I was perfectly happy with the return of “24” to television  — I’d give the Season 9 premiere, “24: Live Another Day,” a 9 out of 10.  It delivered.  We’re a long way from the problematic Season 6, here  — everything that once made the show so great is back in evidence.  There’s fast pacing, intertwining personal, political and techno-thriller plotlines, and cool, compelling characters despite a large cast.

We’ve got immediate tension and a nice mystery served right up front, and having our heroes cast as antagonists is a great game changer that keeps things fresh.

Kiefer Sutherland and William Devane are as perfect as always, even if Devane’s face will always remind me of his role in “Marathon Man” (1976).  His acting is perfect, and the interplay among him, Audrey and Mark was unexpectedly touching.

Dear Lord.  Look at the expression on Bauer’s face when Chick-Jack (Kate Morgan) pulls her gun on him.  He’s the closest thing to the goddam Batman outside of the DC Comics universe.  I’m pretty sure that he alone could take on all of the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.  But I don’t want to start a nerd turf war, because I remember that time I criticized Doctor Who, and those Whovians threatened to come to my house.  (Turns out his fanbase is a lot tougher than he is.)

Speaking of Kate Morgan, the character here actually has nothing to do with Kate Warner from Season 2 — the confusion connected with the similar names is compounded by the fact that the actresses have a close resemblance.

And, of course, there was a hilarious bit of fan service with a “dammit” at a perfectly opportune time.

LIVE ANOTHER DAY.