For “24” fans it has been way too long since we have spent a whole day with Jack Bauer. Last year’s writer strike pushed the series back an entire season, meaning it has been almost a year and a half since we have seen even one new episode of “24”. Yes, there was the two hour lay over we spent in “Redemption” but that really only made us want more. Luckily, the wait is almost over since the 7th season premieres January 11th at 8 p.m. on Fox!

Day 7 opens with Jack on trial in Washington D.C. If you bought “Redemption” on DVD and watched the first 15 minutes of the first episode, you know that Jack’s time in front of a Senate committee is short lived since he is conveniently dragged out of the courtroom by the FBI who need his assistance working on a case. What would they do without Jack Bauer?

We learn that the Counter Terrorist Unit has been disbanded leaving the new president, Alison Taylor played by Cherry Jones, to deal with a major terrorist threat without CTU.

The first episode also brings the return of Tony Almeida that somehow involves a national security breach (apparently he didn’t take very well to his wife being blown up). We are led to believe that Tony has gone to the dark side but you never really know with “24″, do you?

Like previous seasons, a new day means new cast members, including the addition of four FBI agents, Janis Gold played by Janeane Garofalo, Renee Walker played by Annie Wersching, Larry Moss played by Jeffrey Nordling, and Sean Hillinger played by Rhys Coiro. But don’t worry, just because CTU is gone and there are new agents involved, it doesn’t mean Chloe is gone too. Mary Lynn Rajskub and James Morrison, who plays Bill Buchanan, will both be returning for season 7.

Finally, here’s a major spoiler alert from The Ausiello Files over at Entertainment Weekly.

A pivotal character from the “Redemption” movie will die within the first four hours of Day 7.

Wonder who it could be? Guess we’ll have to stay tuned to find out!