'Jericho': Goodbye Goetz

We knew Goetz's days were numbered after the horrific events of last week, but "Jericho" really knows how to kick a villain when he's down. In the space of a television hour, Goetz went from being the big man in charge to being stripped of his position and then shot in the head while two groups of people argued over who should get to arrest him.

I'm not big on the whole vengeance-killings-in-entertainment concept, but last night's "Jericho" made it work, thanks to the sensitive performance of series regular Brad Beyer (as Stanley) and the loathsome turn from recurring guest D.B. Sweeney (as Goetz).

Be sure to check out Beyer's reflections on the episode at the show's website.

Stanley's indecisiveness in the moment was heartbreaking, and genuinely suspenseful. And the way the scene was staged by director Guy Norman Bee was a thing of beauty, especially the choice to let the audience see Stanley arrive and make his way to Goetz in the background as Jake was arguing in the foreground. The entire sequence was the dramatic high point of the hour, but it wasn't overblown with excessive music or melodramatic tears or shouting.

And then, just as simply, Goetz goes down and Hawkins immediately speaks up as the voice of clear-headed reason. Everything's really on a roll as we head into the final two episodes.

If you're worried about the future of the show, check out this post from the CBS.com message boards. A new campaign seems to be brewing...

-- Geoff Berkshire

Comments

[Sarah]

I have never had a moment where I have been so genuinely shocked by a TV show than when Stanley shot Goetz. It was jaw dropping to say the least. It is the best show that isn't on Shotime.

I don't think CBS really gave Jericho a fair shot this season. Putting it up against American Idol is downright accepting failure. I really hope they realize that the writer's strike certainly didn't help matters and 7 episodes isn't enough time to attract a larger audience.

[Karen]

It's just going to be a crime if we don't get season 3. They don't make TV like this period. It's been amazing.

[maybei]

DB Sweeney is such a fine actor - he made Goetz believable and we loved to hate him. This season has been amazing - kudos to the writers, producers, cast and crew!

Jericho Season 3!!

[Bearable1958]

Jericho is one fantasic show and last weeks show had me in tears for Stanley one minute to rolling on the floor with Jimmy & Bill ripping a hole in the wall.

I was impressed with the way the whole Goetz storyline ended. It made me happy he got his in the end, sad that Stanley was the one who pulled the trigger and worried how it will effect him. And down right mad and worried for Jake. The character of Jake is a great leader and he is willing to put himself on the line at all cost for his town and the people.

I pray CBS comes to it's senses and renews Jericho. They just don't understand what a beautiful jewel of a show they really have. If they give it a chance and a decent time slot and a great lead in show, they would be very surprised at how the people will line up behind it. I know way too many people who just don't stay up that late or care for a show like Big Brother. I also do not care for Big Brother and look for something else to take up my time before Jericho comes on. Tonight I will be watching Dancing with the Stars until 10pm when Jericho comes on. Sorry CBS, but that is the way I roll.

[mpbnice]

While I was glad to see Goetz get his, I was unhappy with Stanley doing the deed. But that's one of the the things that set "Jericho" apart from other shows. It frequently doesn't go the way you think, or hope, it will.