Anyone watching Jericho on CBS on Wednesday?

Question

What is your take on it? It seems to be a cross between "Lost" and "The Day After" but poorly written. And what is with the supposed St. Louis Cop?

I don’t know if anyone will get the reference but it strikes me as an up-to date version of Pat Frank’s “Alas, Babylon.” Alas Babylon was written in 1959 and covers the same situation. It is a good read if anyone is interested. Jericho seems more plausible. As to being poorly written, while the situation is plausible, the character development seem stilted (it lacks a certain robust and lifelike quality to it).

Answer 1

Cliff - I watch it, and I am not sure why. I agree with much of your assessment concerning the writing and character development and will add some plot twists.

For example, Jericho is a town with 5000 people. How many cops would such a town have? If you don't know, the answer is not many, and the show even suggested that. Yet Emily, who has lived there her entire life, doesn't know that the two men who picked her outisde of town in a Jericho squad car weren't Jericho cops. A LA scriptwriter whoopsie, I suppose, to bring some sexual threat and tension early into the series. It's weak storytelling, in my opinion.

The show's premise is interesting, and I really want to like the show. But I think the show is trying to be too much, and to do too much. Just dealing with the dyamics of a small town cut off from the world after a nuclear holocaust would be enough.

I guess I am watching the show wishing it was something else. Maybe I am spoiled because I have been watching a lot more HBO series lately.

I thought "The Day After" was hokie (but probably better than this) and have never seen "Lost".

As to Hawkins, I was fine playing the guessing game that he wasn't what he seemed to be. But sending him out to collect a 55-gallon of unknown substance in the middle of the radioactive rain from a storage unit with a rack of automatic weapons was more than enough for me to put that game back on the shelf.

I will let them tell me what he is (if I keep watching the show long enough to get the message).

BTW, "Alas, Babylon" was one of my favorite reads when I was growing up. I also remember liking "Malevil" in the same genre. Ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances.

Answer 2

I have enjoyed the show since the first. I think that the Government knew ahead of time about the bombings(or could even be behind it) but didn't have time to tell everyone because it would have started a mass panic so they only told a main group (which is why the cop was mad at the newcomer for going back to Denver to get others) I think the cop is actually in Gov't too(or scientist). Hence the secrecy for him and his family. But of course we don't know yet. I am curious to see what he bricked into his basement when everyone was hiding from the rain. Could it be a bomb? It was a taped up keg...up to no good? or is he a good guy? I guess that's the purpose of mystery, so we'll watch next week. Does anyone think Aliens could have attacked? Hmmmm...

Answer 3

Definitely catch the "Alas, Babylon" reference -- LOL!! During high school (class of '69), we were deep into that. It was actually the code phrase for a me and a friend of mine, in case either of us somehow got advance warning and wanted to let the other one know. We even had "secret rendevous" sites to meet at, post holocaust!!

Which may explain why I love this show, despite its slightly stilted writing and characterization. But most new shows are like that, until the cast learns to mesh and work off each other more realistically. Give it time and hopefully it will! For now, just enjoy.

Answer 4

Yeah, not sure what's up with that cop. He's got 'net access when nobody else does? How did he know Jake was watching him? What's up with Jake's fake passport? Who set off those missiles at the end of the show? Lots and lots of questions. I agree it's not very well written but it is entertaining.

Answer 5

I think it is all a Government set up to see how a small town would respond if this were to really happen, I think it is simulated and is making them cut off from the rest of the world. It is a test.
Hawkins is in on it.

Answer 6

I disagree that it is poorly written. It's believable, and the main theme is highly likely in the next decade. SOMEONE is going to nuke a US city in the near future...too easy to get one in, and the majority of the planet hates America.

Answer 7

he probably is in the military or works for the department of defense, CIA or NASA. he seems to know way to much and has equipment only special forces or covert operations people have. they could be a special section sent out because the government knew of a possible of a attack and sent people out to save them so they could run the country. the ending was a retaliatory launch of out nuclear missiles.

Answer 8

I watch it and think it is a great show. I think you are supposed to be suspicious about the cop. That builds up the suspense.

Hopefully our homeland security is watching the show and learning some things.

Answer 9

I watched for the first time last night, and was "Lost". If someone knows a website where I can catch up, please let me know, because it looks interesting, and I am DEFINITELY not going to watch Dancing with the Stars. I need another Wednesday show.

Answer 10

I agree with Taylor Proud. Government setup.