Television: Jericho Returns!

Now that the Writer's Strike has finally ended, we can all look forward to our shows returning... right? Well, not exactly. From the articles I've read, most shows won't return until mid-March to sometime in April. And, for the ones that will be returning, we'll only receive a fraction of new shows.

For those that enjoy watching television, this has been a bummer of a season. I'm not a big "Reality TV" fan (with the exception of Big Brother), so seeing all of these stupid shows pop up has been a bit irritating.

However, one show is returning tonight that is well worth the wait: Jericho. This show deserves consideration as one of the best on television. It's one of those shows that critics love but has a hard time finding an audience. Why is that?

Last year, when it debuted, it rocketed to the top tier of the Nielson Ratings. It actually surprised a lot of folks, including CBS. Then the network did something stupid: It took it off the air for a few months. Not sure if they did this for cost reasons or what, but they replaced it with a bevy of shows.

When they brought it back, they placed it right up against American Idol. It didn't have a chance. So while most of the country was watching Idol, the real fans of the show held strong. About a month before the final episode, CBS leaked that it might not bring it back.

Sure enough, they canceled it. Well, the fans responded in a BIG way. There was a line in the last episode referencing General Eisenhower's response to the Germans during WWII on whether or not he was prepared to surrender: "NUTS!" Sure enough, that's exactly how the fans felt. An online petition erupted, and over 20 tons of nuts were sent to the CBS offices by the fans to bring the show back.

Thankfully, CBS relented. This past summer, they re-ran the entire season. They also agreed to let the show shoot 7 brand new episodes. If the audience is strong, then CBS will not cancel the show for good and bring it back next year. Well people, the time is upon us... and the responsibility!

Here's a brief recap for those that might want to start up and watch the show:

Jericho is a Jericho is a gripping drama about the lives of the citizens of Jericho, Kansas whose lives are changed instantly when a nuclear mushroom cloud appears on the horizon. The streets of this once peaceful small town are sent into chaos and the town becomes completely isolated from the outside world. As the citizens wonder about the rest of America, Jericho deals with not having any means of communication or source of power. While some of the town begins to break down in the face of this unknown terror, their anger and confusion brings out the worst in some, but some emerge as unlikely heroes as Jericho demonstrates the personal strength that people have when facing unexplainable hardships. (source: http://www.tvrage.com/Jericho)

Why do I like Jericho so much? First and foremost, the characters. Each character is interesting, and how they interact (and come together) during adversity is compelling. I also like the writing - there are things I wouldn't have thought about when it comes to survival. Have you ever thought how your town would fair (or your family) if faced with similar conditions?

But overall, it's a very good show. I'm thrilled that it's back, and I hope it (as well as Friday Night Lights) continues into next season. We need good TV! I'm tired of seeing crappy reality shows (uhhh... except for Big Brother).

If you can't watch it live, set your DVRs. Jericho debuts after Big Brother (yes, I'm going to be enjoying my TV tonight!) at 9:00 PM Central on CBS. I hope you can watch it at least once to decide if I'm right... and the fans, too!

NUTS!!!