More '24' torture next season, just better planned

TCA -- Those scenes from the seventh season "24" trailer of Jack Bauer righteously defending himself against torture charges have seemed like a clear in-show response to last year's media accusations that the Fox hit unnecessarily (and unrealistically) promotes torture as a handy all-purpose problem solver.

"24" director/executive producer Jon Cassar says  that scene is the extent of any narrative defensiveness on the topic next season, and that torture fans need not worry -- next year will continue Bauer's reign of "don't make me do this!" nail-pulling excessiveness. Cassar touches on the torture issue in this video clip and also gives some thoughts about having more time this season to better plan the episodes.

Also, Cassar later confirmed the two-hour fall movie will play in real time just like the regular show (well, almost -- there's a five-minute opening scene from the day before, then a dissolve to a "The Following Takes Place Between..." clock starter). In the movie, Jack Bauer has decided he's had-it-up-to-here with that chaotic United States, so he's decided to stay out of trouble by living in Africa. Perhaps next season he'll opt for spring break in Zarqaa.

(Note: The shaky handheld camera in the clip should be considered an intentional stylistic homage to the urgent-looking production techniques of "24" and not a reflection of, say, the reporter's total lack of experience using a video camera).