'Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles': A surprising season premiere

Ronny Fri, Feb 13, 2009 at 08:52 PM EST

great episode
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liked it when the terminator did that move
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demi Wed, Sep 24, 2008 at 10:13 AM EST

the season 1 is very good, since the first.

Rob Grizzly Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 09:35 PM EST

this premire is easily the best episode they've had.

ak001 Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 04:52 AM EST

I wondered if Cameron was a human turned into a terminator; that would explain the emotions. or maybe the human part is taking over? Does She have a human brain (or part of a brain) in that armor plated skull of hers?

Cara Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 02:24 PM EST

EW is really leaving us high and dry on the TV Watch for Terminator. I really missed the commentary this morning.

mainenwo Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 08:14 PM EST

Ok so now Episode 2 is over..I have a few questions..1 did you get the feeling that Cameron was upset at the fact that john brought a girl home? Sarah looked over at her when she was sitting at the table and she looked upset.. Question 2 what did the writing in blood on the wall mean at the end of the show

GDC Sun, Sep 14, 2008 at 04:24 PM EST

They stuffed too much into the opener and did not really pull it off. Shirley Manson, while I love her in Garbage, was not the best choice for this role, at least they can do is fix her hair and give her a few acting lessons, she has really poor execution on the few lines that she has. Mom (Sara Connor) has to be tougher and stop asking if John is okay. And that whole bit where Cameron turned on John, it goes along with trying to cram too much into the opener, that should have been something for another show. I’ll watch still as there’s not much sci-fi out there, and hope it improves.

marcusbrody Sun, Sep 14, 2008 at 01:33 PM EST

I think Cameron stays with John in one way or another all the way into the future where she does the darker things they both know is necessary to the survival of mankind. I think SHE was the 'thing' in the basement of the house... she happened to capture all the guys the went back in time to keep them out of the strike against their base, and derrik 'knew' her when he saw her at HQ when he went to meet john. I think she becomes more and more human emotionally, but will be tortured by the fact that she'll never be a 'real' girl, and so resigns herself to play the cards she's been dealt. The music in the basement is what clinches it for me. Since the future skynet now KNOWS about cameron's change and her alliance with john in the future, they've sent back another terminator to ensure skynets survival and to destroy/study cameron to find out how she has become so human. I think Cameron is going to turn out to be a pretty deep and emotionally tortured character. This show is awesome!!!

ZaCk Sun, Sep 14, 2008 at 07:49 AM EST

Last night's show was great..i'm so happy when i watch this movies.I thought Summer Glau did a fantastic job when she was Terminator Girl and pleading for her life.I LIKE her..because she is so nice girl, cute and sexy...I hope one day i can meet her.. and know all about Summer Glau..good LUCK My beuty..

DeusEx Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 12:43 PM EST

I love this show except for the fact that it is getting too biblical and preachy. First the FBI agent goes wacko nborn again, now I am afraid the terminator is going to "get religion". This is a science fiction show, I hope we don't start getting religious mysticism crammed down our throats. Can't the bible believers tune in to Joel Osteen or something instead?

John Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 10:10 PM EST

Half the injuries and physical damage to Sarah and John are due to them NEVER putting on a seat belt when the leap into a stolen vehicle. What's up with that? I find that most difficult to cope with, not because I am a fanatic about safety, but because they keep doing it, and keep getting hurt.

Time for a reality check on these people's IQ.

Otherwise, I love the show. :-)

mike Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 03:00 PM EST

I absolutely love the show. I know there are alot of things that dont make sense. As one person said "her hair was not burnt after a big fireball behind her in house" but its not a show on how to launch a rocket its for entertainment and every movie/show will have those moments that just dont make sense. I read above it didnt tell why chromartie left him live. They did say why he did said something to the effect of I wont lead you to them when he met up with chromartie at the house. Absolutely love the show and hope/pray it goes on forever. Its honestly the only thing on tv i watch.

Amber Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 12:21 PM EST

I think Cameron and John had (will have?) a romantic relationship in the future. She knows things about him he wouldn't tell anyone he wasn't close to, like what books his mom read him as a child. Also when she was pleading for her life she said she loved him. Even though that was fake, she must have had some reason to believe he would respond to that ploy.

