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« Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
Episode recap: The Turk
"No one dies in vain."
—Sarah Connor
John and Cameron attend their new high-school for the first time and get a small taste of it's social inner workings. Sarah meets up with Tarissa Dyson, who identifies a man that could possibly be one of the creators of Skynet. Cromartie tracks down a researcher to help him 'look' like he did 10 years ago.
Commentary:
—This is what I like to call a plot/character development, exposition episode. Not much happened action-wise, but we are introduced to the Connors plus One's new 'world' and a few hints are dropped as to where the various storylines might be heading: Sarah's search for possible Skynet creators; John and Cameron attempting to fit-in in their new school; John making sure Cameron “blends in;” Cameron making sure that John doesn't stand out; Cromartie's rebuild and eventual hunt for the time travelers and Agent Ellison piecing everything together. The three unknowns at this time are Charlie Dixon, the missing resistance fighter and Sarah's currently non-existent cancer.
—I probably missed it in the previous episode, 'Gnothi Seauton,” but if not, John's alias last name is “Baum?” Tick-tock, tick-tock... it would seem to be yet another Wizard of Oz reference. I see a pattern here...
—I'm not sure I like (from a story point-of-view) Cameron's Pinocchio-like (or Commander Data if you will) attempts to “blend-in.” Yes, they are humorous; however, from what was presented in the pilot episode, she seemed to be more 'human-like' in that episode than in the two post-pilot episodes.
—I am just guessing here (so please feel free to mock me if I'm incorrect), but is the gal that John has some interest in, the missing resistance fighter? She's been wearing those long-sleeved sweaters...
—We are finally given an idea as to how Terminators' outer flesh coating is (archaically) applied. It's took his eyes!?! Eww! I really liked that flashback at the end!
—I hope Agent Ellison is given more to do. At present, I'm finding him the least interesting aspect of the show.
—Sarah shaves her legs?
—What's the deal with John becoming super-serious? I know he's a hacker, etc, but where did all that crazy tech talk (dare I say, technobabble) come from? And... “The Singularity?” Yes, John. I think Sarah has heard of it before. It's called The Terminator and Terminator 2... remember?
—”Bitch whore much?” What nasty high-schoolers! Then again, these gals pale in comparison to the likes of Cordelia Chase and Nicole Julian. For some reason I was picturing John or Cameron doing a 'Buffy' to save the girl. I'm glad we didn't see a repeat of that; although, again I must wonder if John is thinking that the humans (“Jump! Jump!”) presented in this episode are even worth saving (ala T2 reference). Based on John's experience at school, Sarah does not take Cameron's advice —here's to hoping that this show doesn't become like an old after-school special when dealing with John issues. Side note: how many times was “bitch” (or variants) used in this episode?
—That's it from me. Sadly, we will have to wait for two weeks until the next new episode to air because of the State of the Union Address scheduled to air on FOX next Monday, January 28th. The pilot episode will air either before or after the Address depending on your timezone. Barring any network changes, the next new episode will air on Monday, February 4th.
Till next time... fight for the future!
Quotes:
Cameron: “No, it's not brain surgery, It (eyeliner) would have to be a lot sharper for brain surgery.”
Sarah (to Cameron): “Don't you kiss me... or anyone else”
Cameron: “I don't sleep.”
Sarah: “How was school?”
Cameron: “I have a metal plate in my head.”
John: “We went.. We learned. I didn't get killed and she didn't kill anybody. It's a pretty good first day I think.”
Check out more of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles in our Online Video Guide.
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Jan 22, 2008 12:02 AM
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An eerie episode. I honestly can't determine if it was good or bad; it was more or less an increase in overall plot development.
The scientist had the best reaction when Cromartie "stripped" in front of him. I think he was checking out that evil metallic hunk of junk. If I were a scientist, I would be too.
Question: In the poster the tech nerd showed Sarah, was the Terminator-esque hand intentional?
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Jan 22, 2008 12:32 AM
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I'm really liking this show. That terminator-hand playing chess was freaky! Could someone please explain what was going on at school with the doors???
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Jan 22, 2008 6:54 AM
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It is confusing for Cameron to be acting differently than we first saw her in the pilot. There are three possibilities as I see it - once her cover was blown she had no need to act more human; she was able to transform herself to look like the Cameron Phillips we first saw coming on to John (then killed her); or finally, it's the writers' fault.
I have no problem with expository episodes such as this, unlike others I have seen complaining that this one was lacking the action of the first two eps. IMO, it would get old very fast if it was merely an escape of the week plot.
As for the door artwork on the walls of the school. Cameron knew what it was right away, an artform known as trompe l'oeil (French for "fool the eye"). Apparently the artist was progressively depicting a scene where a student, probably the girl who jumped, was having an affair with a teacher or administrator. The last door I recall seeing had the letters "IDAN" so we know it wasn't the principal (unless it was the principal's name the artist would have eventually spelled out fully).
Also, the alias of "Baum" was revealed in one of the final scenes of the pilot, as Sarah was filling out forms in the doctor's waiting room.
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Jan 22, 2008 7:11 AM
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The thing with the doors, yeah, I really couldn't tell what that was, either, and my dvr doesn't work on that particular channel for some reason so I couldn't do the instant rewind.
Good to see Catherine Dent!
