Once upon a time in a small Kansas town named Jericho, bombs fell. The spirit of community and caring for one’s fellow man brought hopes of survival. What the town lacked in numbers they made up for in passion. Passion to survive, to live, and passion to save Jericho.

Jericho became the little town that could. It became a town that inspired, nurtured dreams, and fed spirits.

What will be Jericho’s fate?

Will Margie and Edna know?

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Margie: Edna, you know Mr. Hawkins gave us this phone when he went to Cheyenne because he was afraid something would happen to him. He wanted us to be the ones to tell Darcy.

Edna: Margie, don’t you talk like that. Let’s hope that we won’t have to give any bad news to Darcy. Besides, you know you love having that phone because you think you’ll get some inside information with it.

Margie: Well, Edna, I don’t want bad inside information. You know it was bad enough that Stanley had to wait four days to bury Bonnie.

Edna: Oh, I know, wasn’t that just horrible? With everything else going on in town, and all the hiding-out they had to do, I’m glad he finally got to take her out to the Richmond farm where she belongs.

Margie: Oh, mercy, Edna, it’s the phone! It’s Mr. Hawkins. What? Who shot you?
Edna: Margie, don’t you hog that phone! What’s he saying? Who shot who? Is he dead???

See, this is the danger of having guest bloggers. They show you up with their creativity.

Our friend Terocious of Jericho Junction volunteered to be one of our Jericho Season 2 guest bloggers and I happily accepted.

What follows is his interpretation of Jake’s thoughts during his delirium under Beck’s torture in Episode 6, “Sedition.” The only other note I need to make is that Tero included lines Jake has uttered from all 28 episodes to date.

Enjoy.

Jericho Season 2, Episode 6: Sedition

Recapping that which was hinted at: Delirium

You think I’m your guy … When I was in Iraq … If I go you go … I was a pool guy … Is that Bonnie? … Playing minor league baseball … You grew up … There was a girl … I’m about to do something that might cost me my badge … You’re choking me, mom … We’ll get through … What are the stars for? … How you spell venereal disease … That bomb wasn’t from North Korea … Why do you think I left town? Read more of this entry »

Anyone who knows Clarke Ingram knows that he’s a huge Heather Lisinski/Sprague Grayden fan. But, first and foremost, Clarke’s a Jericho fan. He had the good fortune to be on the set for the filming of episode 5, “Termination for Cause,” and he graciously agreed to recap that episode for us.

Enjoy:

Thanks to Amy for letting me blog here this week. This is as much of an opinion piece as a recap, as I had a unique perspective: Last September, I spent several days on the set watching this episode being filmed. To see the pieces assembled into a final product is fascinating (and an incredible amount of work). So here’s my view of “Jericho” episode 2.5, the first of the “final three” for this second season.

“Termination for Cause” opens in the aftermath of the tragic events at the Richmond ranch at the hands of Ravenwood leader John Goetz (D.B. Sweeney). Bonnie (Shoshannah Stern) is dead, Stanley’s fiancée Mimi (Alicia Coppola) is wounded, and Stanley (Brad Beyer) has seen his life changed forever. Despite concern from Dr. Kenchy (Aasif Mandvi), it’s clear in fairly short order that Mimi will survive.

Jericho commandant Major Beck (Esai Morales) is conveniently moved out of the way early in the show, dealing with a crisis in nearby New Bern, and giving strict instructions to Jake: “Goetz is off-limits. No threats, no retribution, no exceptions. Do you understand?”

Does anyone doubt that Jake would have trouble following those instructions?

Lisa Coltroup/kystorms of JerichoOnCBS last guest blogged for us way back in the day on the rerun of the penultimate episode of Season 1, Coalition of the Willing. As you’ll see in her recapping of “Oversight,” Lisa draws some strong parallels between where we are now and where we were then, emotionally and points out that they both make excellent arguments that Jericho is fighting for its very existence.

OK, enough of my yapping, here’s Lisa’s recap:

Review of Oversight, Episode 4

This week’s episode was the best so far for many reasons, all of which are subjective to the person who is speaking about it. My reasons also are varied, and in watching the episode online again a few times for
this review, I found myself seeing new things about us, the Americans.