Also the new Shirley Manson character seems different than all the other terminators. She is philosophical and emotional. Maybe she is an even more evolved terminator or maybe she is actually Skynet itself?

newsplus.co.nr Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 07:46 AM EST

It wasn't John who killed Sarkisian.

In the back of the ambulance while Sarah is being fixed up, Derek says, "I'm guessing Sarkisian didn't tell you where he sold the Turk before you killed him." "Did he [John] see it all?" Sarah says, "He saw it all." And Derek retorts, "Damn!"

John's freaked out because he saw his mother kill someone. And that's why she keeps asking if he's OK.

Richard Steven Hack Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 07:32 AM EST

Several points:

1) Catherine Weaver is a T-1001 model, not a T-1000. She has all the abilities of a T-1000 and perhaps more, but Josh Friedman hasn't let on yet. As for the cost of doing the T-1000 CGI, the special effects guy on the show told Josh, "No problem!" In fact, he said it was cheaper than doing the endoskeletons they've used.

2) I believe that Cameron was never sent by future John. I believe she came back on her own initiative and her own agenda. We saw in the D&D episode that she had access to the time chamber, and we saw in the pilot that she knew how to operate it. And I don't believe that future John would send an uncontrolled Terminator back who didn't take orders from either him or his mother, as was revealed in episode two.

So I think Cameron came back to insure her own survival. Once future John beats Skynet, there would be no room for her to exist. I think she reasoned that out and decided to "hide" in past time and seduce John into sparing her no matter what.

Brigitte Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 08:55 PM EST

First off, EW can we get a Pop watch? C'mon.Seriously. As far as the show goes I loved it. I would love to know the name of the cool song playing at the beginning of the episode? It was great and moved the no spoken word scene along beatufully. I enjoy the connection between John and Cameron. It blew me away that he knew he could trust Cameron if he could fix her chip. He needs her. I love that character of Ellison is a christian whose faith leads him. He's a righteous dude that will not lead the devil(Cromardie) to the Connors. I love that Charlie is loyal to Sarah and John and will help them but knows the limits of how involved he can be. I must say Brian Austin Green is a whole lotta man. I can't imagine anyone else playing Derrick Reece. I do think Cameron would have been mangled if not from the car bomb at least from the EXPLOSION in the house when she pulled the gun on John. There was a great ball of flames behind her and yet her hair wasnt even singed. Yeah right.

Gurtz Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 07:52 PM EST

In response to JOSIE Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 02:04 PM EST:

{sigh} OK, whatever. At least one of us can continue to enjoy a show that -- on the whole -- is very affirming to people of faith. Oh, and while I think about it, I'll throw out one more example: the Hispanic church pastor who willingly risked his life to provide shelter to two complete strangers in need. You don't get much more WWJD than that.

Michel Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 06:51 PM EST

To JOSIE.
True believer? True follower of Christ? Josie, take off your Crusader's tainted glasses! This blog is meant for viewers to talk about a science-fiction show. Don't come here pushing your religious beliefs or show how thin your skin is. I believe anyway that it is not yet a crime to not believe everything the Bible says. So, either comment on relevant aspects of the show or shut up!

Donna S Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 06:29 PM EST

I've already watched this episode 3 times. I am SO glad they are keeping Derek and gave him an upfront credit. And I really like the actor that chose as Charlie as well. The time they spent together in this episode seemed so eral. Believe it or not, that's probably my favorite part of the episode.

I figured the Scots woman was a "bad guy" but was blown away when she turned out to be metal. GREAT!

I was surprised how much John has physically matured as a person since the first season - The haircut will make him look even older - Hopefully he doesn't have to go back to high school and try to blend in - that won't work.

Lena is a wonderful Sarah. Never imagined I could live with Sarah as anyone other than Linda. But Lena is such an outstanding actress - I wish there was just a tiny tinge more comic relief - or at least a few more things to smile about cause Lena's face is so beautiful when it lights up.

I AM A FAN

Brad Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 05:52 PM EST

I loved this episode, as I have loved the series thus far. One question... why are the SkyNet operatives concerned with obtaining primative CPUs to serve as the seed for SkyNet? Why doesn't one of the Terminators just use its own chip? They're far more advanced an artificial intellegence than, say, The Turk... Just sayin'.

