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Reviewer: Shadowflame Signed [Report This]
Date: 05 Aug 2013 6:40:31 AM Title: Part 12A

Oh my... that story with the baby... that's so horrible... :(

But that is what I really think would / could happen... *sigh* *hangs head*

"But now, it sounds like he's pretty much reverted to ogre Jake, happily biting off the head of anyone who makes the unforgiveable mistake of saying hello."

*laughs at that* Oh yeah, I bet this would be his reaction!

""But you do know that you can un-break up, right?"" Awwwwww, that's so sweet to name it like that... ;)

" "What those Green boys do to us. I think I can officially welcome you to the 'It Ain't Easy Bein' Green' club."

LOL, oh yeah... ;)

Oh my... is Emily serious this time? But I really can't see her getting friendly with Heather in this one... *shakes head*

"Did you ask Mom?" Jake inquired finally.

"Son," Johnston replied, a hint of a drawl once again coloring his tone, "I'm fifty-nine years old. I was mayor of this town since the Carter administration. I'm a retired U.S. Army Ranger and a combat veteran. Of course I asked your mother."

"Okay," Jake agreed, not quite able to repress a knowing smirk. "I guess you're goin'."

LOL - I so LOVE this little conversation... it is one of my favorite scenes in Jericho! :)

 

Reviewer: Joise Signed [Report This]
Date: 07 Sep 2008 11:00:57 PM Title: Part 12A

Wow, Emily just doesn't give up does she? Loved Jake's reaction to Heather wanting to come along...why do I have the feeling she'll be tagging along anyways...



Author's Response:

Emily is Emily, what else can I say?  Thanks for reviewing, Joise! :-)

Reviewer: Skyrose Signed [Report This]
Date: 07 Sep 2008 5:24:13 PM Title: Part 12A

 

I really enjoy the detail you put into both the present day scenes and the scenes 5 years ago. It really adds a lot of insight into your story. I really like what the details tell us about the character's personalities.

I liked reading about the town meeting and wasn't surprised that one of the first thing that Gray did as mayor was to remove Heather from her position as leader of the Technical Solutions Team.  I really liked how you personalized the deaths from the cold weather by having the Berry's living across the street from her when she lived on Green Street and by having Mr. Berry bringing her vegetables from his garden and helping her shovel her driveway when it snowed.  I think it made the scene a lot more realistic.

The story that the boys told about the newborn baby was really sad. It also goes a long way in explaining why Drake is the way he is. I felt very sad for both Drake and Beth. I liked the contrast between the relative safety of Jericho and the reality of the outside world that the story provided. After hearing Roger talk about Black Jack and this story, I was with Jake that Heather should not go to Black Jack.

I just love the way you right April. I'm very happy to be getting to know her from your story and wish they developed her character more on the show.  She is such a good friend to Heather. I loved the whole scene between Heather and April but I do have to say my favorite part was the birth of the "It ain't easy being Green Club.' I especially liked how April called Gramps to let him know that Heather was on her way.

I liked the contrast between the scene with April and Heather and the scene with Emily and Heather.  I think that Emily finally has realized that Jake is no longer ‘available' and is trying to comfort Heather in typical Emily fashion.  I think she is trying to use her own experience and views of the world to try and help Heather and is not being very successful.  I like how you included Heather's  thoughts about how she would have lost so much if she didn't trusting Jake all those years ago despite Emily trying to warn her off.

The scene with Johnston telling Jake that he wanted to go to Black Jack was my favorite scene in the episode. I liked the additional conversation you added between Jake and Johnston about Heather's thoughts on going to Black Jack.




Author's Response:

Thank you for your detailed comments, Skyrose, both here and during the beta process.  Your gentle nudges and questions about why so-and-so is doing such-and-such really help improve this story. :-)

 

The story that the boys told about the newborn baby was really sad. It also goes a long way in explaining why Drake is the way he is. I felt very sad for both Drake and Beth. I liked the contrast between the relative safety of Jericho and the reality of the outside world that the story provided.

