Video Link: Lopez Tonight Video – Freddie Prinze Jr. (3/9/2010)

When you need a bad-ass, who better to call than Michael Madsen, who has played that role so well in such films as Reservoir Dogs, Thelma & Louise, Kill Bill and Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home (er…scratch that last one)? Now, the much sought-after 52-year-old has been cast on Fox’s 24 as Jim Ricker, a character sources describe to me as an ex-military guy from Jack Bauer’s past. Meaning, of course, a bad-ass.

Ricker will pop up as the clock ticks toward the final hours of Day Eight, which is looking more and more like Jack’s last day on TV before he heads to the movies.

Although it wasn’t mentioned in the article, I know Madsen has been filming 24 since February. There’s a recent photo of him on the set here. Could Ricker’s ex-military roots tie into the Operation Nightfall mission perhaps? Whatever the case may be, Michael Madsen should be a pretty cool addition to 24 – Madsen has played some great villains in the past.

Very interesting stuff in this report, including quotes from 24 showrunner Howard Gordon and Gregory Itzin. Howard mentions a pretty specific timetable they’re aiming to finish the feature film by – 12 to 18 months.

The news that Fox’s 24 will most likely conclude at the end of this eighth season comes as no shock to the show’s creative team or star Kiefer Sutherland. Two months ago at Fox’s Television Critics Association presentation, the show’s longtime creator, Howard Gordon, told me, “We always thought this could be the end. In year’s past, barring disaster, we knew there would be future seasons. This is the first time there’s really been no substantive negotiations about a ninth year. Kiefer’s contract is up. Mine is up. Some writers are already leaving to do other shows. So to me, it’s more possible than ever that this is the end.”

One of the series’ most popular alums, actor Gregory Itzin, who reprises his role as disgraced President Charles Logan next month, had heard season eight would likely be the last, which is why producers scrambled to bring him back.

But Fox the network’s loss will likely be Twentieth Century Fox the movie studio’s gain, as Gordon told me he would aim to bring Jack Bauer to the big screen within 18 months of the series’ conclusion. “I think the fans could wait a year or a year and a half for the movie, but not much longer than that,” said the exec, confirming that “Kiefer has had the conversation with (Twentieth Century Fox)” about headlining the film.

One ticket holder in line will be Gregory, who would be honored to play Logan again in the 24 movie. “I think it’s a good thing,” says Gregory, noting however that the show’s 24-hour premise would have to be altered. “No one has talked to me about it, but you can’t shoot a 24-hour movie, can you?” (Though Kevin Costner has tried.)

So how will Jack’s final season conclude? Not with a cliffhanger, assured Gordon. “You can’t do that,” he said, hinting that Jack may even get a peaceful respite with his daughter in Los Angeles before being summoned back to action on the big screen.

“In my mind, I always thought Jack was too scarred and broken and had been through too much to live happily ever after, but last season Jack forgave himself,” reminded Gordon. “That being said, there is a fragility and vulnerability to the character, and this season Jack goes to dark places he’s never gone to. So even if the (series presents) a happily-ever-after, I’m not sure Jack could ever live happily ever after.”

Check out the full writeup at TV Guide Magazine.

Jack Bauer may seem invincible on ‘24,’ but not when it comes to FBI Agent Renee Walker. Actress Annie Wersching sits down with Kevin Pereira to talk about her role opposite of Kiefer Sutherland, 24’s latest season and what’s in store for the show’s future.

Video Link: G4TV.com

This is heartbreaking – the end of an era.

20th Century Fox TV and Fox appear ready to end the long-running hit after this season, the show’s eighth.

Studio and network execs declined comment — but it’s believed that the final decision will be made in the next day or two. Move is not a huge surprise, but still reps the end of an era for Fox.

“24” helped usher in Fox’s ratings surge in the 2000s, as the franchise — along with “American Idol” and “House,” among other series — led the network’s adults 18-49 ratings crown.

But the cost of producing “24” has continued to increase, while ratings have dipped. A one-time critical darling, “24” has also received its share of knocks from reviewers this season.

The studio is said to be considering shopping “24” to other nets — but given the thriller’s age and price tag, it’s believed that the interest from other outlets will be limited.

But even as bell tolls for “24,” the franchise is far from over. Sutherland and the “24” team have been keen on turning the show into a movie property, and have made major strides in recent months toward making that long-term goal a reality.

Source: Variety

- Hulu – 24: 2:00 AM – 3:00 AM – Watch the full episode now.
- Watch on FOX on Demand: Day 8: 2:00 AM – 3:00 AM (HD)
- Download on iTunes Store

EXPLOSIVE EVENTS SEND JACK AND CTU FIELD OPERATIVES INTO ACTION WHILE CHLOE FLIRTS WITH A COMPUTER CATASTROPHE ON AN ALL-NEW “24″ MONDAY, MARCH 22, ON FOX

As the imminent terror threat nears and CTU copes with the day’s explosive events, the onerous NSA intervenes. Conditions at CTU remain tenuous and field operatives find intense action when Jack Bauer leads them on a risky mission. Meanwhile, Chloe and Dana make game-changing moves in the all-new “Day 8: 4:00 AM-5:00 AM” episode of 24 airing Monday, March 22 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (TWF-813) (TV-14 V)

Cast: Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer; Mary Lynn Rajskub as Chloe O’Brian; Cherry Jones as Allison Taylor; Annie Wersching as Renee Walker; Anil Kapoor as Omar Hassan; Mykelti Williamson as Brian Hastings; Chris Diamantopoulos as Rob Weiss; Katee Sackhoff as Dana Walsh; Freddie Prinze Jr. as Cole Ortiz; John Boyd as Arlo Glass

Guest Cast: Stephen Root as Bill Prady; Necar Zadegan as Dalia Hassan; Nazneen Contractor as Kayla Hassan; Mido Hamada as Samir; Than Rains as Ali; Justin Alston as Agent Beck; John Eric Bently as Holden; Chris McGarry as Frank Haynam; Julian Morris as CTU Agent Owens; T.J. Ramini as Tarin Forush; Matt Yang Kin as CTU Agent King; Hrach Titizian as Nabeel

YouTube Link: 24 Season 8×12 (3:00AM – 4:00AM) Promo HD

Source: Fox.com/24/Sprint

Source: 24’s Katee Sackhoff on Good Day LA

Al Norton: How much of a 24 fan were you before you got the job?

