He did pick it as the first show to be cancelled back in August, and this show has proved him wrong.
Compared to some of the early offerings and against LOST, it didn't seem like it would work. Also, Post-Apocalypse shows can be a downer. And I'll Admit that the scripts can tend to concentrate too much on semi-soapy family relationships.
However, what put this show over on me was the excellent storyline and genuine plot revelations that came as the season progressed. We probably haven't seen a season arc this good since
Babylon 5 in the mid-90's.
We did find out about Jake's problems. We did see what happened to that fiancee left in Chicago. We also had Hawkins sit down and talk with Jake about what his part was in who dropped the bombs. All this while we do have other season-long developments like the Farmer & the IRS agent. Eric, April, and the Bartender. Hawkins and his family. And now a showdown with New Bern.
I will admit that the individual scripts themselves will win no emmys, the Skeet Ulrich will never win a SAG award, and that some episodes are artificially pumped up to create some suspense (especially with the violins of portent). But compared to how some shows has gone, Jericho has done all right for itself and I hope CBS gives it a second season in maybe another slot.
Hey, it took 2nd in viewers in its hour!