Jericho: Jennings & Rall
By fred | February 27, 2008
(S02E03) You know, the more I watched this new season of Jericho, the more I think that what’s happening to the show, after its resurrection, to this new season, is a real shame. I’m sure many liked the show back in its first season, obviously, which is why fans went “nuts” and were even able to get CBS to bring it back for another season, as little as it may be.
And looking at what the writers & producers have done so far, you have to hand it to them : this season is really good, it’s actually (much) better than the first ! This is why it’s pretty sad to see the this new season doesn’t seem to be watched. Where are all the fans gone ? Why aren’t they watching ? Why does it feel like they’ve given up on the show hey brought back to life, and why do so when it’s better than ever before !!?
It really bugs me, because I like what I see this season, and I would love for to to continue, for a lot more than just 4 episodes now. Sadly, with the numbers this season has been getting so far, it doesn’t seem to be heading anywhere near a renewal…
Anyways, let’s focus on what we had this week. Basically there’s now two stories going on at the same time on the show, and I feel like they’re doing a pretty good job to mix the two of them within the episode without ever leaving us willing that one of them would go away. Sure, you might care more about the global conspiracy going on than you do about the little problems of Jericho, maybe, but those problems are very much linked to that conspiracy and the way the country is now being “taken care” of, and not once do you wish things could move back to the other plot.
Starting with the problems of Jericho, this week we got to see Dale again. No, he’s not dead, and in fact much like the show he grew & matured since last season, becoming stronger & better at his new “job” than he was back in the days. I’m not sure if my memories of him are that unfair or not, but he looked to me much less egoistic and a lot more altruist than he used to be. I’m not saying that, last season, he would have walked away and let everyone die in Jericho, had he been aware that a virus was spreading - despite official claims - and could potentially hit the town and kill about everyone there in a few days, but he looked more open and less angry than last time we saw him.
And while Dale was finding out about the virus and getting some illegal vaccine off the black market, back in Jericho a familiar face was returning, Ravenwood’s Goetz, and with him the shadow of Jake’s mysterious past, which prompted Jake to finally revealed to his brother what he did and how he knew those people were capable of anything, especially the worst, and didn’t risk anything. When Eric replied that this wasn’t Iraq, I think he didn’t actually realized how this wasn’t indeed the same : here, J&R people are actually on the government, they don’t even have to hide !
It was a really nice touch to see Goetz back, and I have to say that this guy sure gives off a vibe that makes you not want to be anywhere him or get in his way. There’s something in his attitude, on his face, that makes you know that he would kill you without blinking if you ever messed with him. I almost understand why Dr. Kenchy didn’t want to be involved, or gave up the info about the vaccine (so fast).
In the end the people of Jericho were able to get some vaccine out and to deliver it to the people, thanks to a little help from Trish. I have to say that before this episode I was pretty sure that she was a complete sell-out entirely devoted to the company and new government, but it appears she’s actually resisting from within. Which also made me wonder if maybe Bonnie, who seems to be leaving Jericho soon, may have a bigger role in the future, thought no one realize it for the moment. That could also be a way to bring the cute couple everyone loves so much into the fight, cause so far they really don’t seem to care about the future of Jericho, or the new country.
