JACK'S AFRICAN ADVENTURE! "24: REDEMPTION"

Is there anywhere these days that Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) can go for a rest? Doesn't look like it, as shown by the events of 24: REDEMPTION. Images: FOX.

As played by the ever heroic Kiefer Sutherland, Jack Bauer's been on the run before but never in a scenario as bad as this, as he escapes to Africa after being served a trial subpoena from people behind the scenes within the US Government and intelligence agencies who are obviously determined to hang him out to dry once and for all, despite saving their butts and the American people so many times over six previous seasons of 24. In the classic Western tradition of the retired gunman, and now trying to get his life back, hanging out and helping his old friend (played by a pre-STARGATE UNIVERSE Robert Carlysle), Jack is keeping his lonesome head and troubled frown down as best he can, helping the local school children and having a much quieter life. Then it all has to go and get spoiled when one of those damned baddies turns up-in this case, the vicious Warlord General Juma (the excellent and always menacing Tony Todd, aided and abetted by a US based weapons cartel led by the creepy Jon Voight) and shakes everything on its heads for the worse, as Jack is forced to return to his action man, gun toting, neck snapping ways. As the tale ensues, villages are burned, people are sacrificed or killed, bombs are exploded and machine guns erupt their bullets, but all in the name of a great action/adventure tale, and 24: REDEMPTION (showing today in the UK on SKY ATLANTIC HD) is certainly that-an intriguing feature length concoction from producer Howard Gordon, a prequel to the events of then upcoming series re-vamped Season Seven (though this was actually filmed in the mid-gap between season filming, caused due to a writers strikes at the time in the US), which sees in the inauguration of new female President Allison Taylor (Cherry Jones) and goes beyond the series normal format (an early tester for the upcoming feature film-hopefully in 2012). It overall works well, backed up with a strong guest cast, noteworthy direction from the soon to depart the series Jon Cassar, and some fine location filming in Africa, which makes a welcome visual change from the previous US based locations and gives the story/series a deserved world based feel with its Rwanda-inspired plot.

An explosive new situation for Jack in the dangerous realms of Africa.

Trailers: 24: Redemption Trailer (High Quality)‬‏ - YouTube
‪24 Redemption trailer‬‏ - YouTube

Even hit-men need someone to talk to! THE CONFESSION. Image:  DGB/ MRB PRODUCTIONS.

Beyond 24, another Kiefer Sutherland project KOOL TV would also like to see is his ten part webisode drama series THE CONFESSION, were he plays a un-named hit-man who repents his sins- each tales murderous assignments told in stylish, gritty flashback- to a priest (John Hurt). So far, the series, acclaimed for its short but sweet dramatic content (the exploration of good and evil) and glossy look beyond its low budget (written and directed by film talent Brad Mirman), is not available to view outside the US, and this is a situation that must be remedied for Sutherland's eager to see it fanbase worldwide.

THE CONFESSION Teaser: The Confession (Teaser 1 - Kiefer Sutherland)‬‏ - YouTube

The series has a dedicated FACEBOOK page here: The Confession - Info | Facebook

Behind the scenes here: The Confession - Behind the Scenes (Kiefer Sutherland)‬‏ - YouTube

In the US, the series can be seen here :The Confession - Full Episodes and Clips streaming online - Hulu

24: REDEMPTION is available on DVD and Blu-ray in standard and director's cut form from FOX DVD.