Jericho - Pilot - 9/20/06 *spoilers*

bpurcell · 09-21-2006, 12:21 AM

Just saw the Pilot episode of Jericho. I'm not really sure what I think of it. The Pilot episode didn't really offer anything.

========================
Synopsis:
Jake comes home to Jericho, Kansas after being gone for 5 years to collect his share of grandfather's money. His father, the mayor, won't give him the money unless he says what he wants it for.

As Jake leaves town, we see a big mushroom cloud about where Denver should be. A school bus crashes into a deer, killing the driver and stranding the kids. Jake crashes into an oncoming car, hurting his leg and killing the people in the other car.

A search is on for the missing school bus. Sherriff comes across a Prison bus that also crashed, and it appears a prisoner shoots him in the back (so prisoners on the loose!).

Jake comes across some kids who take him to the school bus. A girl crushes her voicebox, which prevents her from breathing. Jake cut open her throat and inserts juice straws to help her breathe. He drives the bus back into town.

Town loses power. People getting gas get into big fight. Mayor comes in to give the all-important speach to calm them down.

A kid hears his parent's death on an answering machine. He reveals that they were in Atlanta (meaning it wasn't just Denver who got hit).
==============================

And that's pretty much it. It might've been better if this was a 2 hour premiere to help flesh out the story. I can't really tell if this will be worth watching or not from what I've seen.

Oh and if you go to CBS Innertube each week, you'll supposedly see what happens to other people beyond Jericho.

aaronwt · 09-21-2006, 12:38 AM

The other car crashed into jake. They drifted onto the side of the road Jake was on while they were watching the cloud and killed themselves in the accident. I've set up an SP for the show. I'll watch again next week to see how it is. I don't know if I'll continue watching though. It might be one of those shows I save to watch when they show reruns of other shows after Thanksgiving.

drew2k · 09-21-2006, 01:01 AM

It was a little cliche that Jake and his father are at odds, with Mom knowing Jake's secret and being sworn never to let the father know, but I was riveted to the screen the entire hour (less commercials, of course).

Anyone think the Ashley Scott character will suffer radiation sickness? She got out of her car amidst all of the dead birds. Either the birds were killed by the concussion from the blast, or by the radiation, but I'm guessing it was the radiation.

My hometown paper has a good review of the Jericho pilot which asks a few good questions and reveals something about Jake's brother that I might have missed. Maybe someone can help me out on this?

Spoiler:

aaronwt · 09-21-2006, 01:08 AM

It could have definitely benefited from a 2 hour pilot.

bpurcell · 09-21-2006, 01:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drew2k

My hometown paper has a good review of the Jericho pilot which asks a few good questions and reveals something about Jake's brother that I might have missed. Maybe someone can help me out on this?

The article mentions things that happen in the second episode as well. So that might be where we learn about the brother more. I know that networks send out DVD's of the first few episodes of shows to enternainment writers so they have ready-made articles when the shows actually come out.

kbohip · 09-21-2006, 02:07 AM

I watched the leaked episode months ago. The thing I didn't like about this show is how it was winter one scene and summer the next?

To me that's unforgivable that they could let that slip. I also lmao at the kid on the roof seeing mountains and a mushroom cloud in Denver when he was all the way in Kansas! As a Colorado resident I can tell you that's completely wrong and impossible. If you're just 70 miles east of the front range you can't see the mountains.

I like the premise of the show a lot though and I'll definitely keep the SP. I just hope they fix some of the glaring problems in future episodes. So far it's like watching a B-movie.

jimborst · 09-21-2006, 04:56 AM

This is the only new show I decided to record, but Jake just seems so boring, get exited about something it's the end of the world (for all we know).

jlb.x · 09-21-2006, 05:33 AM

Part "Lost", part "Invasion", and part "The Day After Tomorrow"... I was eagerly anticipating this premier, though I can't exactly say why. Fascination with our own demise, and the mystery surrounding it, probably.

The turn of events for Dale's mother in Atlanta really side-swiped me. I probably should have seen it coming, but they caught me off guard with that. I agree that a two-hour premier would have been helpful to really get more attached to these characters, but I thought the pacing up to the explosion was almost perfect, not rushed to get in all the names and faces. I can't decide if the girl counting down to the hide-and-seek game / explosion was hacky or genius -- either way I liked it.

I kind of figured that they were taking liberties with where Denver and the mountains would be from Kansas, but I'm OK with it and most of the country will have no clue. The size, shape, and movements of the mushroom cloud threw me off, making it appear like it was a lot closer than I think was intended.

The deaf girl standing transfixed by the explosion, and being pulled away by the guy (husband?) was a scene straight out of "The Day After Tomorrow" -- which also was staged primarily in Kansas, IIRC. But I guess a coordinated terrorist attack is the more likely scenario for today, rather than a Soviet missile attack.

