The Greens of Jericho

Penny,

You have really outdone yourself!  What a superb installment to your Romance of the Absurd series! 

I was taken by how seemingly insignificant objects--the necklace and the baby doll--played such important roles in Skylar's turning points.  I was fascinated how the blood on the necklace signified the change in course of Skylar's life to one of a life of violence and crime.  Alternately, the baby doll represented a return to innocence, or some facsimile.  It's strange how objects can cast a spotlight on actions, but it happens in real life, too. 

Speaking of actions, I was fascinated to see the choices that Skylar had made.  From the Dale/Heather story earlier in your RotA series, I wondered what had become of Skylar, so I was excited to get the opportunity to find out.

Thank you for sharing this story with us!

I enjoyed the backstory you provided for the siblings.  Though Sunday is horribly misguided, I can't help but feel for her somewhat.  As an adult, she has made choices, yes, but as a child, choices were made for her, choices that influenced the person she became and her ability to cope with her insecurities.  I was still rooting for April, of course, but you've done a nice job delving into both characters' psyches.

I also enjoyed the snippets of humor.  Just today, I rewatched the last episode of Jericho from season 1 that has the flashback to the Eric/April wedding.  I caught Jake's joke about April and Shep kissing, and when I read this, I like how you wove that into the fabric of the story and the characters' situations. 

On an entirely different note, I like the whimsical tone this story has.  Much like Pushing Daisies, as you noted at the beginning.  Penny Lane, I applaud you for your willingness to try different stylistic choices.  Heck, not just try them but your ability to make them work.  Kudos to you!

Poor Kenchy!  I remember how traumatized he was after Rogue River and how he'd not wanted to operate on April.  Now to be faced with her doppleganger...yikes. 

I liked how you filled in the gaps, telling Sunday's perspective of the events we saw in the first installment of this story, learning more about her motivations, and how people are reacting to glimpses of April's "ghost."  I'm curious to see what happens with Sunday when she's discovered, as I'm nearly sure she'll eventually be known for who she is. 

Wow!  A couple of nice shockers in here.  I totally didn't see the real ghost of April coming back to help Mary (though I am pleased that April's doing so well), nor did I anticipate that Heather's guest would be Twenty-Third.  When she mentioned "T," I guess my mind went to Ted Lewis.  Nice job with the suprises!

And the fight...too funny.

Oh wow!  This was fabulous, Penny Lane!  I am always eager to see which characters are paired in your Romance of the Absurd series, and I have to say that I wasn't expecting these two.  Of course, that is the point. LOL.  But you really made it work, this one-sided romance, born on the fleeting moments of the past.  The wistfulness from Oliver jumps off the page, but so does the image--his image--of a young Gail. 

I thought you stayed so true in your characterizations.  Oliver, the recluse, longs to interact with the vibrant red-head but can never entirely overcome his insecurities, the insecurities that overtake him as his life continues. 

I also enjoyed the glimpses into Gail and Johnston's courtship, the allusion to his mother's disapproval, and the images of Gail as a young mother.

What a bittersweet and beautiful vignette!

Oh, I loved this!  I think you've managed to do the impossible:  poke fun at the characters and exaggerate them while still keeping them in character. 

I'm not even sure where to really start with this, so I think I'll start with the title.  Jake Green might be able to see what's going on around him.  It might even be making him slightly nauseated and alternately wishing he could have someone, as well.  Yet I have to think the title is somewhat ironic.  Jake is blind.  Doesn't he know the old cliche that opposites attract?  Sure he doesn't like light beer, crossword puzzles, or flannel pajamas; but all the couples he, in some way, consulted or observed were opposites.  Opposites that complemented one another, the way he and Heather could if he'd not blown that.

Loved the running bits of humor.  For example, how the world is literally falling down around them, but they're all taking time out to work on their love lives.

And this:

"So, what's on your mind, Jake Green?" asked Mimi, ever the blunt one. She peered across the table at him with a piercing gaze. "You look like you're trying to sort out the origin of the universe or something."

Stanley shot Mimi a warning look, that was probably intended to signal 'No one ever pushes Jake Green when it comes to deep thinking' but Jake didn't feel like keeping up pretenses of happiness tonight, while happy couples danced and kissed and had a grand old time in front of him.

Simply cracked me up!  I mean, Jake is so frequently brooding/or presented as engaging in deep thinking in fanfiction, it was funny to see Mimi comment on it and in such a wickedly sarcastic way.

Last, but not least, I can't pass up commenting on Skylar and Dale.  Good thing Jake rescued them from their shenanigans of drinking (gasp) light beer.

So I guess with all my rambling, what I'm trying to get at is that I really liked this and thought it was clever how you managed to interpret the challenge prompt in such a unique and enjoyable way.

Thanks for sharing this with us!

This is a nice start.  It'll be interesting to see if Jake will put to good use these things he's realized about himself and Heather. Looking forward to reading more. :)