TV Review: Jericho Pilot Episode
Published September 20, 2006
Jericho definitely has promise. It starts off strong; the filming, editing, and scoring create an intriguing ambience. During the opening sequence with The Killers’ “All These Things that I’ve Done” playing, we see the young hero-to-be making his way home. It not only sounds good, but the lyrics work to set up the plot.
“When there's nowhere else to run
Is there room for one more song
One more song
If you can hold on
If you can hold on, hold on“I wanna stand up, I wanna let go
You know, you know - no you don't, you don't
I wanna shine on, in the hearts of men
I want a meaning from the back of my broken hand”
The upbeat tune makes us feel hopeful, and we actually forget that trouble is ahead but honestly, trouble already begins when the characters start to open their mouths. Some of the dialogue is so immature it makes me wince. But we’ll get to that in a bit.
The premise of this show is that some sort of overwhelming disaster will hit the town of Jericho, Kansas. To introduce us to the town and it’s members, we see Jake Green (Skeet Ulrich), who has been away for the last five years, come home and reunite briefly with his family and friends. We also are introduced to some other folks who, presumably, will have their place in the story.
A conflict is illustrated right off; Jake is trying to win his father’s approval, and also needs trust funds or some sort of family monies Jake’s grandfather had left for him. His dad, Mayor Johnston Green (Gerald McRaney), plays it a bit on the gruff side, telling Jake he needs to prove himself first. Jake is frustrated but resigned, and when he says goodbye to his mom (Pamela Reed), we see him refusing money she tries to slip him. From this we learn his mom is on his side, and Jake is trying to not be sleazebag. It’s a few simple moments that convey what is needed.
But in other places, things are much more heavy handed. In this industry – sometimes those behind the scenes feel they need to make certain things more obvious, assuming the audience won’t pick up subtleties. Attention Jericho writers: Give us a little credit!
There’s a scene where Jake has been injured, but has enough strength to come to the aid of school children stuck in a bus. After performing some daring first aid he manages to get the bus rolling and attempts to drive the kids and injured teacher back to town. But now his own injuries are starting to flare, and as he fights exhaustion he mutters lines like, “Got to stay awake.”
- TV Review: Jericho Pilot Episode
- Published: September 20, 2006
- Type: Review
- Section: Video
- Filed Under: Video: Action, Video: Drama, Video: Original Fiction, Video: SF, Video: Television
- Writer: Mary K. Williams
- Mary K. Williams's BC Writer page
- Mary K. Williams's personal site
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Comments on this articleComments
Yeah, there is potential Mat. I'm hoping it does live up to it. I have to say, I reallly loved the opening couple of minutes...even if they were (as someone put it, cliche. Still, it worked for me.
Jericho was absolutely awful.
The dialogue was atrocious, and everything was so cliche it wasnt funny. A prison bus has crashed and is now open!... yawn... what a surprise. Just like every single book or movie or show dealing with a catastrophe.
A good concept, but horribly executed.
Lost remains in a class of its own.
Just a stupid show. The nuclear apocalypse setting was a good idea; everything else wasn't.
Jericho? From the Bible? Where the walls came tumbling down. And Skeet, well, can't get the image of him in Scream out of my head (he was one of the killers). It does seem (and I have not seen this) as this is rehashed business. Sounds something like Stephen King's The Stand without all the good stuff.
Thanks, Mary K!
Why thank me Victor? : ) Hey,I liked the show. I hope they fix the weak spots. We'll wait and see.
Edith, The Killers did the first song, and Snow Patrol (Run) did the last one, I am not sure about anything in the middle...(this was for the first Ep)
hey im from aus saw jericho last night on australian tv, awesome show i think it is a great idea about the global screening of the show it makes it more exciting, great review by the way.
Thank you Jennifer - nice to get a response from down your way.
I like this show. Inexplicably, so far at least, I like it. It has holes big enough to drive...well, to drive a nuclear bomb through. But the way they are holding some things back (who did it?), creating an aura of mystery around others (who is Mr. Hawkins? Why is he keeping key information from the others? And whats up with the red tacks?) will keep me around at least long enough to see what plays out the next few weeks.
Some of the writing is a little Andy Griffith corny to be sure, but I like the way they are holding back the big stuff to let the characters breathe a little.
For now, at least I'm sticking with it.
Thought your review was really a good one too Mary.
-Glen
Thanks Glen-
Some of the writing is a little Andy Griffith corny to be sure
Ha! This was a good way to put it.
Just another Aus fan here. I started watching Jericho have watching Ep2 Fall Out, and now, well i had to go download the first two Eps to catch up on what i have missed, but so far im liking what i see. I see some people are not really liking the show, but me LOVE IT, then again, also me been a 24 Fan could have something to do with it to.
Cant wait to see some more action.
OH keep up the good job with the review thread.
Travis -
Well Jericho has a ways to go to compete with 24, but it showed some interesting stuff. I haven't had the chance to watch anything but those first two eps. I'll try to check in when I can.
Thanks for your thoughts.
omg dont mention 24 please..every time a season ends i get upset lol...nothing to live for without 24 ....at least The OC is starting on Tuesday..yay!!....but i loooove 24 sooo much, it is the best most skilled argh series i have ever viewed!!
Hello,
I come from Germany and like to watch the Pilot of Jericho Season1.
But It is not possible for europeans to download it from CBS.com
Can anybody help me to download the Pilot?
Thanks Jens
Jens, if you go to the CBS website (cbs.com) you shouuld be able to download whole episodes through innertube.
Good luck!
Great- What am I going to do when the first season finishes in Spainnnn. Wait for the 2nd to come as soon as possible.
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I caught this episode halfway through (meant to watch it all, but got distracted by Jon Stewart) and from what I saw I'd agree with you fully.
Good potential, but didn't live up to it...yet. Will definitely check back in to see what else goes down.