Katee Sackhoff: I watched the first season, every single episode, and then with the schedule for Battlestar I just got busy. And especially with 24, if you miss an episode you’re really far behind. They do that really good recap from the previous week’s episode. In all honesty, the recaps are so long on 24 that you almost see the whole episode. I loved the show coming in. I loved Kiefer, the whole thing. They figured out how to keep people interested in a show for so many years that isn’t a procedural.

Al Norton: How much did you know about Dana before you started seeing the actual scripts?

Katee Sackhoff: When I went in and auditioned I knew the role was going to go one way or the other, either possibly be a throwaway or become something more. I went in and sat down with the guys and we talked about it and they promised they would give me a gun at some point.

Al Norton: They didn’t tell you who you might shoot, though.

Katee Sackhoff: No, and they didn’t actually say I was going to shoot it, either, just that I would have a gun. I should have gotten that in writing and I should have made them clarify something like, “you are going to pull the trigger.”

Al Norton: Is it hard to prep for a role when you don’t know that much about it?

Katee Sackhoff: It is because I knew somewhat about Dana/Jenny, I knew that’s who she was as far as background, but beyond that I couldn’t prepare for too much. I had to really commit to the moment because you can’t commit to the story.

Al Norton: What’s Kiefer like to work with?

Katee Sackhoff: Lovely. Kiefer gives 110% to everything that he does. He’s fantastic.

Al Norton: Both 24 and Battlestar have very passionate fan bases that use the internet to talk about how they feel about the show. Do you ever succumb to temptation and go searching?

Katee Sackhoff: Yeah, they’re all like, “I hate Dana! (laughing)” I don’t go looking anymore. The moment during the beginning of Battlestar when people began insulting me as an actual person I was like, “and I quit the internet.”

Al Norton: Avoiding talking about any projects in general, how do you deal with being in the middle of pilot season and having your character and possibly your show be so up in the air?

Katee Sackhoff: The good thing about 24 is that I’m friends with Brannon Braga (one of the show’s executive producers) so it makes it easier for me to get some information out of him. I can find out enough so that I don’t worry either way. I haven’t had to gamble too much with what I am going to be doing.

Source: 411Mania

YouTube Link: 24 Season 8×11 (2:00AM – 3:00AM) Promo #3 HD

Annie Wersching and husband Stephen Full

Congratulations to Annie and Stephen!

The clock is ticking down … to a new baby.

24 star Annie Wersching and her actor/comedian husband Stephen Full are expecting their first child, they tell PEOPLE exclusively.

The couple is “ecstatic,” says Wersching, who plays Renee Walker opposite Kiefer Sutherland on the show.

“Feeling great” during her pregnancy, Wersching, 32, notes that she’s “craving mint chocolate chip ice cream!”

The couple married at their Los Angeles home in September 2009.

Source: PEOPLE

24 fan Lisa Thomas (K2293) started a “Renew 24 for a 9th Season” Facebook group, which all 24 fans should join. Let’s get as many 24 fans in here as possible!

Renew 24 for a 9th Season Facebook group

Source: Patti Stanger Twitter

THR: There’s been a lot of rumors about “24″ this season. You’ve got a sense of the ratings so far, what’s the call?

Reilly: It’s a very tough call. It’s a huge part of our legacy, and there’s not a lot of shows that could do a 9 share against the Olympics. Tremendous sales asset for us still; a show we’re so very proud of creatively. So it’s not an easy call.

If you read between the lines, Reilly doesn’t say anything about wanting the show back like he does with Human Target and Lie To Me.

Source: The Live Feed/THR

NBC’s Angela Bromstad says the idea has been floated for NBC to pick up the series, but it’s unlikely (due to the same cost reasons):

THR: If Fox passes on doing another season of “24,” would NBC be interested?
Bromstad: I think it would be expensive for us. It’s been floated. It’s all going to come down to how strong our development is.

THR: But you wouldn’t rule that out as a fit for NBC?
Bromstad: I wouldn’t rule it out. I wouldn’t think it’s likely, but I wouldn’t rule it out.

Source: The Live Feed/THR

Direct MP3 Link – Stephen Root on Bob Rivers Show interview (5.7MB, 7 minutes 57 seconds)

UPDATE: Here’s another interview from Stephen on this mornings Todd N Taylor Radio Empire:

Direct MP3 Link – Stephen Root on Todd N Tyler interview (6MB, 8 minutes 40 seconds)

Interesting new spoilers about CTU in 24 Season 8 from the latest “Ask Ausiello“:

Question: Got anything juicy on 24? —Cole
Ausiello: In the next three or four hours, something truly horrible will happen at CTU. And I swear that’s not a subtle dig at the horrifyingly awful Dana Walsh subplot.

Question: I need some 24 scoop, STAT! —Emily
Ausiello: The aforementioned horrifyingly awful Dana Walsh subplot is about to become slightly more bearable thanks to the fantastic Stephen Root. The alum of True Blood, Pushing Daisies, etc, joins the cast next week as the parole office of Dana’s dead ex who starts looking into his disappearance.

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YouTube Link: 24 Season 8×11 (2:00AM – 3:00AM) Promo #2 HD