It's reality check time.  It's time we all take a step back, and remember the quote from the MST3K theme song:  "Just repeat to yourself it's just a show, and you should really just relax."  It's also time to quit shooting the messenger here.  In response to negative posts and personal attacks on Michael Hinman, we have to remember that he is on our side!  He just has a job to do, and fans attacking him for doing his job the right way are being counter-productive.  Once we start fighting amongst ourselves, we lose our credibility and start looking like a bunch of cry-babies.  A house divided against itself can't stand.  Some people are so personally wrapped up in whether or not CBS renews Jericho, that they may need to start taking medication. 

While the ratings aren't necessarily what CBS is looking for, there have been indications that CBS is leaning towards renewal.  Skeet's been on several morning shows.  Other cast members are doing interviews.  We still have a tremendous presence online and through alternative media.  Carol Barbee has said there is interest in Jericho outside of CBS, so even if we aren't renewed, there's a good chance that Jericho will live on elsewhere.  Oh, and by the way... it's really not necessary to boycott CBS if they cancel Jericho.  It really won't make any difference, other than to mollify yourself.  It's like a few people deciding that gas prices are too high, so they ride their bikes to work.  The vast majority of us wage slaves are still going to plug the pump into our SUV's and bend over and take it. 

The reality is that CBS is a business and they have to make a business decision as to whether or not Jericho in the future will continue to be profitable on their network.  They realize they have a niche hit, with a lot of devoted fans.  Let me put it this way.  How many times have you seen a niche restaurant--say a Mexican place--open up?  Everyone that goes there thinks they have awesome food, and they develop a regular clientelle.  Unfortunately, word-of-mouth only travels so far, and they aren't bringing in enough new customers to keep up with overhead.  To make matters worse, they're in a location with a McDonalds, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut all in the same area.  Suddenly, you go to that restaurant and find it closed and a "for sale" sign in the window.   Jericho is like that new restaurant, in a crowded location (10:00pm on Tuesday) and most people are opting for the convenience and consistency of McDonalds (Law and Order: SVU).  So, in order to be profitable, the business (Jericho) either has to move to another, less crowed location (which may not be an economically viable option), sell or close down.

I've been a fan of this show since the beginning.  I really want to see it keep going, but I can understand if it gets cancelled.  We should all be proud of what we accomplished last summer-- bringing this show back from the dead for seven more episodes!  These seven were really for US, and we cheapen that accomplishment by shaking our fists at CBS because we somehow feel cheated now.   They gave us what they promised.  There was no guarantee of more if the numbers weren't there.  We just have to hope that they're taking the alt media and internet numbers into consideration, and give Jericho another shot.  If not, then we look at other venues.  Let's try and be positive, and not attack every negative word said about the show.  Take it all with a grain of salt until Nina Tassler gives us a thumbs up or thumbs down.