Lower Decks

A friendly warning: “Thoughts On…” will be examining episode of television shows that have already aired to completion in the United States, be forewarned that these posts will contain spoilers. So, if you haven’t seen Jericho and don’t want to be spoiled, stop reading now.

Thoughts on Jericho – “Walls of Jericho”

The fourth episode of Jericho was originally broadcast on October 11th, 2006. A man named Victor is found in town, sick from radiation poisoning and warning that “they” are coming.  Meanwhile, gasoline for the generators keeping the clinic open and the bar’s satellite TV operating is running low.

Here are our thoughts:

• One thing Jericho always did well was depict ordinary people reacting to extraordinary events.  The deputies refusing to touch the man found in the pharmacy for fear of contamination may seem callous but in reality, how many of us would risk exposure to radiation for a strange man?  And although he eventually caved, Mr. Murphy initially stuck to his guns about letting Jake and Heather get to the gas.  Not to mention other people refusing to donate gas from their cars, despite it being for the clinic.
• Hawkins is seen using his electromagnetically shielded laptop for (perhaps) the first time.  And the incredible back story he concocted for his family is introduced.
• Heather continues to display her knowledge of mechanics by suggesting a way to get to the gas sitting in otherwise inaccessible tanks at the gas station.  And she knew not to use steel to transport gasoline.  Of course, Stanley didn’t listen to her (“That was dumb.”) but everything worked out in the end.
• Although viewers were given evidence of Eric’s affair beginning with the first episode, “Walls of Jericho” was the first time tension between Eric and April is shown.
• As always, the teenage storyline (and its happening party scene) was painful to watch, dull and out of place.
• The debate over whether or not to give Victor a shot of adrenaline to wake him up and April’s disgusted reaction, was intense.  Even more intense was the revelation that Hawkins knows Victor and that the two are in the same secret group/organization.
• The final few minutes of the episode, Johnston’s service for the twenty people who died of radiation poisoning and the town’s sheriff and deputies, having everyone who lost someone or is missing someone (“We stand because we know that every life matters.”) were very powerful.  Johnston touched upon the theme of the episode, survival versus humanity, and drove the point home.  But then Hawkins had to go and ruin the moment by attempting to bond with his son.

That’s it.  Discuss!