First of all, Bonnie. She stepped up to the plate and protected her home, her family. She was raised on a farm, guns are no stranger to her. But it is more than the simple fact that she took a gun in hand to protect her family, it was and is about how each of us, no matter how limited we may seem to ourselves, have that same quality and when push comes to shove, wee will — all of us — stand and deliver.

Bonnie was amazing not only because she protected with out fear, but because her dying gift to the viewers was the message that we all can and will do the same when the time comes. We just needed to have that point made clear in a way we won’t ever forget.

I have no wish to turn this entire post into a eulogy for Bonnie Richmond, because the boards have certainly become the place where she will live on forever. I wish to instead congratulate Shoshannah Stern for an amazing character who would never have been as memorable has she been played by anyone else, and for giving us the best show, period. Read more of this entry »

Brooklynite Erika/kricka first recapped for us last summer on “One if By Land.” Then, she went on to create an awesome set of “motivators” to get folks pumped for Season 2. Here’s a link to my favorite 10 11 and I also used a bunch more to illustrate the Episode 2, “Condor” recap.

Despite a bout with the plague this week, she came through this this fantastic recap of Episode 3, “Jennings & Rall.” So, visit Jericho Monster this afternoon for the Blackjack Fairgrounds blog carnival, and read on for kricka’s thoughts on Tuesday’s ep:

Okay, about eight bajillion things happened in this episode, so this one was really hard! And really long!

It is the episode of old friends and enemies returning to do cool and terrible things, while our heroes fight the incoming Hudson River virus, Ravenwood, Jennings & Rall and the evil overlords of Cheyenne.

First off is Dale, the little boy who is looking more like a man this season, being stopped in Missouri (Missoura?) by what is obviously an Army roadblock. While trying to weasel his way past these guys with his station wagon and big truck of goods, we see a Humvee full of gas-masked soldiers heading down the road, creeping out us, Dale and the composer of this show, if the music is anything to go by. [Ed note: OK, Erika’s already cracked me up.] Read more of this entry »

Yvonne has provided perhaps the most comprehensive recaps of all our guest bloggers, but I set the bar kinda high for her with the uber-recaps I’ve been doing with the episodes on the screener from CBS.

Not shockingly, Yvonne still managed to top me, snagging details I missed, forgot to get or didn’t know (the reporter’s name and what the Morse code meant, as examples, as well as the tangorita details in the first paragraph of her recap).

So, come back this afternoon for the Blackjack Fairgrounds blog carnival, and read on for Yvonne’s fantastic recap:

The first scene of the episode “Condor” opens with Stanley Richmond doing what Stanley does best: being thoughtful, attentive and romantic. (Remember when he made Mimi the tangorita on Thanksgiving in an attempt to produce a close facsimile of her favorite drink, the Mangorita? It was evident he was a keeper back then!)

Mimi wakes up and finds that Stanley has left a single red rose and a note saying “go outside,” complete with a smiley face, on a table at the foot of the stairs. Mimi goes out on the front porch and finds that Stanley has set up a beautiful table and prepared her a wonderful breakfast in celebration of her first day at her new job with Jennings and Rall.

“This is a big day. You get to be an accountant again. Count things, add things up. Maybe even a little subtraction, right?”

This gets Mimi started on how organized Jennings and Rall is, with their bar codes and spreadsheets and how they know where everything is, has been and where it’s going. “I’ve forgotten how beautiful order can be.” Read more of this entry »

Despite the fact that Edna & Margie were nowhere to be seen in Tuesday’s season premiere, “Reconstruction,” Remote Access has stumbled upon a transcript of a conversation between the two ladies right about at that time…

Listen in:

It’s been four weeks since the end of the New Bern/Jericho hostilities, and there have been many changes in the small town of Jericho, KS. The electricity has been restored in much of the town, thanks to the presence of the military from the new Cheyenne government, who also broke up the border skirmish between the two communities. Jennings & Rall, a private company contracted by the Cheyenne government to help with reconstruction of the town, has become a major presence on the streets of Jericho. And Margie and Edna, the eyes and ears of Jericho, are just sitting down to their first proper, home-cooked meal in months.