Like all of these "Lost" clones, I wonder how the writers and producers will keep the series interesting after a few seasons and I often think some of these ideas are better for a mini-series (like how "Battlestar Galactica" was reborn) or feature-length movie, rather than a one-hour a week TV series. Regardless, I'm on the hook to see where this is all headed.

speedcouch · 09-21-2006, 08:19 AM

I guess I have the same "demise" fascination as the other guy who mentioned that. I was anticipating this show the most of all the new ones. Not sure what I think of it though. A lot of predicable stuff and cliches.

Funny to see "Hurst" from Deadwood playing a [supposed] good guy in this one. Also "Deaf Megan" from Weeds gets another series since she's pretty much gone from that show. Sure is a lot of recyling of actors on TV lately.

I've never been crazy about Ulrich's acting "skill," so it's disappointing that he is the main character. Also, he looks a lot older than the 30s age they quoted.

Right before we saw the wrecked bus from Levenworth, he said he was "a screwup" after telling two people he was in the Army and Navy. After the screwup comment, I immediately said to my husband, "HEY, I bet he just got out of Levenworth since that's in Kansas!" Then we see the bus. Weird! But I doubt that is the case now.

Why did they have to wreck the Road Runner? What a waste?

If all the power was out in town, how were they still pumping gas at the gas station?

When the kid on the roof saw the mushroom cloud, I couldn't help but think do kids these days even know what a mushroom cloud is anyway? Don't know geography that well, but I knew you couldn't see a cloud all the way from Denver in Kansas. That was lame...

Definitely CBS's attempt to copy Lost, but could be interesting, so I'll keep the SP for a while.

Cheryl

sushikitten · 09-21-2006, 08:40 AM

IIRC, Entertainment Weekly said the first couple of episodes were sort of bad. I recorded it but am not sure if I'm going to watch it yet.

Quote:

...Jericho works when it sticks to the eerie surreality of a nuclear attack: A storm bearing radioactive rain rolls in from the west; animals flee in dying packs; clueless citizens scour for information in Cold War-era books like Our Friend the Atom. The show, unfortunately, flops about in its first two episodes, leaning too heavily on the action-adventure stuff, perhaps a twitch from exec producer Jon Turteltaub (National Treasure) ..... May I suggest sticking to the possible destruction of the world? It's a bit more riveting. Grade: B

dthmj · 09-21-2006, 08:46 AM

I just watched the "webisode" of the Others. I like the idea of enhanced content on the internet, but it wasn't very long, and it was fairly far fetched.

I'll be keeping the SP for now.

skaeight · 09-21-2006, 08:59 AM

Did anyone else think Jake's brother looked like a long lost Manning brother?

Overall the show was pretty good. At times it was a little cheesey and cliched, but it also had moments that were very creepy. I'll continue to watch and see where this goes.

slydog75 · 09-21-2006, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedcouch

Right before we saw the wrecked bus from Levenworth, he said he was "a screwup" after telling two people he was in the Army and Navy. After the screwup comment, I immediately said to my husband, "HEY, I bet he just got out of Levenworth since that's in Kansas!" Then we see the bus. Weird! But I doubt that is the case now.

Cheryl

Didn't he say he learned to 'do that' in Military School? Then the kid assumed that meant Army? If the Navy was ever mentioned I never saw that. I never got the impression that he was ever in the actual military, but I did miss some of it.

dthmj · 09-21-2006, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slydog75

Didn't he say he learned to 'do that' in Military School? Then the kid assumed that meant Army? If the Navy was ever mentioned I never saw that. I never got the impression that he was ever in the actual military, but I did miss some of it.

He actually told each person something different about where he had been for the past 5 years...

First it was the Army to the guy with the deaf sister (?), then he told the grocery lady he had been playing minor league baseball, then he told the blond girl Navy, which she didn't buy for a second.

So we really don't know where he's been, but my guess is prison.

Rob Helmerichs · 09-21-2006, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dthmj

So we really don't know where he's been, but my guess is prison.

That's also the vibe I got from his interaction with his family...

danterner · 09-21-2006, 09:10 AM

As some others have mentioned, of all the premieres this season this was the one I was most anticipating. As it drew nearer and I started to see more mediocre reviews of the pilot episode in the press and from people who had seen it in advance, I adjusted my expectations downward. Last night I was happily surprised. It isn't the best show on television. It's no Lost. But it's also not quite so bad as some reviews have made it sound. I'll definitely stay tuned to see what happens.

A few notes:

(1) right before each commercial break there's music that rises to a crescendo and a final thud-sound that was very reminiscent of what Lost does, to me. Seems like they stole a page from the Lost handbook, there.

