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« Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
Episode recaps: "Vick's Chip" & "What He Beheld"
In the first part of the two-hour season finale, Cromartie goes from school to school, checking the records of new students searching for John Connor. Derek surprises the Connors and Cameron when he produces Vick's chip that Cameron has not destroyed, contrary to what she had told them in the past. In order to disprove his accusation of mistrust about her, Cameron works with John to pull data off the chip, including a visual record of the cyborg. As it turns out, Vick was married to Barbara Chamberlain, the City Manager for Los Angles who is responsible for creating the advanced traffic system (Automated Real Time Traffic Exchange or ARTTE) for the city. Cromartie's search leads him to John and Cameron's high-school; however Cameron is able to trick him into thinking John is not a student there. Still upset over Andy Goode's death, Sarah convinces the others to search for what they think is Barbara's body from evidence in Vick's visual record. When they discover the body, it's not Barbara's but rather a woman that was lobbying against the implementation of ARTTE. Vick and Skynet were extremely interested in keeping this woman on track as this program will eventually become the backbone of Skynet's infrastructure in the future. Realizing that ARTTE must be destroyed, Sarah and Derek break into the traffic computer's location and attempt to upload a virus that John created (instead of blowing up the place like Derek wants to do). The program is far too advanced for the virus and alarms sound forcing the two to flee. Cameron allows her chip to be removed and connected to the network, which finally brings it down. Two final reveals at the end of the episode are that Sarah knows that Derek killed Andy and Vick ends up killing Barbara after the program was completed.
The second part of the season finale begins with a flashback of a young Kyle and Derek playing ball as missiles fly above their heads – Judgment Day. Sarah finally is able to make contact with Sarkissian, who has Andy Goode's Turk computer. Sarkissian has been a busy man as he has been researching Sarah, including the killing of Carlos' crew. He double crosses Sarah by refusing to sell the Turk to her, instead demanding money to not turn her into the Feds. As added incentive, he mentions that John is being watched, unaware that Cameron is watching right back (and killing right back as well). Agent Ellison makes contact with Charlie Dixon to again see if he knows of Sarah's whereabouts. Although Charlie denies any knowledge, he becomes convinced that Ellison is beginning to see the truth and later, makes Sarah aware of this. During this time, Cromartie and Ellison become aware of the other's activities at the FBI. Carlos' girlfriend silently gives up Sarkissian's location, the cybercafe the initial Turk meet was to take place, and after a brief confrontation, Derek kills Sarkissian. John is able to decrypt Sarkissian's hard drive and discovers that the Turk has already been sold. Derek remembers John's birthday and surprises him by a visit to the park, where a young Derek and Kyle are playing baseball —finally allowing John to finally meet his father. Agent Ellison with a FBI task force attempt to bring in Kester/Lazlo/Cromartie. Every agent is killed except Ellison, whose life is oddly spared by Cromartie. The episode ends with Sarah remembering John's birthday and the cybercafe cashier, who actually is Sarkissian, rigging a car bomb that blows up Cameron.
Commentary:
I am not sure where to begin. The first part was interesting in that it revealed that there could be many programs and/or computers that are eventually used as the basis of Skynet rather than the one, the Turk, that the Connors plus two have been attempting to track down all this time. This can also serve as a way the series comes up with more storylines. Sadly, one wonders, if like in Lost (sorry to bring up another program, but like Captain Malcolm Reynolds said, “This is what I do.”), the Terminator universe has a way of course correcting itself. For example, in the motion picture series, the entire problem was supposedly eliminated in the second feature, but look what ends up happening at the end of the third film. Forgetting the fact that this is a television show, I wonder if Judgment Day is even preventable as there may always be another program or Terminator waiting in the wings. Heck, there seem to be a many cyborgs working various missions in the past; how can the elimination of one, or of a computer program stop Judgment Day? To quote Maureen Johnson, Idina Menzel's character from the musical Rent: “There will always be women in rubber flirting with me!”