Margie: Edna, is this roast beef or shoe leather?

Edna: Margie, since you’re the one who cooked it, I figure you should know. It’s so nice to have a hot, home-cooked meal again, this could be roast moose and I’d still eat it.

Margie: I’m so happy to have our power back even if it does mean I have to see you.

Edna: Margie, never mind that now, you can insult me later. I’ve got some good gossip — er, information that I picked up in town. You’ll never believe it.

Margie: What is it Edna? Spit it out.

Edna: If I didn’t have absolutely perfect vision, I’d never have believed my own eyes, but I declare. … I saw little Heather Lisinski walk into City Hall today! My laws Margie, I do believe she’s come back from the dead!

Margie: You’re lying. She’s dead. You saw a ghost, Edna.

Edna: Margie, you watch that sacrilegious talk. She is alive! Don’t you think I followed her inside? I saw Jake Green hug her — he wouldn’t hug a ghost, you numbskull.

Keepin’ me honest, folks.

But first, a reminder: I’m looking for guest bloggers for Season 2. Check out the recaps done by guest bloggers over the summer. No fear — Margie & Edna have agreed to put aside their differences and recap the premiere and season finale (note I said “season” and not “series” finale). I wouldn’t have it any other way. Episodes 2, 3 and 5 are spoke for, but I’m still taking volunteers. And if I get too many volunteers, we can double up; we’ve done that before (how do you think Margie & Edna did their first guest blog?) E-mail me if you want to take one on. They’re fun! (And not due the next day; you actually get a couple of days to write ‘em up!)

So, onward.

First off, (thanks, Clarke!) the Jennings & Rall website has a new blog, from Trish Merrick. She’s the character portrayed in Season 2 by Emily Rose, a J&R employee. All I’ll tell you about Trish is that you’ll hate her at first. But then, by episode 3, not so much.

Here’s a snippet from her blog:

My work in the new midwest involves going into communities that are restructuring after the destruction and need temporary advocates that can understand what priorities will get the people I’m helping back to normal the fastest. … This has been the most rewarding experience of my life and I’m grateful my supervisors at J&R have allowed me to diarize my experience here in Nebraska (and beyond), where I have been stationed for a few weeks so far. … My blog is part of a program, similar to embedding, there were 5 people chosen whose skills in writing were assessed, and I was one of them. The C.E.O. of Jennings&Rall wants there to be a record by example of all of our great work. … Rule: First names only. No pictures, no drawings, nothing visual. No danger. Nothing that might scare anyone can appear in this. I’m not sure what they mean but I think I understand: nothing to scare other people.

So, we know that Trish served time in Nebraska before coming to Jericho. The “new midwest”? Interesting phrasing. Hmm. I think this blog will be worth repeated readings.

OK, you guys are the best and are helping to keep me honest in my vow to blog daily on Jericho until the premiere.

Before I get to the good stuff, a reminder that I’m looking for guest bloggers for Season 2. What’s that, you ask? Check out the summer rerun guest bloggers. Margie & Edna are taking care of the premiere, while Yvonne (Aunt Vonna) has ep 2, Erika (kricka) snagged ep 3 and newbie (to Jericho guest blogging, that is) Clarke Ingram (gushing fanboy that he is of Sprague Grayden) will tackle episode 5. Interested in doing a recap/review? E-mail me. GB veterans get first priority, but I’ll try to accommodate all who want to. Multiple blog posts on episodes have been done before.

OK, so here’s the latest:

• Shelby, our very own 10-year-old Jericho journalist, has had not one, but two of her interviews picked up by Media Blvd. Here’s the one she did with Alicia Coppola. I couldn’t find a direct link to the Carol Barbee one on Media Blvd., though I saw it on there yesterday. Did I mention that she’s 10 (Shelby, not Carol)? (By the way, Alicia told Shelby as a child she ran around playing Charlie’s Angels and was always Jaclyn Smith. She and I must be about the same age, because that’s what my friends and I did, and I was always Kelly, too. However, that’s pretty much where the similarities between Alicia and I end, unfortunately.)
• Head on over to Fan Central on the official Jericho site on CBS.com. There’s a new Ranger in town, blogging daily on our favorite post-apocalyptic show … schumi! Congrats, schumi!

