Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles

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.

In an episode that is chock full of references to the previous films, the main theme appears to be nature and duality of good and evil or rather, the soulful, feeling human versus the heartless, cold machine, and how each can mimic the other but never can truly be the same.

Cameron acquires a police uniform and motorcycle, disables a portion of the city's power grid then uses the power outage and her disguise to easily enter the police station that is supposed to have the missing Terminator hand (from the episode, “Queen's Gambit”). Cameron discovers that the hand is not in the evidence room but in the possession of Agent Ellison. Sarah takes matters into her own hands (heh) by tracking down Agent Ellison. It seems that Ellison has not been just twiddling his thumbs (heh) as he has been continuing to piece everything together. He studies the video taped sessions of Sarah while she was in Pescadero State Hospital and even visits the institution, including her old room there. Sarah returns the favor by breaking into Ellison's home looking for the robot hand, and instead discovering the video tapes. A doctor at Pescadero informs Ellison that the physician that cared for Sarah, Doctor Silverman (Bruce Davison), is now a recluse and of course, Ellison decides to pay him a visit. At first the meeting seems to be going along without any issues until Ellison passes out from being drugged by Silverman, who binds Ellison and then stabs him in the leg in attempt to verify that Ellison is not a machine. As it turns out, Silverman has been affected by the previous encounter with Sarah and the Terminators so much so that he now believes, religiously, that Sarah's story is true and attempts to kill Ellison by burning down his own house. Sarah intervenes at the last minute, knocks out Silverman, reacquires the cyborg hand (that Ellison brought with him) and saves Ellison. Later, Ellison has Dr. Silverman committed to Pescadero.

Cameron is assigned the task of finding Dimitri, the person who actually programmed the chess algorithms into Andy Goode's Turk computer, via his sister, Maria. Cameron signs up for ballet classes taught by Maria and eventually gains her confidence. After a brief visit with Dimitri, Cameron is given the name of the person the Turk computer was sold and as she leaves the apartment, both Dimitri and his sister are gunned down by Russian mobsters.

Finally, John finds one of the video tapes that Sarah removes from Ellison's home. In that particular video, Sarah signs away parental rights to John, which upsets him until Sarah explains her actions.

Commentary:

I think these references to the previous films need to stop. OK, maybe not stop completely as I do find them very interesting; however, in this episode it was like major overkill. Seriously, if you do not believe me, here's my list (I'm sure there are more that I missed):
—Cameron wearing the cop outfit, sunglasses and the police motorcycle
—Sarah's video taped sessions
—Sarah's room at Pescadero
—Doctor Silverman returns
—References to the Sarah's breakout from Pescadero
—References to John's foster parents, Todd and Janelle, who were killed by the T1000 in the second film.
Aren't they supposed to keep us wanting more rather than showing us the entire shark? That being said, it's interesting to finally confirm that the events of T2 are canon (or at least the ones referenced in this episode).

Nothing against Lena's performance to date (as I have liked it) but I thought Linda Hamilton played a better psycho Sarah; although I could never picture Linda cooking breakfast like Lena.

Nice way of getting Summer to dance in the episode! Did Cameron inform the mobsters of her meeting with Dimtri or was it just coincidence (as they seemed not to care that she was walking past them)? Summer looked very robotic as she stood there with her back to Sarah at the end. Did she have a cold at the end of the episode?

Why exactly is John upset as Sarah's past should had already been known to him? Unnecessary subplot to an episode that was already overburdened with plot.

So Ellison finally has something to do! Does he believe Sarah's story or is he like Mulder in that he wants to believe but just doesn't have the proof? One would figure the robot hand would be all the proof he needs.

