All part of FOX’s plans to reignite the recently disappointing 24 series a new president has been selected. Instead of the standard issue male president the casting process has landed Cherry Jones, 51, in the role of Commander in Chief. I had to do a quick search on Ms. Jones to remember her roles in Ocean’s Twelve as Matt Damon’s mother and in Signs as the local sheriff. Jones has also made a name for herself as the first openly lesbian actress Tony Award winner in 1995. First lesbian, not the first gay to win an award for a stage act though I’m sure.

While I wasn’t entirely shocked by that aspect of Ms. Jones I was rather surprised to hear her partner is none other than Sarah Paulson from the recently departed “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.” And why yes, Sarah is 18 years younger than Cherry Jones. Regardless of the cast’s sexual orientation I’m just hoping for 24 to really turn around this next season as I was really let down last time around. Come on Jack!