TICK… TOCK… TICK… TOCK...

Beginning Jan. 15th, Fox’s “24” returns to TV. There are no words sufficient to describe how excited I am. Even though I could have happily accepted the end of the series after last year’s season finale, I anxiously awaited to hear if Kiefer Sutherland and the rest of the surviving cast members would return. To my delight, the new season will include some familiar characters and plenty of new faces.

A few tidbits I found out: (DO NOT read the bulleted points if you want to be surprised.)

* Not only will Kiefer, Kim Raver, Carlos Bernard, Reiko Aylesworth, Roger R. Cross, Louis Lombardi and Mary Lynn Rajskub (Jack, Audrey, Tony, Michelle, Curtis, Edgar and Chloe, respectively) be coming back, Elisha Cuthbert will reprise her role as Kim Bauer at some point this season. I think I can handle it as long as she doesn’t go up against a cougar again.

* Rajskub’s character, techie Chloe O'Brian, is shooting firearms again this season if the trailer is to be believed. Apparently, her character also has a love interest. (Only fans are going to know why this is news.) Despite that, I kind of hope she and Jack end up together if they both survive the day.

* For more information and spoilers, check out the Jan. 13th issue of Entertainment Weekly. The cover is above.

If you haven’t been watching this show, shame on you. I will, however, give you one chance to redeem yourself. Watch the 4-hour season premiere Jan. 15th at 8 p.m. and Jan. 16th at 8 p.m. If you like sitting on the edge of your seat, you will not be disappointed. You may even yell at the TV.

It’s been a long eight months. Welcome back, Jack. We’ve missed you.