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"The Sarah Connor Chronicles" fights the good fight

Well, gosh, that was exciting. The two-night, two-episode premiere of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (henceforth to be known as T:SCC because, geez, that’s a lot to type over and over again) was an apocalyptic good time.

Was it perfect? Certainly not. Were there continuity issues? Most definitely. But you’d be hard pressed to find a weak link in the acting department (OK, Thomas Dekker’s John Connor is a bit like Zac Efron with an attitude problem) or a show with more beautiful women kicking ass in tank tops. Whoever decided to put Lena Headey and Summer Glau in a series together deserves a raise, or at the very least, a large muffin basket.

Since I’m just a casual fan of the films, I came to the series with fewer expectations in terms of the Terminator mythology. But for those who demand consistentcy, T:SCC takes place after T:2 and before T:3, thus basically negating (or, more accurately, reimagining) the final film. But, again, since I’m a fan but not a fanatic of the movies, I was just looking for a good story that could balance action with emotion.

And in that respect, T:SCC delivered like Domino’s. You want action? We’ve got your action right here. Shotguns blasting. Cars exploding. Robots smashing robots through walls. But it’s the emotion that really makes things intense. And emotions don’t get much more intense than that of a mother protecting her young.

This is, without a doubt, Lena’s show. Sure, Summer is quite convincing (not to mention easy on the old visual receptors) as John’s hottie android security detail, Cameron. But it’s Lena who makes the show’s heart beat. As the mother of the world’s future savior, she brings less brawn but more brain to Sarah Connor. With a simple, wordless look she can convey weariness or worry, ferociousness or fear, anger or annoyance. It’s in those quiet moments that we see the framework for the show’s emotional themes. Sure, there’s the saving-the-world stuff. But there is also a mother doing what she can to hold on to her son, and a woman resolved to cobble together a life on the run.

[Spoilers, Will Robinson, spoilers!]

And in the nascent series’ most interesting wrinkle, Sarah learns that they had to time travel eight years into the future because she died two years earlier from cancer. Man, like saving the planet from homicidal robots wasn’t enough of a burden. The dire diagnosis is also a nice homage to the otherwise ignored T:3, which first reveals Sarah’s death.

Speaking of time travel, while it is a sci-fi standard, it always makes my brain twitch a little when folks start quantum leaping all over the place. I guess it’s best not to get too hung up on the technicalities and timelines here. I mean, I’m already taking it on faith that a manmade military computer defense system became self-aware and then turned on its creators in an effort to destroy the world as we know it and then sent indestructible killer machines back in time to assassinate the leader of the future rebellion. So what’s a little more suspension of disbelief, right?

As for the rest of the series, I’d like to see a lot more dark humor (Summer mimicking the homegirl as she leaned against the car was classic), a lot less voiceover work (I know it’s a throwback to the movies, but let’s keep it to one per episode, OK?) and absolutely no hooking up between John and Cameron (robot sex does not compute; abort, abort!).

So, what did you think? And, more importantly, does anyone know how I can stop the Terminator’s pulsing “Da-dun-da-dun-da-dun” theme from going through my head? It’s been stuck in there for two days straight now.

WindRyderX's picture

Good Stuff

At first, my roommate and her boyfriend had never even heard of the show...that was very unfortunate, but then I forced them to watch the two ep premiere with me and now they are as addicted to it as I am! So far I think its a great show with an awesome cast. My favorite part was when Sarah was yelling at Cameron, as her step-daughter, outside the nephew's house. Hilarious scene. Oh yea, and the "Hang In There" Kitty poster...

YENBAR22's picture

HYPE

This show definately lived up to the hype. Sure there were a few weak points, namely John.  Lena is perfect for this role. She brings a soul to this story that touches me.

Not too sure about the time travel though.

Cameron and Sarah are great together ..can't wait for the next show!

 

marshnood's picture

I love this show. It exceeds

I love this show. It exceeds my expectations. I agree no robot sex (although she is hot). Lena does make the show. In one scene you almost can see her tattoo on her shoulder. I love her walk. Oh back to the show I will continue to watch for the action and Lena.
gabydejongh's picture

subcontext

Is it just me projecting, or did anyone else notice the lesbian subcontext between Sarah and Cameron? Like when Cameron was patching herself up and was completely naked in front of Sarah while John was sleeping in the car. Or when Cameron was sewing Sarah's GSW while John was out getting rubbing alcohol and bandages? Perhaps it's wishful thinking?
TheWeyrd1's picture

Probably wishful thinking...but...

I was catching a vibe and maybe it's their chemistry together that makes the actor playing John look like he's a step behind acting wise.
Omega II's picture

Your not the only one.

You forgot/didn't notice the little grin Sarah had as Cameron nakedly beat up those guys for their clothes.

