Jericho fans have been eagerly awaiting the return of the post-apocalyptic drama, which finally premieres on CBS this Tuesday at 10pm.  To get Jericho fanatics pumped up for season 2 of the series, TV Guide recently ran an article detailing what we can expect in the seven completed episodes.  Fans can look forward to a little bit of romance, a shady new leader for the Allied States of America, and one unexpected casualty that promises to kick the story into high gear.

Due to the shortened episode order, season 2 is focused almost entirely on the newly formed federal government operating out of Cheyenne, Wyoming.  The shady leader of the group, President Tomarchio, will be played by actor George Newbern, who viewers might recognize from his guest stints on CSI, Cold Case, and Medium.  Jericho executive producer Carol Barbee says that, "The legitimate heir to the democratic government is in Columbus, Ohio, but they don't have the number of military bases on that side of the fence that the Cheyenne government does."  Viewers should definitely look for Tomarchio to be causing some trouble.

The government upheaval won't leave a lot of time for romance, but season 2 will find Jake (Skeet Ulrich) and Emily (Ashley Scott) together, as well as Eric (Kenneth Mitchell) and Mary continuing their relationship.  The only romance that will really develop in the second season is between IRS auditor Mimi (Alicia Coppola) and laid back farmer Stanley (Brad Beyer).  It's definitely a matter of opposites attract, but Barbee points out that, "He's got character.  He's got strength.  He's probably everything she always wanted, but never knew she did."

One thing that has kept Jericho fans busy over the months is the website JenningsandRall.com.  The web page for the new government contractor that sets up shop in Jericho was so convincing that actor Lennie James, who plays covert agent Robert Hawkins, thought they were a real company for awhile.  "I wondered if they were going to be concerned about how they were portrayed in the show," he admits.

As for the big casualty that will rock the town, it promises to be shocking to viewers but necessary to get the season's story jump-started.  Barbee says that, "We really felt that something had to happen that was so heinous, the town would rise up against the Cheyenne government."

It sounds like Jericho fans are in for a shock to the system when the series returns on February 12.

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- Don Williams, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: TV Guide
(Image courtesy of CBS)