24: Legacy Review: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Season 1 Episode 1)

The plot of 24: Legacy is set three years after the events of 24: Live Another Day.

Sergeant Eric Carter (Corey Hawkins) and his wife Nicole Carter (Anna Diop) cope with getting acclimatized with a new life in the shadow of a Ranger operation in Yemen. It’s an operation that won’t go away quietly.

A hunt for a missing package evolves to a hunt against the clock in true 24 fashion.

Anna Diop is outmaneuvering Corey Hawkins in every aspect. She’s believable in her acting, and creates a great connection with the viewer. Hawkins, however, makes a bland character, which I initially have trouble taking seriously.

But, as the first 15 minutes pass, we’re in full 24 mode!

Before that, we’re introduced to former CTU national director, Rebecca Ingram (Miranda Otto) who is in the limelight in Washington D.C., to collect a commendation. The fallout from the Yemen operation, which she led, is still causing wrinkles in her schedule.

Miranda Otto is doing a great job as former Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) director, and has experience from Homeland in this genre.

On the other hand, Jimmy Smits, as her husband, Senator John Donovan, makes a rather boring impression. I don’t see any sparks between them.

Other casting is not on par with Miranda Otto. It feels unengaged and uninteresting, which is sad, as a great supporting cast can be what makes a great show! Failing that, it can drown a series, as only the main characters are watchable.

The trademark 24 imagery, with divided screen slots, showing multiple scenes, and the ticking clock are all there.

Time to enjoy the rest of the first hour!

The production could use some brushing up as some footage should have been cropped to not show kids and baby carriages at shoot out scenes. Not doing so just ruins immersion.

We are re-introduced to the CTU of Washington D.C., an organization handling a topic as engaging now as when the original 24 aired in 2001: terrorism and fear.

As horrific as terrorism is, the international climate for this kind of series feels too close to reality with current events. Bear in mind that this is just fiction.

On paper,  24: Legacy is set up for a great start.

When watching the final product, 24: Legacy is a solid experience. It has the promise to work out its kinks, and we might learn to love the cast.

The show is created by Robert Cochran and Joel Surnow, who also wrote La Femme Nikita. It is not a 24 sequel, it is an addition to the 24 universe.

Only Kiefer Sutherland’s Jack Bauer is 24!

What did you think of the premiere of 24: Legacy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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24: Legacy airs Mondays at 8/7c on FOX.

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