Jack Bauer fans rejoice! There will be no silent clock for 24 at the end of the current season.

Original creators Joel Surnow and Robert Cochran have convinced Sutherland and many of the current cast to return for “at least one more season,” by promising their renewed involvement.

“We realize that our loyal fans have been somewhat dissatisfied with the direction the show has taken over the past seasons,” Surnow says, “and none of us want things to end on a low note.”

Keifer Sutherland spoke on the set during the filming of the last hours of the current season, saying, “This show has been terrific ride and Jack Bauer has been an amazing character to play. Originally, I was reluctant to continue, but after reading an outline of what Bob and Joel have in mind for season 9, I’m convinced that we can continue.”

As usual, there is tight security concerning the new plot line. However, citing the need to convince fans, Surnow did offer a teasing look at what is planned.

“Being accused of recycling plot lines and succumbing to political correctness made us realize that we would have to really push the envelope if we wanted to continue. I won’t offer details, but I will say that the new season places Jack and Agent Walker in the middle of a situation that will take them closer to the edge then they have ever been.”

There’s more at the source.

Prosecutors say Michael Wayne Carr of Linden had agreements to buy steers in Mexico for his customers and sell them for profit in the United States. Carr allegedly took $869,000 from Sutherland, star of the Fox TV show “24,” and $177,000 from a New Mexico couple.

This may just be a publicity stunt to give us a glimpse at the rest of Season 8. It turns out that the Russians are really working for Mexican cattle rustlers.

The upside is that after the interrogation — steak for everyone!

Kiefer Sutherland, who plays the hard-as-nails agent of TV’s “24,” was a softy during his 48 days in jail on a drunken-driving charge.

Sutherland, scheduled to be released Monday, has spent his sentence cleaning sheets, pillowcases and blankets on laundry duty, police Officer John Balian said Friday.

“He was very humble, never complained,” Balian said. “He didn’t give us any problems at all.”

I just wonder if laundry duty included any towels.