 I do think that Jericho is a safer place than most of the world around them.  It's important that her citizens realize this fact, and that they work to protect what they have.  You're also correct in that Drake is still reeling from what he witnessed, and the guilt he feels for "allowing" it to happen.  But now that the Greens know, I think they'll be able to better support and nurture him.  I'm still hoping for a happy ending for Drake, but only time will tell!

 

I just love the way you right April. I'm very happy to be getting to know her from your story and wish they developed her character more on the show.  She is such a good friend to Heather. I loved the whole scene between Heather and April but I do have to say my favorite part was the birth of the "It ain't easy being Green Club.'

 I'm willing (reluctantly) to admit that my version of April probably isn't the version any of the Jericho writers had in mind, but I love her and have really enjoyed developing her and getting to know her, even if she's nowhere near canon anymore.  Honestly, I always thought that the "It Aint Easy Bein' Green" club really was a figment of Jake's imagination, but it's really too good to pass up isn't it?  It will have to remain a top secret, clandestine organization naturally. ;-)

 

I liked the contrast between the scene with April and Heather and the scene with Emily and Heather.  I think that Emily finally has realized that Jake is no longer 'available' and is trying to comfort Heather in typical Emily fashion.  I think she is trying to use her own experience and views of the world to try and help Heather and is not being very successful.  I like how you included Heather's  thoughts about how she would have lost so much if she didn't trusting Jake all those years ago despite Emily trying to warn her off.

 The fact that the two scenes come so close together was a bit of a happy accident, but I think they really improve one another, so that's good.  I wrote this with the idea that Emily really was trying to help with no ulterior motive, as well as with the idea that Emily did realize that Jake was unavailable, even before Roger showed up.  But we never really know where someone else is coming from and this is an instance where Heather's interpretation was a little off (though still valid given her past experience!)  As for Heather's thoughts, I couldn't resist the chance to comment a little on how her character was basically dismissed  from the story during this episode, and then all but forgotten - a fate that will not occur here in Different Circumstances!

Reviewer: merryann Signed [Report This]
Date: 31 Jul 2008 2:15:46 AM Title: Part 12A

I loved every bit of it, Marzee! (OK, at least the loveable parts, lol!)  I'm relieved to know that Heather will not be going to Black Jack or New Bern (I don't mind being spoiled a bit).  Her health and the health of the baby are far too important!  Drag Harry along if need be!

The farm story was very poignant, but necessary, I think, to get Heather's attention.  I won't dwell there or I'll be having bad dreams, too.

Looking forward to more!!

Hugs, Merryann



Author's Response:

Thanks, Merryann!

I just couldn't see any way where pregnant Heather at Black Jack was going to work, and Jake is certainly (rightly) against it.  The Black Jack contingent is forming and will depart soon.  

More coming soon. :-)

 

Reviewer: Penny Lane Signed [Report This]
Date: 23 Jul 2008 1:07:23 PM Title: Part 12A

 Nice work, Marzee! I was so excited to see another chapter from you. Actually, our local paper reminded me of your story the other day- the front page of the lifestyle section said “Mairzy doats and dozey doats...” (it was an article about lambs being used to eat grape leaves at a winery) and I wondered when I'd get to read another chapter of your fantastic story and then here it is!

I was so interested to see how you would handle this part of the story. Black Jack was one of my favourite episodes of the whole series. Reading this first part, I was reminded both of some of my favourite parts of the original story (Johnston explaining why he'd asked permission to go Black Jack, everyone in town turning to 'volunteer' Jake) and also, the great additions you always make to the story in your DC universe.

I enjoyed your version of the town hall meeting. I was annoyed, but not surprised, that Gray would remove Heather from her position of leadership. It wouldn't really be a smooth regime change if he left one of the Greens in charge. I loved that tenuous, frantic feeling you captured in the E.J. Green Council Room. (Nice detail- but no wonder Gray feels threatened by the Greens. They're everywhere.) I loved the (mostly) unspoken challenges Gray is facing here as he tries to handle some of his first crises. I enjoyed this line in particular:

"I mean, this is a no-brainer," Jake argued, moving to stand behind his father's chair, as close as he could get to standing with Heather. "It's Kansas. We've got a lotta wind," he reminded, and once again the room was filled with soft, appreciative laughter.

