Gregory Itzin back on '24' as disgraced president

NEW YORK — During its breathless, ticktock eight-season run, "24" has given viewers numerous delights, apart from Jack Bauer's crazy knack for staying alive.

The audience for this rambunctious Fox thriller fondly recalls President David Palmer, a black man in the White House who may have helped normalize that concept for white voters in 2008. Meanwhile, everyone adores computer whiz Chloe O'Brian, an indispensable if cranky colleague of Bauer's in the Counter Terrorist Unit.

But no one on "24" can overshadow Charles Logan, the former chief executive who commanded the fifth season as scoundrel, boob and treasonous schemer. Deliciously played by Gregory Itzin, President Logan stayed busy at his waffling, cover-ups, secret deals with terrorists, even an implicit role in Palmer's assassination — all of it done (as Logan never tired of saying) "in the best interests of the country."

Ultimately thwarted by Bauer (series star Kiefer Sutherland), Logan resigned and was placed under house arrest.

But in TV drama as in the real world, disgraced politicians don't necessarily vanish. They hatch a way to rehabilitate themselves (or their image, at least), then re-enter the arena.

So hail to President Logan in the person of Itzin, who returns for Monday's episode, then continues through the remainder of this season, Day 8, which was recently pronounced the last. Midway through a season beset by series fatigue and ratings erosion, he could be the spark to send off "24" in a fitting blaze of glory. ("24" airs at 9 p.m. EDT.)

"It's pretty nifty to be invited back to this groundbreaking show and be part of how they wrap up the story," Itzin was saying last week over breakfast at a Times Square hotel.

This season's crisis du jour focuses on a global peace accord gone sideways, with a threat to nuke Manhattan and the Webcast execution of a key Mideast leader thrown in.

Logan, no stranger to such plights (especially those of his own making), is brought in to consult with President Allison Taylor.

"I'm a little more of a pragmatist, a realist," said Itzin, meaning his presidential alter ego. "President Taylor needs somebody to whisper in her ear and take her to the dark side, because she's such a good person. She's such a straight arrow!"