OK, I think I’m committed to posting daily on Jericho before Season 2 gets its start in a scant 2 1/2 weeks.

So, you all have to do your part – if you see something out there and haven’t read it on Remote Access, let me know immediately, if not sooner.

Plus, I’ll be looking for guest bloggers for the new season of Jericho, a la the Great Jericho Blogging Experiment of the summer of reruns, which was a resounding success. Margie and Edna already have graciously agreed to recap the first episode for us. That leaves six episodes left to staff. Priority will go to those folks who’ve already guest blogged, but there’s always room for multiple blogs per episode. Let me know if you’re interested and we can talk/e-mail about it.

Here’s todays news and notes and links:
• First off, Brad Beyer (Stanley Richmond) was at the FXinternational convention in Orlando, where Orlando Sentinel TV critic Hal Boedeker interviewed him. Nothing particularly new came out of the interview, but it’s always nice to see “our” cast interviewed. He’s 34 and said the nuts were “pivotal” in decision of CBS to renew the show for its abbreviated run. He did have this to say about Stimi (Stanley + Mimi = Stimi, for those not in the know):

I don’t think the writers had any idea it was going to end up that way. She came to take my farm away. There was just something in the rapport. It really worked. … These people probably woud not have found each other. Extreme circumstances bring people together. You’re forced to see the common ground. Stanley wouldn’t have gotten a girl like Mimi otherwise.

Oh, Stanley. Don’t sell yourself so short.

Once again, Jericho Monster scores a couple of fabulous interviews with two Jericho hotshots: Robert and Darcy Hawkins.

I’m a bit behind on this. Jane posted the interviews last week, but the past couple weeks have been kinda nutsy-cuckoo so I slipped a bit.

But Jericho Monster regularly has some of the best Jericho-related interviews around. She interviews the fans, crew, cast, bloggers, survivalists, anyone who can relate to the tale of Jericho (by this I mean both the story that the show tells and the story of the show’s cancellation and resurrection).

I first “met” Jane when she commented on some posting I had about Jericho way back in the day, in the dark times between death and rebirth. She commented on several posts, actually.

When CBS made the decision to bring back Jericho, at least on a limited basis, and re-run part of Season 1 over the summer, I sought out guest bloggers for their different take on the episodes, as I’d already written recaps on the second half of Season 1.

Jane was one of my first volunteers.

She did three recaps — one by herself and then conspired with fellow Jericho lover and mutiple guest blogger Beth to create Margie and Edna, two old biddies who live in Jericho and recapped not one, but two episodes, including the season finale.

The ladies (Margie and Edna, that is), have become beloved throughout the Jericho fan community, in large part due to the lively (and hilarious!) writing of Jane and Beth.

Jane has two other blogs, too — Jericho Central (news, links and other tidbits, suggestions on how to help Jericho) and Arabelle’s Alley (other things relating to Jericho and other TV shows, including a regular “Ask Margie and Edna” Q&A feature).

Check ‘em out. I often find out something new, and her interviews with fans and others are always interesting.

Illustrations courtesy of Jericho Monster.

For the finale, we have one new guest blogger, Bill, known to many on the Jericho boards as Nuciferous1. First, here’s the basics on Bill:

Age: 41
Where I live: Minneapolis, Minn.
When I started watching Jericho: I was rooted to my couch for the season premiere on Sept. 20, 2006.
What about Jericho makes it so special to me: I like Jericho because instead of the usual diseases, homicides and every day dreck, Jericho presents something that could quite possibly be in our near future. It is great drama that makes me think what I would do if every single freedom I enjoy were threatened and I was thrown into the middle of a civil war in my own country.
My favorite character on the show and why: It would be easier for me to say who my least favorite character is. I like them all but if I had to take a pick I would have to say Johnston Green. He is the ultimate leader. He’s flawed but very wise and a combat tested veteran. He knows when to pick his battles and is able to to accept defeat when it is inevitable. Jake and Eric have their work cut out for them in the coming season. Then there’s the venerable Robert Hawkins. I have just 9 words for him — “Robert hawkins is in ur revolution scarin’ teh enemies.”
Unless you want to hear about all of my L33t coding skills, I’ll skip this question.
Me, on the Internet: Nuciferous adj. Yielding Nuts for Jericho

For the finale, we have a return engagement by our beloved Edna and Margie, co-guest bloggers and Jericho’s eldest residents.

