This short film (actually, three separate segments edited together), included on the Season 3 DVD box set in the US (Season 4 in other countries), can be considered the "proper" beginning of 24's fourth season. In reality, none of the information provided is really necessary to understand the plot of the season, since it's retold in the first full episode, but it does proved a fun opportunity to see a little more of certain characters.
The first segment, arguably the most relevant in terms of continuity, has Jack Bauer getting fired by new CTU director Erin Driscoll (Alberta Watson) because of his drug use during the events leading up to Day 3. Aside from setting up a rivetingly tense relationship between the two (the event takes place six months after the end of Season 3), it also features a refreshingly welcome use of the F-word (on DVD, at least). The second shows one of the season's villains entering the USA, and is the least necessary of the three scenes. The third, also a bit gratuitous but entertaining, depicts an intimate moment between Jack and his new girlfriend, Audrey Raines (Kim Raver), and takes place a few hours before the start of Day 4.
More of a curiosity than an actual episode, the Season 4 prequel deserves to be watched mainly for one reason: even if it's just for a few minutes, it's always a pleasure to see Kiefer Sutherland in action, particularly when he's doing what he does best (sticking it to the man). It also provides welcome early glimpses of Driscoll and Audrey, promising to expand on both in the proper series (the villain, on the other hand, is the classic red herring who will disappear before half the season is finished). All in all, not a bad effort, though the actual show remains the best.
7,5/10
The first segment, arguably the most relevant in terms of continuity, has Jack Bauer getting fired by new CTU director Erin Driscoll (Alberta Watson) because of his drug use during the events leading up to Day 3. Aside from setting up a rivetingly tense relationship between the two (the event takes place six months after the end of Season 3), it also features a refreshingly welcome use of the F-word (on DVD, at least). The second shows one of the season's villains entering the USA, and is the least necessary of the three scenes. The third, also a bit gratuitous but entertaining, depicts an intimate moment between Jack and his new girlfriend, Audrey Raines (Kim Raver), and takes place a few hours before the start of Day 4.
More of a curiosity than an actual episode, the Season 4 prequel deserves to be watched mainly for one reason: even if it's just for a few minutes, it's always a pleasure to see Kiefer Sutherland in action, particularly when he's doing what he does best (sticking it to the man). It also provides welcome early glimpses of Driscoll and Audrey, promising to expand on both in the proper series (the villain, on the other hand, is the classic red herring who will disappear before half the season is finished). All in all, not a bad effort, though the actual show remains the best.
7,5/10
