Terminator - The Sarah Connor Chronicles - The Complete First Season Reviews

• Suprisingly solid entertainment

  
  By A2OZBJ58CML9OS on 2008-02-26
  I've got to get one thing out of the way first, for all those who didn't like Terminator 3. The Sarah Connor Chronicles does NOT pretend T3 doesn't exist, it addressed one of major issues in the film in its first 2 episodes. And since this is sci-fi, complete with time travel, there's no reason that history (even future history) can't be re-written.
  
  To the folks who think the action is "great...for a t.v. show," I can only assume they haven't been watching t.v. in the last 10 years or so. There have been several shows that far eclipse what is being done in movies (Buffy, Alias, two more girl-power shows just off the top of my head).
  
  What really surprised me about the show is how faithful it is to the first and second movies. In just this shortened (9 episodes) first season, we've seen the following characters from the films appear: Miles Dyson's widow and son, Dr. Silverman, Enrique and Kyle Reese.
  
  As for the cast, Lena Headly is no Linda Hamilton, but her voice-overs became more and more convincing and even poignant as the episodes progressed. And of course, what sci-fi geek didn't salivate over the news of Firefly - The Complete Series's Summer Glau being cast in the pivotal role of female cyborg Cameron. And considering John Connor has been played by 3 different actors, Thomas Decker acquits himself quite well. He's less irritating than Edward Furlong, by a long shot.
  
  If the show has a flaw, it's that at times it does feel a little too familiar. One has to wonder how long the writers will be able to sustain Sarah and John's journey, without really damaging the integrity of the film series. And I realize CGI is the norm for special effects these days, but give me a REAL metal (or at least plastic that looks like metal) endoskeleton over this computer-generated mess any day.
  
  I think The Sarah Connor Chronicles is a fine continuation of the Terminator universe. No, it's not that rare series that's actually BETTER than the movies (OK, it's not THAT rare in sci-fi...see Stargate SG-1 - The Complete Series Collection or Buffy The Vampire Slayer - Collector's Set (40 discs)), but it's certainly among the best t.v. adaptations of movie storyline. With great casting, well-executed action, and suprisingly intelligent writing, it's a winner.
  
  
  

• Slow to start, but a good answer to the movies

  
  By A1RSGDRA57QN6J on 2008-02-29
  It's a rare thing that a TV series based upon a movie's premise ends up being as good as the show's origins: while slow to start, with a dreadful pilot and many sub-par episodes, the show, over-all, has become something that arguably lives up to that standard.
  
  The show follows Sarah and John as they try, again, to prevent Judgement Day. The show follows on from the original two movies, generally ignoring the third (thankfully.) Much of the plot surrounds the character of Cameron, a female terminator sent back from the future to protect John. The show, so far at least, has eschewed predictable cliches involving the character, and often takes the viewer by surprise, from displays of dark humor to dragging the viewer through alternate displays of coldness and humanity.
  
  Episodes I particularly recommend include "Dungeons and Dragons" and the jaw-dropping follow-up "The Demon Hand". Performances are variable. Lena Headey doesn't match Linda Hamilton's portrayal of the title character, reflecting more the post-La Femme Nikita (Dark Angel, Bionic Woman) obsession with angsty heroines. Thomas Dekker either gives the best or the second-best performance as John Connor, depending on whether you're familiar with the Director's Cut of Terminator 2. It's a good performance. The best performances are arguably by Summer Glau and Richard T Jones, as Cameron - a Terminatrix sent back to protect the Connors - and James Ellison - the surprised FBI agent chasing Sarah Connor - respectively. Glau's performance, while initially confused, provides depictions of humour and coldness that surprises or shocks the viewer every time.
  
  This DVD set is reasonable for what you pay for, reflecting the short nine-episode run of the first season, cut short due to the 2008 Writer's Strike. The set includes a few commentaries and cut scenes. The aforementioned "Demon Hand" episode is complemented by a "rough-cut" of an alternative version, though the jarring changes in visual and audio quality make it somewhat difficult to enjoy by itself. Over-all, visual quality is excellent, I doubt you'll get much more enjoyment out of the less portable Blu-ray edition.
  
  For all of their qualities, the original two Terminator films - at least, as released theatrically - were basic killer robot fantasies with their depth being limited to surface level discussions of time travel and anthropomorphism. Some would argue that the Director's Cut of T2 was a considerable step above this and I'd agree with them. But regardless, The Sarah Connor Chronicles manages to rise above the Theatrical versions of the movies: what seemed like another attempt to cash in cheaply upon a pop-culture classic turns out to be a smart, entertaining, thought-provoking science fiction series. Definitely recommended.
  
  

• Terminate with extreme prejudice

  
  By A3ROE64EVHDTTV on 2008-01-17
  The Good Things:
  -Plenty of action and special effects, particuarly for a TV show.
  -The drama is not bad.
  -Everything seems to correspond well with the first two movies (they're making the show under the assumption that T3 never really happened...oh well). T2 did tie up all loose ends, but the show acknowledges this, and the characters have to find out how Judgement Day continues to happen.
  -Characters are true to the first two movies (Sarah Connor seemed too weak at first, but she took on her usual tough-woman attitude very quickly).
  -The guy playing the terminator is not as great as Schwartzenegger, but he does okay for himself, and has a few menacing moments.
  -The other actors are fine.
  -Some good ideas and more insight on the terminator universe (more on time travel, futuristic weapons, and so on).
  
  The Bad Things:
  -Some of it feels like the same old thing...Sarah and John are on the run again!
  -No liquid metal terminators (at least not yet...)
  -Some of the camera movements were jittery or hyper.
  -Will we ever see the world end? This could become a very long and drawn-out saga...
  
