For weeks now, we've railed against the depiction of Jack Bauer as a selfish, vengeful murderer; while also bashing recent episodes of 24 for setting up a storyline that lacks any suspense or urgency.

You can read all about these takes in our section of 24 reviews.

Still, the end of a series we've followed for eight seasons is jarring. The four-hour, two-night premiere of 24 each January has been a staple in our lives for years. It will be sad to say goodbye next week.

But we must, as the following promo for the series finale teases: Be there for the end of an era, the final twists, the final turns, and the biggest surprise ending of them all...

[video url="http://www.tvfanatic.com/videos/series-finale-preview/" title="Series Finale Preview"] [/video]

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.