Events in the small town of Jericho, Kansas have recently taken a scary and confusing turn. What started out as an ordinary day has quickly turned chaotic. The residents of town have seen with their own eyes a mushroom cloud in the sky to the West. They suspect that some sort of nuclear explosion has taken place, most likely in the Denver area. But this is really all they know by the end of the day. The frightened townspeople are left with many questions: what happened? Who did this? Are we safe? Will anyone come to help us? Let’s listen in to two of Jericho’s oldest residents (and town gossips), as they try and figure out just what happened on that September day last fall.
Edna: Margie, what happened??
Margie: What happened? How do I know? Do I look like the New York Times?
Edna: Well for crying out loud, didn't you see that mushroom cloud in the sky? You'd have to be blind to miss it
Margie: I didn't have my glasses on. A mushroom in the clouds?
Edna: Turn up your hearing aid!! I said a mushroom cloud. Lord, give me strength.
Margie: Me too, Lord. Oh, Edna, I don't think that's good.
Edna: Me either, Margie. Do you think it was an accident?
Margie: I wish, but you know the news has been so bad about war and bombs.
Edna: I know, but how anyone could knowingly kill anyone else, I'll never know. It looked like it was maybe near Denver. Do you think there were others? I didn't see any....
Margie: I don't see anything. Maybe we should ask Mayor Green.
Edna: Maybe we should, he always knows what to do. But guess what??
Margie: What?
Edna: Speaking of the Greens, you'll never guess who I saw in town earlier today. Go ahead, try and guess!
Margie: I hate that guessing, Edna. Stanley? That cute boy.
Edna: You nincompoop, why would I be talking about the Greens if I meant Stanley? Honestly! It was Jake Green, big as life, right there in Gracie's Market.
Margie: Jake Green? He's been gone for 5 years. I'd better call Emily.
Edna: Oh, Emily knows, he talked to her right outside the market. She didn't look all that happy to see him.
Margie: Well, they sure belong together. Oh, maybe not. He did leave her.
Edna: Where do you suppose he's been all this time?
Margie: Knowing Jake he's been gallivanting all over the world. That boy can't be still.
Edna: I heard him tell Gracie that he was playing baseball, but that doesn't seem right. It looked to me like he was wearing dog tags; you know, like soldiers wear?
Margie: Dog tags? Maybe he was in the Army but he doesn't seem the type.
Edna: No, he sure doesn't. He always was a little wild. Remember how he and Stanley used to run around town, getting into trouble?
Margie: I sure do. I always said they'd come to no good but Stanley is a good man now. Well, except for owing those taxes.
Edna: Taxes? How much does he owe? You know, you shouldn't mess around with the federal government
Margie: I heard he got a letter from the Revenuers and he owes thousands and thousands of dollars.
Edna: Lord-a-mercy! How do you suppose he let that happen? He seems so responsible.
Margie: I know but he got his figures messed up I guess. I didn't think that old farm was worth a hoot.
Edna: Well, the IRS will put it to rights, I have no doubt. Mushroom cloud or not. Oh Margie, I'm so worried, what's going to happen to us?
Margie: I'm not sure, Edna, but aren't we supposed to go somewhere safe?
Edna: I suppose we should. Do you think we might get bombed again?
Margie: I hope not. Oh Lord, Edna, this phone is dead. Let’s go get the car.
Edna: Margie, maybe we should just go to town hall.
Margie: I think so. Somebody should know what's going on. Maybe that Mr. Hawkins. Sweet man.
Edna: Hmm, you think so? He has a lovely family, it looks like. But I heard Gracie Leigh tell Jake that he paid cash for his house. That seems a little, well, odd, don't you think?
Margie: Yes and his wife, Darcy, acts very peculiar when I asked where they came from.
Edna: You know, it's funny. They only just got to town. You don't suppose they know anything about that mushroom cloud, do you? You know I don't believe in coincidences.
Margie: Well, they sure are secretive. They won't even let their children talk to me. What if he does know something?
Edna: I don't know Margie, maybe we'd better just steer clear of him until we find out what's going on. We'd better head to town hall.
*************************** Town Hall
Margie: Edna, look at that crowd. They seem to be awfully upset.
Edna: They do, don't they? It sounds like a school bus of kids is missing, oh Margie!
Margie: Oh no! Is somebody going to look for them?
Edna: I hope so. Uh-oh, it sounds like there's trouble over at the gas station. Think we should check it out?
Margie: I think we should. What's that racket?
******************************* Gas Station
Edna: Look at that, grown folks fighting over gasoline. You'd think they'd never had to prepare for a disaster before. They should be ashamed of themselves!