Let's revisit my initial thoughts of the episode dealing with the themes of man versus machine, God versus man and their nature/duality and juxtapositions While I am extremely pleased at thought provoking themes like this is being handled in this television series (as opposed to an Ingmar Bergman film), as with the references to the previous films in this episode, I really felt that it was just too heavy handed. Maybe I shouldn't criticize the show for trying, so you tell me if you think they went overboard or not. Here's my list:
—Sarah walking past all the mausoleum, past all the people interred there until she finds Andy Goode's grave. Cameron walking past all the boxed evidence, looking for the one that contains the cyborg hand.
—Derek's constant warnings about Cameron and later him watching Cameron's graceful dance.
—The exchange between Cameron and Derek:
Cameron: “Dance is the hidden language of the soul.”
Derek: “First you have to have a soul.”
—The cold nature of Sarah's hospital sessions and John's emotional reaction to them.
—Cameron watching Maria dance (and her students) then mimicking them at the end of the episode, earlier coldly allowing her and Dimitri to get murdered.
—Silverman's religious description of the incident between the two Terminators from the second film
—Silverman's recollection of the T101's 'hand of God' and Sarah's hand as she reaches out to save Ellison from the fire (the episode title itself).
—Sarah's possible prophetic voice over at the end: “They cannot appreciate beauty. They cannot create art. If they ever learn these things, they won't have to destroy us. They will be us.”

On that note, it's time to sign off. There are no quotes/nitpicking subsections this week as I have buried some into my commentary above. Until next week's two-hour season finale (here's to hoping it blows us all away!)... I'll be back!

Check out more of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles in our Online Video Guide.

While Derek is being treated for the gunshot wound he sustained from the Terminator in the previous episode, we are presented with a serious of flashbacks (flashforwards?) of his experiences in the future that led up to his teleportation to this time period. During this series of flashbacks, we meet Derek's brother, Kyle (for the first time in the series); Derek, Kyle and crew are captured in a failed mission after witnessing Terminators and later Hunter Killers transporting what appear to be aircraft engines; after being held captive, they are mysteriously allowed to escape and discover that their base of operations was destroyed; it is revealed that future Andy Goode was in fact responsible for the creation of Skynet and Derek was the one responsible for present-day Andy's murder; and finally Derek and Cameron did meet in the future (following along so far? Whew!) Back in the present, Charlie finally finds out the 'truth' about Sarah, John and much to his chagrin, Cameron.

Commentary:

My goodness but what an interesting episode! Although not perfect, I've been waiting for an episode like this: action... or rather.. post-Judgment Day action, intriguing plot twists, and they actually dealt with some of my nitpicking from the previous episode.

Where to begin?

OK, first, Kyle Reese is introduced! Through the grapevine, I had heard that the character would be making appearance and I was really afraid that he'd show up as a new character. “Hi Sarah! Remember, me? I didn't die” or “That was another me that died.” Thankfully that was not the case in the episode (although, one never knows... it could still happen). What did happen to him in that weird prison/house anyways?

Speaking about that 'prison,' what was the deal with it? Skynet (we assume) capture Derek, Kyle and party, transport them apparently some distance away in the back of a futuristic paddy wagon, chain them down (and barcode some or all) in a room of a house (possibly implied that it's the same house that the present day Connors now inhabit), escort them one at a time into the basement of the house for some unknown reason (music, dark room, possibly a Manchurian Candidate scenario?), return/chain them back up again, finally, allowing them to escape. Huh? I'm not really complaining, just not understanding... yet.

So Andy Goode did create Skynet and Derek did end up killing him (in present day). Does that mean that future Andy ceases to exist or is it an endless loop? What about Miles Dyson? Was his death really meaningless or does it mean that no matter who the present day Connors eliminate, Skynet will always find a way to come into existence? Argh! Paradoxes again hurt my brain!

Kudos to FOX for the surprising levels of gory graphic scenes! Kudos indeed! I was especially impressed by the carving up of the previous episode's Terminator and with the blood that Derek spewed up at one point. Being a horror film fan, seeing anything like this on broadcast television (within context of the story) brings a wicked smile to my face and makes up for the lack of gore in some of the previous episodes. Before anyone complains, those who are easily offended by such visuals can easily take advantage of the V-Chip in their TVs (that FOX promotes all the time). Also, one would question why are you even watching a television show based on the Terminator films in the first place? Heh.

