Overview:
In a shift from the present-day chaos in Jericho, “The Day Before” rewinds time, offering a glimpse into the moments leading up to the nuclear attacks. Through flashbacks, the episode provides long-awaited answers about key characters, their motivations, and the events that set the disaster in motion.
Plot Summary:
The episode follows Jake Green (Skeet Ulrich), Robert Hawkins (Lennie James), and Eric Green (Kenneth Mitchell) in the days leading up to the attacks, revealing critical details about their pasts and setting the stage for future conflicts.
Jake’s backstory is finally explored, as viewers learn more about his time away from Jericho. His dealings with dangerous individuals hint at a history far more complicated than he has admitted, reinforcing the mystery surrounding his sudden return home. His actions suggest that he wasn’t just aimlessly traveling—he was involved in something far more significant.
Meanwhile, Hawkins’ past unravels in dramatic fashion. The episode reveals that he was directly tied to the larger conspiracy surrounding the nuclear explosions, strengthening suspicions that he knew the attacks were coming. Flashbacks expose his involvement with secret government operations, casting doubt on whether he is truly in Jericho to help or if he has his own agenda.
Eric’s storyline focuses on his personal struggles, particularly his deteriorating marriage and complicated relationship with Mary Bailey (Clare Carey). His conflicts highlight the emotional weight carried into the present-day survival efforts.
As the episode jumps between timelines, it offers a fascinating contrast—the calm before the storm versus the devastating reality Jericho faces now.
Themes and Analysis:
- Fate vs. Choice – The flashbacks highlight how small decisions led each character to their current predicament, emphasizing the idea that fate is shaped by choices.
- Secrets and Truths – Hawkins’ past is placed under a microscope, suggesting his knowledge of the attacks may run even deeper than suspected.
- Personal Regrets and Consequences – The episode explores how characters’ past actions weigh on them in the present, adding emotional depth to their survival struggles.
Memorable Moments:
- Jake’s Past Revealed – His dealings with criminals indicate a history far more dangerous than expected.
- Hawkins’ Government Connection – His flashback solidifies suspicions that he had knowledge of the attacks long before they happened.
- The Calm Before the Storm – Seeing Jericho’s residents living their normal lives before the disaster adds weight to their struggles now.
Character Spotlight:
Robert Hawkins is the most compelling figure in this episode, as revelations about his past suggest that he is far more than just another survivor—he may be tied to the very origins of the attacks themselves.
Jake Green’s backstory strengthens his character arc, adding layers of complexity to his return to Jericho.
Conclusion:
“The Day Before” brings new depth to Jericho by finally offering insight into the lives of key characters before everything changed. The flashbacks don’t just answer questions—they create new ones, ensuring that the mystery continues to build. By showing the contrast between past and present, Jericho reminds viewers how quickly everything can fall apart, reinforcing the emotional and narrative stakes moving forward.
