| Plot synopsis for Pilot |
Plot synopsis for Pilot
Thirty-two year old Jake Green returns for a short visit to his isolated rural home town of Jericho, Kansas after a mysterious five-year absence. While he was away, Jake had no contact with any of his family or friends, except possibly his mother Gail. Jake is evasive about his absence; he is asked where he has been by various Jericho residents, and he gives different answers — include claims to have been playing minor league baseball and serving in both the Army and Navy.
Jake’s mother, Gail, who apparently knows where Jake has been, is very happy and relieved to see him. Jake discusses with his father, Mayor Johnston Green, the inheritance Jake’s grandfather left him. Johnston refuses to release the money to Jake until Jake leads what Johnston calls "a more productive life." Afterwards, Jake goes to visits his grandfather’s grave, despite his mother’s objections. Jake leaves Jericho that same day, telling his mother that he must return to San Diego.
As Jake leaves town, the President addresses a joint session of Congress about a rise in global violence. Simultaneously, all the television and radio stations and telephone communication go dead. At the same time, some residents of the town see a mushroom cloud on the horizon, in the direction of Denver, Colorado over a mountain range. On the highway, another driver, distracted by the cloud, drifts into the opposing lane, where Jake is driving, also distracted. The cars collide, killing the occupants of the other car and knocking Jake unconscious.
| " | In town, Dale Turner discovers a message from his mother on his answering machine. The end of the message is interrupted by a large explosion heard in the background. Dale later plays the message for a group of adults at the Greens' house. Gail offers condolences to Dale, saying that she hadn't known Dale's mother was visiting Denver. |