Nick Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 03:56 PM EST

what a GREAT premiere.

Maybe this show will hook me after all? Season 1 was good, but not GREAT like i expected....but i can see this climbing to the top

JOSIE Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 02:20 PM EST

In response to t3hdow quote:
my reference is to what mr.tuck's comment about his bosses so called biblical quotes as "BULL" watch it again and see for yourself. It may be subtle, but it's there. Hollywood is very clever and they bash true christians every chance they get.
Very mature of you. Bravo! My opinion of a quote in a tv show in no way makes christians look like baffoons? I am a true follower of Christ and will defend that to the end! This statement you made to me was uncalled for and would have never come from a true follower of Christ. Pick up a bible some time and read it and maybe your eyes will be opened too! don't ever expect anything that comes from hollywood to be true biblical knowledge.

JOSIE Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 02:04 PM EST

In response to Gurtz qoute
Gurtz Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 05:40 PM EST
JOSIE, I totally disagree! I am a Christian, and was not offended in the least. I enjoy the way the show brings in Biblical references. So Sarah doesn't believe in the resurrection -- that's hardly a slam against Christians. In fact, I think the show is actually quite positive towards religion -- specifically the way Agent Ellison is portrayed as a decent, genuine person ... who also happens to be a person of faith. Unlike many other "Christians" on TV, he is not a shallow hypocrite. I'm definitely sold on the show and can't wait for next week.
RESPONSE:
I was not refering to the conversation between sarah and the terminator. i am well aware that there are unbelievers and that's their free will choice. I was refering to the words of mr.tuck in the mens room where he refered to his bosses biblical qoutes as "bull". It may be subtle, but it's there. Hollywood is very clever!

Lynn83 Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 11:54 AM EST

I liked the premiere and I think it is a good starter to the rest of the season. Last season started a little slow too! Okay, so now I am going to go a little nerdy, but here it goes: In the first movie the Terminator did not "have" a german accent! Arnold is Austrian not german and he was robotic. If you have ever heard computer-generated voice modules they sound just as funny. Shirley Manson's T-1000 character in the premiere can have an accent. If you have seen Terminator 2, Robert Patrick's Terminator came through and killed that cop to take on his form. He proceeded to do this to everyone he came in contact with (including said referenced foster parents Ted and Janelle in last season). It makes perfect sense with the direction they are taking for Derek to train John since Lena Headey's Sarah is softer than Linda Hamilton's. She saw John kill a man (we think.....awe we know!) and that makes her scared of the man he could become. Derek doesn't care! Mad Love to Brian Austin Green!

PaulLev Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 03:44 AM EST

I thought the opener was excellent ... full review at

http://InfiniteRegress.tv/2008/09/sarah-connor-chronicles-21-camerons.html

mainenwo Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 02:00 AM EST

well what can i add, I loved season one and was praying there would be a season two. I do have a question is this CEO lady a T-1000 Model or is she a TX model btw @ Crownliner, In Terminator 3 Arnold did go from good to bad and good again:)...from the previews at the end of the show it seems as if dereck is going to start training john more on how to be a soilder but isnt this Sarahs job?

K Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 01:16 AM EST

Sometimes explosions are large enough that they suck up/consume all the oxygen, causing little 'burning' in the center of the blast, hence possibly why Cameron not being burned - just shock damage. I forget the name, but such bombs used against caves in Afghanistan.

Given a computer of sufficient power, at some point "self-awareness" may happen, i.e. they wake up. Cameron seems to be a special, enhanced model, perhaps that in combination with some side effect of damage from the blast has resulted in emotions?

Religion would be relevant in a story about the end of the world, wouldn't it? I think they introduced it in the last season in an excellent fashion through the eyes of Agent Ellison. Very well done. Some should stop looking for non-existant reasons to be offended.

The creepy guy interviewing Ellison at the FBI HQ wasn't a supervisor; he was more like Internal Affairs. Very annoying voice (on purpose I am sure). Effective, annoying.

cromartie Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 01:05 AM EST

WHAT?? No TV Watch for this awesome show???!!? Oh, EW, that hurts.

Sob.

