Jack Is Back: '24' Returns in January

Updated: Tuesday, 29 Dec 2009, 1:14 PM EST
Published : Tuesday, 29 Dec 2009, 1:13 PM EST

MyFox National Reports

(MYFOX NATIONAL) - It's going to be another long day for one of America's favorite crime fighters. Jack Bauer is back in season eight of FOX's series "24." Star Keifer Sutherland spoke about what is in store for the new season.

This time Sutherland's character Jack Bauer is forced to come out of retirement and make a huge sacrifice in his life.

"He's actually in a really light place, he's in a very positive hopeful space," explained Sutherland. "He's very grateful to be alive and reuniting with his daughter and he's a grandfather and has a family to go back to. He actually believes a life can start for himself."

Season eight of "24" also involves a move from the nation's capital to the Big Apple.

"New York isn't representative with anything regarding '24,'" said Sutherland. "You're not going to find a city that has more energy and the kind of energy '24' can react to. When things start going wrong in New York, people start to react a little less than Los Angeles or Washington and that's been an interesting factor in trying to get help in the middle of a bad situation. A lot of the stereotypes New York City has, we play on and that's been fun."

While some familiar faces remain, this year has some new characters and more unexpected challenges.

"Jack is going to have a bad day. There are certain characters you've come to know and love, like Chloe O'Brian or Cherry Jones, playing the president. And they introduce great new characters, like Michael T. Williamson as the head of CTU, and Freddie Prince Jr., who plays my partner. It's a great new balance."

The 43-year-old actor has never shied away from doing most of his own stunts, but the years have taken their toll.

"You can't fake hanging off a garbage truck at 45 miles an hour. You're going to react the way you should. You jump off a side of a building in a moving truck, you're going to react the way you should. All those things I can still barely do, but I love doing them and it adds an authenticity for me."

The two-night, four-hour season premiere airs Jan. 17 on FOX. More on the official "24" Web site.

Source: myfoxnepa.com