"Well, we got a lotta hot air 'round here, anyway," somebody shouted.

"Practically an unlimited supply," Jake added with a nod at Gray's chalkboard. "Wind, I mean," he clarified, his lips twitching.



I'm glad we finally got to hear about what happened to the guys on their trip to Jericho, but what a horrifying story- poor Drake! I feel for the other two, of course, but especially Drake, knowing how this has affected him. No wonder he seems to have such difficulty trusting the good things that happen- he's seen just about the worst thing you could see happening in the world. I think another interesting thing about these three characters you've introduced to us, besides the fact that they're great characters in of themselves, is the perspective they can bring to the characters who haven't seen what things are like outside of Jericho.

One of my favourite parts of the original Black Jack was how Heather chose to go out in the world herself, helping the town and seeing for herself how everything had changed. I know that it is a lot more complicated for her here- there's the obvious, she has so much to protect, and she also has that accurate picture of how bad things can get, thanks to Michael and the others. I'm glad she's still standing up for herself and challenging those who try to stop her. I hope we get to see more of this.

It was an interesting contrast to go from the scenes with an older, wiser Heather struggling with the way her world has changed, to the scene where younger, less experienced Heather has hit a low point after her 'breakup' with Jake. The problem she's facing is so different, but the scene is just as poignant. I really loved April in this scene, taking charge of the situation and offering her voice of reason. I really loved her line here:

You know, all last summer, Jake was pretty much a pain in the ass, with the occasional good moment to remind us all why he wasn't drowned at birth," April explained, allowing a frustrated laugh. She reached for Heather's hand, squeezing it quickly. "Then he met you. But now, it sounds like he's pretty much reverted to ogre Jake, happily biting off the head of anyone who makes the unforgiveable mistake of saying hello."

You write April with such great humour. I loved hearing about her invention of the It's-not-easy-being-Green club. You also show her to have quite a bit of wisdom. I loved the way she explained to Heather that she could 'un-break up', and to start with the simplest truth- that she loves him and is sorry. And she knows how to work with her allies- too funny that she and Gramps conspired over the phone.


The April-Heather scene contrasted nicely with the Heather-Emily scene. As I mentioned above, we see a more grown-up Heather, with a different set of priorities. I wasn't sure what to think about Emily at first. I believe she's probably trying to be helpful. In her own way, she's trying to make sense of the world, and the horrifying story she's just heard. She's just...being herself. Trying to figure out what's going on with Heather, but filtering everything through her own experience, so she's not quite understanding. Resulting in awkward moments like this:

"You don't like me, do you?"

"I - I don't hate you, Emily," Heather hedged, looking down at her hands. She twisted the paper towel around two fingers, wringing it, though there was no excess moisture to be won.

"But you don't like me," the other woman persisted. "We're not friends."

Maybe she really is wanting to reach out more, re-evaluating her own priorities. She's just chosen the wrong time and place, misjudged what is happening with those around her. This is all, of course, just how I am interpreting it. I'm glad Heather was able to stay focused on her own situation at hand, without allowing herself to fall for any of Emily's manipulation (Intended or not).


I loved the scene between Jake and Johnston. I loved the way they are able to find some humour in the grim situation with which they are faced. I thought you chose a really great scene to end this part.

As always, looking forward to the next part!




Author's Response:

Penny, you have no idea how tickled I am that you thought of me when you saw "Mairzy Doats" in the newspaper!  And, I'm glad you were rewarded for checking to see if there was an update. :-)

You are right, Gray is being haunted by the Greens, but what does he expect when he takes over leading a town that (at least im my mind) has been led -- mostly beneficently -- by one family for half a century or more?  The Greens are part of the very fabric of Jericho and Gray (again, in my mind at least) is a relative new comer to Jericho.  He can love the town, but he can't love the town like a Green! ;-)

And, you are also right about Drake.  He was deeply affected by what happened in Indiana and is still second guessing whether or not he could have done anything.  After all, he's the one who very innocently surrendered the baby to her father.  The boys have other things to tell about their trip, but I'm almost certain this was the most horrific.  (They're rather closed mouth about the whole thing, so it's hard to know for sure.)

