Whether Jack Bauer will return for the rumored 24 revival is unknown yet, but his best replacement was killed off years ago. Every season of 24 is known for featuring tragic deaths and heavy plots and whether Kiefer Sutherland will return as the intense Jack Bauer in any future reboot is yet to be seen. One thing is certain though. Any character that the show brings in to replace Jack won’t be as good as the character the show killed off in one of 24‘s later seasons.

24 relies on pain and extreme circumstances to create exciting plots and move the show forward. As such, it’s no surprise that there have been many major deaths throughout the show. Many main characters were even killed by Jack Bauer, the show’s main character, in the name of national security. Jack himself has faced the deaths of many of his friends throughout the series. One such death, if spared, could have been the perfect replacement for Jack Bauer for any future 24 sequels or spin-offs.

Renee Walker Could Have Been A Great Jack Bauer Replacement

Renee Grew Into Jack’s Intensity

Perhaps the best replacement for Jack Bauer would have been Annie Wersching’s Renee Walker, who was introduced in 24 season 7 and was later killed in season 8. At a certain point in the series, there was a sense that 24 was grooming Renee Walker to be the next Jack Bauer. Her story saw her express disgust at his ways, but gradually accept them and begin to be more like him. By the end of her time on the show, she matched Jack’s intensity, which made Jack the ruthless character he is.

Renee was also a compelling character in her own right and faced her own struggles that could have pushed her to move forward with an urgency like Jack’s. At the time, she was also someone who could have taken over if Sutherland had wanted to leave the show or if 24 wanted a spin-off. Sadly, Annie Wersching passed away in 2023, which removed any chance of her returning as Jack’s replacement, but 24 also removed this option when her character was killed off in season 8. Renee’s death was one of Jack Bauer’s worst tragedies.

Why 24 Killed Off Renee Walker In Season 8

It Was Needed To Propel Jack

Renee was sadly killed off shortly after confirming her relationship with Jack. She had also just rediscovered her desire to move forward with her life after her tragic and traumatic past. Renee’s death was unexpected and unwanted, but it was necessary for how the show was built. 24 is known for tragic stories, but it’s these stories that propel Jack forward. As unfortunate as it is, Jack is fueled by years of grief and anger. The season 8 ending needed Jack to become the worst version of himself in order to avenge Renee’s death.

Renee was not the first of Jack’s love interests to die in 24 and her death followed a trend of using love and grief as fuel for Jack’s rage. Season 1 of 24 showed the death of Teri, Jack’s wife, and the aftermath of her death on Jack’s psyche. Renee’s death in season 8 was no different. It reiterated Jack’s pain of losing someone he cared about and pushed him to do what he needed to do. Renee could’ve been a great replacement for Jack, but she needed to die to motivate Jack.