Talk of a 24 revival series has started again, but if Kiefer Sutherland’s Jack Bauer returns, so too must Carlos Bernard’s Tony Almeida. 24 debuted back in 2001 and the original series lasted for eight seasons, with each following beleaguered CTU agent Jack Bauer. Jack frequently had to race against time to stop terrorist attacks, often at a big cost to his personal life. The show’s real-time format presented some unique storytelling challenges, but it also aided in making it feel like gripping television.
One of the key 24 characters of the original run was fellow agent Tony Almeida. Whereas Jack was often running – and gunning – out in the field, Tony was the dependable presence back at CTU providing support. The two were initially rivals but throughout five seasons evolved into close friends. This was shattered in season 5, where Tony was seemingly killed via a lethal overdose administered by his wife’s killer – and Jack’s former mentor – Christopher Henderson (Peter Weller).
Tony’s death looked quite final, but 24 fans were upset he didn’t get a silent clock, which on the show is traditionally a sign of respect for a deceased character. A theory he was still alive somehow was used to justify his surprise resurrection in 24 season 7, where Jack Bauer works with him again but it’s eventually revealed Tony had been twisted by a desire for revenge and had become a villain. He ended the show in custody swearing at Jack for foiling his plan, but the two never encountered each other again. If a revival happens, this story must be resolved.
While Sutherland returned as Jack for season 8 and 2014 miniseries 24: Live Another Day and Bernard reprised Tony for spinoff Legacy, it feels incomplete they never reunited. Legacy revealed that Tony had escaped prison and became a mercenary, and while not necessarily a hero, he wasn’t a villain either. Considering the former friendship and history between the pair, a lot of sparks could fall if they were ever forced to work together.
Per 24: Legacy, Tony seems to have renounced his actions during season 7, but this doesn’t redeem the amount of carnage his actions caused. He also tried to kill Jack more than once during that endless day, but a scenario where they have to cooperate and maybe even somewhat reconcile would not only make fans happy but would link the series to its root. Tony himself became something of a dark mirror to Jack, who despite suffering constant loss never went bad, whereas Tony lost faith in the system after losing his wife to a political conspiracy that went all the way to season 5’s sitting president.
It’s unknown if 24 will actually be rebooted as the show has had several false starts in recent years, but viewers definitely want Sutherland’s Jack Bauer back. If Sutherland can be convinced to return, it’s a given that Tony – alongside Chloe, naturally – should return also. It’s one of the show’s great unresolved threads and one that is certain to make longtime viewers happy to return.
Credit screenrant.com/Padraig Cotter