  Even though the first few minutes of the pilot episode had me worried, it quickly redeemed itself. It fits well with the first two films, the action was swell, and the drama was not too boring to watch. Unlike most other shows, I enjoyed watching this, and I hope to see more episodes. Reccomend watching T1 and T2 first.
  
  

• Please Don't review something you haven't seen...

  
  By AOU02V4VSWMPU on 2007-11-08
  I think people are so stupid to write a review about something they haven't seen yet. I have also seen the clips for the show on the internet, but this other review about the show without even seeing it, and giving it one star. This review is stupid, serves no purpose, and should be deleted. Just my 2 cents. Write a review after you've actually seen the show...
  
  

• One of the better new shows of 2008

  
  By A16QODENBJVUI1 on 2008-03-05
  The first season of TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES was a good one. Though fans are now brooding over whether the series will be picked up for a second season -- this is, after all, FOX, killer of shows -- the ratings overall were good, especially in the 18-49 demographic. While I would be the first to acknowledge that you should never underestimate FOX's ability to kill a good show, even FOX will hesitate to cancel a show doing this well in the most desired demographic. If the series is cancelled, it would definitely rank as the most dim-witted cancellation in FOX's history. At least some of the other very good shows that it cancelled were struggling with ratings. My guess is that they will bring it back in the fall and pair it with 24 on Monday nights.
  
  A lot of fans of the original two TERMINATOR films (we can all pretty much ignore the third TERMINATOR film, which even the makers of the forthcoming Christian Bale-as-John Connor film is not going to treat as canonical) were bugged to no end with minor or (in their minds) major chronology issues. My response is: who cares? First, we are talking about two very good SF films, but they are not the cinematic equivalent of WAR AND PEACE. Second, fans of the TERMINATOR films need to learn the same sensibility that fans of comic superheroes have learned: change is good. I mean, what is canonical in Batman? What cannot be allowed in Iron Man? There have been so many variants in comics that if it weren't allowed, there would be no comics. Besides, in the history of story telling there have been an almost uncountable versions of various stories throughout history. If TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES plays around with thee films' chronology, this is the biggest "no big deal" of all time. The question is whether the adjustments lead to some great storytelling. I believe it does.
  
  Casting is incredibly important in a series like this. Although by the end of the season more characters are introduced than one might have initially imagined, this is mainly a three-person show. Lena Headley, who is best known to mainstream American TV viewers from the film 300 (though she has been in a very large number of other films and TV series), does a great job in the title role, with one exception. She looks the role, acts the role, comes across as tough in the role. I completely buy her. But I really hope in Season Two that they decide to dispense with the opening narrations. Though she is a good actress, she doesn't sell the narration. Kristen Bell on VERONICA MARS and now on GOSSIP GIRL makes it seem so effortless, as does Jim Dale on PUSHING DAISIES. But it is an easy to underestimate skill. No doubt the writing hinders Headley in her narration. It comes across as too self-conscious, too aware of itself, too unnatural.
  
  Thomas Dexter, who most know from a controversial character from early Season One HEROES (his character was initially Claire the cheerleader's gay best friend -- but when Christian groups started complaining about a gay character, they suddenly un-gayyed him -- I wonder if people who are so obsessed about saving America from gays and the dangers gays represent to marriage [though I've never quite grasped the connection between keeping two dudes getting married and how that is going to make heterosexual marriages healthier] spent more time working on their own marriages if the Bible Belt, which currently has the highest divorce rate in America, would have more successful marriages, heterosexual or otherwise), does a very creditable job as John Connor, the sixteen-year-old version. The challenge of playing John is that it has to be made creditable that this kid would sometime become the kind of leader who could lead a resistance. My major complaint with T2 is that this wasn't done. I think Dekker by the end of the season started doing that. Early in the season he seemed more rebellious, headstrong teenager. But by the end of the season he had started maturing.
  
  The producers of the show say that they created the role of Cameron with Summer Glau in mind. To show how crucial she was in their conception of what they wanted to do, she was offered the role outright, instead of auditioning people for it. And it is obvious that they knew why they wanted her: they'd obviously seen FIREFLY and SERENITY and saw how she played the on-the-edge insane River Tam, who is simultaneously a genius, a psychic, a highly honed killing machine, and a crazy person. There is some legitimate complaint about her performance in the Pilot, but it is the fault of the writing and directing and not Glau. In the Pilot when we first see her, she is a super friendly, socially smooth, chipper, giggly high school girl in the first episode. But the rest of the season she seems to have the same social skills that Arnold did in his turn as your friendly neighborhood terminator. Once they got past the pilot, however, Cameron became one of the best things in the show. Most robots on TV are clearly persons, even if they are not human. Data, for instance, was clearly, for all his lack of emotion, a person. Sharon on BATTLESTAR GALACTICA clearly is, as is Caprica Six. Even the Doctor on STAR TREK: VOYAGER is clearly a person. There is a famous thought experiment known as The Turing Test, from a thought experiment proposed the famous Cambridge mathematician and super genius John Turing. He imagined a test in which a human being and a computer were separated from a questioner by a wall. A series of questions would then ensue. If the questioner couldn't, by the answers that were given, tell which respondent was the computer, then, Turing reasoned, that computer could be considered a person. Cameron is the first important TV cyborg, robot, or android since Robot on LOST IN SPACE who probably couldn't pass the Turing test.
  