 

"Bad jokes are us, ur me."

beecharmer79's picture

Loved It!!

I absolutely loved this show! Lena Headey and Summer Glau have awesome chemistry together. John is a bit weak. The tortured thing gets a bit much after a while. But the action on the show was perfect, as was the pace.

As a fan of the movies (the first two that is), I enjoy how they've brought aspects, elements and characters from them into this series (like Enrique). And though I was not a fan of the third movie (there being no Sarah Connor in it), I like the way they have incorporated that plot to keep the continuity of the new series with all that has gone before.

I am loving this new series so far. I just hope they can keep the pace and action going, and focusing on Sarah and Cameron is a big plus too!

ecstasythrumusic's picture

Lena Headey makes this worth watching

Not a fan of the movies, but a fan of Lena. The action is fast and furious. The plot is interesting to a person that doesn't know much about the films. Hopefully the actor playing Jon improves. There is chemistry between the two women.

That pic of Lena with the grey tank top was drool worthy. 

Nelle Thaler's picture

Sometimes I think it's funny

Sometimes I think it's funny how lesbians always seem to find that the women in a show act the best, while the men never live up to anyone's expectations.  Sometimes I find that it overlooks some of the better things about the men's roles, such as how effective Dekker is at portraying that frustration without being over the top, and how he seems to pale a little bit in comparison to the ladies because he is supposed to be younger and less mature, not because he is not a good actor.  I think that he is portraying John awesomely (totally a word).  I'm definitely going to keep watching this.
glwtta's picture

Surprisingly enjoyable so

Surprisingly enjoyable so far. Lena Headey alone would make it worth watching, but Summer Glau as the world's poutiest unstoppable killing machine is quite fun too (talk about weird typecasting, though).

My main quibble is that the T-800 type cyborgs just don't look/feel right - who knew that emotionless cyborg was such a feat of acting?

Oh, and the odious voiceover - didn't Painkiller Jane teach us anything?

gooby's picture

Loved.It

Unlike Bionic Woman, this one's a keeper! OMG I LOVED Sarah Connor Chronicles. The casting is spot on and OMG I'm so in love with Lena Headey and Summer Glau. And how awesome was Summer Glau as the good terminator?! She kicked some seriously terminator metal, man! She's fantastic!!!!! Also, I loved the whole Sarah and the Tinman thing :D and those two had some amazing chemistry if you ask me. DEFINITELY will be tuning in for more. Amazing first two episodes.
Doc McG's picture

Lesbians aren't the only ones

...who opine that Dekker is the weakest of the three. However, I do think that TheWeyrd1 was onto something when she said that it's the Headey/Glau (nuclear!) chemistry that makes Dekker look weak by comparison.

Moving on.

Absolutely lurv this show. Headey struttin across my screen every week is, like, heaven or something. Sarah Connor going toe-to-toe with Cameron and/or tossing her out of windows is classic teevee. I like the blowing up of stuff, the flinging of motorcycles, the dry humour, and how it's character-focussed without being maudlin.

Sarah Connor 4-EVAH!

ackat's picture

Sarah Connor...

I loved the first two episodes! After Bionic Woman, I was affraid of an another let down, but this show brought the goods. Like you said, it wasn't perfect but very few pilot/opening episodes are. If they can keep the pace set last night then I think this show will be around for awhile.  

Cameron and the homegirl was priceless. As was the Sarah/Cameron squable for the cop's benefit. I hope they keep the elements of humor like this. To me they are very reminisent of T2.

boywithmoonandstars's picture

Winner!

Finally a show where as soon as the episode is over I'm pining for the next one. And opining the fact it is a week away. :-( The double ep pilot kicked serious bootay. And Summer and her gangsta lean was priceless.
ireno315's picture

Me too!

As soon as it was over, I was excited for next week.  I kind of wish they would slow down the pace just a little.  Each hour was gone before I knew it.  Good thing I recorded them so I can savor them a bit better.
livlab's picture

Eh

I enjoyed it but it's not great. I felt like I could anticipate every scene - They already went so wild with where the story goes in the first two episodes that I worry about the future of the plot -- they could write themselves into a corner.

I have to admit my motivation to keep watching is Lena Headey - she's great. I thought the comment about the possible lesbian subtext was funny because when the movies were out I was really young and remember thinking that there was 'something' about Linda Hemilton that I thought was very attractive - yay for strong women!

I am pleasenly surprised with Summer Glau. At first glance I thought it was just another pretty face but I think she's doing a great job - as much as the story requires considerable suspesion of disbilief, she's a very believable machine! (Mimicking the homegirl against the car cracked me up for a few minutes).

