I agree with Garland about the "Hollywood-ism effects" being misleading. I notice though, that for the first time ever, a Nuclear War is being shown as survivable.
Judging from various things I've been overhearing, this and the Katrina/Rita debacle have awaken some souls that they can and should do more to protect themselves against a wide range of problems. Starting with Earthquakes and running the gammet of Hurricanes, Tornadoes, and Ice Storms, and everything in between that affects their local area of habitation.

I'm still wondering who or what is actually behind this show being broadcast.