I thought it was pretty cool seeing the future time machine that resistance fighters and John Connor had at their disposal. Curious that John didn't send Kyle back using that machine rather than the one in the Skynet labs...

Where those my beloved phased plasma rifles in a 40 watt range?

When they are teleported back to the present, I like the fact that there is a truck present at their location as well as a piece of paper/newspaper that flutters by.

I agree with Derek that it's kinda wiggy to see Kyle stare at Sarah's picture (hey! That ain't Linda Hamilton in the picture! Heh).

Billy Wisher? Yet another reference to T1 and T2. For those who may not be aware, William Wisher Jr. helped write/co-write the first two movies.

Wait a second! Reprogrammed Terminators can go 'bad?” Interesting... Hey, what exactly is Derek's beef with Cameron? She saved him after all. Then again, are we not seeing the full story or is it that he thinks that she could turn on them?

Nice also twist by tricking me into thinking young John was in the future!

Finally, thanks to the show's creators for not forgetting about the cyborg's missing hand from the previous episode! I take back my nitpick from last time. Which leads me to...

Nitpicking:

Derek is AB-Negative, needs a transfusion and Sarah is O-Negative, the universal donor? Flashbacks/flashforwards? There's a freaking hatch? Is it just me or does this sound strangely familiar?

Although I really shouldn't expect much considering television budgets and such, the resistance's various bases did look kinda cheesy as well as those skinless Terminators pulling the large engine.

I enjoyed seeing the post-Judgment Day scenes, however, as in the first two films, I wanted to see more! That being said, what's the deal with the bright, sunny skies? I thought the world was always dark because of the nukes Skynet launched or could it be I'm just thinking about The Matrix?

Even though I do like all the reference to the previous films, I just didn't like Charley saying “There's a storm coming” so I will not include it below. Then again, since I already mentioned it, does it not mean that it was listed as a quote by me? Argh! Paradoxes again hurt my brain!

Quotes:

Cameron: “You look nervous. There are sedatives in Charley Dixon's bag.”

Charley: “And, you're a...”
Cameron: “Yes, I'm a...”
Sarah: “You need a...”
Charlie: “A minute?”
Sarah: “I was going to say, a drink.”

Charlie: “Is that a complicated way of saying 'robot'?”
Cameron: “Cybernetic organism. Living tissue over a metal endoskeleton.”
Charley: “OK. 'Scary robot.' And her you are carving up this guy into chum.”
Cameron: “He's not a guy, he's a 'scary robot.'”
Charley: “OK, he's a 'scary robot?' You, you are a 'very, scary robot.'”


Until next time... I'll be back!

Check out more of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles in our Online Video Guide.

“To win you must be patient, bold, calculating. And most of all: willing to sacrifice.”
—Sarah Connor


Andy Goode contacts Sarah to invite her to a computer chess tournament that he has entered. Andy's new version of The Turk, the chess computer that Sarah destroyed when she burned down his house, is entered into the competition —the grand prize being is lucrative military contract. Chromartie, under the guise of Special Agent Kester, contacts Charlie Dixon to see if he has any information about the Connors. John and Cameron deal with the aftermath of the suicide at school. John again encounters Cheryl Weston whom he is told is “damaged goods.” Back at the chess tournament, Andy's computer loses the match much to the relief of Sarah, who was mulling over killing him. Shockingly, Andy is later found dead by Sarah in his hotel room. She is able to chase down the possible killer but the police arrive and apprehend him before she can interrogate him. After deducing that he is the remaining (and missing) resistance fighter, Sarah tracks down and visits him in prison. She gets two surprises: he claims that he did not kill Andy (or steal The Turk) and that he is... Derek Reese, Kyle's brother. The group hatches a plan to rescue Derek while he is being transported but the Terminator that was originally hunting the resistance fighters has other ideas. Cameron is able to deal with the enemy cyborg, but it still ends up shooting Derek. They transport the wounded man back to their house and deal with his injuries; however, the wound is too difficult to treat. John fetches Charley Dixon to help save Derek.


