24's troublesome production has been delayed yet again, this time an additional two weeks have been added to the run up to production start.  Already the series has been sent back to the drawing board once when FOX execs pulled the plug on an uber expensive plot that would involve shot on location action in South Africa.  The writers have scrambled to come up with a new plot, already working under the pressure of an ailing sixth season that was critically mauled and failed to live up to 24's ratings supremacy.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the additional time will be used by the writing staff to shape the new plot and build a little buffer before the cameras begin to roll.  Amongst other things, the writers have been given the job of reinventing the plot of 24 as the real time drama enters its seventh season.  So far, few changes are evident.  The action is rumored to take place in Washington DC instead of Los Angeles, and save for Jack's (Kiefer Sutherland) girl-Friday Chloe (Mary Lynn Rajskub) none of the cast of regulars is expected to appear – in a regular capacity at least.

While 24's take no prisoners, buck up to the pain, and do whatever necessary to protect the country beguiled fans for five seasons, the conspicuous unpredictability and extremism beyond suspension of disbelief eventually caught up with the show, and now fans who failed to recognize the recycled plot gags are beginning to groan at what has become 24's bag of clichés.

Will a new setting, and a new boss, be enough to shake 24 from its self pastiched funk?  Is the writers asking for more time a good sign?  We will have to wait and see.  24 will go into production October 10 and will return to the airwaves sometime in January 2008.

- Jon Lachonis, BuddyTV Senior Writer
Source:  Hollywood Reporter
(Image Courtesy of FOX)