Storm_1251 Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 12:56 AM EST

weird.. the 12:38 post is not from me (the 12:51 poster) and I was typing away before i saw the 12:38.
(so I'm not trying to hijack 12:38's name)
Storm_1251

Storm Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 12:51 AM EST

aaargh... John is supposed to be a smart cookie.. I really hope that he handed her a "disabled" gun.. where the firing pin was broken or a dummy bullet jammed in the chamber.. Some plot device that if she pulled the trigger she would have fried. Sure John would be the only person who knew otherwise it would tip his hand should evil Cameroon boot up.

Storm Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 12:38 AM EST

Maybe Eric Jaakkola can start an unofficial TV Watch somewhere for us on the web...I say, that because turning the phrase CEO-1000 had me LOL on the floor. Plus, anybody who references Johnny 5 is aces in my book!

Eric Jaakkola Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 11:59 PM EST

I think the scene where the Manson charecter, CEO-1000 lady said it takes a special computer to move against the light was foreshadowing Cameron ignoring her TERMINATE command when she woke up and John tested her. I also think the CEO-1000 is unique - she is phillisophical and may have a plan of her own for the future that involves an alternate skynet. Back to Cameron, I think she's going to pull a Johnny #5 and by fluke become sentient and feel the emotions she impersonates. Or for you Trekkies, her emotion chip has been turned on.

matt Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 11:41 PM EST

"Cameron is running Vista. That's why you'll never be able to trust her."

- lol

anna c. Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 11:36 PM EST

i have mixed feelings bout this episode. jam packed? uhm.. jam packed with lame. the first 5 minutes were painfully slow. unnecessary. not showing j.c. disarming/killing that guy? why?? I don't get it. summer glau, can do no wrong in my opinion. thomas dekker? still extremely closeted guy playing straight in my opinion. (okay for Heroes, not okay for Terminator. doesn't do anything for the story.) and extremely whiny. grating. He's not even attractive. sorry. just can't stand him. glad he cut his hair but still not buying it. oh yeah, cameron turning bad then turning good all in one episode.. not working for me.. whatever. I was so looking forward to this premier. it was a big fat disappointment. hope it gets better. unlike everybody here.. i actually LOVE that it's a popwatch. straight to the point. sorry people... hehe

Crownliner Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 10:58 PM EST

Wow I guess I am the only one who was thinking they really screwed up the whole show! Who wrote this drivel, the WWE? How about just dragging in Hulk Hogan and Macho Man too? The old chip damage flipout was easy to see comming and the stupid way John or Sarah killed the guys who had them tied up was just dumb. The show is getting second bananna-itus already. Get back to the formula of good vs evil and quit trying to shock everyone with useless twist.

John needs a protector to survive and it needs to be a terminator. T2 was great for that reason. You didn't see Arnold going from good to bad and back.

RobG Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 10:35 PM EST

Also - what Gurtz said.

RobG Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 10:34 PM EST

Shirley Manson?
Oops, I thought it was CP Grogan, aka Krissy Kochanski.

Too much emo from John for me. Also the plotting was predictable. And the trailers for next week make me fear for the direction this is going in.
But still I will watch. Summer Glau. That is all.

Art Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 09:58 PM EST

Oh no I cant edit, ok 2nd part I was refering to Cameron being damaged.

Art Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 09:57 PM EST

Remember, at least for the T-1000, that it absorbs allot of information about a person it touches, to impersonate the person it killled means scottish accent. I think she is still damaged, but she promised not to kill him, that overroad her terminate command. For the rest ill have to wait and watch the next few episodes to see how it goes.

mhz Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 08:50 PM EST

RE: accents (Scot, etc.) used by the T-series robots... they seem pretty advanced. There's no reason to think they wouldn't use accents. They obviously have always used disguises and copied human voices in the past, to camouflage themselves, or to set traps, etc.

If you think about the extent of the "improvisations" used by previous terminators, especially for the purpose of disguise, then using an accent does not seem weird at all.

