The writers’ strike not only put the 2008 season of 24 on hold, it forced the creators to develop a whole new story.

Although Season 7 of the FOX staple is not scheduled to debut until January 2009, the producers are crafting a two-hour movie to help tide us over in the meantime.  The special, slated to air this fall, will be a way of filling in the time gaps between the last season and the next.

Eight episodes were already in the can prior to the work stoppage; those hours will be part of the upcoming season. This means a whole new script will have to crafted for the prequel that will air prior to series’ premiere.  Production on this inclusion will begin in April.

Be expecting to see a few changes when 24 finally marks its return.  In addition to a location change (the show will move from CTU to Washington, D.C.), the show will have a new female president.