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Jan 22, 2008 7:15 AM
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Rob, I'm agreeing with you. The missing resistance fighter is definitely that chick with the long-sleeved sweaters.
I enjoyed the episode. Definitely liking the show. Keep 'em coming.
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Jan 22, 2008 7:33 AM
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Ok, I have a thought on why Cameron is acting more machine like now. She re-booted in the pilot. So, I am thinking she forgot how to act like a human. It was probably the first time she was ever re-booted.
As for this episode, I have mixed feeling about it. We do get to see a little glimmer of the man John because which I hope starting coming out.
That is a great theory on the missing freedom fighter being the high school girl. I was also thinking she might also be John's future wife.
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Jan 22, 2008 7:36 AM
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Not only does Sara Conner shave her legs, she apparently does so in the bathroom with all of the bathroom and bedroom doors open. I thought that was a bit strange. I guess it was an interesting way to frame the shot, but with a teenage boy and "girl" running around -- and her insistence that Cameron wear clothes -- it seemed kind of strange.
I liked it when she told Cameron not to kiss her -- or anyone else.
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Jan 22, 2008 8:00 AM
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Thanks ecgordon - thats what the artwork looked like to me, but wouldn't that be a bit extravagant/advanced/time consuming for a high school kid to pull off without anyone noticing, for a brief scene involving a one-off character? Seems more likely that a hs student would photo-shop a picture and post flyers all over the school.
I also noticed Cameron being more machine like - could be the reboot.
Loved the flashback with the rebirth of Cromartie, and the house burning down when you think instead that Sarah's about to kill the guy -
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Jan 22, 2008 8:00 AM
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Here's a thought....
Andy spent 8 or so years of his life working on that computer. Sarah burns the house down, but seems to be looking at his grieving with sympathy. I don't think she'll kill him, now. (I don't recall her killing him in the episode -- just watching him drop to his knees as his house burns). I do think that his loss of what was probably a benevolent machine embitters him, and that sadness/bitterness will go into the next computer he builds, which will be the one that becomes Skynet.
How ironic would it be if Sarah's own actions lead to the creation of Skynet, instead of destroying it like she intends?
Also, I wouldn’t be surprised if the ‘lookout’ girl in front of the gang house turns out to be a Terminator, herself. Perhaps I’ve watched a little too much BSG, and can’t help but asking “who’s really a Cylon,” about every character….
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Jan 22, 2008 8:09 AM
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Another great episode in my mind.. This is the type of development alot of shows are lacking.. action is great, but mindless action is boring..
I loved finally finding out how the trminators took on human forms...
the girl John has been looking at i agree she might be either the fighter, or maybe a bad terminator sent back now that they know that is an easy way into his life?...
i think Cromatier is a good bad guy, and im glad it is not a bad guy of the week deal...
in my mind, i think that this plot of cromatier is a way of letting the viewers into the terminator world we all hav been craving since the movies.. at least i am.. part of the romance wit the terminator is that we hardly know anything about the terminators, the only thing we know is what we r told.. so now i think it was time to show the world how they come to b...
the show is great and i hope it doesnt end like journeyman did..
My questions...
1. the arm of the figther looks kind of manly whever they show it, so i think it is not the girl in high school..?
2. does cromatier know all the scientist?.. i wonder if someone can go back and looks at the pics shown to sarah and see if anyone saw him there...? if he wasnt, then is cromatier just looking throuhg the the yellow pages, or not?
3. is it me, or is john kinda falling for cameron more and more.. wen he looked at her in panties and bras, he looked happy?
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Jan 22, 2008 8:13 AM
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Well, John is a teenage boy - I think he'd be happy being in that close proximity to a girl (and her underwear) he wasn't related to!
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Jan 22, 2008 8:21 AM
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Very worried about this series. Sarah has changed her personality from being a no-nonsense, get-the-hell-outa-my-way spitfire in T2 to this insecure, hesitating wimp of a woman and I don't like it at all. I like some of the peripheral characters and the regenerating Terminator dude is very cool but if the show has her name on it she should be as bold and aggressive as Linda Hamilton portrayed her. All is not lost on this program but it needs to get with the plan very soon or I'll be losing interest. I'm just sayin'....
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Jan 22, 2008 8:42 AM
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well RTA, im going to give u the answer...
linda hamilton didnt know she was gonna die of cancer..which is something only god can help you with..
see linda hamilton only knew she needed to make sure her son survives with her... now maybe u never had someone die of cancer.. but let me tell u.. when someone says those words, ur whole life changes... u start thinking about different things.. like tryinbg to survive something u cant stop.. no matter how much chemo or watever the do ctors give u, i9ts all in god's hands.. so i like it dat she is vulnerable in my eyes.. it gives her more depth than the commando chick we all hav come to love about linda hamilton's portrayal.. maybe im in the minority, but i know she is showing realistic signs of despair and sadness.. becuase to know dat nothing u can do will matter becuase cancer is not something u can kill with ur hands....
wat do u all think?
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Jan 22, 2008 9:09 AM
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I too wonder why Cameron was more "normal" in the pilot and now is all of a sudden sooo robotic.
All of that aside, she has some classic quotes!
I laughed out loud when she said that she was a "bitch-whore" and when she said the girl looked fat in that outfit.
"You asked." 
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Jan 22, 2008 9:10 AM
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