The accent is just a tactic for blending into certain situations. These particular nuances and choices show how advanced the robots tactics are.

t3hdow Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 08:42 PM EST

To JOSIE:
You really thought the comments in the season premier was intended to bash Christianity? Wow. How did you get that twisted interpretation? One questionable debate about the religion between a robot and a human deems it as bashing faith? From one pissed Skynet worker who's baffled over his new boss and noting her odd tendency to toss out random biblical quotes? It's people like you that make other Christians look like buffoons.
Anyway, the premier was a pretty good overall. As much as I struggled through the show before, T:SCC started out on a good note. I'm still not completely in love with T:SCC, but I'm willing to give it more than a fair shot this time. It deserves the attention now. I can't say the same for Prison Break nowadays.

de2r Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 07:37 PM EST

I didn't watch Season 1. So going in I had to rely on the movies premises to follow along with the story. I decided to watch this season solely because of the addition of Shirley Manson's character. After watching the premier I'll be sure to continue. The show is styled with movie elements and seems to be well written. Shirley Manson was reported to not having been approached to do any music for the series in a past interview, but I guess the producers felt that it would be a nice touch at the last minute. Nice surprise. Her characterization of Catherine Weaver all fit into place when it turned out she is actually a T-1001. This show is definately going to win awards for its make-up. Cameron's face was disturbingly real looking.

Thanks EW Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 07:11 PM EST

So nice to be able to just scroll down and read the comments instead of having to 'next page' tons of times. About the episode, when Cameron staple gunned her face together I thought 'bleeping awesome' and I'm very excited about this season.

Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 07:03 PM EST

We want a weekly Whitney TV Watch gosh darn it!!!

Shirley Manson FANATIC Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 06:50 PM EST

The Season 2 premiere was much better than anticipated. Throughout the show I kept telling myself this is really a mini-movie; it is way too action-packed for TV!

I was not impressed with Summer Glau (Cameron) last season, but her performance last night totally changed my mind. And seeing John finally maturing... cutting his bangs surely symbolized cutting the apron strings.

But the best part was Shirley Manson! Being a HUGE fan of her band Garbage – do NOT let the name fool you - I was psyched when I found out she was joining the cast this season. I WAS surprised when she was revealed as a terminator, but then again, she plays seductively evil SO well, what else could she be? Shirley also did a phenomenal job singing “Samson and Delilah” in the opening sequence.

This, incidentally, is not the first time that Shirley Manson has played a machine. Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYbLR67_F9E, or search YouTube for Garbage - "The World is Not Enough."

mhz Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 06:46 PM EST

I think the gloating of the evil female terminator, and the interests and emotional attachments of Cameron are really hinting to us that the "evolution" of the machines will be much greater than we are imagining now.

Now Im not one for the evolution of species in the real world, but in this series the evolution of AI is gonna make for some much more interesting acting and plotlines. First, it allows the actors to give more interesting performances (instead of just pretending to be emotionless machines), and second, it causes us to imagine this spooky world of AI villians, with ambitions and passions.

What if Cameron really does love John? Isnt it possible that he picked her because she was very advanced, and her "evolution" allowed her to develop feelings for him? (ref' to the future John) After all, this is sci-fi, and thats what we're contemplating here.

Sure, skynet became "self-aware" at some point, but by now there are some robot models that are showing human emotions. Not that I think it could really happen, but I think thats where the story is going.

Hubba Bubba Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 06:26 PM EST

Now that Sarah is with PETA I will no longer watch. Shame, I really liked the series!

FringeWiki.Info Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 06:10 PM EST

Another good thing about the season opener was that they ran 15 straight minutes before commercial. Then another 10 straight after that.
I hear FRINGE is going to do something similar --ref: http://fringewiki.info

Gurtz Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 05:40 PM EST

QUOTE: JOSIE Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 02:33 PM EST ("I watched the premier and was really enjoying the show until the director felt compelled to slam christians.")

JOSIE, I totally disagree! I am a Christian, and was not offended in the least. I enjoy the way the show brings in Biblical references. So Sarah doesn't believe in the resurrection -- that's hardly a slam against Christians. In fact, I think the show is actually quite positive towards religion -- specifically the way Agent Ellison is portrayed as a decent, genuine person ... who also happens to be a person of faith. Unlike many other "Christians" on TV, he is not a shallow hypocrite. I'm definitely sold on the show and can't wait for next week.

Shea Dietz Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 05:20 PM EST

I loved the premiere! I was worried last season that they couldnt take this any further but I was wrong! I loved every moment of the premiere and it was ACTION PACKED! The best moment was when the two cars hit Summer Glau and she pleaded for her life in such a way that was so hard to figure out if she was telling the truth. I loved it! Its back in my top 5!