Margie: Well, they aren't as lucky as we are. Papa taught us to be prepared but a lot of folks live day to day.
Edna: That's so true. Oh my stars Margie, look! It's the school bus!
Margie: Edna, is that Jake Green driving that thing?
Edna: Why, I do believe that it is! Bless his heart, I guess he does know to do the right thing, doesn't he?
Margie: I hope he did it for the right reasons. Who's that young lady? The teacher?
Edna: Oh my, yes, it's Heather Lisinski. She had those kids out on a field trip today, you know. Looks like some of them are hurt, I'm so glad they made it back safely. Oh, hush, it looks like Mayor Green is talking.
Margie: Let me turn up my hearing aid.
Mayor Green’s speech, on any other day but this one, would have sounded like typical politician rhetoric. But Margie and Edna, and the rest of the citizens of Jericho gathered there, knew that it wasn’t. His words about working together in times of difficulty, and about using their imaginations to solve problems, struck home with all of them. And when he said to those gathered, “Folks, don’t you break my heart again,” nobody wanted to.
**************************************
Margie and Edna would have given their eyeteeth to know that Hawkins is able to use his computer and he has found Jake Green with a passport flagged by the government. Why does Hawkins' computer work and why is Jake's passport flagged?
These and many more questions can be answered by watching the season one DVD, available Oct. 2. Why not order yours today?
I had seen LoveJohnston on the CBS boards for a while before I requested an interview. I found her to be interesting and passionate about the show so I wanted to know more. Here's what I found out.
1. Do you have a favorite chat room? What is it? If you don't use chat rooms why not?
No, sadly there aren't enough hours in the day for me to visit a chat room. I'm on the computer way too much as it is already.
2. Will you be watching Season 2?
My husband, daughter, and son-in-law will be watching along with my two grand dogs, Allie and Pippin. What do you mean my grand dogs don't count!!??
3. Johnston Green died in Season 1. Will someone die in Season 2? Why or why not? Who?
R.I.P. Johnston (as a tear runs down my face). I think someone, or more than one person, will die in season 2 mainly because that seems to be the pattern so far. WHO? Well personally, I hope to God it's Constantino. But I don't want Skeet to have to do it. Let's give some of the responsibility to Eric for a change.
4. If you could talk to Nina Tassler right now what would you say? No comment.
5. How can CBS count all the viewers who watch and not just a select few?
I don't see how they can as the system is set up now. The Nielsen's would have to change since it seems to be the TV GOD of counting viewers.
6. What attracted you to Jericho?
I watch anything that Gerald McRaney is in. He could just be standing there reading the phone book and I would watch. But I must admit, I was VERY surprised at how much I enjoyed the show. It was suspenseful, different and it kept me at the edge of my seat. And the hour went by so fast!
7. How can we attract new viewers to Jericho? To the message boards?
Wish I had the magic answer but I don't. Not a new answer anyway. I still think our best bet is trying to get the Nielsen system changed. When we let CBS know that we watched JERICHO, why not also let Nielsen know? Write Nielsen during the break often and let's see what can be done....as a group. That would be my best idea.
8. What do you most like to do besides anything involving Jericho?
Interior decorating, refinishing old wood furniture, being with my daughter, being with my grand dog, Pippin. Antique shopping. Taking rides in the country with my husband and taking photos of barns, old houses, and other old things we see along the way. Keeping in touch with my friends via email.
I saw Debby around the CBS board for a while until I really started to pay attention. She doesn't always have a lot to say but she's always ready to Digg, comment, and help others. I think she's a great person. Hope you do too.
1. When did you start watching Jericho and why?
I did not watch Jericho when it premiered. I had no interest in watching a show about nuclear war in the United States. The only thing that drew me in was Gerald McRaney. I love watching him. I saw the commercials for the episodes after the bomb and the show looked more like a show I would be interested in so I watched episode 4: Walls of Jericho and was hooked.
2. What made you keep watching?
I loved that Jericho was about how people survived and did so with their morals intact. I love the relationships between the characters. I especially love the character Johnston Green. His character embodies the values that I hold dear. My husband loved the Sci-fi aspect of the show as well as the characters. We watch Jericho together.
3. What else do you enjoy besides Jericho? Any hobbies?
I am active in my church. I love to read and have an eclectic taste in books. I love going to see the Georgia Bulldogs play football.
4. What would you like to see at Fan Central?
I like Fan Central but wish it was more interactive. I enjoy reading what Shaun has to say but wish it could be expanded to include more contributors.
5. Which actor/actress on Jericho would you most like to meet?
Gerald McRaney. I have followed his career since his days on Simon and Simon. I have loved every show he has been in.
