tonyalmeida Blog and Journals

News of the death of CTU agent Tony Almeida (played by Carlos Benard) has been greatly exaggerated. When we last saw Almeida, he had apparently been murdered by a terrorist in CTU's infirmary towards the end of season five. However, we never really did see anyone mourn Tony's death, nor did we know that he was unequivocally dead. Bernard returns to 24 for "Day 7" to help Jack Bauer through another hellish day.

The press relase from FOX adds:

Tony’s uncertain fate near the end of "Day 5" left the door open for his return,” said executive producer/show-runner Howard Gordon. “And since there was no silent clock at the conclusion of his last appearance – the 24 tribute to a major character’s demise – we always kept this as a possibility.

Fans of 24 know how monumental this is for the show. After two years of, for lack of a better term, key-character-genocide, it's comforting to see one of the veterans that made the show such a phenomenon return. Plus, I know most 24 fanatics never lost hope, due to the lack of a silent countdown and no mourning from the cast in Day 6. Seeing Tony make his improbable return in Day 4 was one of the five best moments in 24 history (hmmm, I smell a list once the season hits) and probably gave me the same rush I got the first time I saw Bad Religion.

Jack Bauer may be the king, but Tony Almeida was the glue. It's a bit frustrating to have this surprise ruined by the ever-inquisitive internet, but as the season is still four months away from its season premier, it's comforting to know your friend has come home.

And if anyone is thinking of responding to this post with anything related to the serial dramas that burst through the door after 24 opened it (that's right, Heroes and Lost fans), at least take half a second and bow to the grandfather of the format. If it weren't for this show, Hayden Panettiere never would have become the pop culture blog fodder she is today.