MC Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 05:06 PM EST

Cameron is running Vista. That's why you'll never be able to trust her.

Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 04:38 PM EST

Great premier....lots of great surprises....

Kel Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 04:16 PM EST

I'm so glad John lost the long hair. and I really like that he is starting to not rely on his mom so much. It is about him he started acting like the rebel leader he is supposed to become.
Solid season premier!

Shawn Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 04:11 PM EST

It was a solid season premier....love the series...TV watch! TV watch! TV watch!

dntbstpd1 Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 03:58 PM EST

QUOTE: "bigwaves Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 01:49 PM EST

to beachpup, yes, I agree, if she was never programed to terminate John, why would she now. This ain't over yet, at first when she did the face recognition, it first said Terminate, then when in to "Terminate Override" mode...hmmm, temporary override???"

Cameron WAS programmed to terminate John, that was her first programming, she was RE-programmed NOT to kill him, and instead to serve the human cause.

dntbstpd1 Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 03:56 PM EST

QUOTE:"beachpup Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 02:08 PM EST

Yes, I think she will turn on John again, or something like that... maybe she is a double agent terminator....it didn't make sense for Cameron to plead for her life and tell John she loves him, when John fully knows she can't feel emotion."

I think it has been clear throughout the series that Cameron may not necessarily fit the norm for Terminators...Ballet is also not in the terminator programming, i think there is MUCH more to Cameron than JUST a Terminator.

VideoBeagle Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 03:46 PM EST

Also, Cameron is reprogrammed..just like all "good" Terminators.

It was explicitily stated last season "Sometimes, they go bad, no one knows why."

Marisa Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 03:46 PM EST

I agree with you about P.B., but this is about TSCC LOL.

VideoBeagle Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 03:44 PM EST

Cameron is a special model Terminator. We know this from episode 1.

Maybe it's that she can grow...shurg...we haven't fully seen it.

Emotional Cameron vs non-emotional is the difference between acting a part to fit in/survive (pilot episode, pleading for her life) and her actual growth (asking about G-d, ballet)

busybea Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 03:44 PM EST

I enjoyed the episode, despite the inconsistencies...but hey, it is tv and not real life. Not happy about the missing tv watch...anyone want to volunteer, I know the writers are such.
One note: if I recall during last season, Cameron was a bad terminator that was converted. So the blast and the ensuing damage must have reverted her to the orginal programming?

Amma Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 03:42 PM EST

I am not buying Prison Break did that well for fox on Monday in the demo ratings no way.When the new epis air this month on the different network channels FOX will lose.PB is so bad and horrible they should pull it off the air already!

longhorn Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 03:28 PM EST

What was the name of the song at the beginning of the show?

micron26 Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 02:54 PM EST

I'm less optimistic about the future of this show than I was at the end of last season. I'm not sold on Shirley Manson's acting ability, and some of the minor acting roles were obviously low-budget (e.g. the pain-inducing performance by the FBI supervisor who interviews Ellison). That said, it's still quite good.

The reason Cromartie left FBI guy alive was clearly because he could serve as a future source of information (as will paramedic guy's wife, based on the previews).

As to the question about why the Shirley Manson character wouldn't just create Skynet, it's quite simple: the terminators are programmed to safeguard timelines that lead to the creation of Skynet. By making wholesale changes, they'd introduce variability and potentially alter the future. Note how the terminator whose chip they recovered in season one was doing 'small' things to safeguard creation of the traffic net (romancing the supervisor, killing off the political opponent and the humans sent back in time).

Frank Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 02:49 PM EST

I just love the show--it keeps me on the edge of the couch every time. Had a feeling that Shirley Manson wasn't human when she kept refering to the people in the street as "they." She looked at them like she would look at rats in a maze. Very creepy.

ravi Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 02:42 PM EST

Maybe part of her mission involveds getting even more knowledge about what John has been doing, hence the temporary override.

Remember back in season 1 - she kept the processor of one of the Terminators, and collected the special metal which is used to manufacture the robots.

