’24: Live Another Day’ episodes 1, 2 review: Kiefer Sutherland, Yvonne Strahovski battle it out

It’s been years since there has been an opportunity to discuss a new episode of “24,” but that wait is now officially over thanks to “Live Another Day.” Monday night brought everything Jack Bauer back to the small screen in a package that felt very much like … well, “24.”

Despite being off the air for so long, this performance was like jumping into a time machine and getting the same exact show that it was when it was airing the first time. The only difference is that we were in London trying to watch Kiefer Sutherland save the world. He is still the grizzled butt-kicker who doesn’t play by the rules, and while he has some help from his friends, we definitely still get the feeling that he is a lone wolf.

One of the nicer surprises in the two hours was Yvonne Strahovski in a role that she seems to have down in between this show and “Chuck” as a CIA Agent. However, there are many differences between Kate and Sarah Walker. Kate, for example, is much more business-driven, and less about trying to conceal her identity at a hot-dog stand. This was a nice turnaround, mostly because it feels like “Dexter” never figured out what they wanted to do with her.

There is still a lot of room for growth here, mostly because this series does need to at least try to reinvent the wheel at some point … or at least be believable. There have always been struggles with that. But, the cast that’s assembled here is solid, and the show is at least far and away better than some of the seasons that we had near the end of the original run.

Think of these hours as a solid (and dangerous) two-hour foundation, and there will be something more interesting and exhilarating to come. Grade: B.

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Photo: Fox