extended Afghan family, a sketch comedy show -- and the hit Kiefer Sutherland drama "24."

Comment: Maybe it's time to send Jack Bauer to Afghanistan. I bet Al Queda & the Taliban would give up for sure then!

Link To Full Article: CNN.com

Press Tour Journal: '24' Plans Ahead

****THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS SOME MINOR SEASON 8 SPOILERS****

PASADENA, Calif. -- Cherry Jones, a 1978 graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, looks at a Fox publicist for reassurance that she's not giving away too much information about the new season of "24," which returns in January.

This much she'll say, warily: The first daughter (Sprague Grayden) is not back (presumably she's in jail) and the first gentleman is also history (presumably following a divorce).

"At the end of every day [of production], the prop master comes to take my wedding ring and watch away and how many times have I started to go like that," she says, making hand motions to pull off a ring that's not there.

Jones asked of Pittsburgh and was excited to hear the G-20 summit is coming to town, wondering about what all that will entail and feigning embarrassment that a woman who plays the United States president on "24"doesn't know the specifics. She spoke admiringly of Pittsburgh's beauty and then launched into a story of a night while she was at CMU when Lilly Tomlin was in town for a performance. For an extra $10, audience members could meet Tomlin. She and her friends didn't have the extra cash, so they peered at the comedy star from behind pillars in the lobby of Carnegie Music Hall.

Someone with Tomlin invited them to come out afterwards and they ended up scrambling down the hillside into Panther Hollow and up the other side in 15-degree weather.

"It's a night she did not forget," Jones said.

"24" executive producer Howard Gordon said Jones' President Allison Taylor is seeking a peace agreement as part of the new season's story, which takes place 18 months after the season that ended in May. Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) is actually happy for a change but Renee Walker (Annie Wersching) is paying the price for some of what happened last season. Circumstances again bring them together.

Much of the action takes place on a multi-level New York CTU set that Gordon said is more compact than old CTU with deep earth colors.

But if you're a fan of President Taylor, prepare to possibly be disappointed. Through 11 episodes, she's not featured all the prominently, according to co-executive producer David Fury.

"We haven't used her enough," he said at a Fox party last night. "These stories take on a life of their own and can veer away from people we most want to see. She's vastly under-utilized."

Fury said Jones is a sport about understanding how the story's need for characters dictates how much screen time any of the show's cast members receive.

"It's difficult to juggle characters and events," Fury added, noting that this season there are many new characters, all of whom require their stories to be told so viewers get to know them. "We have an overabundance of great actors and characters and finding room to tell all their stories is very challenging."

The upcoming season of "24" is the last season Fox has a contract to broadcast. The show's future beyond that is uncertain.

---

Posted Aug 07 2009, 10:00 AM by Rob Owen

Link: Post-Gazette.com

WHY '24' SEASON EIGHT COULD BE THE SHOW'S LAST - Exclusive Breaking TCA 2009 News - 8/6/09

Only time will tell, but Fox Entertainment President Kevin Reilly says they're going to have to sort it out in the next couple of months

By ABBIE BERNSTEIN, Contributing Writer
Published 8/6/2009

LOCATION: Pasadena, CA

THE SKINNY: Could time be running out for 24. At today’s Summer TCA Press Tour, iF spoke with Fox Entertainment President Kevin Reilly who says the popular real-time drama could potentially be entering its last season.

“It’s our last contractual season of 24,” he says. “There are a lot of moving parts, so we’re not sure what will happen after that.”

Reilly does say Kiefer Sutherland is still as enthusiastic as the first day he began on the show and that another season or possibly a theatrical movie isn’t out of the question.

“We haven’t made any decision whether it’s back or not,” Reilly admits. “The producers are passionate, Kiefer is passionate and we don’t have any of them looking to jump ship. It’s a show we’re really proud of. It’s going to come down to a business decision. It’s not an inexpensive show on the network books and we also want to finish strong. This is not a show we want to prop up. It will be a whole creative and business discussion and something we’ll have to deal with over the next few months.”

Comment (24FanForever): Say it ain't so!! I pray Season 8 is not the last for '24'!!

Link: iFMagazine.com

More Season 8 Casting News...

Meet Jack Bauer's New Enemy

By William Keck August 05, 2009 01:43 PM EST

Meet 24's new bad guy. 68-year-old German actor Jürgen Prochnow will terrorize New York City as Jack Bauer's newest nemesis, Bazhaev. Perhaps best known as the submarine commander of 1981's "Das Boot," Prochnow's ruthless character will head up an Eastern European organized crime syndicate that becomes part of the action.

"He's essentially a Godfather," says executive producer Howard Gordon, who teases that President Charles Logan (Gregory Itzin) could likely make a return in the new season. "He's out there somewhere." Sounds like Jack's going to have his hands full.

Link: TVGuideMagazine.com

'24' Casting News

Bashar Rahal joins '24'

By Nellie Andreeva

Aug 2, 2009, 11:00 AM ET

Bashar Rahal ("War, Inc.") has landed a multi-episode arc on Fox's "24."

On the upcoming eighth season of the real-time drama, he will play a general from the Islamic Republic of Kamistan who is involved in a conspiracy against President Hassan (Anil Kapoor).

Link: HollywoodReporter.com

Mary Lynn Rajskub Gets Married in Vegas Style

Mary Lynn Rajskub's has never been one to stick to convention, and the 24 star's wedding to personal trainer Matthew Rolph over the weekend at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas was no exception.

The actress, wearing an ivory wedding gown with lace overlay by Nicole Miller, was walked down the aisle Saturday by the couple's 1-year-old son Valentine to Elvis's "A Little Less Conversation." The groom wore a white Hugo Boss suit.

"We didn't know that getting married at a casino in Vegas with Elvis could be so romantic," Rajskub tells PEOPLE exclusively. "Our wedding was beautiful, spontaneous and intimate."

After the ceremony, the couple and their 20 guests, among them It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia costars and real-life husband and wife Kaitlin Olson and Rob McElhenney, continued the celebration into the wee hours at the restaurant Koi Las Vegas.

Rajskub, 38, and Rolph, 29, who met while she was performing a stand-up comedy gig, welcomed their son on July 24 last year.

"We are so excited to officially be husband and wife," Rajskub adds.

The actress is currently shooting the eighth season of 24 and will next be seen in the feature film Julie and Julia opening Friday. Rolph is the co-owner of Pilates Plus Malibu.

Comment: Congratulations to Mary Lynn & Matthew.

Link: People.com

Jack & Renee Video - Never Say Never

Nicely done Jack and Renee themed music video:



Link: YouTube

Mary Lynn Rajskub Interview - FOX 11: Los Angeles

Web Extra! Mary Lynn
Rajskub

Los Angeles (myFOXla.com) - After surviving her "Good Day LA" interview, Mary Lynn Rajskub talked about her new movie and her performance at the Coronet Theater on August 10th. She also gives us a small preview of what's to come next season on, "24."

She talks about a few things that she didn't get to on "Good Day LA" in this exclusive web interview.



Link: MyFoxLA.com