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 – “9:02″

The fifth episode of Jericho was originally broadcast on October 25th, 2006. The town loses power again due to an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) while everyone is out watching a barrage of missiles soar through the air. Everything electronic will no longer function. More importantly, a man from Jake’s past returns to town, bringing in his wake a slew of trouble.

Here are our thoughts:

• Jake and Hawkins are two peas in a pod, aren’t they, recognizing right away the hallmarks of an EMP.
• Two weeks later. Kids are using nonfunctioning cell phones for batting practice.
• Dale and his issues are terribly uninteresting but at least they reflect a larger problem in Jericho — and Jake has his own problem with “bullies” at Bailey’s.
• The sexual tension between Stanley and Mimi is very, very evident in this episode. They’ve got something going on…
• Gracie is almost as annoying as Dale. The character seemingly has only one role: to rule her store with an iron fist and frustrate anyone who attempts to reason with her. And she is the replacement parental figure Dale has turned to?
• Jake seems to have quickly decided to trust Hawkins after discovering him with a backyard satellite dish during the previous episode. Perhaps Mitchell being back in town has spooked him more than he is willing to admit.
• Why would anyone want Mimi’s watch? Can she prove the diamonds are real or are they willing to take it on faith? I suppose kids who are bored enough to whack at cell phones with baseball bats will do just about anything.
• The town coming together to help Stanley harvest his corn is sure heartwarming. And all those extras got to learn how to harvest corn.
• Heather (Sprague Grayden) and Emily (Ashley Scott) only appear at the end of this episode as part of the harvesting crowd. Too bad.

Discuss!