Ricky Church reviews the first episode of 24: Legacy…
Even after so many years off the air, 24 continues to show it has some legs left with the rebooted series 24: Legacy. The series follows a new group of characters, but sets itself in the same universe as its predecessor. Legacy follows US Army Ranger Eric Carter (Corey Hawkins) as terrorists attempt to kill him and his fellow squadmates as revenge for the death of their leader.
24: Legacy’s format is much the same as 24, even going so far as to possibly utilize the same trope that 24 heavily leaned on during its run: a mole in CTU. Whoever does the hiring and vetting process for that agency should probably be fired since CTU has more leaks than a sinking ship. It’s a little disappointing to see the reboot go down that well right out of the gate rather than do something new on their own.
That aside, Legacy sets itself up with an interesting premise and Carter seems like a hero worthy of taking up the mantle left by Keifer Sutherland’s Jack Bauer. He’s resourceful, intelligent and handles himself well in a fight. Corey Hawkins already has a good handle on this character and shows his capabilities during the fight scenes. He also has good chemistry with his on-screen wife, Anna Diop’s Nicole, as they both fight for their lives.
The supporting cast is pretty good so far as well. Diop’s Nicole shows she can take care of herself in a stressful situation while Miranda Otto’s Rebecca Ingram comes across as an intelligent and clear leader and Jimmy Smits is so far likeable as her husband, Senator John Donovan, as he prepares his run for President. However, given 24’s track record with politicians and their ability to be trusting, Smits could very well be a villain in disguise.
On that note, 24’s ability to mix varying plot threads together has always been hit or miss. Right now Legacy introduced a young girl in high school who may somehow be involved with a potential terrorist attack, but it also seems so far removed from the main plot with Carter. It at least set up an intriguing idea, and hopefully it can pay off well.
The rest of the supporting cast does fine, though weren’t given enough time in the premiere to really let us know who they are beyond their basic characteristics. The Flash’s Teddy Sears seems like a good fit for the show as he’s ready to take over CTU and Coral Pena is basically the new Chloe O’Brien with a surprising connection to a character from the original series.
Overall, Corey Hawkins already impresses as the lead, but while the supporting cast is good hopefully they will be fleshed out further as the season progresses. It is a good thing, however, that the new characters are largely independent from 24’s characters and history. Though 24: Legacy retains the feel of the original series, I hope it can lean away from many of the tired tropes, such as the mole hidden within CTU or politicians in cahoots with the terrorists, and manage to find its own voice. The premiere at least sets up an intriguing premise and hopefully it can grow beyond the shadow of Jack Bauer.
Rating: 7/10
Ricky Church
Originally published February 6, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