Commentary:

Finally, we get some action or rather the action clips we all have seen in the previous previews. I guess the show is still trying to find it's legs because to me, that truck sequence was just a but underwhelming, except that I did enjoy the “Triple 8” (heh) getting it's hand ripped off and head all battered. Later, I felt a certain glee as Cameron battered it with that pipe. Did the production designers keep with continuity with the look of the chip that she removes?

So did Sarah have/developed feelings for Andy? Who killed Andy? Cameron? John?

I didn't get a close look but were those vitamins or a possible anti-cancer/health food pills that Sarah took?

Loved the scene between Cameron and the guidance counselor, although based on his reaction, it appeared that he was more interested in getting info out of Cameron about Jordan rather than helping her “grief.” Can we now assume that the guidance counselor was why Jordan killed herself? (side note: why is this even a subplot?)

I didn't recognize Brain Austin Green at first and ended up being fairly impressed by his performance. I guess I was wrong about Cheryl being the missing resistance fighter, but I sure didn't expect it to be Kyle's brother either. Oh, what's Cheryl's deal anyway?

I liked the way the Terminator got itself into prison, but it turned out to be rather pointless as it was unnecessary to the plot.

Penny!!! Sorry, I meant Michelle!!! Of course, you all know what other television show I was thinking of when she says “Charlie.” Did you notice her accent slightly slipping when she raised her voice?

Tin Miss! Tornado! Ha!


Nitpicking:

How could John be great at computers and hacking but need help with math?

I believe I saw that remote control robotic dog at Toys R Us for $39.99 a few years back. Guess they couldn't afford getting (the discontinued) Sony Aibo.

Realistically, why would Sarah even bother to ask Cameron about her feelings towards Andy's death? She's a machine, after all (obviously, the real reason is to help drill into the audience that Cameron isn't human and to set her up as a suspect in Andy's murder... but still... too in your face for me).

Is it just me or was it a little implausible that that Sarah automatically believed that Derek was who he claimed he was? I guess we are meant to assume that Cameron was able to confirm who he said he was off-screen (based on what Cameron said earlier).

Did I miss it or did they explain how they got rid of the Terminator's body (I don't include it's hand in this question as that could easily been assumed to have been destroyed)?

Those city streets during the chase/action sequence at the end where barren except for one or two cars... and the Connor's Jeep.

Chess? In the jungle? Taught by the crew that Sarah hung around with? Come on now!


Quotes:

Cameron: “It could become Skynet.”
Sarah: “It could also become 'Pong.”

Cameron: “I am done with grief counseling and I feel much better.”

Derek: "I won't be the bastard who brings metal down on the Connors.”

Sarah: "Field trip."
John: " I call shotgun."
Cameron: " I call 9mm."


Till next time... I'll be back!


Check out more of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles in our Online Video Guide.

“If you're gonna be a hero, you gotta learn how to drive stick.”
—Sarah Connor

While John laments over the death of Jordan Cowon, Cameron discovers that Cromartie was able to make the trip ahead with them into the future via news footage from a cell phone camera (she doesn't sleep, after all). With a newspaper reports of an arson at a dock and the re-routing of coltan, a 'key element' in the construction of cyborgs, Cameron deduces that Cromartie is attempting to reconstruct or repair himself. The group decides to be pro-active, instead of running like John thinks his mother always wants to do, and intercept Cromartie as he picks up the coltan. At the docks, they discover that it is not Cromartie, who is busy getting some plastic surgery done, but rather another model Terminator that is programmed to stockpile the element for Skynet's future plans. John forces Sarah and Cameron's hand into helping secure the element and effectively dealing with the new Terminator. Cromartie assumes his new identity and Special Agent Ellison continues to deal with the trail of bodies and inner FBI rivalries.

Commentary:

I didn't really like this episode as much I as wanted to. I was expecting a little more action, especially after last week's episode, but got more of the same: exposition and character development. I seriously hope this is leading somewhere. Obviously, there can't be huge action/CGI sequences every week but I did expect a little more than what was presented here (the cyborg fight in the bunker was cool, but too abrupt). The idea that Skynet is preparing for the future in such a manner is great; however, at present, it seems a little out of place. My fellow gamers out there will probably agree with me when I state that this episode seemed more like a “side-story/mission” from a video game.