  Let me expand a bit on this. Although Cameron can attend school, hang out with people, and basically pass for human, she constantly exposes the gap between her and humans. This is incredibly unusual for television. As a result, this could end up being one of the most important cyborg characters in the history of TV, at the very least the one that could inspire some interesting reflection. She is the first cyborg character on TV who truly seems to be completely devoid of compassion. Early in the season, when a girl she has "befriended" is about to jump off a roof in a public act of suicide, Cameron refuses John's entreaties that they do something to help her. Later in the season she promises a ballet instructor, from whom she seems genuinely interested in learning some ballet (it helps that Summer Glau is a real life prima ballerina -- her first acting job was on an episode of ANGEL as a ballerina and she and ANGEL creator Joss Whedon are reportedly working together on a ballet film), that she will save both her and her brother from the people seeking to kill them if they will give her information that she is seeking. They give her the information, but instead of helping them, she coldly (not cruelly -- Cameron does not seem capable of cruelty, just as she is incapable of compassion) exits the building. When asked later why she didn't help them, she replies that it wasn't part of the mission. When John asks her if she lies, she admits that she does, even to him. And the season is filled with some wonderful Cameron moments, such as when she one minute complains about their looking for the remains of a dead girl, because she a dead human is merely "meat and bones," and a few minutes later is found sitting beside John, talking with him, as she applies pink polish to her nails. Her character is filled with incongruities. Oh yeah, she is blown up at the end of Season Two, but no one really believes that she won't be back, do they?
  
  I liked the patience of the show in Season One. They very gradually brought along three supporting characters. Dean Winters in the Pilot played Sarah's fiancé Charly and I fully expected the guy I think of as The Beeper King (from his role as Liz Lemon's boyfriend on 30 ROCK) to immediately disappear from the show. Instead he has reappeared in several episodes. My guess is either that he will be killed off or he will end up as part of Sarah and John's little army of supporters. I'm guessing the same will be true of Richard T. Jones's Agent Ellison, who started off as someone after Sarah because he considered her a mere murdered, but as the season has gone alone has come to believe that she was not lying when she claimed to be chased by robots from the future. The finale saw Ellison and a substantial group of FBI agents attack and get mauled by the terminator after John. I would lay money on Charly in the first episode of Season 2 taking Ellison to meet Sarah and having him become another member of her cadre. The third character to emerge was Brian Austin Green as Derek Reese, the brother of Kyle Reese from the first TERMINATOR movie and therefore the uncle of John. I didn't much care for his character by the end of Season One, but that is mainly because he was so gruffly written. I also got tired of his endless suggestions that something needed to be done about Cameron, that she was a killing machine that couldn't be trusted, bladdy blah blah. I hope they either kill him off or deepen his character in Season Two. I suspect they will take the latter route.
  
  My last comment is that this show managed to do what any good show need to: it got better as it went along. I enjoyed the first episode, but with each successive episode I liked the show more and more. I am very much looking forward to Season Two. And completely confidant that there will be one. Not even FOX would be so stupid as to cancel it.
  
  
• Better than T3
  By AO4LY3NDMT744 on 2007-07-24
  Caught this on the net, pretty good for TV. Eager for more now. Story was sound and effects were good, endoskeleton, gun fights. Hopefully it will be picked up and be successful. Picks up from T2, ignore T3! Lena does a good job, the Queen from 300. Well worth a watch.
  
  
• Almost as bad as "Battlestar Galactica"
  By A1VJ0V58N0698J on 2008-04-21
  The only value to gain from watching this series is that the writing is so bad, you wish Sky-Net would take over the world sooner.
  
  I never make a negative comment on a brand new concept because at least it is an experiment in entertainment, but, the Terminator formula is not new, it is a very basic plot about a relentless killing machine which travels through time to kill a human. The fact that the machine has no feelings, looks scary and it is unstopable makes the first Terminator a succesful story, and even though one would think that replicating the same formula would be easy as pie, yet, sequel after sequel, year after year, new untalented writers and producers manage to pitch their idiotic ideas and alter the original plot to the detriment of Terminator fans. This TV series is a perfect example of how you can take a good concept (The original Terminator) and turn it into garbish.
  
  I don't really blame the actors, I can see how they are trying their earnest while the director and the writers are pissing the Terminator franchise away, not hard to do after Terminator 3. In any case, starting an episode with a cheesy dream sequence is stuff I have not seen since my first year in film school. No imagination.
  
  Months ago, when I saw this pilot at Comic-Con and it was awful. After a second viewing on TV, it realized it was worse than I thought.
  
  Watching the free pilot on Amazon was great because it allows you to fast-forward over all the bad parts, that is 90% of the show just to see Summer Glau, the only reason why anyone would want to see this mess is her. Poor Summer Glau does not look at all like a Terminator, the laws of physics go out the window when she fights heavier meaner robots, because of her natural sweetness she is clearly a misguided casting choice, the role of a mean killing machine may end up killing her career. She does not handle it as well as she did on Serenity and I truly hope she makes a difficult professional choice and quits this series before it is too late and get a job doing something more suitable for her.
  
  There is so much that is wrong with the execution of the Chronicles, for starters the "concept" is completely misguided, a series about Sarah Connor and her son, no exactly an interesting pair. The fact is nobody cares about this pair of dysfunctional misfits getting shot at every five minutes (unless you are a misfit who gets shot at all the time). When they aren't docking bullets, there is lots of repetitive filler chit-chat between them, it is a soap opera, just not a very good one as it could have been.
  
  Of course, if you came here to buy something that you can get for free on your TV, then your definition of ridiculous could be different from mine, and you may love this show. For the other half of the population, I would say stay away and do not support bad television.
  
  There is only one reason to watch this show, and it is of course Summer Glau, who is still yummy eye candy even while surrounded by the absolute mediocrity created by the writers. To what she would probably say: "Take a picture it will last you longer."
  