Name: Margie
That nice Amy wants my bio.
Age: Nobody’s business.
Where you live: Well, dear, I was born and reared here in Jericho.
Personal: I have one sister, Edna. Married 5 times, but I won’t mention the name of the jealous hussy who ran them off. I don’t have any children.
More about me: I was the town librarian because I enjoyed contact with everybody in town. I garden (I’m president of our gardening club), read, crochet, cook, collect recipes, watch soap operas. Pay visits to the sick. I believe we should all do our civic duties and help the less fortunate.

Name: Edna … oh my, I don’t think I want to give you my last name, you never know what kind of ruffians might be lurking, just waiting to steal your identity.
Age: A lady never tells, dear.
Where you live: Jericho, KS, where I was born and raised, and where I will be buried.
When you started watching Jericho: Well, I’ve been watching the town and the people of Jericho all my life. I’m not really sure what you mean by this question, dear. You really should be more specific.
Your favorite character on the show and why: Show? What show? You know, I myself have been called quite a character by many people. My sister Margie calls me much worse, but I try not to listen to her.
What about Jericho makes it so special to you: The sense of community and belonging that you get in a small town like Jericho. You just can’t find that very much any more, especially in these trying and harrowing times.
Anything else you want to tell the readers about yourself: Well, I like to embroider and cook, and Margie and I grow our own herbs and vegetables in the garden. I’m also a mean pool player, just ask anyone down at Bailey’s. But don’t you believe that Eric Green if he says I cheat, he’s a dirty liar.

Age: in my 40s
Where I live: Southeastern Kentucky
When I started watching Jericho: From the moment the promotions began in September of 2006!
My favorite character on the show and why: Stanley Richmond, because to me he represents the best of our future, he works with what is at hand in a great emotional manner.
What about Jericho makes it so special to me: This type of story has always been of interest to me, but Jericho is special because it shows how sense of community is the key to success in a terrible situation.
More about me: I love Jericho, but I also love to write, make beaded jewelery, and work on genealogy.
Me, on the Internet: My own blog is JerichoOnCBS and I am a moderator at Nuts For Jericho, on Nutsonline.com.

And now, Lisa’s excellent recap of “Coalition of the Willing.” (Note to Yvonne: You have some competition, here!)

Today, we have another return engagement, this time by guest blogger Yvonne G. of Norfolk, Va. We last heard from Yvonne on Semper Fidelis, one of the earlier episodes in the Great Jericho Blogging Experiment

First, here’s a reminder of who Yvonne is:
Age: 40
Started watching: On Day 1 and never looked back!
Favorite character: This is a tough question, there are interesting things about all of them! I guess if I had to choose one, it would be Robert Hawkins. He’s smart, mysterious and all we REALLY know about him is what he told Jake Green about himself (and Jake chose to believe him). He does seem to be a decent human being and he’s learning the value of his family, so it’s interesting to see how his character is growing.
Why Jericho is special to me: To put it simply, it’s just a well written show, with interesting characters and one of the greatest ensemble casts on television today. The show is also so real: real small-town values and interpersonal relationships and real human imperfections and strengths. The show makes you feel like a part of the community and a part of these people’s lives. There is a vested interest in these characters.
More about me: I’m a GIS Analyst for an Engineering firm. I have four dogs and a wonderful husband and my hobbies include reading, poker and travel!

Now, before the recap, a note from Yvonne:

First, let me preface the recap with an apology that it’s so long. Many of my friends that are new to Jericho have missed an episode here and there (not to mention the big missing chunk in the middle of the summer re-runs), so I make my recaps detailed so that they can follow what’s going on. That said, here’s the recap of “Coalition of the Willing.”

Amy note: We love your long recaps, Yvonne. Like I said earlier: The Internet has virtually limitless space, so why not?