The second hour, the actual finale, had a weird vibe about it in that I had no idea where they were going with it. Kind of shaky at first, then we have the cool (but traumatizing) way Derek dispatched fake Sarkissian, the raid on Cromartie and Cameron being blown up. I'm fascinated at the thought of Ellison coming around (heh —more on this later) to believing Sarah's story just as I'm confused as to why Cromartie did not kill Agent Ellison. I'm guessing it might be because Ellison has a part to play in the rise of Skynet based on the fact that his life was spared and that Cromartie did not go after Ellison as soon as he finds out that Ellison has the Connor case file. Just when I think they forgot about her, Cheryl makes an appearance. Why the freak out and what's her deal? I was touched by Derek bringing John to see his father! Now that's what I call a birthday present! Finally, was Cameron the real Sarkissian's target via the car bomb or was it unlucky happenstance on her part?
I think Sarah has been getting very lax in getting fooled twice by the fake Sarkissian. She slips up a third time by using Derek's real name in fake Sarkissian's presence in her house. To paraphrase Sarah: Sarah, you need to be smarter than that!
I think my complaints from the last episode were justified (the overkill of references from the feature films), so I'm glad to report that this episode has almost none (other than the characters, etc.). A Century City Mall reference was all that I could ascertain (unless you count Cameron's outfit at the end of the finale, which I don't). To clarify, I think it would behoove the show's producers and writers to use the feature films as a basis; however, they need to now forge ahead without worrying about the films anymore. Sure reference them from time to time, but create your own mythos. For example, I was extremely pleased at seeing the Kyle and Derek flashback/flashforward at the beginning of the second hour's episode. Side note: I did laugh at the thought of the resistance fighters spending their first day back in the past at the mall.
When Cameron says that Barbara is just “bones and meat” I thought I heard a little River Tam for a brief second. During fake Sarkissian visit to Carlos, my mind drifted to the opening of the film, Serenity. Searching for missing woman (girl)? Check! Spouts off some ancient historical fact? Check! Uses sword to kill guards? Check! Just saying is all...
Cyborg sex? Come on now! I hope Vick's “relationship” is not just a means to set up a weird relationship between John and Cameron (or John's friend and Cameron). Please, show creators, please do not go in this direction! Yuck!
Love how Cameron learned Armenian to prep for the meeting with Sarkissian because its an Armenian surname.
Oh yes! A big 'thank you' from this Johnny Cash fan for using a Cash song during that incredible sequence. The song, “The Man Comes Around,” was the title track of Cash's 2002 album, American IV: The Man Comes Around. The song uses quotes from the Bible's Book of Revelation in a reference to Agent Ellison's new found fear of the Apocalypse (Judgment Day) and to the fact, like I mentioned above, that he has finally “come around” to believing Sarah Connor's account of the things to come. Oh, nice way to end the pool shots by cutting to black, then revealing Cromartie's black shirt/jacket —AKA The Man in Black!
Speaking of the same sequence, it was very obvious that it was shot that way to save money (it's a television show after all); however, it was executed in an extremely unique way (kind of reminded me of the opening shot from the short-lived FOX show, Point Pleasant). I'm trying to figure out what I liked the best: the actual shot itself or the muffled sounds of chaos heard underwater. Kudos to everyone involved here!
Anyone have the name of that film or video that Carlos and crew were watching on the TV before fake Sarkissian shows up?
Nitpicking:
Way too obvious product placement returns: “7-11 run” (including a list of food that could be purchased at that convenience store), the video game, Halo, being played in the cybercafe and Intel's founder getting some props.
John is happy that he was able to figure out how the Terminator's store their memories and he mentions that he still hasn't figured out what the robot symbols mean. Why couldn't John have just asked Cameron how everything is organized or better yet, why couldn't Cameron just offer this info up? Normally, I would assume that she did help off screen, but John clearly states “I figured out...” and not “we figured out...” (or a variant).
Quotes:
Cameron: “The roast should had been removed from the stove eighteen minutes and twenty-seven seconds ago.”
Cameron: “Yes, crank the juice”
Sarah: “Have fun at school. It's pizza day.”
Derek: “Remind me again, why the boys are out here and the girls are in there.”
John: “Because one of the boys is still wanted for murder and one of the girls is harder than nuclear nails.”
Derek: “And the other one's a cyborg.”