JOSIE Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 02:33 PM EST

I really enjoyed the first season and anticapated good things for the second season. I watched the premier and was really enjoying the show until the director felt compelled to slam christians. Why can't hollywood leave religion out of it all together. It didn't even fit in scene. So because the director could not see beyond his own faults, I am sorry to say that you have lost a large following. I hope the show fails!

Michel Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 02:32 PM EST

Maybe there is a simple explanation for the state of the clothes on Cameron after the explosion: no nudity allowed! In a real car bomb, all the clothes get ripped to shreds AND get burned away. The scene may not have looked realistic, but it was made so to respect TV rules. As for Cromartie sparing Agent Ellison, maybe his sense of 'ethics', if any, is changing, like for Cameron.

beachpup Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 02:08 PM EST

Yes, I think she will turn on John again, or something like that... maybe she is a double agent terminator....it didn't make sense for Cameron to plead for her life and tell John she loves him, when John fully knows she can't feel emotion.

beachpup Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 02:08 PM EST

Yes, I think she will turn on John again, or something like that... maybe she is a double agent terminator....it didn't make sense for Cameron to plead for her life and tell John she loves him, when John fully knows she can't feel emotion.

Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 01:53 PM EST

Please continue the TV Watch for T:SCC!!!

Baalbuster Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 01:49 PM EST

Cromeartie let Ellison live because he thinks that Ellison will lead him to the Connors. I loved that they used a Garbage/Shirley Manson song at the beginning of the show. She was pretty awesome.

bigwaves Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 01:49 PM EST

to beachpup, yes, I agree, if she was never programed to terminate John, why would she now. This ain't over yet, at first when she did the face recognition, it first said Terminate, then when in to "Terminate Override" mode...hmmm, temporary override???

Lori Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 01:32 PM EST

I enjoyed the premiere. I liked how Cameron turned on John. The scene with her begging that she's been fixed was good. He put too much faith in the robot though by bringing it back. As for her being in the explosion and not getting singed, that was unrealistic. But I'll keep watching, I'm a big fan of the franchise. Putting in a newer version of the terminator was interesting. Bummed that there's no TV Watch for the show though!

mhz Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 01:30 PM EST

My favorite thing about this episode is that the problem with Cameron shows young John trying hard to figure out what future John is thinking. He's guessing/second-guessing the decisions of the future version of himself. He has not been a leader up to this point, but he's starting to trust that the future version of himself IS, and to understand that future John WOULD use his own private thoughts and feelings as a way to convince young John to trust him.

mhz Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 01:23 PM EST

@beachpup, the fact that she targeted him reveals that she WAS at some point directed to do so. It has to.

beachpup Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 01:20 PM EST

I also missed Sarah's voice over at the end. Hope they don't do away with it. It is, after all , Sarah Connor's Chronicles, so her growth and outlook is all important.

mhz Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 01:20 PM EST

I think you have to assume that John let Cameron live because he recognized something that he himself programmed into her. There was something key in her pleading that let him know she was fixed(-able). As for the kleenex, yeah, that was funky, but he didn't say "ok, that kleenex should have done the trick." He probably used something else, we just didnt see it.

beachpup Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 01:15 PM EST

I don't understand why Cameron would go after John in the first place. She wasn't programmed to do that ever. Why would she target him even if her chip was damaged?

SnowgalUP Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 01:09 PM EST

I'll chime in with the vote for a regular TV Watch. What's up with that, EW? That was a great episode last night...keep giving us a place to "decompress!"

Corran Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 01:09 PM EST

The good thing about Prison Break and Sarah Conner Chronicles is that while they have lower ratings than other shows, they will still be the highest watched shows on Monday night on fox and if FOX replaced them with anything else, they'd get lower ratings. Sumtimes the lower rated shows are the better ones (Dirty Sexy Money and Pushing Daisies!).

Ruben Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 01:03 PM EST

Shirley's always been seductively menacing and I think she's perfect for this part. I can't wait to see more of her. I was a fan of the Terminator movies, but haven't picked up the show until now. The bizarre casting was part of the appeal and I think the show will definitely reap the benefits of Shirley's delicious evil!

RTA Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 12:58 PM EST

I can just hear the director urging Shirley on the set. "Be the urinal, babe, feel the urinal's anger..."

Phoenix Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 12:50 PM EST

They didnt give Shirley Manson's character a scottish accent so much as let Shirley speak with her native Scottish accent....

