Set in New York City, Jack Bauer is unwillingly drawn back into action just as President Allison Taylor negotiates international security with Omar Hassan, a determined Middle Eastern leader visiting the U.S. on a peacemaking mission. As the new day unfolds, an upgraded CTU operates under the command of M.B.A.-schooled, razor-sharp head honcho Brian Hastings, who supervises quirky Chloe O'Brian, expert data analyst Dana Walsh and systems analyst Arlo Glass.

So, the new season of 24 is here and all us fans are real happy. Always good to see Jack Bauer back in action. Unfortunately, it's not quite as different or punchy as I would have enjoyed. Unlike the previous season, which almost instantly gave us some exciting new plot elements (an unexpected returning character, terrorists from Africa, an unconventional war), we're back to the basics...almost.

This season, Jack seems to be happy right out. He and his daughter have a great relationship and he is enjoying time with his granddaughter. He's retired and has put away his life as a government agent. No more running, no more hiding, no more having to save the world. Yeah right. We all know where this is going. And, unfortunately, it all returns to the original formula. Russian/middle eastern bad guys. CTU is back with incompetent workers, and those who have to clean up their messes. A plot that is a little ho-hum: an assassination attempt. After such a great season 7, in which so much happened that was different from what 24 had done before, it's a little odd to find season 8 returning to what can be described as an overplayed formula for the show.

But, it's not all that bad. As usual, the show is entertaining. It's good to finally see Jack at a different point in his life, where things are actually working well for him. Seeing him get pulled into yet another world saving mission is almost heart breaking when considering everything that has come before, but then the show would be nothing without Jack on the case. It's also good to see Chloe at a different place as well, struggling as the "new girl" who has to catch up on everything that she has missed while being absent from the game. With Chloe and Jack now the only senior elements working with CTU, it'll be interesting to see how the Chloe/Jack team play against CTU. This sort of friendly competitive spin brings something else exciting to the season.

Still, I can't help but feel that there was something missing from this premier. It was nearly as exciting as the season 7 premiere and lacked the kind of punch that something like revealing Tony to be a villain had. Hopefully there are some sneaky surprises around the corner, and knowing 24, there will be. Despite a lackluster start, the show is as entertaining as ever and will please fans without a doubt.

Duration: Discs HD DVD Plastic Bag Packing Ver. ( All Episodes Complete Series )