This week's two-night premiere proved the Terminator franchise can survive, and thrive, in the post-Schwarzenegger world. This time, it's the mother of humanity's savior who is back. Don't spend too much time trying to fit this show into the established Terminator timeline or you'll get a headache. Let's just say that T:SCC picks up in the aftermath of Terminator 2: Judgment Day, with new threats and new protectors on the horizon. Is it wrong that there's sexual tension between young John Connor and his mechanical bodyguard (played by Summer Glau, below left)? Maybe - but it's definitely going to be an interesting dynamic to watch. I'll admit that the new bad guys are not nearly as menacing as Arnold's original T-800 or Robert Patrick's liquid metal T-1000, but I'm sure Skynet has some surprises up its sleeve.
Report Card
"The Sarah Connor Chronicles" Pilot
- Sarah Connor - Lena Headey (300) doesn't have Linda Hamilton's edginess, but she's shaping up to be a compelling heroine. B
- John Connor - It won't take much for Thomas Dekker ("Heroes") to out-act Eddie Furlong. Just try to keep the cheesy lines to a minimum and you'll be all set. B+
- "Bad Terminator" - Career stunt double David Kilde plays Cromartie, the latest cyborg assassin to target young John Connor. First off, it's weird that the Terminators in this show have names that don't sound like serial numbers. Second of all, after John escapes out of a classroom window, Cromartie pauses his pursuit to turn around and say (to the camera), "Class dismissed." Would the T-800 or T-1000 ever have wasted time with such a pointless comment? Negative. It would be inefficient. C-
- "Good Terminator" - Summer Glau plays Cameron, a "teenage" cyborg and potential love interest for John (as weird as that sounds). If the show's producers can get Kristanna Loken to guest as the T-X, we could be privileged to see the hottest cat fight of all time...fembot vs. fembot*, if you will. A-
* I hope their CPUs are KY jelly resistant.
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If there is anything positive about the Writer's Strike, it's that T:SCC now has the chance to build a solid audience. (The premiere episode drew nearly 20 million viewers.) Don't worry if you missed the pilot and episode 2, because you can watch them for free on FOX's website: http://www.fox.com/fod/player.htm?show=tscc
2.5 PB Jars