  I just watched the last episode "The Devil's Hand" for free on TV just to see if there were any improvements or merciful evolution in quality, and it was just as bad if not worse. On this one they have Summer learning ballet! I am sorry but if Arnold had danced ballet on the original movie...no one would have come to see the movie and there would not be a series.
  
  Of course, the series has been inexplicably renewed despite the bad reviews, not surprisingly since it was renewed by the same people that made the mistake of making it in the first place. (Fox is notorious for dragging a dead horse until there is nothing left to squeeze out of it) Don't think that because Fox hasn't canceled the show that means it has good rating, all it means is that it is cheap to produce and the actor are been payed miserably. "Galactica" is a perfect example of a show that no one saw when it was on cable and now they are trying to shove down your throat.
  
  Remember, if you don't buy this episodes then you are forcing them to write better shows in the future...no pun intended.
  
  
• Very engaging, intelligent and entertaining, despite the new Sarah
  By A1S35H2856KS8C on 2008-03-22
  Unfortunately, the new Sarah (Lena Headey) pales in comparison to the old Sarah (Linda Hamilton). Headey is stiff, "all business," and almost as robotic as the machines she is fighting. Fortunately though, other aspects of this show are so strong that it gets a huge enthusiastic thumbs-up from me. The action and special effects are great, the science fiction elements are new and interesting, and the drama is excellent. Acting is solid, and the teenage John Connor character is well-cast. The Terminator protector fembot, Summer Glau, has the most memorable scenes though, and is the real star of the show. She has far more shades and nuances than the Arnold bodyguard in T2, and manages to be both likable and creepy at the same time. I also enjoyed Brian Austin Green as John's uncle from the future; he plays a gritty character similar to Reese (John's father) in the first Terminator, but wiser and more ruthless. Finally, the evil terminators are played icy cold, and are a joy to watch. In sum, the Season 1 episodes were great -- well-directed, written, and acted -- and are all highly replayable.
  
  
• Pure escapism
  By A70YTUFJY5HXN on 2008-07-19
  I wasn't expecting to like this very much when I first heard about it but it had me glued to the TV earlier this year. I missed the first two episodes though and that's the main reason why I just have to have this on DVD. I'm also a huge fan of the original movies, especially "Terminator 2: Judgement Day", which is one of my favourite movies ever.
  
  I love the way the 'protective' Terminator this time round is a teenage girl and Summer Glau deserves an award for the way she carries off the emotionless, steely-eyed glare of the cyborg Cameron, (so named in honour of James Cameron, the director of the two first movies, I read somewhere), trying to pick up more human traits the more she spends time with them. Lena Headey and Thomas Dekker as Sarah and John Connor respectively are okay and all but it was really Cameron I tuned in to see every week. I get a huge kick out of seeing strong women on screen and Cameron kicks a**!
  
  Basically, the story is still the same. Cyborgs are still being sent back in time; one to kill John Connor and another to protect him and on the one hand, it's pure cheese and pure escapism but it's also a whole lotta fun. I suppose it's possible one could watch the series and enjoy it without having watched all three of the Terminator movies (there are references all over the place) but I doubt it. I can't wait to see this again on DVD and I'm already gagging for season two!
  
  So why only four stars? Well, with only nine episodes (two of which I missed), I was left a bit wanting. Luckily, season two has a bit more meat on the bone. Like I said, can't wait!
  
  
• suprisingly great
  By A2RNEF3AWKLS1Z on 2008-01-05
  I just watched this on yahoo, who gave a sneak peek of the premeire. I thought it was gonna be good, but not great. After 45 minutes I thought this is not just a great Sci-FI show, but a great show in general. It's show much fun, entertainig, and cool. The cast does a great job not coming off corny, like lets face it most Sci-Fi shows do. I'm a Terminator fan, except for the 3rd one, and I dont think many Terminator fans will be dissapointed. This is a show you cant affoard to miss. It premeirs on Fox Jaunuary 13th(Sunday) at 8, then the next day January 14th(Monday) another episode will air both episodes will start at 8pm eastern time.
  
  
• A great show that triumphed despite all the obstacles....
  By A3PKTFXBAYYJRM on 2008-04-30
  Firstly, I'd like to preface this with a caveat that I'm a huge fan of the first two Terminator movies and their supplementary materials (books, games, etc). T3, however, is definitely not on my list of favorite movies.
  
  This show wouldn't have been as successful as it's been if it had had a different cast or a different producer. The fact that the show launched smack in the middle of a Writer's Guild Strike and still manage to perform well in both time slot viewings and DVR's says alot about the quality of the show.
  
  The story lines are very well thought out, confronting issues of not only human relationships, but the relationships of humans and machines. I think putting forth the idea that SKYNET ultimately evolved from a simple chess computer ("The Turk") is a great way of grounding not only the series but the franchise in simple reality, as well as generating a simple "this could happen anywhere" aura around the show. The road to hell is paved with good intentions, and I'll never look at my Dell the same way again. I'm also very glad they've avoided the "Terminator of the Week" series model, and instead of focusing on running away from SKYNET, they are making an attempt to face it. An attempt that we know will be ultimately futile, but it will be interesting to see how much of what happens in the series lays the groundwork for John Connor's eventual war against SKYNET.
  
  
  I'd also like to give props to the actors, who have really taken their characters and run with them. I am a huge Firefly/Serenity fan, so Summer Glau was very familiar to me, as was Brian Austin Green. However, Thomas Dekker, Lena Headey, Dean Winters, and Richard T. Jones were all unknown quantities to me. Summer is as great as she's ever been, and has really gone from bit parts to a truly up and coming actress. Brian Austin Green has (thankfully) left his 90210 baggage behind and can now not only act, but do so really, really well. Thomas Dekker is simply fantastic, and I think the best John Connor so far.
  
