Aaron Pierce Return + 24 Moves To DC!

Interesting news emanating from Comic Con this week where the shows executive producers fielded questions from the show's hardcore fan base.

Here's the headlines:

- CTU has been disbanded by the government and will play no role in Season 7. It is likely to be replaced by a branch of the FBI.

- The L.A. setting has been dropped and the entire series will play out in Washington DC.

- Jack Bauer and Chloe O'Brien are the only confirmed returnees. The show will feature it's 'freshest' cast ever.

- Very strong of chance of Glen Morshower reprising his role as Aaron Pierce (above left) for Season 7. Great News!

- Producers refuse to confirm whether either Tony Almeida, Charles Logan or Wayne Palmer are actually dead. Keep watching is the message.

- An alternative ending to Season 6 was considered - featuring Tony Almedia. The idea was for Tony to confront Jack at the Heller Beach House as Jack was over looking the cliff. This could be a clear indicator from the show makers that they believe Tony can be brought back plausibly.

- They wanted to cast Donald Sutherland (Kiefer's father) as Philip Bauer but couldn't strike a deal.

- Jack Bauer will be forced to defend his actions over the years in front the Senate Commitee. This blogger believes this could lead to cameo's for other supporting characters to give evidence for or against Jack.

- Chase Edmonds is definitely not coming back to the show.

Overall interesting news without giving us anything major. We we're hoping for some more casting news but the powers that be are clearly playing their cards close to their chests. With some luck the deal to bring back Aaron Pearce will happen which would be sensational news for hardcore fans.

Numbers up for Tom Lennox

Bad news for fans of 24 as Season 6 favourite Tom Lennox (Peter MacNicol) has been ruled out of having a major role in Season 7.

Despite the critical pasting that Day 6 received, the character of Lennox shone like a beacon and was undoubtedly one of the best things about the previous season. As Wayne Palmer's Chief of Staff Lennox became a key player in day 6 with some double deals, blackmail and even heroics. As a unanamanous fan favourite he was one of the few truly multi dimensional characters of the season and many will gutted to find out he will not be returning to operate in the corridors of power at the White House.

Peter MacNicol has instead signed up to a full season of popular US drama Numbers where he will reprise his role as Dr. Larry Fleinhardt.

With a political plotline 99% confirmed for 24 Day 7, that leaves us to speculate which political animals, if any, will be returning to the show. Karen Hayes (Jayne Atkinson) seems unlikely after being forced into retirement along with Bill Buchanon (James Morrison). While President Wayne Palmer (DB Woodside) and ex-President Charles Logan (Greg Itzen), last seen on the operating table and a life support machine respectively, it seems unlikely that either will be back in the frame.

Former Sec Def James Heller (William Devane) would be a welcome re-addition to the cast but his political status is unclear. If Heller is still in politics then a return could happen but I've given up hope that he'll be a series regular following a half season in Day 4 and limited but key roles in Day 5 & 6.

The best chance we have of a former political face returning has to be Mike Novick (Jude Ciccolella). The former chief of staff to both David Palmer (Dennis Heysbert) and Logan, Novick is one of the few characters still with us from Day One and has a big following amongst hardcore fans.

Those hoping for a Lennox return may get their wish in the shape of a 'Special Guest Star' cameo but for the moment we have no news on this.