This review contains MAJOR SPOILERS for the "Jericho" episode "Condor."

Last week, "Jericho" proved it could ramp up the action. This week, it ramped up the politics.

It really is too bad this show did not get a respectable slate of episodes to work its magic. While the first two episodes have been solid, one can?t help but wonder what type of story they could have told if the show had been renewed with a full season?s worth of episodes.

That is not to say the story they told was bad, far from it. But it was rushed.

A promising storyline involving a reporter was introduced, but before I could even get excited or think ahead about the possibilities, the character was eliminated. It?s a tribute to the writers that they could create an interesting character in just a few scenes. Still, it was sad to see a potentially great story arc wither and die on the vine so quickly.

Political tension increased as we learned more about the new Cheyenne government. While this show lacked the explosive action of the premiere episode, the political tension and the unfolding conspiracy provided plenty of food for thought. I wonder what Chavez will accomplish in Texas. Will we ever get to see the Columbus government? When will Beck realize Sarah is dead, and what will be the consequences when he finds out? Is Darcy going to be caught?

This season, ?Jericho? is answering questions; with Episode 3 entitled "Jennings & Rall" we won?t have to wait too long to learn more about this enigmatic organization.

This episode also introduced a new president and the formation of a new country: the Allied States of America. The president seemed to be a benign enough character, but like the enigmatic organization Jennings & Rall, it is apparent that things are not what they seem. Sadly, I could actually see people embracing a new government so quickly after such a disaster. Yes they restored power and ended the fight with New Bern. The people of Jericho would be wise to remember the classic tale of the Trojan horse, and the motto: "Beware of Greeks bearing gifts." There is always a price.

All in all, this episode did a fine job of letting Jake (Skeet Ulrich) settle into his role as sheriff while simultaneously dividing his loyalties. It also proved that despite accepting Beck?s offer to be sheriff, Jake remains his own man with his own sense of right and wrong. Darcy?s (April Parker-Jones) evolution from a confused, estranged wife to a major player in this high stakes game has been a bright spot, while Robert Hawkins (Lennie James) is as shady and ambiguous as ever. We also saw the return of the shadowy mercenary organization Ravenwood.

What Worked

"Jericho" proved in the premiere episode that it can provide an action-packed, adrenaline rush of an episode. Here, the directors take a necessary step back and let the changes unfold at a measured pace.

The politics are surprisingly intricate considering the short run of episodes. It was very nice to see Darcy evolve into a shadowy agent. Also, it is nice to see Eric step in as acting mayor, and equally nice that the writers are ignoring, likely by necessity, his relationship with Mary Bailey.

"Jericho" had too many love stories last year. The relationship between Mimi and Stanley aside, these appear to be the first casualties of the abbreviated season. And that?s a good thing.

What Didn?t Work

I would prefer that the cameos of former regular cast members be more meaningful. Shoshannah Stern?s return served no apparent purpose other than to show that she still is alive. Also, this is the second week in a row that Emily has served as little more than eye candy. While this was a good, solid episode of an excellent series, it is hard to see it will do anything more than simply appealing to the existing fan base. Unfortunately, ?Jericho? needs much more than that. We are likely witnessing the last few hours of this excellent series, so enjoy it while it lasts.

Giving Credit Where Credit is Due

"Jericho" stars Skeet Ulrich, Lennie James and Ashley Scott. It airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on CBS. "Condor" was written by Matthew Federman and Stephen Scaia, and directed by Christopher Leitch.