Good concept, poorly executed.

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

I think people coming to Jericho for historical accuracy, smut and grime filled realism will be sadly disappointed with this show. Those of us with a bit more open mind will accept that not all shows need to be so closely attached to realism to be a good tale. Jericho provides some elements of harsh realities but not to the point of compromising the integrity of what I believe the show is trying to achieve. Which is a moral line drawn in the sand and a way to spin a tale but also show us that people can eventually make the right choices, they can change. The show has clearly set boundaries for a reason and this is what makes it so hard for people to accept now with other shows related to the same era baring all for maximum profit and delights. If you compare it to those shows then of course it will fall short for your needs. Perhaps (most likely) it is a marketing failure on the networks part, but the show has seemed to draw in people that just want to see more smut, realism, and close attention to facts only.In short, if you want harsh realities with no sense of purpose but to reflect what we already know to be true on human nature there are plenty of other shows to watch--Jericho is NOT one of them.( I am not saying there is no value in realism, I am saying Jericho is not to be compared, because it's simply not the same style)If you want an interesting tale set in this time with more emphasis on integrity of actions Jericho is the show to watch.Re-market this show correctly so people do not get confused about what to expect and some fair reviews can start to come in.

An interesting concept but far too sanitisedShould be far, far more gritty, violent and sweary. Deadwood which was a similar concept soared to majestic heights with dialogue approaching Shakespearian proportions and profanities which were entirely relevant within the context.Some of the characterisation is is straight from central casting such as the "tart with a heart" and the drunk who sees the light thanks to the attention of a good woman.The plot is entirely predictable as it comes lumbering over the horizon just as the trains will over the viaduct once it is eventually completed.An opportunity missed.

Railway era always has a romantic feel to it, some brave men venturing for progress and all that jazz. Unfortunately for Jericho, it's merely a timid drama instead of gritty realistic outlook of promising theme. The acting and environment are lackluster even though there are a few good shots due to its cinematography. Its slow plodding pace also serves as burden rather than pushing for a delectable endeavor.At first, it has a few interesting foundations. The characters appear likable enough while the scenery is primed for a grand journey through the era. However, it soon falters with the slow direction. In the span of an hour, there are too many unnecessarily lingering shots and merely one or two notable events. Audience doesn't need to see longing stares numerous times or chase scene that seems to run in circle, even the supposedly crucial moments ironically lack impact on them.This is a vanilla version of frontier drama with barely any excitement. It doesn't have to be full blown Wild West to be engaging, yet Jericho is atypically timid. Other series on the same time period like The Knick has shown the debauchery that can be fully capitalized, meanwhile Jericho doesn't appear to have the gusto to embrace the harshness of its time, which might feel sadly underwhelming.Acting is clumsy at times, some of the characters feel out of place, not because they are meant to, but their mannerisms are either too reserved or overly blunt to be convincing. Furthermore, the visual and audio are designed a tad too merrily, which is strange since the on-screen characters would try to sell their predicaments. Soundtracks might sound fitting to the premise, yet the repetitive tune starts to worn out its welcome.The slow and timid Jericho undermines its own potential, it feels too safe for the atmospheric and tenacious frontier era.

Another of those series I had high hopes for. Jessica Raine is a truly talented and very beautiful actress, but her agent seems to be working for the competition, firstly Partners in Crime, which flopped quite miserably, and then Jericho. The format of the show is interesting, and I find the subject matter quite intriguing, sadly I find the finished product rather lacking on several levels. The dialogue is definitely wrong, a few attempts with the odd 'yonder' and 'me fine lady,' but largely it felt out of place. I am struggling to believe that Jessica Raine is old enough to be the mother of her daughter, surely they're sisters?Everyone is too immaculate, for the time I could imagine it being a little more rugged, a bit more grimy and Earthy, it all feels too fresh and shiny. Quite a poor attempt. Channel Four made a drama called The Mill a few years ago, which captured the true harshness of the time, Jericho seems devoid of it.Mehh 4/10