FrinkeWiki.Info Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 12:28 PM EST

Loved the seamless tie-in with the season finale. Last season ended w/ a great sound track and 2 dozen SWAT guys doing slo-mo, terminal belly-flops into the pool. This season started with a great sound track and slo-mo capture/torture of the Connor family. (Emmy?). Both hid the violence and left it to the imagination... we never saw a SWAT get shot AND we never saw John Connor off his captor... but we knew what happened... in our minds' eye.

--Thought the new villainess sounded more Irish than Scots.

--Guess sanctuary in the church needs a top-down review when the priest condones ELECTRI-FRY-ing the baptismal pool.

--FBI guy is going to be more of a key than ever this season.

--Speaking of FBI, come see the best Fringe Wiki (pedia) at http://fringewiki.info
( tinyurl.com/fringewiki1 ) - thanks!

Joe Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 12:27 PM EST

The divine Ms. Shirley Manson rocked the premiere-what inspired casting! Long live the Ferocious Goddess.

Tin Ear Tom Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 12:22 PM EST

The season premier was plenty good enough to keep me watching. Absolutely loved the opening sequence and song. I also like how John is beginning to grow into his role as savior of the world. That look he shot the bad guys while they were beating his mother was stone cold murderous. Shedding the boy-band hair is just another step. And I bet they're sending Thomas Dekker to the gym this season. I've got to think the peek at his marshmallow-soft physique while he was being bandaged up is a setup for future "bulking." Should be an interesting journey (overall, not the bulking part, 'cause that sounds... never mind).

And I may never use a urinal again. Yikes.

K Man Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 12:21 PM EST

Seriously, no TV Watch for this, or Entourage? Epic fail.
Very glad the bangs are gone

Gre Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 12:14 PM EST

I was actually surprised to see a T-1000 appear. Given the budget required to produce liquid metal FX, I had assumed that the one in T2 would be written out as having been a unique prototype. But I guess CG has come down in price in 18 years. :-)

Bong Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 12:14 PM EST

It was AWESOME how John fixed Cameron's chip! It was reminiscent of how we used to fix our 8 bit Nintendo games! just a little bit of kleenex and a little bit of blowing and VOILA!

Mark Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 12:12 PM EST

This was a good start for the new season. I hope that it will continue to improve. I will miss the recaps.

strickens_girl Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 12:09 PM EST

No TV watch for T:TSCC? Srsly?!? What? Is the space being occupied by another article about Twilight? Fail.

Tony R. Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 12:08 PM EST

I think on the whole Skynet thing. It has to develope on its own. It is a A.I. I don't think that you can just program an A.I. It takes time to learn. And become aware.

Vicky Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 12:03 PM EST

Please recap this show!! It deserves it, especially since there's always so much going on. Also, the premiere was great. I thought everyone did a good job. And sure there are a few unanswered questions, but it was the first episode of the season. They can't explain everything at once. Kudos to Shirley Manson. This is her first acting gig and I think she did great. She looked beautiful in the episode. God, I hope I look like her when I'm 42.

peaches Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 12:01 PM EST

Loved last nights episode! It seemed tighter, more action packed, and chockfull of juicy upcoming plotlines. Shirley was great and I can't wait for more!

ttg Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 11:57 AM EST

So...did John kill that guy in the beginning? They totally cut away and then you only see Sarah and him after when Cameron comes in. And then Sarah was all "Are you OK?" to John for the rest of the episode. Since John "didn't want to talk about it", it made me wonder if something more went down, or was that the first person he killed?

Joe Massimino Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 11:53 AM EST

Cromartie let Agent Ellison live because he only kills those who threaten him, or those who he is to terminate. He is not programmed to kill everyone. He tries to keep a low profile so he may continue his mission without self induced interuptions.

Marcus Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 11:53 AM EST

I think for this show you have to just suspend logic a little.. I mean for instance they set up a T-1000 as head of a company to ostensibly eventually produce skynet right? Why not just program her with all the necessary tech data to do so, why the need to steal technology and start Babylon in disguise?

Jackson Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 11:53 AM EST

Oops, Scottish not Irish, my bad.

creejay Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 11:52 AM EST

Manson was horrible as was the writing for her character. The only good thing about this show is Cameron and her antics. They should recast everyone but her.