6. Which character is most like you?
Gail Johnston. I am the mother of two grown daughters. I have been married 28 years. I feel that she and I would have much in common.
7. Why do you like to Digg?
I feel that digging gives us a bigger footprint on the internet which exposes us to more potential viewers. I also am a news junkie so I like reading the different articles.
8. How can we attract new viewers?
By telling everyone we meet about the show. By buying the DVD and sharing it with friends who haven't seen Jericho. I believe once you watch the first few shows they will be hooked. Jericho has something for everyone.
9. Any comments?
The one thing good that came out of the cancellation of Jericho was the chance to interact with other fans on the CBS message board. I came to the CBS site to see what information I could find on who dropped the bomb but I didn't read or post on the message boards until Jericho was cancelled. I am proud to be one of the nuts who saved Jericho.
I haven't known Morgan very long but I am impressed with what I see. She is creative and is always hosting, planning, or thinking of new games to get people involved. She is also helpful, inspiring, motivating, and fun. Please meet Morgan.
1. When did you start watching Jericho? What made you want to watch?
Since I no longer own a TV set, we found out about Jericho in a rather round about way. My roommate [JRP's Doratea] was playing AoL's GOLD RUSH game. In one section, it asked a question in regards to this new TV show called "Jericho" on CBS. She watched a couple of episodes in order to get the answer she needed, and I was watching with her. By the time we got through the first four episodes, we were hooked and eagerly awaited the weekly show on Innertube. Doratea actually discovered the show before I did, but we're both big fans. I would say the first half of the season was just ending when I came into the show, but we watched and re-watched those first 11 episodes time and time again. I guess what first caught my eye was the 1969 Plymouth Roadrunner Jake's driving. I grew up with those big muscle cars, and never lost my love for them. Then I saw Gerald McRaney was in the show, and Pamela Reed. Both are superb actors, and two of my favorites. Thirdly, who could turn away after seeing the image of the boy watching the mushroom cloud? That was an inspired bit of advertising! Very eye-catching for anyone who grew up in the 1960s with the Cuban Missile Crisis and Cold War. I remember "Duck & Cover" from elementary school. Once I saw that image, I HAD to know what the show was about. From the name, I actually thought it might be a religious program like "Touched By an Angel." I'm so very glad I took a second look; I've loved it since the first episode.
======================================== 2. How did the idea for Jericho Cooks begin? What will be in the cookbook?
JERICHO COOKS: Food for the Post-Apocalyptic World came about when I was going through my cookbooks looking for something, I don't even remember what. I happened across a "fan produced" cookbook for a STAR TREK club I belonged to once, and then a few more from other fan groups. I got the thought, "Maybe we should do one for Jericho." The idea percolated a couple of days, then I brought it up in front of some folks on Jeritopia. Greeneyes371 was there, and seemed to think this was a good idea. She said she'd helped create cookbooks before, so we started talking. Railroadbrat was also interested, and both seemed to think it a worthwhile project. We began to get serious about it. Sarork came in later on, and offered some great ideas, so we hi-jacked her into the Jericho Cooks Committee. I must be honest and say most of the hard work on this project has been done by Greeneyes371. She's handled everything from researching printers and costs, to layout, to the webpage -- it's all been her hard work. I mostly came up with the idea and wrote a few things. She has been the backbone of the whole cookbook. I can truthfully say, without her there would be no cookbook. There will be seven sections to the book: Back to Basics, Foods that Last, Outdoor Cooking, Recipes in Retrospect, Food Preservation, Nuts Recipes and Waste Not/Want Not. Most of these recipes can be made in a standard kitchen, with the exception of the Outdoor Cooking, which is designed for camping out. Many people donated recipes that literally cover soup to nuts, including some that use MREs as ingredients. We even have some Native American recipes. We're hoping the cookbook will make an interesting, fun addition to any collection. What makes it even nicer is all these recipes were donated by JERICHO fans. Even the NutsOnline folks donated a recipe! The cover art was designed by a Jericho fan, and we'll be including inspirational and other quotes from Jericho fans. So, this cookbook is created by Jericho fans with the help of Jericho fans and made for Jericho fans. The website is www.jerichocooks.com -- check it out!
