"Jericho" And the Semi-Finale (With Spoilers)
It was tough enough when TV shows had cliffhangers at the end of their seasons, prompting endless speculation over the summer about what was coming — and endless frustration for fans of shows that did not come back. Now we're getting midseason cliffhangers to keep you coming back after hiatuses or cycles of reruns. "Lost" tried it, in a way that dismayed even diehard fans of the show, and tonight "Jericho" is doing it. I'll file some notes after it's over, but I'm somewhat optimistic since "Jericho" is a lot more linear than "Lost," and more willing to hand out information along the way.
So more later.
"See you soon." A very suitable cliffhanging line. Lots packed in, too: Change in the mayor's office, the more explicit admission that the new mayor has a fascist streak (with the echoes of life after 9/11 getting louder again), a shooting near the end, the return of the old beau, the computer message — plus Sinead O'Connor singing Prince. Pretty fair. See you soon, indeed. Can't wait.
November 30th, 2006 at 6:48 am
I'm smiling, Rich! Thanks for the Jericho review. I was on the edge of my seat (as I am for every episode) and thought there might be a BIGGER cliffhanger. But I like what they did–left us with a lot of questions we're going to want to see answered come February. And CBS.com has already added a slew of new features to their Jericho site to keep interest in the show. Hope they continue for the entire hiatus.
I felt it was the first time the writers let Skeet's talent shine-he was outstanding in the pivotal jail scene.
November 30th, 2006 at 12:36 pm
I haven't watched Jericho but you're right about the preponderance of cliffhangers on Lost and other shows.
In fact I stopped watching Lost because it seems like there's a mini-cliffhanger before every commercial. Then of course there's a little reminder of the cliffhanger after the commercial before the story can proceed.
It makes the show seem as repetitive and dull as City Confidential.