Jolie RobersonJericho – Bang your head against the Walls of Jericho
October 13th 2006 03:02
Walls of Jericho plods along much like the episodes that have preceded it. There are a myriad of problems, but once again the show still manages to be somewhat intriguing and sucks you in.
The characters are still very two-dimensional, which I suppose is a result of having a rather large cast. On the face of it, everyone seems to be rather idiotic. There seems to be no foresight or forward planning whatsoever. For example, although there are limited gas supplies they are still using it to power the local bar. I can understand that they want to keep morale up by having such a place open, but does the place really have to be lit up like a Christmas tree? How about a bit of energy conservation people? This also goes for the Clinic – they seem to have stuck their heads in the sand a bit regarding their fuel levels.
Stanley is now the most likeable character on the show. He may be dumb, but at least he realises it (unlike the rest of the characters). I did laugh when he hit the cap of the water tank. It was definitely in the realm of the ‘be macho first, think later’ mindset that can come upon people in times of crisis. I could have done without the faux-tension about the potential tank-explosion. They’re not going to blow up three of the main characters four-episodes in, particularly Jake Green. Though if they did do that, I would be impressed – very gutsy.
Another moment I enjoyed was Gail Green’s obvious repulsion at giving mouth-to-mouth to Victor. It just seemed very real – rather than being all noble and heroic, she was just plain grossed out. This is the sort of thing we need to see more of. There was also less of whining Emily, which is always a bonus. Dale’s ability to transport copious amounts of food by himself is a bit strange, but his yearning to be close to the popular girl (however irritating she is) rings very true.
The scene I absolutely hated was the gathering at the church. The people of Jericho needn't worry about a lack of food – they could feast upon the sugar, syrup and corn that rained down during the Mayor’s speech. It was like Glurge come to life. This week already featured the sick baby, so I assume Jesus and the puppies will show up in the next episode.
Perhaps this theme is just something that doesn’t connect with the Australian audience. Can any American viewers fill me in as to whether saccharine scenes such as this connect with your audience? I’ve heard that ads in the US tend to be a bit corny and appeal to patriotic ideals, whereas in Australia we prefer a more irreverent approach, but I don’t know if that is in fact accurate.
I think the thing that keeps me coming back is the mystery surrounding Hawkins. The writers have started to make his intentions slightly more ambiguous, in contrast to the ‘he’s eeevvviiilll’ approach of the last couple of weeks. I really am curious as to what his endgame is.
I also feel like they’re setting up Bonnie for something. Maybe I’ve been watching too much Doctor Who, but I think she may have a higher purpose. Or maybe I’m reading too much into it – which wouldn’t be the first time. Then, really, who knows what lurks behind the Walls of Jericho? I certainly hope the writers do.
The characters are still very two-dimensional, which I suppose is a result of having a rather large cast. On the face of it, everyone seems to be rather idiotic. There seems to be no foresight or forward planning whatsoever. For example, although there are limited gas supplies they are still using it to power the local bar. I can understand that they want to keep morale up by having such a place open, but does the place really have to be lit up like a Christmas tree? How about a bit of energy conservation people? This also goes for the Clinic – they seem to have stuck their heads in the sand a bit regarding their fuel levels.
Stanley is now the most likeable character on the show. He may be dumb, but at least he realises it (unlike the rest of the characters). I did laugh when he hit the cap of the water tank. It was definitely in the realm of the ‘be macho first, think later’ mindset that can come upon people in times of crisis. I could have done without the faux-tension about the potential tank-explosion. They’re not going to blow up three of the main characters four-episodes in, particularly Jake Green. Though if they did do that, I would be impressed – very gutsy.
Another moment I enjoyed was Gail Green’s obvious repulsion at giving mouth-to-mouth to Victor. It just seemed very real – rather than being all noble and heroic, she was just plain grossed out. This is the sort of thing we need to see more of. There was also less of whining Emily, which is always a bonus. Dale’s ability to transport copious amounts of food by himself is a bit strange, but his yearning to be close to the popular girl (however irritating she is) rings very true.
The scene I absolutely hated was the gathering at the church. The people of Jericho needn't worry about a lack of food – they could feast upon the sugar, syrup and corn that rained down during the Mayor’s speech. It was like Glurge come to life. This week already featured the sick baby, so I assume Jesus and the puppies will show up in the next episode.
Perhaps this theme is just something that doesn’t connect with the Australian audience. Can any American viewers fill me in as to whether saccharine scenes such as this connect with your audience? I’ve heard that ads in the US tend to be a bit corny and appeal to patriotic ideals, whereas in Australia we prefer a more irreverent approach, but I don’t know if that is in fact accurate.
I think the thing that keeps me coming back is the mystery surrounding Hawkins. The writers have started to make his intentions slightly more ambiguous, in contrast to the ‘he’s eeevvviiilll’ approach of the last couple of weeks. I really am curious as to what his endgame is.
I also feel like they’re setting up Bonnie for something. Maybe I’ve been watching too much Doctor Who, but I think she may have a higher purpose. Or maybe I’m reading too much into it – which wouldn’t be the first time. Then, really, who knows what lurks behind the Walls of Jericho? I certainly hope the writers do.
Overall Rating
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Comment by Big Cat
Chatterpillar
That bit about the good church people of Jericho and "glurge".
I now know a new concept from looking up the link you gave. Preachers who undermine their messages by fabricating and distorting historical fact in the guise of offering a "true story."
I'd be wealthy now, if I'd held back from putting dollars on the plate every time in the past I heard a sermon doing that.
Seeyah,
Big Cat
Comment by Nina
Yes Glurge is a great term, it so aptly describes the concept. I can't stand all the 'inspirational' and 'touching' messages that clog up my inbox. It's probably the reason why I dislike the syrupiness in this show so much - I'm just sick of being assaulted by it from all sides.
Comment by Aaron
Aaron.
Comment by Nina