I wasn't particularly impressed with season seven of 24, partly because I really want Jack Bauer to be the kick-ass character he used to be, rather than the sickly guy struggling to survive (well, he's always been struggling, but in more of a kick-ass way).

The show took some heat for some of the earlier implausible plotlines (Really, Jack? You escape from the Secret Service guys and steal a helicopter to save the President? And say what? You spring back to life after being "dead" to find the bombs and save the world?), but that's what I loved about the show.

But could the Jack Bauer era be coming to an end? Kiefer Sutherland recently told Contact Music that he fears his character might be killed off.

It's been a long time coming, but 24 is finally coming back. After a mediocre sixth season, followed by endless news about the re-invigorated season seven, it all got pushed aside. Kiefer Sutherland went to jail. Production was delayed. Oh right... and don't forget the WGA Strike. I hear that played a role, too.

FOX has announced that as with seasons past, 24 will return with a two-night, four-hour premiere on Sunday, January 11th, and Monday, January 12th. Plus, there's the two-hour movie Redemption airing later this month on Sunday, November 23rd. That's a lot of 24 to look forward to.

If you aren't excited yet, wait'll you see what Jack does to Tony "the clock wasn't silent" Almeida in the latest trailer for Day 7.