  There has been some debate about who plays a better Sarah Connor, Linda Hamilton or Lena Headey? I think it's kind of a loaded question because both women play Sarah Connor at drastically different points in their lives. Linda Hamilton played Sarah Connor when Sarah's only concern was protecting John from attack. Lena Headey is portraying Sarah in a time when protecting him is still a concern, but training him for his eventual destiny is of even greater importance.
  
  
  Another point worth mentioning is that after viewing the series, I finally broke down and rented 300. I'm a huge history buff, especially of ancient greece, so hyper inflated "artistic" portrayals of actual events don't really appeal to me. However, Lena as Queen Gorgo really impressed to me throughout the movie, and I see alot of Gorgo in Lena's portrayal of Sarah. I'm not accusing Lena of being a one trick pony (which she isn't), but I believe that her portrayal of a strong female archetype in a blockbuster movie was perfect training for her to assume the role of Sarah Connor.
  
  Richard T. Jones as FBI agent Ellison and Dean winters as Sarah's ex-Fiance Charlie are fantastic additions to the franchise. Most of the humans in the franchise are intimately intwined with the events the series portrays. Ellison and Charlie both enter as relative outsiders and their gradual understanding of what is really going on in the world of the series is a great new perspective on the events of the show. Charlie and Cameron also have probably one of the most memorable exchanges between two characters in season 1 (during episode 6, "Dungeons and Dragons")
  
  As mentioned before, TSCC produced and aired in the middle of a WGA strike. With a season shortened to only 9 episodes, the fact that this series has generated as much fandom and hype as it has is a testament to how great it is. News just broke that the series has been renewed for Season 2, for 13 episodes with the possibility of extension to the full 22.
  
  Also, the DVD box set should be coming out in the middle of august, according to the producers. FOX will be releasing the box set and airing reruns on monday nights starting in august, as a run up to the premier of season two.
  
  Apparently, the suits at Fox have learned from their Firefly Folly and are finally giving a hit sci-fi series the marketing and timeslot it deserves.
  
  
• They'll be Bock!
  By A3KKM0T1KY42HA on 2008-05-16
  So what went down with the characters in the Terminator movies between T2 and T3??? Well, to find out you can pick up Terminator - The Sarah Connor Chronicles on DVD if you didn't catch the 9-episode premier season on FOX.
  
  Fresh from the first season of the hit series Heroes, Thomas Dekker takes his turn in the role of John Connor, the future's lead guy in taking the Earth away from SkyNet and the machines. Summer Wow...er...um...I mean *Glau* is The Terminator; like Arnold in T2 she's sent to protect Connor. And like Kristanna Loken in T3, she's mega-hot! And as Sarah Connor you have Lena Headey who I had never even heard of until her recent role in 300.
  
  Importantly, the entire cast of The Sarah Connor Chronicles take their roles seriously, and they preserve the integrity and the awesomeness of the movies that spawned the TV series. Sure, the producers of the TV show needed to take some liberties with the T 1 - 3 storyline that fans of the movies are so familiar with, but they keep a good story flow rolling that makes you anxious for the next episode. Just try not to think about why there's never any reference to all this TV show stuff in T3.
  
  And they'll be bock! (I know, bad Arnold accent.) Everyone's signed on to bring season 2 to viewers...this time hopefully with more than just 9 episodes! Pick season 1 up and check it out before season 2 starts.
  
  
  
• An answer to whether leaders are born or made - watch the making of John Connor
  By A2YM3KILJ1G0YJ on 2008-08-29
  To be honest, I have no clue what people can be complaining about with this series. IF you like Terminator, you should like this. There's no way Arnold S. and Linda H. were going to sign on for a TV series, so we get their capable replacements instead.
  
  The timeline of this series is obviously after the second of the three Terminator movies. In the second, the viewer is essentially left with all Terminator entities being destroyed, and Sarah Connor protecting her 10-year old son while preparing him for his destiny. Leaving Cyberdyne Systems in ruins, they enlist the help of Miles Dyson to destroy his own research that would eventually lead to Skynet and Judgement Day.
  
  In the Sarah Connor Chronicles, Sarah (Lena Heady) and her teenage son John (Thomas Dekker) are fugitive nomads, moving from one remote town to another in order to stay under the radar, not only from the possibility of other Terminators, but also law enforcement. However, that's not enough, and eventually a new Terminator model named Cameron (Summer Glau) meets up with the mother and son. Luckily, Cameron is a newer T800 model - obviously prettier than all previous Terminators - sent by John to protect John.
  
  Wonderfully cast, with great special effects and acting, the story and drama follows the original storyline smoothly. Since insiders have noted that this series is in a different timeline than T3, the story-arc can be eliminated for confused linear thinkers.
  
  It's very easy to become immersed in the plot for this series, and I'm already hooked. There are years and years between John's childhood and his ascension to "Leader of Mankind", and the only thing in between this series and greatness is a lack of imagination. The questions left by the first two movies (and even the blank spot between the second and third on that timeline) will be slowly answered, and John's formative years will vividly display how he learns to fulfill his destiny and become the wise, revolutionary leader of all future humankind.
  
  Highly recommended for action fans.
  
