Perhaps it was the public outcry. Perhaps it was a shrewd marketing ploy. Perhaps it was the 20 tons of nuts. Whatever the reason, CBS has seen the error of its ways and ordered a fresh batch of post-apocalyptic goodness, saving the little town of Jericho from cliffhanger hell.

Seven episodes of this intense, gritty serial have been contracted, with a possibility of more should it regain it’s former ratings glory. This welcome turnabout has distinguished CBS from the FOX-style senseless disrespect for fantasy and science fiction shows. Those who missed Jericho the first time around — or were thrown by the deliberate pace of the first few episodes — will have the opportunity to experience this evocative show through reruns later this summer.

Other less catastrophic, but equally entertaining science fiction offerings are on the way: USA’s The Dead Zone starts up in just over a week, and SciFi’s Eureka is back for a second season next month!