(2) Good job on the voice of the President, over the radio. Sounded very reminiscent of George W. Bush, though not like a direct imitation.

zordude · 09-21-2006, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slydog75

Didn't he say he learned to 'do that' in Military School? Then the kid assumed that meant Army? If the Navy was ever mentioned I never saw that. I never got the impression that he was ever in the actual military, but I did miss some of it.

He told the girl that he talked to a the beginning, the one buying a house, that he was in the navy.

Z

Sirius Black · 09-21-2006, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlb.x

The deaf girl standing transfixed by the explosion, and being pulled away by the guy (husband?) was a scene straight out of "The Day After Tomorrow" -- which also was staged primarily in Kansas, IIRC.

The Day After Tomorrow with Dennis Quaid was set in New York City. I don't remember any part of that movie taking place in Kansas.

As for Jericho, the jury is still out. We'll see where they go with it. Did they mention what his secret is? Why he was needing money from his dad?

TAsunder · 09-21-2006, 09:33 AM

This looks terrible but I'll give it 2-3 more episodes just to make sure. Watching the episode, I had a clear picture in my mind of some TV exec morons sitting around a circular table listening to this moronic pitch... "It's northern exposure meets the stand with a splash of lost!"

This is just a "small town usa" show disguised as something a lot more interesting than it really is.

slydog75 · 09-21-2006, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TAsunder

"It's northern exposure meets the stand with a splash of lost!"

.

I'd watch that!

Jon J · 09-21-2006, 10:12 AM

Better take an upper before watching this downer.

KRS · 09-21-2006, 10:23 AM

What a letdown. Next week better be good or I'm out.

Chuck_IV · 09-21-2006, 10:38 AM

I actually thought this show was quite GOOD. I'm not sure what some of your were expecting, to think it was bad.

Yea, it's about a small town's struggles, BUT it based on a much larger reason, than some small town problem. The premise allows the show to go in many different directions, which is a good thing.

It will be interesting to see where this goes. hopefully CBS will let it play out and not have an over anxious trigger finger, if the ratings aren't there, at first.

jsmeeker · 09-21-2006, 10:46 AM

The pilot was just "ehhh". Is this going to be a sohw where we wait weeks and weeks before finding out exactly what happened? (I assume co-oridnated terrorist attack, but maybe it turns out to be something different??) Will it take forever to find out where Jake *really* was?

7thton · 09-21-2006, 10:58 AM

Man, I thought this episode was a slam dunk. It was awesome....better than Smith and just as good as Studio 60.

I thought they did a great job of introducing the characters and setting up the "mushroom cloud" mystery.

I give it 2 strong thumbs up.

The only issue I had was that they never said if they were able to use or contact anyone via the HAM radio.

Other than that, I thought it was a very strong episode with an interesting premise. Plus, it's got George Hearst in it...all the way from Deadwood!

TAsunder · 09-21-2006, 11:04 AM

The mystery would have been better if they hadn't had a TV show every 30 seconds talking about how violent the world was becoming and all these press conferences and diplomatic meetings about violence in the world. Much more effective if it had just happened without all that exposition.

And the town stuff was hit and miss. I liked some characters ok, but some of the others were a little out of control. Like the mystery guy who knows everything and had all these wacky ideas that aren't really as logical as we are being led to believe.

The father/son stuff was a little overdone too... a bit much to play for the tearjerker angle by having his father say his grandfather would be proud, but not saying he's proud himself...

brott · 09-21-2006, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsmeeker

The pilot was just "ehhh". Is this going to be a sohw where we wait weeks and weeks before finding out exactly what happened? (I assume co-oridnated terrorist attack, but maybe it turns out to be something different??) Will it take forever to find out where Jake *really* was?

You mean it's going to take a long time to find out what happened like 24 and lost? Those shows seem to be the thing to do right now. I'm already anticipating next week.

ced6 · 09-21-2006, 11:24 AM

I liked it. Obviously not the best new show of the season, but definitely better than some of the crap I've been watching, like that Senator's wife abduction show (forgot the name) or Standoff.

The one thing that really worries me, however, is how many actors I recognized. A lot of these actors, for example the guy from Barcelona who was fighting over gas, and some woman who you only saw briefly in the crowd scene, didn't get much of a part this season, but I assume that since I recognize them, their parts will get bigger. That means a LOT of people to keep track of. Hope that it doesn't get bogged down there.

brott · 09-21-2006, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skaeight

Did anyone else think Jake's brother looked like a long lost Manning brother?

Absolutely. In fact, I found myself thinking that on 3 different occasions.

brott · 09-21-2006, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ced6

... but definitely better than some of the crap I've been watching, like that Senator's wife abduction show (forgot the name) ...

Vanished

I have to agree that so far it is better than Vanished, but I may be watching both. I'll definitely check this one out again.