  
• Cameron kicks butt
  By A237J1BFZ0MD4C on 2008-01-28
  Watched the pre-aired pilot about 6 months ago thought to myself wow this show rocks. Watched the aired pilot, plus the 2nd and 3rd eps (Gnotith, The Turk) and it just keeps building on the story line I look forward to monday night so I can catch the next new episode. This is one of the few shows out that I can see myself watching for years to come. All I can say is a big frell ya and a boooooooooooooya
  
  
• What a ride
  By A2ID898RFAXIP4 on 2008-03-06
  I think this show is one of the best and original Fox has come up with in quite some time. I love seeing strong female leads and Summer Glau is obviously a break out star who plays that role almost as well as Sarah Michelle Gallar did during the Buffy years. Sure, there are some continuity issues with T3, but if you can over look that and enjoy this show for the original, fun ride that it is you should definitely buy this DVD. That way you'll be ready for season 2 next year.
  
  
• This is what Bionic Woman and Painkiller Jane have done right
  By A35VG5NCAWKUI on 2008-04-08
  After finished watching Bionic Woman and Pain Killer Jane, I was going to give up on any show that was in this nature.
  
  Sarah Connor Chronicles just saves the day from these two awful shows. Basically, these three are the same show with different skins with the same kind of story. You know. Female killer robot from the future, chick with mechanic implants, and mutant crazy chick? All the same.
  
  However, somehow Sarah Conner Chronicles is just better with better plots and stories and... well everything. (Dr. Burke left Christina to join a secret agency? Give me a break!!!)
  
  So... bottom line. I like this show.
  
  
  
• The Best Show On Television
  By A1QI3PGEVB016V on 2008-05-26
  If you haven't seen this show yet, you really should buy this dvd set and watch it with out distractions.
  It not only rejuvenates the Terminator movies, but it amplifies them with deeper plot material, great acting, and incredible action right from the start!
  This show is flat out AWESOME!!! A must see, and I was so glad to hear recently that Fox is renewing the show for another season.
  FOX Executives, are you listening to the millions out there supporting this show and giving you millions in dollars??? You will be making a killing on this short episode dvd set, so keep the show going, and reap the rewards!!!
  Quite simply, the best show on tv today!
  
  P.S. The viewers also get a TOTALLY HOT TERMINATOR BABE!!!
  
  
• Best new show since CSI and Law & Order SVU
  By A3V958NPZYU3DY on 2008-04-12
  I have to admit, I did go into watching this show with a bit of dread. But boy did they do a good job of it. I think the main reason I immediately loved the show is the fantastic cast that was chosen, in particular Lena Headey as Sarah and Thomas Dekker as John.
  
  This show immediately became my new favorite show on TV which I would not ever have predicted (CSI has been my number one for years, closely followed by Law & Order SVU).
  
  I can't wait for Season 1 to become available on DVD and am looking forward to Season 2 (there simply has to be one, right?).
  
  
  
• Great tv show!
  By A32PE2127NFGBQ on 2008-04-14
  I was intrigued when I learned that there is going to be a Terminator TV Series so I watched it. One of the biggest reasons I watched it is because of Summer Glau (from Firefly/Serenity). I love seeing her in action, I just can't get enough of it.
  
  I love the series to continue but I'm worried about it being cancelled, not just because it's under Fox, but it's also going to be aired along side "Heroes"... which is a popular show (I'm a fan of that too). But if I were to choose which one to watch, I'll stick with Sarah Connor Chronicles.
  
  
• A skillful and justified removal of T3 from the Timeline
  By A11XJK99IVGM54 on 2008-09-07
  When I heard about this show, I was both excited and angry. I always thought the Terminator COULD make a decent television show, but i don't trust Fox. They tend to create great shows and then cancel them before they can find their audience. They canceled Firefly, Dark Angel, Point Pleasant, Space Above and Beyond, and Drive (an amazingly addictive show that they didn't let reach the fourth episode). They even tried to cancel Family Guy.
  
  I knew it would be a decent show, but i was afraid to invest myself in anything remotely related to Fox and have it taken away AGAIN. I'm still worried (Dark Angel was given a Second Season), but I'm glad I gave it a chance.
  
  This show does everything right. I'd heard it was taking place after T2 and before Judgement Day. So i was afraid they'd write themselves into a corner with the set future of the rather awful T3. A quick time travel jump in the first episode immediately erases T3 from the Timeline. "There is no fate but what we make."
  
  The whole cast is about as good as Television can get. Summer Glau is especially amazing as John Conner's new protector. But it is when Kyle Reese's brother is introduced that the show really takes off. Yes Brian Austin Greene is a strange choice for the part, but he really pulls it off.
  
  We see how a terminator goes about regenerating it's living tissue when it has been overly damaged. We see more of the future (including a couple of the rubber skinned terminator models mentioned in the original film). We meet some of Sarah Conner's gun running connections from before her time in the institution. And we see plenty of Terminator on Terminator violence. What a great show.
  
  
• AN OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION ON A LIMITED BUDGET
  By A1CQXPD3D20ZID on 2008-04-25
  First, I was a Linda Hamilton fan. I thought her role in the first two Terminator movies was the cement that held everything together. However, Linda is 51 years old now and she really shows her age and not anywhere nearly as buff as she was in T2. Lena Headey is about the same age Linda was, in her early thirties when Linda was in T2 which fits in the right time line. Lena's doing okay for a British actor portraying an American and I find her convincing as a hardened and calloused Sarah Connor. As for the writing that one critic wannabe scorned, is not Gone with the Wind nor pretends to be. William Wisher and James Cameron collaborated on T2 and the writing was not all that great either, but the story itself was. I have four versions of T2 and will acquire my Blu Ray version shortly making five and on my short list of my all time favorite movies. T:SSC is an honorable endeavor for a television series. I am surprised that it is as good as it is given that budgets for a television series are lean to start with in comparison to their predecesors on the big screen. It perpetuates the Terminator franchise much to the delight of Terminator fans. The series opens limitless possibilities in story lines and I like the soap opera aspect much the same way I did with the shadow government story line of X-Files. Both Lena Headey and Summer Glau are established actors in their own right, Heady appeared in Brothers Grimm and Glau in Serenity, and are premium talent for a television series. Summer Glau, 27 yoa, is very convincing as the second female terminator and she looks young enough to portray a high school junior or senior. Twenty one year old Thomas Dekker has a more difficult time trying to be someone five years younger than he is. In high def, he has the noticable five o'clock shadow of a mature adult male, but still, John Connor grew up fast. One can nit pick at all the little shortcomings and all that does is prevent one can from enjoying a hour's escapism. My only fear is that the series will end long before all the story ideas have been done because of burnout by the cast.
  