Quote:

One of my favourite parts of the original Black Jack was how Heather chose to go out in the world herself, helping the town and seeing for herself how everything had changed. I know that it is a lot more complicated for her here- there's the obvious, she has so much to protect, and she also has that accurate picture of how bad things can get, thanks to Michael and the others. I'm glad she's still standing up for herself and challenging those who try to stop her. I hope we get to see more of this.

You are absolutely right in your analysis here (and you put it together a lot better than I had, so thank you for that).  You've also given me a lot to keep in mind.... There's a tension, of course, between Heather doing everything she thinks she needs to, everything she wants to do, and also protecting what's important to her - her unborn child, her marriage, her extended family.  She's going to have to make compromises, as will those around her.  It's daunting to know I have to write that, but it's also a challenge, and I enjoy challenges. :-)  Thank you for giving me one... to stay as true to Heather's character as possible.  The good news is, I have lots of opportunity, since Heather is not going to disappear from Jericho.

Thanks for the thought-provoking review, Penny.  :-)  i can report that I've already taken some of it into consideration as I've worked on the next parts.

Reviewer: JuliaGulia Signed [Report This]
Date: 21 Jul 2008 8:34:41 PM Title: Part 12A

I love this chapter. I was wondering during the whole story how you were going to incorperate the 'Blackjack' Episode into this AU world. It's one of my favorite episodes of the series and I can't wait to see what else you do with it.

 I always love reading the five years before segments. They are so cute, and i love reading how Heather's relationship, not only with Jake, but with the entire Green family grows. I especially love Heather's relationship with April, and am waiting, biting my nails to see how you handle the death of April, or if you decided to not have April die, i know you can write either very well.

 You are a fantastic writer and I can not wait to read the next installment!! So, I hope you wont keep me waiting too long??

 Keep it up!

Julia




Author's Response:

I hope my version of Black Jack lives up to everyone's expectations.  It is one of those favorite episodes (I love it, too) but for Different Circumstances to work, I have to change it radically, at least as far as Heather's participation goes.  So I'm crossing my fingers a little bit about the coming parts.

I just really enjoy writing April and April and Heather together.  I loved April in Fallout, and I always go back to that confident, competent, in charge woman we saw in that episode.  That's who showed up at Heather's door, intent on getting to the bottom of the problems between Heather and Jake.  But, I was also very intrigued by the vulnerable woman we saw in a number of the other episodes of the Fall Season One, trying so hard to revive her marriage, and not understanding why it wasn't working.  So needless to say, when there's an opportunity to include April, I will. 

Reviewer: SandraDee Signed [Report This]
Date: 21 Jul 2008 4:30:49 PM Title: Part 12A

Oh, Marzee, there are so many little touches in this story that I absolutely adore.  It's always a treat to read your writing.  Even those characters who aren't driving the action are so well written, and their personalities absolutely shine through (Gray, Roger, Mike, Jeff, etc.)

I loved your version of the meeting.  The cute affirmations "And it's not just because I'm married to you, either" were nice diversions from the gloom and doom that surrounded the morning's events.  What a devastation it must've been to find out that friends and neighbors perished overnight from the cold--and that it'll only be the beginning. 

Things certainly look grim in Jericho, but the story that the "boys" told Heather about the farmer and the newborn baby absolutely broke my heart.  You gave me fair warning at the beginning of the chapter, but I have to admit that it struck me so much, I dreamed about it.

I certainly don't blame Heather for wanting to help her town, but I'm with Jake on this one.  I don't think Heather should be making that trip to Black Jack. 

The scene with Emily trying to--well, I was about to say "comfort" Heather, but that doesn't seem like quite the right word--really gave me a nice insight into both of their characters.  I thought it was ironic that Heather considered that if she'd heeded Emily's warning five years ago, she would've been absolutely alone.  Sure, she might've had a friend in Emily, but she wouldn't have had Jake, their baby on the way, or the support of the Green family. 

I got the sense that Emily did want to help Heather but wasn't sure how to accomplish that.  There is so much unspoken between them that creeps into their conversation.  Thoroughly enjoyed the encounter between the two, by the way.