Totally didn't like the whole, let's fake out the audience into thinking the George Lazlo in the FBI holding cell was in fact Cromartie! Bah! It was semi-cool to see the real George Lazlo and Cromartie in the mirror, with Cromartie imitating George for a second or two before... SMASH!

Did anyone else think of C3P0 when the Terminator shut down? “Sir, if you won't be needing me, I'll close down for a while.” OK, OK. That's a stretch. I did expect the key's removal to reactivate him. Now we know that these model Terminators have a 15 second reboot time.

Besides the mirror smash, I was fond of the Cameron effect shot when she jumped off the back of the truck. They even matched the panel that flew off the back of the truck! Cool!

So is Cameron thinking of using the coltan she took to fashion a cyborg baby for herself (I jest) or for spare parts? Why is John's hand shaking whilst we hear the Terminator theme in the background? I'm sensing that Ellison will eventually find out the hard way that Sarah has been telling the truth all this time and will team up with the Connors plus one (like the way Spike and Principal Wood joined the Scooby gang... sort of)

Nitpicking:

Odd how the drivers in the truck filled with stolen coltan didn't see or hear the commotion between Cameron, Sarah and the security guard? How come the new Terminator didn't see John climb in through the window, Sarah frantically reaching in the window after him or at least hear Sarah call after her son (“John! Damn it John!”)? Sarah effectively killing the guard by having Cameron leave him in the mine field (doesn't this go against the whole 'not killing humans' mantra she now has —then again, I guess it does leave his fate in his own hands). Mike seemed a little too friendly to John, especially after being hit in the head and seeing his buddies lying on the ground, dead. That's some crazy & quick plastic surgery that Cromartie got done (could be explained away because of his futuristic flesh).

Quotes:

Sarah: “Get the shotguns... and the C4 from the bathroom under the towels.”

John: “That's coltan. That's what you're made of. No wonder that you're so dense.”
Cameron: “Not density. Heat resistance.”

Sarah: “You know what I love about you guys? Even when you've evolved into the ultimate, indestructible killing machine, you are not above self examination and improvement.”
Cameron: “Thank you.”
Sarah: “Please shut up.”

Sarah: “If you die, they win.”

Sarah: “Tell me where they went or I'll beat you to death. And don't call me lady!”

Till next time, I'll be back! (ya know I would have to start using this eventually)

Check out more of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles in our Online Video Guide.

"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.

“Know thy self because what else is there to know?”
—Sarah Connor

Apparently, the Connors and Cameron were not the only ones teleported seven years into the future. Cromartie's head (and body we later find out) made the trip as well. He spends the entire episode getting his head straight (gruesomely literally). In the meantime, the Connors are attempting to acclimate to the year 2007. First on the agenda is getting new identities. Cameron informs them that there is a group of resistance fighters from the future that can help them with what they need. As Sarah and Cameron pay these soldiers a visit, they discover two surprises: the soldiers have been massacred and their killer, another Terminator, is playing dead. After a fight and chase resulting in the enemy cyborg escaping, Sarah questions why they even had to jump into the future. Cameron reveals that Sarah died from cancer in 2005 (in the original timeline). Sarah agrees with John that they should enlist the aid of Enrique (character from Terminator 2: Judgment Day) to help them. Turns out that he is now “retired” but refers them to his nephew, Carlos, who offers to do the job for $20 grand. He also shares with Sarah some sobering world events that occurred while she was away. John has been keeping himself busy by leaving the house and researching the whereabouts of Charley Dixon, Sarah's fiancé and father figure to John before they had gone on the run in 1999. John ends up at Charlie's house and surprises him when he comes home. Knowing that he shouldn't be there in the first place, John attacks Charlie, apologies, then leaves the house. Later, with a desperate need for cash, the Connors plus one head back to the resistance group's apartment, find hidden cash and escape out a window (Cameron ends up being tossed out the window) before the Terminator, that they had tangled with in the beginning, returns. Carlos gladly makes them their new id cards and lets slip out that his uncle was a 'rat.' Upon hearing this news, Sarah confronts Enrique about whether he has sold them out or not. He tries to convince Sarah that he would never do such a thing to her but Cameron kills him (knowing that Sarah could not do it). As it turns out, Enrique did make an offer to the Feds, but never mentioned what the info was. The episode ends with John and Cameron starting at their new school as Sarah gets a doctor's exam.