  
• Poor James.
  By A3NQSMTG612AF on 2008-08-27
  Yes, kiddies, that's right; I'm back to put the most ardent fanboys back where they belong (in front of their PS3s), and for the benefit of any true Terminator fan (see: anyone who was alive in 1984) (and anyone else that cares to read an actual *review* vs. fanboy nonsense (the typical "critique" that I so often rail against)).
  
  To put it in plain English (to eliminate any vocabulary-based confusion), this TV show sucks, and I hope that its second season is short-lived and that it never sees the light of day again (as its fanboys continue to drop off, it's inevitable; I'd wage everything I own on season two being less than thirteen episodes...).
  
  Allow me to explain; while I generally believe that anything with "Terminator" in the title that doesn't involve James Cameron should be banned and banished from society, I was perfectly willing to give this show a fair chance, since, after all, it's TV, and quality is generally expected to be below average in relation to any film counterpart that preceded it (T3 excluded...it's far worse than this show (read my review if you care)). The first episode, however, made me cringe for more reasons than I care to remember.
  
  Take, for example, the performance by Lena Headley (Headey...? eh, who cares). Basically, I thought it was as completely devoid of any real emotion as could be humanly possible. There was no rage, no anger, no fear, and far too much smiling and go-lucky attitude; basically, everything that Linda Hamilton portrayed so well in the films (again, I don't consider T3 part of the "series") managed to disappear in her "performance." Don't tell me it's a "revisioning" of the character; it's bad acting and a failure to connect with the character that James created. Don't tell me it's a "revisioning" of the series, and that it's ok for her character to be happy-go-lucky, because it's nonsense, and you know it.
  
  Next on the list is the incredibly drab characterization of the next hero Terminator (naturally, a teenage girl...what else should we have expected from a TV show aimed at Joe Sixpack), performed by some girl from Serenity (I think...never seen it, but almost certainly equally awful and fanboy-supported while it was on). Does she look good? Decent. Does she portray an interesting envisioning of the T-800? I think not.
  
  Next, we have the kid that was on Heroes in Season One (now there's a good sci-fi show, if you need a comparison). Well, he's ok in this show too, but not quite the prepubescent vision of John Connor that we might expect. At least he's a competent actor...?
  
  Finally (at least regarding characters and the "actors" that portray them), we have (and this was, by far, the most nausea-inducing experience I suffered through before I gave up completely on this drivel) none other than Mr. 90210 himself...Mr. Donna Martin...Brian Austin Green. "Oh...my...God." If I had a nickel for every person who muttered those words at exactly the same moment that I did, well, ...I'd use it to find and purchase a decent Terminator script, or to buy off whomever has the power to pull this show from our airwaves now instead of a few months down the road. Of all people...Brian Austin Green? This was unquestionably the precise moment when this show went from being simply poorly written and acted to absolutely riotous...and fanboys, I know you're with me on at least this point (don't even try denying it).
  
  Moving on from the "characters," let's discuss the "plot." Ok, that's it.
  
  In summation, what "Terminator - The Sarah Connor Chronicles" brings to the table is little more than a failed attempt to rehash a dead series (it died with Cameron), or as others have said, "...rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic." Much like T3, and almost certainly the upcoming trilogy (again, with no input from Cameron...but at least Bale is involved), this dog deserved a quick death, and it's somehow found its way to a second season (as others have mentioned, most likely only as a buzz leader for the upcoming films). Here's to hoping that someone puts it out of its misery in some kind of timely fashion (again, I'm guessing within thirteen episodes).
  
  Edit: 9/15/08 Ouch! Maybe it won't even last thirteen, with the season two opener garnering only 6.3 million viewers (just over 2% of the population) (check Nielsen Wire if you don't believe it)!
  
  Edit: 9/17/08 Down to 5.5 million this week...as I predicted, the fanboys are dropping off like flies! Unless it rebounds, and quickly, its fate is sealed. Good riddance.
  
  Edit: 9/30/08 Unfortunately, as the show has dropped out of the top ten (Monday Prime-time), its ratings are no longer displayed on Nielsen Wire. Does anyone know of a ratings source for shows that are about to be cancelled? ;)
  
  Edit: 11/12/08 Well, I stand corrected; they've decided to go ahead and finish the complete season, against the forecast of virtually anyone who'd been following the ratings of the show. I can see, however, as the fanboys have stopped replying to my review, that they honestly believed that the game was over as well. It is, in fact, but not yet; we'll (true Terminator fans) have to endure yet another few months of this mediocrity before it's banished from our airwaves (and memory).
  
  
• One of the new shows to watch
  By A3VKTL2STG4482 on 2008-09-06
  I remember from before any episodes were aired, this series was getting a lot of negative buzz for whatever reason.
  Most people who would consider watching this have already seen the terminator movies, as did any sci-fi or action fan. This series is similar in tone to the cult-favorite second movie although it is a better drama overall.
  
  There are a couple of things that make it the series to watch.
  