Sarkissian: “You are very beautiful for a dead woman.”
Cameron: “That's a tight present.”
Cameron: “He said very little and then he was quiet.”
Well my fellow Ozians (cough), it's been a fun first season. Here's hoping that there is a second season. Until then... wait for it... I'll be back!
Check out more of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles in our Online Video Guide.
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Mar 4, 2008 2:59 AM
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Great recap, Robert. I mostly agree with your post. I think they only thing we differ on is the fact that I'm kind of a John/Cameron shipper, so I'm not completely creeped out that the Vick relationship might be setting up a Cam/human relationship, but I guess I'm weird that way. Anyway, here are all of my thoughts on the episode:
Personally, I thought it was a great cliffhanger....for a midseason break finale, not a season finale, which was it's original intention I believe. Wish they could have gotten the back nine they would have gotten had they started in the fall and there hadn't been a writer's strike, and then we would have gotten a proper finale. That being said, I think it was still a pretty stolid episode, and I definitely hope it gets renewed for next season.
Lots of great moments in the two-parter. My shipper heart fluttered during the first episode of the night. Especially during that Cam/John scene where he puts her chip back into her head; the way he stroked her face, and then when his arm sandwiched her on the bed and quickly moved it away when she was rebooted.
Derek/Brian in a shower scene = HOT
Speaking of Derek, I loved that he knew John was Kyle's son and that he took John to see young Kyle in the park.
I hated that scene where Derek had the little girl as a bargaining chip, but at least he had enough decency to cover her eyes when he shot the dude. The little girl was adorable by the way, and a pretty good actor for a little kid.
If/When the show gets renewed for a second season, Summer Glau as Cameron better return because I don't know if I'd be as interested if she wasn't there.
Last thing: Are there any Veronica Mars fans reading this? I ask this because I swear in the scene where the FBI goes to confront Chromartie, the apartment complex they used is the same one that Veronica and her dad lived in. Anyone else notice that?
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Mar 4, 2008 4:15 AM
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As a season finale, it was lackluster. As a normal episode (the proper way to look at it, since the show was intended to be shown in the fall and the Writer's Strike interviened), it was okay.
Cyborg sex? Come on now! I hope Vick's “relationship” is not just a means to set up a weird relationship between John and Cameron (or John's friend and Cameron). Please, show creators, please do not go in this direction! Yuck!
I agree, that was my biggest "what the heck?" moment of the night. I'm surprised John didn't mention that.
John: You can flirt?
Cameron: Yes.....hot stuff. You. Have. A. Nice. Butt.
Sarkissian annoyed me because he seemed like a Sark clone from Alias (there's no way the similarity in names is unintentional!)
I didn't like the "twist" ending. So, the invincible robot is blown up. Okay...really, my empathy is overwhelming.
I thought the best part of the episode(s) was Vick's attempt at overriding John's computer. I guess that's what happens when you become self-aware.
PS: What was up with the gratuitous Halo 3 advertisements? Nevertheless playing Halo in an internet cafe when it's only playable on the Xbox 360...
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Mar 4, 2008 7:06 AM
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Regarding human/cyborg sex: I had a theory from the beginning that Charlie's wife Michelle (Sonya Walger) was a cyborg sent back to monitor his life in case he ever encountered Sarah again. Too bad we only saw her in one other ep.
I agree that the use of "The Man Comes Around" was inspired.
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Mar 4, 2008 7:14 AM
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With all the Terminator/T2 references they've been throwing in I decided to re-watch those two movies. I actually finished T2 right before I watched the Sarah Connor Chronicles finale. Don't know if that was a good or bad thing. However, I am confused about the difference in the date of Judgement Day. If this was already addressed I apologize, but I didn't remember all that stuff for the rest of the season. Did the Connor's actions up until that point change the date of Judgement Day to 2011? If so- I agree with the reviewer. It may be continued to be pushed back but it just might be inevitable.
I am so glad I'm not the only one who has kind of liked the idea of Cameron & John. I actually thought from the beginning that they maybe already had a "relationship" in the future and that's why he picked her to go back. But- it's still really weird to think that way. I go back and forth.