3. What do you like most about JRP?
Hard question to answer. I like lots of things about all the boards. With JRP, I have to say it's the actual, physical design which makes JRP my online "home." It's easy to negotiate, and I don't get lost. The design lends itself well to things I particularly enjoy, i.e., the Fan Fiction Board. The way it's set up, it makes it easier to keep stories and the comments separated from each other, and that makes it nicer for readers as well as writers. JRP members are another thing I like about the forum, although many of us are members of other forums as well as JRP. JRP has always had a warm, friendly atmosphere, sadly unlike I've encountered elsewhere in online communities. Let me clarify that -- other online communities meaning forums for other things than JERICHO. The JRP staff is helpful, like the staff of all JERICHO fan forums, and go out of their way to make sure things run smoothly. As a former staffer on JRP, I can truthfully say there's no such thing as a perfect forum, but JRP tries. All in all, I like JRP because it's easier for me to get around. I've been on all a majority of other Jericho forums, and I'm pleased to say the friendliness is universal. JRP hasn't cornered the market on warmth, but it's one of the friendliest places out there. Believe me, that's not to denigrate ANY of the other forums. I really like them all for various reasons.
===================================== 4. You've started a lot of games like Trivia, BlackJack Hangman, and I understand more are on the way? What is your goal in providing these games for everyone?
The original reason I started Jericho Trivia was to boost activity on the JRP Season One board. Doratea and I were the board mods, and we wanted something fun for members, and something to get them more active. There was the Character Elimination game, but not much more. Since I had started re-watching the episodes, Doratea suggested I might want to jot down a few questions, then post them on the board. When Jeritopia opened, I thought Trivia might be something fun for fans to do while waiting for the reruns to start. People enjoyed it so much, they asked for a second night, for those who couldn't make it on Saturdays. It sort of blossomed from there into the twice weekly Trivia games. I had also created a few Word Search puzzles and Anagrams for the boards, but they wouldn't translate well to a chatrooms. However, Anagrams and Word Scrambles did, so we occasionally vary what we do on Tuesday and Saturday nights. There are currently three new games I'm working on for the chatrooms: "Jericho Jeopardy" (with help from Kestral; all answers have to be in the form of a question), "Blackjack Hangman" (which has a few bugs yet to be worked out; it's just like the old Hanman game) and "Whose Line Was That, Anyway?" (which should be premiering Saturday night; I post a Jericho quotation and players have to tell who said it and on which episode). I'm getting lots of encouragement from those who frequent Jeritopia, and I'll keep it up, as long as everyone's having fun. That's the whole idea -- fandom should be fun, and I'm going to do my best to see Jericho fans enjoy themselves.
5. You also have a blog at JRP. What do you enjoy most about blogging?
That's a totally new thing for me. I absolutely loved doing the old "Daily Inspiration" posts on JRP while I was staff, and really missed doing it after I resigned to become a JRP Rep for Coalition of the Willing. I was talking to someone on Jeritopia, and they suggested I give the blog a try. I was kind of hesitant, at first -- new things and all that nonsense! Then I re-read one of my own posts where I espoused change. I couldn't very well NOT do it after reading the words I wrote, so ... I jumped in with both feet. Blogging isn't very much different than posting the Daily Inspiration, although I guess it's more public. I've never been one to hold back my opinions, although I strive to give as much respect and courtesy to others as I ask for myself. I think blogging is a great way to get new thoughts and personal opinions out there for people to read. It stirs the imagination and makes us think, which is never a bad thing. I enjoy writing in all ways -- fiction, fan-fic, poetry, essays, etc. -- so this is a chance for me to be heard. All writers enjoy knowing they have an audience, and having an audience makes me want to improve my communication skills. In a text-based medium, being understood is of primary importance. Without open lines of communication, things get bogged down. Blogging is a good way to keep those lines open.
======================================== 6. What are some of the ways you promote Jericho?
I talk. I email my friends and tell them about JERICHO. I talk. I mention JERICHO when I'm in stores shopping, and there used to be a sign in the back window of my SUV. I got rid of that gas-hog, though, and haven't had a chance to put the sign up in the other car we have. I still write letters to CBS and their local affiliates, letting them know I'm watching -- and that I'm not happy to see JERICHO preempted! -- and that I will keep watching as long as JERICHO is on the air. It's nice to see neighbors and acquaintances here where I live refer to Doratea and I as "the Jericho Ladies." I'm also always trying to think up new ways to promote the show. Like I've started sending original word search puzzles with JERICHO terms to the local newspaper, and I'm looking into the possibility of advertising at the local theater. There are so many ways, it's hard to list them. Mostly, word of mouth is what seems to be working best here.