 

cogent53's picture

Lena Headey v Michelle Ryan

I really enjoyed The Sarah Connor Chronicles, largely due to Lena Headey like a lot of you! Where I think the producers were wise was picking someone who is gorgeous, but also a real actress. Michelle Ryan is a pretty soap actress who never impressed overly with her acting on Eastenders. Her lack of charisma is one of the big reasons Bionic Woman was so tedious (ok and the scripts and the rest of the cast apart from Katee.)

 

So far - only 2 eps mind you - the scripts have been strong, but also the cast. Summer Glau isn't an Oscar winner, but she is great casting for the role as she is supposed to be fairly emotionless, and her dance background means she is a graceful mover, even she diving through walls!

Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor in T2 is probably one of the best tough girls on screen ever, and I like that they have continued to make her strong and determined. If she gets weepy and teary I'll stop watching!

John Connor has been irritating in ALL the Terminator films - well, 2 and 3. I think the kid playing him is fine, but I'm just not that interested in him yet.

Fingers crossed that the show keeps up the quality. Wonder how many eps there are what the the strike and all...

msgulp's picture

lena and zac efron with 'tude

am i the only one who thinks she's too young to be a mom and he's too old? they almost seem like older sister and younger brother to me.

i'll take it on faith that the fembot with the blue eyes which did not exist in the movies 1-3 will be explained in movie 4. and by the time the tv series is over it'll carry onto where T3 starts. i mean, if you're going back in time to change things you can perpetuate (read: recycle) the story forever by saying the future has changed again cuz you changed teh past now but something else came up or but you didn't change enuf.

ok, feeling like eli stone now, george michael is singing in front of me...

"how can you be a candidate of change when your stance on same-sex marriage is decidedly old school?" - Jonathan Capeheart

luva1putt's picture

sister-brother

I'm seeing a sister-brother, too.  And it was a little strange watching Sarah kiss her fiance in the first episode.  Great action sequences and Sarah throwing Cameron out the window was shocking.  I'm watching next Monday.

beecharmer79's picture

Just putting it out there...

Just a suggestion, as I am very much enjoying this new show...

Perhaps, a spinoff of Bionic Woman entitled "Bionic Woman: The Sarah Corvus Chronicles".

Who's with me?

zefbot's picture

Loved T:SCC

I love this show already and I'm a big Terminator movie fan (especially 1 and 2). I was more than non-plussed when they conveniently wrote Sarah Connor out of T3 and while I would have been happy for the series to ignore that I'm glad they found a way to actually acknowledge it but work around it.

Last year I heard news of both the new BW and T:SCC series and was so stoked but like many was bitterly disappointed with how BW turned out. I originally saw the T:SCC preair pilot mid last year and was very impressed and now after watching the new pilot and the second episode I'm really happy with how this series looks.

I just hope it gets more than 12 episodes. Please let's get at least 2 seasons out of it. At any rate, I've read from a few sources the premiere episode at least did very, very well. From tv.com:

"The show delivered around 18.3 million viewers with its one-hour premiere Sunday making it the best opening night demographic ratings of any new show in three years."

Headey rocks as SC. I'm thrilled they cast someone to play SC and not Linda Hamilton (who I loved in the movies btw). At any rate, can't wait for the next episode!

 

 

 

boywithmoonandstars's picture

Ratings

18.3 million? Dang, that sounds like a smash hit to me. How were mondays ratings? If they were even close, it bodes well for a season two. I just hope it can hold up the pace. If they make it a season long overarching plot ala Heroes season one, it will be amazing. If however they do the monster/terminator of the week with some vague eventual purpose like Bionic Woman it could go downhill quickly. *fingers crossed* Please don't let them frack this up.
zefbot's picture

Sarah Connor Chronicles ratings

According to tvbythenumbers.com:

"In its regular timeslot Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles did not do nearly as well as it did Sunday night after the football game when it had 18.29 million viewers and a 7.6/18 in the demo. Monday night at 9pm all it could muster was a 10.07 and a 4.3/10, losing to a rerun of CBS’ Two and a Half Men and Deal or No Deal in overall viewers and getting beat out by Deal or No Deal in the 18-49 demographic. It’s worth noting, however. that Sarah Connor built on the lead-in from Prison Break by over 2 million viewers. I’m guessing FOX is pleased with the results."

I knew it would be significantly down from the opening night so I'm still pretty pleased. Guess we'll have to watch and wait.

 

lashun's picture

Lena Headey

how freaking hot is she?!! I think this show is doing exactly what a show is suppose to do. leave you wanting more and not suppose to have everything. If this show had everything then it wouldn't make it past the first season. The characters need to have problems and there should be gaps in the plot. But, the real question is: If they suceeded then there would be no show cause they would have destroyed the computer and none of this stuff would take place! It is a cirlce within a circle. The best thing about this show is Lena cause every week I get to see her all over the screen!!!

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