Commentary:

—OK, first off, if we are basing this on the first two Terminator movies (especially the first one), time travel is kind of complicated isn't it? Wasn't the machine that Kyle Reese used destroyed after he went through? Now I can understand more time machines being built (Cameron is able to build one in the pilot episode but that took 33 years); however, considering all these younger John Connor protectors that have been sent back into time by the future John Connor, were not all the “good” cyborgs teleported at approximately the same time in the future? Forgetting the first two films, so far we are aware of at least three cyborgs and four resistance fighters who have all made the trip with (based on what Cameron states) there being more Terminators running around. My mind's eye just pictures something out of a Bug Bunny cartoon with Future World Savior John Connor™ manning a conveyor belt of “good” Terminators and human soldiers and Skynet doing the same, 'cept with “bad” cyborgs. With all this time traveling going on, isn't there a very good chance that something will get mucked up? I dunno 'bout the rest of ya'll, but I'm not happy with this plot point.

—Nice way to tie-in the series with T2 by having the character of Enrique return (sad to see him go out like that). Also, cool references to T1 with the bar code tattoos and to T3 with Sarah dying. The metallic 'clunk' of Cromartie's skull as it's placed down on the window sill is just perfect! Sarah refers to events in T2 when she questions Cameron taking orders from John. The safe's combination was Judgment Day's date (which doesn't make sense since that would had been August 29, 1997 and it's 2007, thus Judgment Day didn't happen? Confused? I am). Oh and...dogs barking!

—Nice Dell & Windows product placement! /sarcasm

-How cool was that action sequence in the future? Loved River... sorry, Cameron's almost blank, machine-like expression on her face as she fought the other Terminator (check her out as she walks through the hole in the wall). I particularly enjoyed both of them flying out the window into the wall on the other side of the alley, then falling to the ground. I totally was not expecting Cameron getting hit by a car at the end of that scene! Hopefully, the action/stunts will remain at this level for the rest of the series.

—So Cameron is an “unknown cyborg” at least to the other Terminator models. Maybe she wasn't a Skynet created model? But that can't be as she knows a lot about Skynet and other cyborgs. I thought that the scenes with Cameron imitating Carlos' girl and later the makeup session a tad bit odd (but cool). Summer Glau really has the machine side of this character down. I really believed she would had killed that police officer if not for Sarah intervention.

—Whoa! Thought I was watching LOST for a second or three there! Sonya Walger makes an appearance as Charlie's wife and the first time we see her (in this episode), she is seen in a photograph with Charlie that totally reminds me of Desmond's photo of Penny and himself. In-joke anyone? Add another Brit to the list (see previous blog).

—Ugh! Please don't call Cameron 'Tin Man' anymore. I'm a fan of the 'Wizard of Oz' (movie not the original book) and hearing Sarah say 'Tin Man' just reminded me of that horrible Sci-Fi Channel mini-series of the same name.

—Not sure how I feel about the references to 9/11 in the episode; however, I think it could be a tie-in to the dialog exchange between John and the Terminator from T2:
John: “We're not going to make it, are we?”
Terminator: “It is in your nature to destroy yourselves.

—I called it (in the last blog)! Well, sort of. I questioned whether Cromartie's parts were the cause of Skynet's creation and although that was not the case (as far as we know), his head and torso did make the jump into the future. Of course, one has to wonder how his head and torso were able to make the jump considering he was in two pieces with no flesh surrounding where his head was severed. Nitpicking much? Well, yes I am. However, I wasn't the one who made up these “rules” for time travel. Then again, I'm still unclear how the T1000 was able to make the jump. OK OK, nitpicking off (for now).

