From CBS' description: "In this time of crisis, as sensible people become paranoid, personal agendas take over and well-kept secrets threaten to be revealed, some people will find an inner strength they never knew they had, and the most unlikely heroes will emerge."
Jericho takes the premise that America has been attacked with nuclear weapons, and this is what happens in the small town of Jericho. It is not the most original concept, there have been films that have dealt with nuclear strikes on the US, how will this one stand out? Well, that has yet to be seen, but the pilot gets us off to a good start.The pilot episode does what any good pilot should do, it gives us our setting, introduces us to the primary players, and starts to move those pieces into place. It all starts with Jake (Skeet Ulrich) returning to town, to visit his estranged family and collect a family inheritance. His father is the town's mayor, Johnston (Gerald McRaney), who is the proxy in charge of disbursing the inheritance, and the two do not get along. Their reunion does not go well, save for the interference run by Jake's mother. This becomes a secondary concern as outside forces conspire to affect the town, and all of its inhabitants.
As a mushroom cloud appears on the horizon, the town is thrown into a frenzy, from a missing schoolbus to panicked townsfolk getting all they can at the gas station and markets, to the police trying to keep order in the face of the unthinkable.
The show begins as a family drama surrounding the mayor’s prodigal son, but quickly takes a turn as the nuclear attack happens. The story suddenly becomes a lot bigger, even when confined to this small town.
The second episode kicks the drama up even more, as the fact that a new war may have been started slowly dawns on them. The characters begin to take on better focus as we move into the second episode. The fear and panic that begins to grip the town is palpable. Each person dealing with it differently.
The series feels genuine. How would you react if you knew that there was a nuclear strike not far from where you lived? You are cut off from the rest of the world, there is no new information coming in. Then the more immediate threat kicks in.
Sure I have not given you a lot of information to go on, but this could prove to be a very good series and you want to discover something for yourself, right?
Jericho looks like it could be a hit for CBS. I have had the pleasure of seeing rough cuts of the first two episodes, and I am happy to report that I am eagerly looking forward to the third. I like the premise, I like the performances, and I look forward to seeing where it may be going.
Jericho premieres on Wednesday September 20, 2006 at 8:00. I recommend you check it out.
2 comments:
Thanks for the preview Chris. I'm definitely looking forward to this series. The premise is great and I love post-apocalyptic stuff (hey I remember the Day After from the 80s!).
I am a little worried about the number of Lost-like serials this Fall. I just hope there isn't too much copycat stuff in this series.
Btw, how did you get a hold of the first 2 episodes?
Cheers.
My pleasure. The past few years has seen an increase in serialized shows, my guess is that 24 and Alias kicked off a renewed interest in them. I actually like this type of series more than the string of stand alones like the Law & Order series.
Ahh, how did I get them? The advantages of writing for a few sites gets me some exposure and they come looking for me! Honestly though, I am not sure, but I am greatful for it!
Post a Comment