Jack Bauer Returns to Demand Information about... Cupcakes?

In a recent commercial for Acer computers, Kiefer Sutherland brought back the persona of his most famous character, CTU Agent Jack Bauer, from the show 24. While not officially playing the character, anyone familiar with his work recognizes the intimation the brand is making.


Click above to view the full 90-second spot.

The spot starts with a car chase in one of the famous black SUVs used by CTU agents on the show, with Sutherland getting out and demanding a cupcake delivery driver's supplier information ("Where do you get your flower!?). Following quickly is an interrogation at the grocery store seeking the location of the cupcake icing. For any fan of the show it is already hilarious at this point.

Even better, Jack Bauer's over-the-top tendencies are highlighted by his distrust of the Internet and the necessity to blow up the SUV to capture on video a real explosion to use for his startup cupcake company's logo ("Dynamite Cupcakes").

How does any of this relate to Acer computers? Well, the Acer Aspire S5 Ultrabook is used by his partner to research cupcake designs and later by the Bauer character to graphically design the logo for his new cupcake company. The spot is capped by a call-to-action that directs viewers to learn more about the computer that transformed Kiefer Sutherland back into Jack Bauer.

All-in-all, not a super effective commercial as far as information goes, but it was definitely an entertaining one, and one that will be remembered for bringing back one of the most awesome action heroes in TV history, even if only for 90 seconds of glory.

What do you think of the spot? Are you a fan of 24? Did you like the reprisal of Jack Bauer? Any other commercials that bring back retired/canceled TV/movie characters that you would like to share with us here?

Thanks to AdWeek for helping to inform this post.