—Agent James Ellison... Harlan Ellison? Just saying since we already have a “Cameron.”

—John, John, John (or should I say, Claire, Claire, Claire). Is it too much to as for you to listen to your mom and stay off the radar!

—This episode featured Cameron was hit by a car and fell out a window (the same one?) twice. Hmmm. Should I even be keeping a track of this? Heh.

Till next time... fight for the future!

Quotes:

Cameron: “Please remain calm.

Enrique: “You're a very quiet girl”
Cameron laughs

Sarah: “If I would had witnessed it. If I would had been here... I'm sure I would had thought the end was near.”

Cameron: “El Finito is a true believer but he is finished with the life.”

Sarah: “Do what you do, girly.”

Cameron: “Why are diamonds a girl's best friend?”

Sarah: “I don't know anything anymore. I don't even remember what my name is.”

John: “My dad's always a hero. He's always dead.”

Check out more of Sarah Connor in our Online Video Guide.

“You want to stop Skynet? We can go kill it before it's born. You can stop running, stay in one place. Fight.”
—Cameron Phillips

Welcome to the TV Guide Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles blog. Let's get a move on soldier and dive right in shall we?

In a series of camera shots/scenes reminiscent of (and possibly to tie into) Terminator 2: Judgment Day (T2) we are presented with the open road, fate... time... the future... moving ever forward with a voice over from Sarah Connor herself. This is a dream of Sarah's or rather her nightmare, now modified because of the events in T2: while running away, John, her son, is shot in the back by a Terminator while Sarah can do nothing. It ends with a nuclear explosion and the Terminator choking Sarah.

The date is 8/24/99. Sarah awakens and decides that she and her son must now move on. Not sure what spurs her forward (the dream or the feeling that she is getting too comfortable with her fiancé/her life). She tells John it's not safe anymore and they leave. Her fiancé, Charley, reports them missing, and we are introduced to FBI Agent James Ellison, who shares with Charley all the juicy details about her past that Sarah forgot to mention. Later with an updated photo and info, Agent Ellison revised Sarah's record in the criminal database which secretly triggers a PC in another location to activate —glowing red eyes stare into that monitor...

The date is 9/6/99. The Connors have set up shop in a new town in New Mexico. In his new school, John meets a fellow student named Cameron Phillips, who appears to have some interest in John. In class the next day, a new teacher, Cromartie, appears and takes role call and hidden from view, starts cutting into his thigh. After 'John Reese' says “here,” the teacher removes a gun from his thigh and starts shooting with Cameron caught in the line of fire. John scrambles out the back window with Cromartie in close pursuit. Just as John is about to get shot, the not dead Cameron drives into the Terminator with a pick-up truck and says those famous words, “Come with me if you want to live.” Upon hearing the news reports about the school shooting, Sarah scouts the location and is taken captive by Cromartie, who then tricks John into coming 'home.' At the house, John is shot walking into the door but as it turns out, its Cameron in disguise and the two Terminators brawl. The Connors flee the rampage in the house while Cameron disables Cromartie for a short time. The group hides out and Cameron reveals that Skynet still goes online but doesn't know who designed it.

The date is 9/9/99. The group heads to the Dyson residence to ask Mile's widow if she was aware of anyone with knowledge of Mile's research. Cromartie makes an appearance and the Connors plus one take one of Dyson's vehicles, backs it into the Terminator and peels out of there. Cromartie pursues on foot and ends up shooting Sarah in the shoulder. As he runs past their original vehicle, Cameron triggers a remote explosive that stops Cromatie... for now. Cameron takes them to a bank vault where she reveals that she has been back in time since 1963 and helped to engineer the vault. Seemingly attempting a bank robbery, Cameron orders one of the tellers to seal them all in the vault. While in there she reveals that the vault is a time machine that can take them into the future. Cromartie attempts to break into the vault as Cameron prepares the machine. Just as he gets through the damaged door, he is destroyed by Sarah and then the Connors plus one are teleported into the future.

