Jack Bauer in Africa: '24' Prequel Details Revealed

Posted: Apr 29, 2008 5:58 pm

Jack Bauer is heading to Africa after all. The original proposed story for 24's seventh season was for Jack to begin in Africa (doing something, that part was never clear) and then heading back to the States for the meat of the season. This would have been a big departure, as it would have been the first time 24 bucked the twenty-four straight hours formula. FOX had no problem with the concept, but they nixed the idea for budgetary reasons. The ramifications of this decision by the FOX brass was major – production on 24's seventh season was delayed for weeks and, as a result, was eventually delayed a whole year because of the writers' strike. It's unclear whether 24 could have finished the season in time for this Spring regardless, but it's a possibility. Today, 24 executive Manny Coto revealed the setting for the 24 two-hour prequel movie which will air on FOX this Fall: Jack is going to Africa.

The 24 prequel takes place in between the end of season 6 and the beginning of season 7. Coto explains:

"[Jack's] a soul in turmoil and has been moving from place to place trying to find somewhere he can be at peace. But he winds up in Africa in the middle of a military coup."

Awesome. I was always excited at the prospect of Jack abroad, embroiled in a non-US government situation. This has the makings for a great Die Hard-style movie. In fact, it probably works better as a film outside of a proper 24 season then as a part of season 7. The Africa situation will lead right into the events of season 7. Jack learns that he's been subpoenaed and his presence is required back in Washington. He doesn't want to go, but eventually does, and that is where season 7 will begin.

As for season 7, there are also some new tidbits regarding Tony Almeida's involvement. While in Washington, FBI agent Renee Walker asks Jack for help investigating some terrorist attacks that were possibly instigated by former partner Tony Almeida, who Jack believed was dead. Explains Coto: "Jack Bauer is under Senate investigation for crimes against humanity. Jack's thrust into this mystery of how Tony is still alive, and why is he trying to bring down this country?"