7. Do you believe fans should participate on all the Jericho boards? Why or why not?
I think fans should participate where-ever they feel most comfortable participating. Each of the boards has its own appeal, and none is any better than the other. Some are easier to negotiate, while others have a warm, friendly atmosphere. The CBS boards pose problems for some folks, which is a shame since that's the best place to find information about JERICHO. Thing is, everyone's different, and every forum's different. That's what makes it so great, having all the different forums. No one should ever feel they MUST belong to this forum or that in order to enjoy JERICHO fandom. I think Jeritopia has worked wonders by providing a place for ALL Jericho fans to gather. It's a controlled environment, where we feel safe. The CBS chat board is open to the public, which is good and bad. It's a lot of fun, but they get "trolls" there. On Jeritopia, it's a little quieter, but you know the only people there will be other JERICHO fans. We get to meet members of other boards on a "neutral" ground, and there's no pressure to stand up for whichever board you prefer. It's good to see all the different boards support one another -- which is as it should be. We all have one thing in common, and that's a love of JERICHO. Even as diverse a group as we are, that one thing binds us together. I have been involved with numerous fandoms over the years, and I can truthfully say a more caring, loving group of people I've rarely met. It doesn't matter which board you call home, if you have need, other JERICHO fans are there for you. I've found friends in JERICHO fandom I'll keep for the rest of my life. We're a strong support group, and it really doesn't matter which forum a fan prefers. JERICHO fandom has become a family.
=================================== 7. Are you a survivalist? What would you like people to know about it?
Another hard question to answer. I don't think I'm a survivalist in all sense of the word. I don't dress in cammo or go train in the woods -- although I have done it. I was taught how to hunt, fish and camp by my parents, but I've never really done it in order to survive. In fact, I'd even go so far as to say I've probably forgotten a good deal of that. So, no, not really a survivalist in the truest sense of the word. I do believe in being prepared, yes, and I've taken a few steps to make sure we're ready in case of an emergency. Mind you, I've nothing against people who stock up on things like medicines, non-perishable foods, etc., but it all depends upon how much things cost. I don't have a huge income, so we do what we can afford. I also think there's a place for survivalists in this uncertain world. True survivalists may end up being important to the rest of us if there's a disaster of the JERICHO magnitude. I think survivalists will serve a great purpose then, and it might be best if we listen to them now. I know several people who I'd classify as true survivalists, and I've learned a great deal from them. However, I've some physical limitations which prevent me from being what I'd consider a survivalist; I couldn't, for instance, live off the land because I'm physically unable to do so. However, I have skills which will be useful, and might be able to barter with them for assistance. I'd like to think of myself as a "survivor," in that somehow I'll manage to get by. Hopefully, I'll never have to put that to the test.
8. Comments?
Thank you for contacting me, and asking me to participate in the interview. I'm very flattered and humbled. The questions were thought-provoking and really made me sit down and look at why I'm doing what I'm doing. It was fun, and I look forward to seeing how other folks answer your questions. I've never been interviewed before, so this was a totally new experience for me. Thank you for the opportunity, and I hope I haven't made TOO many typos!!
It was truly amazing to watch Jericho tonight. The cast felt like friends and family and the old adrenaline rush came back. What a great show! So, what do we do now? Here are some updates:
Is everyone ready to show the advertisers in a subtle, effective way that we noticed their commercial and it has made a difference? Here is the plan and we'd love your participation.
In an earlier blog I wrote about Skeet Ulrich who portrays Jake Green. Now, here's Jake's family.
Johnston Green ( played by Gerald McRaney) is married to Gail ( played by Pamela Reed). They have 2 sons: Jake and Eric. ( Skeet Ulrich and Kenneth Mitchell).
Johnston has been the mayor of Jericho for 25 years. He is devoted to his family and the town. We're not told much about Johnston but we do know he was once a U.S. Army Ranger. We can read between the lines and realize that there have been times when Johnston put the town's welfare above his family.
After the explosion Johnston leads the town's efforts to work together and to figure out what has happened. He has a rival in Gray Anderson ( Michael Gaston) who questions Johnston's leadership abilities. Gray wants to be mayor obviously. Will he succeed?
Gail Green reminds me of an updated version of June Cleaver. Remember "Leave It To Beaver?" She's a loving wife and mother with strong opinions. She and Johnston make a perfect match. He may be the boss at work but Gail definitely runs the household. She is also well respected in the community.
Eric is the youngest son of Johnston and Gail. Unlike Jake, Eric does as his parents expect him to do. He is married to April ( Darby Stanchfield) who is a doctor. We don't know much about April as she doesn't talk about her family. We aren't told how she met Eric either.
Johnston and Gail are not happy when they discover that Eric is having an affair with tavern owner Mary Bailey ( Clare Carey). We don't know much about Mary. We just know that she and Eric are in love and Mary thinks Eric will leave April for her. Gail Green makes it clear that she is not happy about the affair.
Will Eric leave April for Mary? When will April learn of the affair and what will she do? Will Jake get back in his father's good graces?
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