I am really liking the idea of Derek and Sarah, though. Does anyone know if Brian Austin Green is going to be a permanent cast member? I really like the addition to his character to the series. I liked the show before, but I really think having Derek there adds a lot. Well- mostly the yummy man factor that was missing but I like the story there too. I also thought that the way Derek killed the fake Sarkissian was really cool- but then I felt bad for that little girl who will be scarred for life. Of course- she probably was Sarkissian's daughter after all.
As for the rest- (two hours is a lot to talk about!) I think that Cameron was not the intended target. Sarkissian would have wanted to kill Sarah, I am sure. Also- there's no way that bomb really harmed Cameron. After watching the first to Terminators over the last couple of days I can say that for certain. Those terminators just walked out of those type of explosions.
I loved the birthday present that Derek gave John. When Derek walked into the room to wish John a happy birthday I was just then thinking to myself that Derek probably knows because John must look a lot like his father- and then that conversation! I am glad that Derek just accepted it and didn't get angry. For some reason I thought he would be angry they didn't say anything to him. But, I thought that moment was really sweet.
Oh- I also totally thought of Serenity when I saw that scene in the woods. I think it was the way Summer delivered the line but it was totally River Tam!
I am also a fan of VM and I didn't think anything of the apartment complex. I may have to back and rewatch that part- but I think most of those complexes look basically the same.
I hate that this show is over for the season. It better come back next year with all of the same cast!!
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Mar 4, 2008 7:34 AM
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If there is a season 2....
Cameron probably didn't get killed. A mere car-bomb explosion might have burned off her skin (and recall that she kept some of the 888's skin before destroying that Terminator), but shouldn't have killed her any more than the fuel truck explosion killed Ahnold's Terminator in the first movie, or the nuclear blast killed the Terminator in Sarah’s dream in the first episode.
I thought it was (another) video game being played in Carlos' house when they were interrupted by "Sarkassian."
They seem to be alluding to some sort of romance, or at minimum an emotional connection, between John and Cameron. I wouldn't mind that; Summer is hot after all.... 
I think that her parts collecting over the past few episodes is to ensure that she herself gets built. After all, they removed the raw materials from her "factory" a few episodes back.
Or it could be that she is the birth of Skynet all along. Her program was loaded into the traffic system after all; why would a remnant not stay there?
The Carlos girl was acting a lot more "Terminator-like" this time around. Perhaps she's just shocked that everyone in her life is killed, but her coldness and expressionlessness sure resembles Cameron's after the first episode....
Cromartie didn't kill Ellison to perhaps make it look like Ellison turned on his own team. Who would believe Ellison after all, that some machine took out a whole SWAT team? The likely inquiries, investigations, and trial(?) are a good way to keep Ellison out of the way while not raising suspicions of what was really in that apartment.
Excellent series. Please Fox, don't pull a "Firefly" and cancel this, just when it's getting started. You're not going to get "Idol" ratings with sci-fi shows, but you do get a unique, loyal audience (most of whom probably don't watch any of that reality trash). There's a lot of story left to tell.
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Mar 4, 2008 7:58 AM
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When will they learn that you can't go after a Scary Robot with MP-5's - you have to upgrade to MP-7's or M6A2 SPC's, and have a few shotguns.
Is Cameron dead? Not unless they want to kill their ratings when the show comes back.
"I'm actually 24 but I time travelled thru 8 of my birthdays."
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Mar 4, 2008 8:02 AM
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Thank you, Robert, for a great recap! I missed the first twenty minutes so I felt a bit lost during the first episode - your recap pulled it all together for me.
Like some of the other readers, I also don't hate the idea of a relationship between John and Cameron. Though I suspect she is practicing her "flirting" skills in her attempts to be more human (like the ballet dancing).
I am embarassed to admit that I watched 90210 (although I was in my early 20's at the time). I remember when Brian Austin Green was this geeky, scrawny kid who wore bad hats - WOW has he ever grown up! I really hope they keep him on if the show is picked up for season 2. Between Cameron and Derek there is eye candy for everyone!
Can we talk about why Cromartie spares Ellison???? Ellison must serve a purpose for the machines later...I wonder what it is???
