With the clock ticking closer and closer to the January 17 launch of 24 Season Eight, this TV Addict thought now might be as good a time as any to meet the faces you’ll be spending the next 24 hours with. First up, Brian Hastings, CTU’s new (albeit not-so-much-improved as you’ll soon see) head of CTU played by Mykelti Williamson.
Where you know him from: Well, quite frankly, that depends. Explained Williamson on this TV Addict’s recent visit to the set of 24, “I can tell a little bit about a person by the type of movie they’ve seen me in. Forrest Gump fans are usually more sensitive, kind and like historical stuff. While Waiting to Exhale fans are usually woman. Free Willy means you’re probably a parent and Con Air, well, odds are you’ve been to jail!”
On what separates Brian Hastings from previous heads of CTU: “He’s an a**hole!” jokes the actor of his latest small screen alter-ego. “Well, at least for a while, but then he’ll surprise the audience by doing something redeeming so he can be an a**hole again later on.”
On whether or not he’s at all concerned about the somewhat short life expectancy of recent heads of CTU: “You know, it is what it is. Should Hastings be eliminated at some point before the season is over, then I know they [the writers] have done what’s best. These people in the midst of this process know exactly what they’re doing and to second guess them is foolish. I’m just happy to roll with the punches as long as it works for the show.”
On his new CTU co-workers played by Katee Sackhoff and Freddie Prinze Jr: “I admire them both and I love working with them. Katee is really full of surprises. When you read the script at home, come in and listen to her it’s completely different than what you thought you heard reading it off the page. While Freddie is a lot more creative then I assumed he would be. I thought he was good but he is really, really good.”
On his choice of wardrobe for the next 24 hours: “I like what I’m wearing. Hastings wears a really nice Hugo Boss suit, and lavender shirt that shows the softer side of everyman. I like that, I’m cool with it.”