  Acting. Relative unknowns have been cast in main roles. I'd say the girl playing Sarah Connor is OK, the girl playing Cameron (the terminator) is good... and that's the worse end of the stick. Guys take the cake on this one. Young J.Connor, Agent Alison, and Derek Reese, Cromartie are played amazingly.
  
  I like the music in the show, too. Most of it is a derivative of the main theme in the movies, although not as blunt. Lyrical melody is mixed with synthetic drum beats to great effect, IMO. I simply love the piece playing at main menus on DVD. It puts you in a right mood for watching this tale.
  
  There are several main story arcs, and a couple of secondary arcs throughout the first season. There are no stand-alone episodes. Lastly, the episodes (and maybe the writing) get better the farther you are in the season. The last episode was probably the best example of the potential and of what there is to come in later seasons.
  
  
  
• TSCC wins a big one
  By A2G8GB8UFR7Z2Y on 2008-09-15
  Great dvd of this series season one. Lots of extras, and so nice to watch full episodes, one after another, with no commercials !!!
  Totally worth the few dollars to buy it !
  A classic, on par with all the 3 previous Terminator films.
  
  
• More TV trash....
  By AU8552YCOO5QX on 2007-10-08
  I hated the movies, I hope this Tv show does not get picked up, it seems to have that "same old story" aspect about it each week. Lousy acting and concept.
  
  
• The Sarah Connors Chronicles. when is the next season to become available?
  By AASNTK5EZZ80S on 2008-06-13
  Excellent show. Keeps you on your toes at all times. The unexpected is handled consistently not to let the audiences loose interest. The characters are very interestingly defined and expectations for the next episode are very well manage by the thread of the story and the production sequels.
  
  It is regrettable that the second season has not been aired yet. Hast it been produced?
  
  
• A very entertaining series that takes place between the second and third films of the series
  By AQP1VPK16SVWM on 2008-08-09
  The first season of "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" surprised me; I expected the show to piggy back on the movies, be short lived and not be very good. Luckily, I was completely wrong on all counts. "Chronicles" manages to be engaging, expand on the first three films and be terrifically entertaining. Show developer Josh Friedman ("War of the Worlds") establishes its own identity for the show.
  
  The image quality for the transfer of the DVD looks good but could look better. I'd like to see what the Blu-ray has to offer. Audio sounds quite good with a nice dramatic score and a nice surround mix.
  
  Following Sarah Connor(Lena Heady), her son John (Thomas Dekker) and Cameron (Summer Glau) a cyborg sent from the future to protect them the series focuses on their attempts to prevent Skynet from being built. They're also being pursued by a variety of Terminators sent into the past to eliminate them.
  
  The set comes with deleted scenes and a number of commentary tracks featuring Friedman, actors Thomas Dekker, Brian Austin Green, Lena Heady Summer Glau and others. The commentary tracks aren't very revealing with the actors, writers and producers focusing more on the dramatic content than the behind-the-scenes production information.
  
  We also get a gag reel, deleted scenes, a three part documentary on the production of the show that DOES provide us with plenty of behind-the-scenes info about the series. One of the best extras is an extended episode of "The Demon Hand" (Both a reference to the hand of one of the Terminators AND Harlan Ellison's "The Outer Limits" episode "Demon with A Glass Hand" which was one of the inspirations for James Cameron's "The Terminator". The character of Ellison played by Richard T. Jones is also a tip of the hat to Ellison)which has deleted scenes that gives us information on the childhood of Sarah Connor's character.
  
  "Chronicles" is a well made, well thought out drama and it will be interesting to see how the series develops over the next 22 episodes of season two. If the pilot (which is well made) doesn't impress you give it a chance with the episodes after the first episode as the show starts off quite good and gets exceptional by the end of the nine episodes.
  
  
• Very Entertaining, Captures the "Feel" of the Movies
  By A3OXHLG6DIBRW8 on 2008-08-22
  Being a fan of the The Terminator, Terminator 2 - Judgment Day (The Ultimate Edition DVD), Terminator 3 - Rise of the Machines (2-Disc Widescreen Edition) movies, I have found this series to be a very pleasant continuation of the story line. Here are my observations:
  
  Pros:
  1)Stays true to the story line of the Terminator movies
  2)Great acting, including the very understated Summer Glau as the "good" terminator
  3)Surprisingly good special effects for a TV series. I have seen much worse effects in some recent movies.
  4)Solid plot/subplot story telling
  
  Cons:
  1)The DVD "extras" were nothing special
  2)Some of the technology and events (very early on) required significant "suspension of disbelief". No spoilers from me, but this was required to move a plot device along and was not repeated.
  
  Over all this is a great start to what could be a fantastic Sci-Fi series!
  
  Highly recommended for Terminator fans!
  
  
• Remains True To, And Builds Upon The Movies
  By A37KG9AQK1PN10 on 2008-08-23
  This show is a continuation of the "Terminator" story and takes place after the second movie. It is great fun, and avoids the pitfalls of transferring a movie franchise to television.
  
  Casting is wonderful. While Summer Glau clearly deserves acclaim for her portrayal of a character which bridges the human/machine divide, performers playing the other main (and even secondary) characters have certainly also delivered.
  
  The writing is smart, and character and plot development have been genuinely interesting: there are no flat action television characters here.
  
  There are a few flaws, such as spotty performance by some "guest terminators", and occasional unnecessary technological explanation.
  
  
  
• Who needs the Governator
  By A3NR7WT9XG2GH on 2008-09-15
  The series is excellent. The dvd set is even better. Some very nice extras and the ability to watch all episodes back to back without any interruptions. A true must have for any fan, especially at the price.
  
  

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