The date is 9/2007. The group appears, naked in the middle of a highway. Since it's 2007, a cell phone video of the incident is recorded and shared with the news media. Cameron tells them that this is where they will begin their search for the genesis of Skynet.

Commentary/opinions:
I wasn't really sure if I would like the series (I'm still unsure); however, I was impressed by the pilot and the premise of moving the storyline into the present day (well, almost present day). Not sure how this storyline will work as a series, but I think it's going to be fun trying to find out.

Sadly, John reminds me of Claire from Heroes (funny since Thomas Dekker was on Heroes). Sarah drills into him the rule “keep your head down” etc. but the next day at class, John blabbing away to Cameron. Seriously, John (and Claire): keep your mouths shut!

Skynet's creation: I'm totally unclear as to how Skynet could come to be created, especially after the events of T2. However, as I watched the pilot for a second time, one scenario came to mind: could their time travel from 1999 to 2007 have been the cause for the creation of Skynet? I present the following as evidence based on the facts (as I think I know them) that only living beings (or Terminators) can be transported with everything else being destroyed or left behind (?) in the process. 1) The time machine was left behind. Was it destroyed as a result of it's use? 2) Cromartie's parts were left behind (at least his body, possibly his head too) 3) Was the super gun left behind?

No more use of the line “Come with me if you want to live” and no more glowy eyes (unless absolutely necessary). There seemed to be a lot of abandoned warehouses in this episode...

Exactly what type of Terminator is Cameron? John immediately picks up on this besides her being 'different' (or is it that he forgets that she is a cyborg). At first the only trait you can notice is that she can eat (or simulate it) but there's more. She is more verbose than the previous models, plus she seems to have all the courtesies down pat: she sincerely thanks John in the classroom and says “please” when holding up the bank. Perhaps her 36+ years back in time has done this to her or is she something more? Notice how her vision was in full color as opposed to Cromartie? Finally, is Cameron a homage to James?

Any Firefly/Serenity fans think “River” when Cameron stole that gun from the guard's holster or when she was beating up those guys in the car?

Loved how Cromartie analyzed the SWAT team to have a threat of “none.” Did you see his injured ear while he was standing there?

I believe the episode was coming full circle when Sarah tells Cameron that she fears she will lose John because of all the running which reflects in her nightmare from the beginning of the episode.

What's the deal with all these Britsh actress' playing Americans nowadays? Off the top of my head, Lena Headley playing Sarah Connor, Anna Friel as Chuck on Pushing Daises and Michelle Ryan as Jamie Sommers on Bionic Woman. I kid, I kid!

Quotes:
Sarah: "No one is ever safe! Half an hour, plus the guns... I'll make
pancakes."

Cromartie: “Class dismissed”

Cameron: “Neat trick.”

Sarah: “Is it nuclear?”
Cameron: “No... not really.”

Sarah and John (in unison): “No one is ever safe.”


Things to look for:
I attempted to crecord everything that I could see on the various PC monitors and reports presented in the episode (there's probably more that I missed). Enjoy!

The newspaper clipping about Mile's death appears to really be about US troop movements. The first paragraph has some mention of “Cyberdyne.”

Sarah's picture on the FBI/hospital file reads the following:
Connor, Sarah 081191-pdgy Pescadero State Hospital 349-5.C

Her FBI profile has the following info listed (not complete):

KNOWN ALIASES: Sarah Reese. Age: 33. HT: 5'4". WT: 110. HAIR: Black EYES: Green

MARKS/TATTOOS: Puncture scarring front and back right shoulder.
Multiple combat scars.

KNOWN ASSOICATES: Charley Dixon, fiancé. John Connor, son, 15.

FEDERAL WARRANTS: Murder, attempted murder. armed assault & battery,
armed robbery, assault & battery, domestic terrorism, kidnapping,
arson of United States government property and property used in
interstate commerce, arson of a building.

REMARKS: At large. Armed and dangerous. Approach with extreme
caution. Trained in the use of military grade firearms handguns,
edged weapons, explosives, and hand-to-hand combat. If contact is
made, utilization of FBI HRT is highly recommended.