What I'm Watching: Jericho (Season Premiere!)

Jericho: Season 2, Episode 1 “Reconstruction” (B+)

What a fitting title for this fulfilling premiere. While it might not be as exciting as some of the previous episodes of the show’s first season, it is certainly a fresh and well-intentioned installment which will launch the theoretically one-season premise into a whole new direction. Less than five minutes in, one of the characters is chomping away on some peanuts in a not-so-subtle nod to the resurrection story of the show. It would have been easy for this show to fall apart on both fronts: behind-the-scenes due to the period of time where the show was cancelled and cast and crew who might have moved on, as well as creatively due to the introduction of an actual law enforcement system. Yet this show stays strong, infusing previously unseen bright colors and sunny weather into the normally dreary landscape of Jericho. Esai Morales brings a great new presence as the army commander in charge of overseeing and implementing peace between Jericho and New Bern. Most of the ensemble cast from last season is in, minus a few faces who may or may not come back later (Shoshannah Stern as Bonnie, Pamela Reed as Gail Green), but for the most part, things are progressing along as they should. I would really love to see Erin Daniels as Maggie return to the show, but I do not know if she will. I am really looking forward to the president’s arrival and to whatever Hawkins and his buddy are scheming up to out the corrupt government system. Seven episodes is definitely not enough.