In a late show interview, actor Kiefer Sutherland admitted tearing up upon hearing those words from the director after the final scene was shot for Season 8 of "24." It was the end of an Era.
The series began back in November of 2001, and Derek, who had just graduated from college, picked up on it immediately. He insisted that we watch the first episodes that he had videotaped, and as we quickly became totally hooked on the show he beamed with accomplishment. That season, and during those that followed, Jamie, Derek, Keith and I would gather on Monday nights to watch CTU Agent, Jack Bauer, save the country in his no-nonsense, "cutting edge" style. Even when Jamie moved to SoCal, we continued the tradition, watching simultaneously and reviewing the action by phone during commercial breaks.
We weren't the only ones he hooked on the show -- Derek relentlessly promoted it to anyone who would borrow his videos - later, DVD's - and considered each new "24" fan a notch on his belt. Some would borrow an entire season, and end up sequestering themselves for marathon sessions as the gripping plots unfolded and they were "sucked in." Not only did he record each episode to lend, but he bought each complete season the day of release, and lent those out, too. He counted down to each new season with great anticipation, and for special episodes he cooked his favorite recipe, Puerco Pibil, and invited fellow fans to share the food and fun (which he sometimes enhanced with an extra habinero pepper and a devious grin).
Monday night ended the final chapter of Jack Bauer's TV escapades. It almost seems fitting that it should end now. It wasn't nearly as fun to watch without Derek's enthusiasm and commentary. We marked the finale as Derek would have - with a batch of Puerco. And, when Season 8 is released on DVD, we'll be sure to pick one up to complete his set.
"24" was a wild ride, and, thanks to Derek, it's filled with great memories.
And that's a wrap.
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