Could Michael Ian Black be the show's salvation? Notes after the jump …

As I have said more times than I can remember, "Reaper" is a show that has seemed to have limitless potential but too often hasn't measured up to it. Last night's episode, though, finally put a whole bunch of loose pieces together, even if it may be too late. (The show comes back on April 22, and I suspect CW will have made most or all of its fall 2008 decisions by then. And The CW has become increasingly girly, and "Reaper" is decidedly not girly. It's a guys' show through and through.)

Anyway, the addition of the demon neighbors a week ago, and their becoming part of Sam's orbit last night, moved the show much closer to a "Buffy"/"Angel" world. All right, close to some of the funny episodes of those shows; still, the genuine threat to Andi's well-being — and Sam going all Peter Parker (or at least the "Spider-Man 1" Peter Parker) — gave the show some heft that it has not as a rule been comfortable with.

All of which is a roundabout way of saying the show may have figured itself out. And not in a that's-a-good-episode way but in a way that lets viewers think there are plenty of stories yet to tell. Of course, we have to wait until April 22 to know if that is really the case, and we may not get to see much beyond that.

The "Jericho" series finale — or at least the CBS finale, since apparently there is still some scrambling to keep the show going — offered a pretty open-ended wrap. Since there's still a war to be fought, a nation still divided, a Jericho that's a mess, hostile forces down the road in New Bern … Well, you get the idea. If not more episodes, some two-hour movies perhaps?

That said, the finale still had the rushed quality of a show trying to wrap up a bunch of storylines with the understanding that it had run out of time. (See the series finales of "Kidnapped" and "Day Break," other shows that knew the end was nigh, and listen to the commentary on the DVD of the series finale of "Day Break.") And some of the surprises just didn't feel all that surprising. I mean, did anyone not think that (a) aircraft would come after Jake and (b) Texas had its own air force?

Still, I would have liked to see the conclusion drawn out more, and to see what would have been in store for the third season, whether through the ending as presented or the even more inconclusive one that was shot. Of course, I liked the show and, as I've said before, it seemed like a good alternative to "24" for the serialized-TV-thriller crowd.

The "Heroes" soundtrack, below, has been out for a couple of weeks now but I've neglected to explain how much I like it.

It's a blend of soundtrack music from the show (from the splendid Wendy & Lisa), old songs, new songs, not so much songs from the show but — as Allan Arkush says in the CD liner notes — "the music that helps us make the show."

But here's why I like it: because it feels like a seamless, complete thing instead of a collection of songs. When I put it on, I am not inclined to skip cuts because the soundtrack has its own flow, and I don't want to break that up just because I feel like hearing Wilco or Dylan or Death Cab or, yes, Bowie, another time. In fact, it's a better total work than a lot of second-season episodes of "Heroes" have been. To use some honorable old words, it's a concept album. And it knows what that requires.

Pretty nifty illustrations, too.

Notes on "Lost," "Reaper" and "Jericho," after the jump …

This was the last of "Lost" before the writers strike, and now we wait until late April a new episode. And I have to think that the then-looming strike affected this episode. Two specific ways:

– The incredibly long Michael flashback, without benefit of cuts back to the present. It was if the show knew it had to fit in a whole bunch of exposition and explanation, if this proved to be the last telecast of the season. When the flashback was done, we had been in the past for so long, I wanted Sayid to declare, "I thought I told you to talk quickly" — or "What a long explanation that was!"
Of course, the explanation skipped over some key events, especially how exactly Walt and Michael got from the island back to the U.S. And even some of the explanation was deliberately ambiguous. Do we believe everything Zeke told Michael? I don't. And I still think it's possible that Ben has the resources to fake a plane crash. (I have been thinking that Walt and Michael went from their little boat to a freighter controlled by Ben, which took them stateside. And that the present freighter could therefore be Ben's. Not that I'm too paranoid.)
Then there was Ben's declaration that he "I will not kill innocent people" when at war. Are we supposed to forget that his murdering of masses on the island? Then there's my other problem with last night's show.

– The somewhat flat cliffhanger at the end of the episode. The shooting was somewhat interesting but it wasn't a big "Whoaaa" moment. I was expecting someone amazing to step out of the bushes, or some kind of big event that would have us all dying to see the post-strike episode. This didn't cut it.