She was shy at first about joining the Great Jericho Blogging Experiment, but she finally caved. Here’s her info, then her recap of “One If By Land”:

Name: I am all over the Internet as kricka, but my real name is Erika.
Age: Turned 39 in July, woo hoo!!
Where I live: Brooklyn, N.Y.
When I started watching Jericho: My butt was on the couch right from the start.
My favorite character on the show and why: Ooooh, I am so bad with picking favorites, so I’m not gonna. I will say that I can relate to Jake, Heather, Mimi and Stanley (and I guess that gives away lots about me, including who I am rooting for in the romance department).
What about Jericho makes it so special to me: Other than the post-apocalyptic thing that I am much more intrigued by than I had previously realized, what I love the most about Jericho is that it doesn’t portray small-town folk as simple-minded. I grew up in small towns in different parts of the country, and people are just as complex and interesting in small towns as they are in big cities. This show captures that nicely, without really judging anyone. Also, I like how nothing is black and white, but only shades of gray.
More about me: Like most of my friends, I am happily unmarried and childless, and our lives don’t even come close to resembling “Sex and the City.” That show has caused more misunderstandings and annoyances with people who don’t live here, as much as I did love to watch. And I know New Yorkers get a bad rap in other parts of the country for being only concerned with ourselves and being snooty, but there are a lot of us who are really interested in the rest of the country, and appreciate the quirks and differences from region to region.
Me, on the Internet: I write a blog, Short Story Life, that is totally random. Sometimes I post every day, sometimes you won’t hear from me for a month. Also, I spend a ridiculous amount of time on Television Without Pity and Radio Free Jericho. Really, I think there needs to be a patch or a pill or something to break my addiction.

Today we have a return engagement by guest blogger Kay. She was one of our first volunteers for the Great Jericho Blogging Experiment. We last heard from her with her recap of “Blackjack.” This time, she blogs on Episode 20: “One If By Land.”

First, here’s a review of Kay’s info:
Age: Old enough to know better, young enough not to care…
Home:Akron, Ohio—Once the Tire Capital of the world, (Goodyear still produces tires for NASCAR here), we’re the home of the Goodyear Blimp, The All-American Soap Box Derby and LeBron James
Started watching Jericho: from the first previews and commercials!
Favorite character: Jake Green, particularly because he’s played so well by Skeet Ulrich. It’s interesting to learn how and why Jake has evolved into the man he is today. Jake still sees himself as the town misfit, the young hotheaded screw-up he used to be, unworthy of the respect he’s earned in Jericho. He seems surprised at his own strength and capability when heroics and responsibility are demanded of him.
What about Jericho makes it so special: I think it’s the whole ‘What if this happened here, to us?’ scenario. How WOULD we react if we faced these same circumstances? I love the way the writers make this town and these characters so real-that in the midst of a frightening tragedy there’s still hope, love and humor.
More about Kay: I love to read, write, and keep in touch with friends and family. While I love to travel, I can’t imagine living anywhere but the Midwest.
Kay’s Jericho sites: http://tmoodaddicts.blogspot.com, http://skeetulrich.proboards80.com and http://capturingskeet.smugmug.com

After the break, we get Kay’s excellent recap.

So, we have One If By Land airing at 8 tonight, with guest blogs coming over the weekend by Kay and newbie (to the guest blogs, that is), Erika (known as kricka all over the Jericho boards).

At the same time, Exec Prod Dan Shotz will be online at the Jericho site for a live chat.

Then, next weekend, we have a double shot of Jericho:
• At 9 p.m. next Friday (Sept. 14th), we get Coalition of the Willing (guest blogged by returning G.B. Yvonne and newbie-to-us Lisa).
• At 8 p.m. Sept. 15 (Saturday), we get the first season finale, Why We Fight (guest blogged by the beloved Edna and Margie, aka Beth and Jane, and also by newbie — again, just to the guest blogs — Nuciferous).

Last tidbit: On The Salty Scoop blog, production folks inform us that they’re close to having episode 5 totally wrapped up and there’s less than four weeks left on production of the seven eps they’re been given the go-ahead to do.

And now for something completely different.

A little while back, I asked previous Jericho</