[JER] Crossroads

TV Programme: Jericho
Season: 2
Episode: 9
Date I watched this episode: 02/08/2009
Time since I last watched this programme: 1 day.

Well, Ravenwood didn't waste their time; they were on Jericho's doorstep within 12 hours, and this episode followed their attempted invasion; the first real threat to the town Jericho we have seen so far. While keeping in track with the plan to protect the town, the episode mainly focussed on the politics around this, with Eric and Johnston arguing against Gray, Jake and Rob.

When Eric came back with direct orders from the Mayor to stand down, no one seemed to care. Certainly Jake didn't care and it's likely that Gray also took no notice. This is a dangerous situation to be in where no one really knows who is in charge, and perhaps an election is not a bad idea to give a re-inforced mandate to whoever wins. Johnston's return has a profound effect on all involved, and he gives the big speech like the one he gave in "Federal Response", which has the effect of raising peoples' morale and putting them on the same page ("[if] we destroy this bridge we've already lost") while Gray is intent on breaking it down again.

Rob and Jake seem to be getting along; Rob seems clearly impressed by Jake - you can tell from the look on his face when Jake clearly states his purpose: "Everything I do, I do to protect [my family]". Jake is single-minded, driven and is not afraid to cut a few corners; a man not too dissimilar from Rob himself. He's also someone who's trying his best to repair a broken family.

One person who clearly wasn't impressed though was Jonah. After Jake's final stand at the end of the episode, which was pretty much saved by Jonah (who seems to be styling himself more and more as a force for good), Jonah pretty much inspired Jake to start the army which he proposed to his Dad that night. Quite ironic: not that it isn't necessary though. It was clear from the scene with the stray shot that these guys just aren't cut out to fight, and in the new world, they need to be.

I wonder if Jake remembers that blowing up the bridge was his idea in the first place? He wasn't being used by Gray as Johnston claims he was. He's not the only son in the doghouse too - Gail just can't forgive Eric for what he's done. Gail needs to realise just how hard it was for Eric to do the things he did, and that love doesn't just happen, and she doesn't know about April's divorce papers. Granted, though, Eric doesn't know about April's pregnancy, and he's going to have to find out sooner or later; you can't just hide something like that!

A couple of side stories in the episode. Emily is dreaming of Roger. She is having so many doubts but I just thing that's her emotions running off the chart. If she falls in love with Jake again then that will be very very awkward. Seeing her thoughts was reasonably interesting although I still think they need to work the Jonah/Emily relationship in order to make anything out of this character. The other sort of side story was Stanley's refusal to come to the town. This was actually pretty weak, with a back and forth, going and not going; I just got fed up and it felt like a time filler.

However overall this was a great episode, really showing how the characters, especially the men, react in this situation and how politics might be the town's downfall unless handled correctly. So another piece of brilliance and so glad I discovered this show.