On to other shows:

After a strong telecast a week ago, "Jericho" was not as good this week. This episode was more about pushing the plot forward, and it did not do that all that well. The post-chase stuff with Hawkins on his cell phone, walking and declaiming, just wasn't effective. On the other hand, there were good bits about the nature of freedom and oppression; it's easy to see the citizens of Jericho as the people of Iraq dealing with their U.S. invaders.
Still, I've begun feeling pessimistic about next week's season finale (possibly series finale). As you know, the show made two endings — one to use if it gets a third season, another to use if it doesn't. The indications seem to be that it won't get a third season, and I can't imagine a final episode that wraps things up in a dramatically satisfying way. Anything I could imagine would have to be implausibly tidy. But I hope I'm surprised.

Then there's "Reaper." Pretty good episode this week. Liked the use of the paintballs to spot the invisible soul. Really enjoyed the stuff with the apartment neighbors, even if we could all see they Are Not What They Seem. (That continues into next week, too.) The Sam-and-the-devil's-daughter stuff has really fizzled, though.

Notes, including spoilers about last night's episode, after the jump …

I saw the first three episodes of the CBS drama's second season before the season began, then went on to other things until there were new episodes to view. Then, of course, I forgot to check back and missed the fourth episode a week ago. Caught it thanks to CBS's Web site and made sure last night to record.

And what a thrill ride last night was. "Jericho" is easily this year's "24" (especially since there is no "24") and in many ways more satisfying than that Fox show.

I have said before that I wasn't crazy about the second season's focus on a vast conspiracy to take over the United States, as opposed to its pondering of the nature of community in the first season. But as the second season has gone on, it has presented a marvelous, tension-ridden vise of a situation for its main characters.

That was especially evident on Tuesday, when the aftermath of the farm shootout found Jake and his friends opposing corrupt mercenaries whose ties to the government made them seem unbeatable. In a profoundly cynical twist, that group of bad guys was driven from power not because they were evil and murderous but because one was stealing money from his bosses. Yet the conflict did not end there, since the government is still in power on the larger stage and individual deaths had to be avenged on the smaller stage that is Jericho itself.

But even before we got to the carnage, we had marvelous acting work by Alicia Coppola (as Mimi) and Brad Beyer (as Stanley). And even as one bad grip on Jericho was removed, that act will probably prompt a tightening of the vise overall.

Is it all credible? Of course not. Neither is "24." Is it all entertaining and riveting? Absolutely. I know, there are only two episodes left to this abbreviated season — and no guarantee of a third. But you've got two spare hours somewhere. Or you could find them.

Same title, kind of a different show …

One of the things I liked a great deal about the first season of "Jericho" was its consideration of what makes a community. In the wake of nuclear disaster, with all the old support systems gone from the outside world, people had to figure out how to run their lives and their towns. People within the town of Jericho had different ideas of how to do things, and the good guys would not always win; one of the more effective twists in "Jericho" was having the mayor (played very well by Gerald McRaney) voted out in favor of a guy who, in better times, had not stood a chance of taking over.

In addition, even as the town of Jericho was working out its issues, other towns were coming to different conclusions. Their ideas, and their needs, then became an issue for Jericho. This wasn't the United States, after all. This wasn't even a united region.

I know that, in addition to all that, "Jericho" was a mystery, with lots of hints and guessing about what had led to the nuclear attacks, who was behind them and what role some people in the town would play, now and in the future. But where that was entertaining enough, it was the question of community that gave "Jericho" its heft. And it's a good one now, as the presidential campaigns ask us to consider what we are as a nation.

So we come to the second season, beginning tonight. The war that loomed at the end of the first season has ended, rather abruptly, as a military force bigger than either town's has arrived to restore order. And not just order. It is offering restored services, a return to normal life, a promise of peace and rebuilding.

So the big questions of the first season have been replaced with a more basic one: What do people want most from their government? And what will they give up in the way of freedom in order to get what they want?

While the first season's story had its roots in 9/11, the second season draws far more on that experience, and on issues that resonate in the current presidential campaigns. (Think just of Mitt Romney's national-security rationale for suspending his quest for the presidency.) But the current questions make "Jericho" a different kind of show, more of a thriller, more of an heir to "Red Dawn," than it was in the first year.

I can understand the reasons for the show making such a tonal shift. After all, CBS brought back "Jericho" reluctantly, after massive lobbying from fans, and then only for seven episodes, and with a loud warning that it had better get an audience quickly, and keep it around. So in going for more of an action/suspense tale, the show is trying to grab folks who were not going to sit through meditations on what a shop owner should do when goods are in short supply.

But in adding new characters, among them a military commander played by Esai Morales, the show has shifted away from some of the first season's players. At least one is not seen at all in the early episodes, and others are shown less frequently. (I suspect some of the change is a budget decision.)

Not that I actively dislike the new season. In fact, I went through those three episodes rather rapidly, and I still have plenty to think about with the show. But I wonder if the longing for new viewers has prompted the show to morph into something that the original fans will view less enthusiastically.