Ah, we have the birth of the "It Ain't Easy Being Green Club."  Loved the April/Heather interaction, and I thought it was a vivid contrast to the Emily/Heather interaction.  Gotta love April!  Seeing her there five years ago makes me feel a little bittersweet, though.  I'm still worried about what's going to happen to her in the present.

But going back to April and her machinations to get Heather out of her funk, I was absolutely cheering her on.  She's a smart cookie to call Gramps to let him know that Heather is on her way, and April provided just the push Heather needed.

Great installment, Marzee!




Author's Response:

Oh my, Sandra!  I hope you've been able to get that awful story of the boys' out of your head. :-(  I have to say, I thought it was haunting... it's been haunting me for months since it first came to  me.  Still, I do apologize.

Also, I will declare right now that Heather will not be going to Black Jack. That's spoiling my own story a little bit, but it's just not going to happen.  Heather is also not going to New Bern.

As for Emily, she was trying to comfort/assist Heather in her own Emily fashion.  I've tried -- don't know that I've been successful -- to write Emily as having finally realized that Jake is off the market. (And before she knew Roger was back.)  It was just too little, too late for Heather to care, recognize, or give credit for.  Jake, too, really.  Plus, she's still Emily!

Lastly, I couldn't resist a little April-Gramps-Gail plot to fix our poor, miserable loverbirds.  Besides, Gramps loves nothing more than to be in the thick of things. ;-)

 

Reviewer: harshinib Signed [Report This]
Date: 21 Jul 2008 7:44:54 AM Title: Part 12A

Hey Marzee

Thanks for another great part.  What struck me about this one is how you've given the reader a sense of how grim a reality they are now surviving (or not surviving) in:
people dying from the cold - & winter has only just started
their lack of resources
a father killing his new born child
I always felt the show only touched on this & could of done so much more (the second season recovery was way too easy, way too quick)

Other details I liked are:
Jake leaning against the  'Eric Jacob Green Council Room' sign at the back, during Gray's first Council meeting
like how Gray needs Ridleys help in getting on with the meeting
grrr hate how Heather mentions the windmills then Gray gets Harry to tell everyone about them, not Heather - he's an arrogant, sexist, greenist...........
love how Jake thows in a few jokes on gray (eg "It's Kansas. We've got a lotta wind,")
"Yeah," Jake sighed. "And he knows what he did, too. That's not so easy to forget." - Jake speaking from personal experience here?


Love how April turns up on Heather's doorstep, talks some sense into her & makes her go see Jake

Thanks again for writing - looking forward to the next part

Harshini

 




Author's Response:

Thanks for reviewing, Harshini!

For me the quick recovery in season 2, and the glossing over of some of the seamier side of life was a bit of a disappointment.  I didn't want anything graphic, but they learned some scary stuff at Black Jack and most of it was never mentioned again.  You won't ever catch me describing anything in detail, but we know "bad stuff" is happening and "bad stuff" will be a recurring topic of discussion as our favorite characters deal with what's happening around them.

As for Gray he is most definitely a sexist, anti-Greenist jerk!  But he's fun to write!

Reviewer: JoyOfJericho Signed [Report This]
Date: 20 Jul 2008 7:26:01 PM Title: Part 12A

I really likes the 5 years ago segment with April and Heather...and the birth of the "It Ain't Easy Being Green" secret society.  But somehow, I think Jake will still need to go to his office party.

I also appreciated the juxtaposition offered concerning what was devastating to Heather 5 years ago vs. today.

Grey turning the technical committee over to Harry and Harry giving up on the windmills made me think about how in the episode where April dies, Jake says to Kenchy something like "if you stop trying and then I stop trying and pretty soon the whole thing falls apart"...Gray and his adminstration are borderline falling apart already. 

Still loving the story.




Author's Response:

Thank you for your review, Joy! 

You are absolutely right in the contrast between what used to upset Heather and what it takes to upset her now.  And, I hadn't thought of that until you pointed it out, so thank you for that.  I love that readers find extra layers in the story that I have to admit are only there by accident. :-)

I actually enjoy disliking Gray quite a bit (he won't disappear from DC any time soon) so expect future/further analysis of the Anderson administration.

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