I also loved the scene when Derek brought John to see his Dad. Very touching. The ending was so-so... no way Cameron is gone for good... but since this wasn't supposed to be the real season finale it was ok.
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Mar 4, 2008 8:49 AM
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I really enjoyed both episodes as both were well crafted and had great moments. The first episode was kewl how they showed the Terminator's POV and were able to use that info. It also showed how resilient they are when it briefly "woke up" and tried to contact...anyone...about John.
The second episode was great with the silent gang girl leading them to the baddie. They kewl way Derek offed the baddie. Cam killing the guy and then telling John's friend who's smitten by her. But the best was when Derek took John to see Kyle. In the context of this series, that was very powerful.
Since the finalé wasn't supposed to be the last episode, and this series has been much better than I had imagined, I sure hope they bring it back. If nothing else, let Sci Fi buy the rights or ship it to F/X if it's not making the ratings that they want. At the end of the day, no tv series is getting great ratings, so they should keep quality and give it a chance.
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Mar 4, 2008 8:53 AM
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Thanks, Robert, for an AWESOME (as always) blog. Here's hoping for a second season of what has become one of my favorite shows this season!
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Mar 4, 2008 8:59 AM
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Loved the scene in the park. It made the whole episode and gave it such heart. To understand Derek more, that he could kill a man so easily or use a little girl as a hostage to save billions is something neither Connor would do, but neither of them have lived beyond the war. To them it is a thing in the future, to Derek it is a reality. He is such a good character to add to the show. If (please, oh please) it gets renewed I hope they make him a permanent cast member!
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Mar 4, 2008 9:10 AM
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I'm definitely intrigued by what happens next - so Sarkissian was the cafe clerk? And he's trying to blow up Cameron? And Cromartie is running around killing people, but doesn't off Ellison? I know you all have broached these questions already, but I'm still wrapping my brain around them.
That little girl was really good, and I'm totally hoping she's not scarred for life, but I bet she is. She was breaking my heart!
I loved the scene when Derek took John for ice cream and he saw his father, and look, space and time did NOT collapse! And then Derek admits he knows who John is! Nicely done.
So was the bit of humor about 'hard as nuclear nails'. It would be nice to show a bit more humor - not a lot, just a little - in this show.
That said, did anybody think it was really weird that Cameron gave her teacher that very normal smile when he told her to stay with the group at the science museum? She doesn't show that kind of trait very often, but it's nice to know it's in there.
I honestly know next to nothing about video games, so I didn't know that was Halo, and so that bit of product placement went whizzing right over my head. Then again, I'm not the target Halo audience...
And last but not least, I'm with genniel - adding BAG to the cast did bring in the yummy man moment - and I never thought much about the guy during 90210, so I'm kind of laughing at myself for thinking how hot he's become in this series! The shower scene might have been a bit gratuitous, but I'm not complaining.
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Mar 4, 2008 9:38 AM
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I really enjoyed the season finale and am looking forward to next season, knock on wood!
Also, I get a sort of Sean Young/ Bladerunner vibe from Summer G, so the thought of a romance or something between Cameron and John does not bother me at all.
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Mar 4, 2008 9:40 AM
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I sat afraid the entire show that Derek was going to die. I think it would be great when season 2 starts (notice I said WHEN not IF) for them to add BAG on as a permanent cast member. I'm shocked that I actually like him, I remember him as the annoying guy on 90210. Boy has he grown up.
All in all, I'm a little perplexed by the ending. I guess Ellison has a "destiny", that's why he wasn't killed. The scene with the little girl was very powerful, showing you just what Derek was capable of , then contrasting it with the scene of him taking John to see his father on his birthday. And the shower scene.... well.......
I'm really hoping they renew this show. I'm very selective about what I watch on TV, and I only have two shows that I follow faithfully. Battlestar Galactica, and now this one.
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Mar 4, 2008 10:15 AM
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> Way too obvious product placement returns: the video game, Halo, being
> played in the cybercafe
Was the video game actually Halo? I thought it was Unreal Tournament. Anyone?
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Mar 4, 2008 10:36 AM
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