If you head over to here, you can find e-valentines tied to the the CBS drama, which begins its second season on Feb. 12.

A series about the struggle to rebuild communities and government after a nuclear disaster may not strike you as romantic. But as I told my bride, I love her no matter who runs the country.

This came from ABC today:

Now fans can discover elements from the hit series “Lost” in Marvel Comics. ABC marketing has strategically placed images and references from the show in various comic books, including Uncanny X-Men, Incredible Hercules, Thunderbolts and Wolverine Origins on sale now. Examples of “Lost” references include a “Lost” poster, the number 6, and the slogan “Find Yourself” in the latest editions of numerous Marvel comics throughout the month. Expect more “Lost” placements to pop up in comic books on stands January 23 and January 30.

Product placement in comics. Is nothing sacred?

This is from Sci Fi:

SCI FI Channel has acquired off-network cable rights to the fan favorite drama series Jericho from CBS Television Distribution. The deal provides SCI FI the rights to seasons one and two of the series. Jericho will make its debut on SCI FI with a four-episode marathon on Monday, February 11, 2008 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Jericho will begin airing in its regular time slot on Mondays at 10 p.m. ET on February 18. SCI FI will simulcast Jericho in HD on SCI FI HD.

“Jericho is a gripping science fiction series that SCI FI Channel is excited to add to our schedule,” said Thomas Vitale, Senior Vice President of Programming and Original Movies. “Thanks to the passion and persistence of its loyal viewers who saved this program from being canceled, new viewers can now experience this show for the first time on the SCI FI Channel while CBS continues the story in its second season run starting this February."

The second season starts Feb. 12 on CBS, the day after the Sci Fi marathon. I have seen three new episodes and am anxious for more. I promise to say more before the show returns.

No question that this is a strike-driven schedule, drawing on a fair amount of unscripted fare, including a winter edition of "Big Brother," and the return of shows already in the can. ("Jericho" fans: Mark Feb. 12.)

Complete announcement after the jump …

Here 'tis:
Game shows, news magazines, the return of two popular reality series, the season premieres of two returning scripted programs and the debut of a new comedy highlight new programming to CBS's prime time lineup in January and February.

I've been skeptical about fan campaigns to save shows, but this one seems to have worked …

This is from CBS's press site:

To the Fans of Jericho:

P.S. Please stop sending us nuts : )

One more sign that I'm getting old: I have trouble sleeping late in the morning …

So it's a Saturday and still, around 6 a.m., my body clock was saying that it was time to do something other than lie around. And one of the things I've done is finally watch the season finale of "Jericho."

Series finale, that is, although the show clearly held out hope for another go-round, strewing the episode with cliffhangers — the battle with New Bern, the short-term help and long-term threat from the military, a villain seemingly in charge of the government, the arrival of Titus Welliver (not a guy you get only for a couple of scenes, any more than "Grey's Anatomy" had Chyler Leigh just drop by), Hawkins and his nuke … Plenty of keep the thing going.

On the other hand, it wasn't as sure-handed as some "Jericho's" I've seen. Anyone who didn't expect a major character to say "Nuts" before the faceoff with New Bern hasn't paid read the Big Book of Narrative-Telegraphing Anecdotes. And while the killing of Gerald McRaney underscored that rebuilding a nation means major sacrifice, it also deprived the show of a strong voice of authority (not to mention an actor who knows how to deliver a speech); I suspect that renewal was hinging on a shift more toward the younger characters, and McRaney was so strong onscreen that he had to be moved aside.

Also, even as McRaney was dying, I would have expected more urgency about the pending attack. And, since the Jericho folks controlled the high ground at and around the farm — and since Skeet's climb let him take out the machine-gunner, wouldn't you have expected them to position some snipers above the fight?

Still, I would have been watching next season. And, since there won't be one, I have rationalized my way into treating the season finale as a proper finish. Goes like this:

As "Jericho" began, the town was divided, its citizens awash in pettiness, selfishiness and power grabs. In addition, the Green family is fragmented and in pain from problems old and new. At the series' end, both the town and the Greens have come to understand what's important in life. They are united, their foes coming from the outside, not tearing them apart from within. Much the way the "Angel" finale (and, for that matter, Disney's Davy Crockett) argued that you fight for good even when the odds say you might not win, "Jericho" reached the same place. It ended with people stronger than ever, heads high, no conflict frightening enough to make them bow.

Colts. Bears. Talking lions. K-Fed. Katie. Dave and Oprah. Rainy night in Florida (and on CBS camera lenses). Prince rules. More after the jump ...