If you’ve listened to the last couple of episodes of Slice of SciFi or our last two Voicemail shows, you’ll hear that a lot of our listeners aren’t happy with the return of “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronciles.”
After having a solid fall season storywise, the series has stumbled out of the gate in the back half of season two. The buzz around the show has turned almost universally negative, leading creator and producer Josh Friedman to drop his usual aversion to SPOILERs and tell fans they need not worry and the show will soon (creatively) be back on track.
On his blog, Friedman said, “Some months ago I determined to steer the show towards its title, towards Sarah Connor. I wanted to explore not simply the idea of chasing Skynet and all that that entails, but also the psychological effects of doing so. It wasn’t enough to just hunt/fight/protect; I wanted to see what was going on inside her head, especially when those around her doubted her. Now some of you find that interesting, some of you don’t, some of you probably would but don’t think I’ve done a good job depicting it. And most of you are just pissed there’s not enough Cameron.”
“Is it difficult starting up with dark, psychological episodes after being gone for two months? Seems that’s the case,” he wrote. “People are worked up about the Friday night thing and the ratings and I probably underestimated that microscope in my desire to explore Sarah and her demons. To be completely honest, the network warned me not to do it but I felt (and still feel) these stories (and I consider the upcoming ‘Some Must Sleep’… as the third part of the Sarah triptych) were/are vital parts of the show. But that’s coming from the guy who believes that if you enjoy watching Weaver slaughter thirty people in one episode you’re obligated to go to their funeral in the next.”
As for the drop in ratings with the move to Friday evenings, Frideman said he and the rest of the cast and crew are staying positive.
“FOX moves us to Friday night. For two months everyone predicts our ratings will go down. And they have. Too far down? Just the right amount of down? How down is down? Honestly guys, I don’t have a clue,” said Friedman. “Our second week was essentially the same as our first. Is flat the new up or the new down? Who knows? McCain was up before he was down and Obama down before he was up. We haven’t seen a DVR number yet and even then I couldn’t tell you how they’ll factor in the decision to keep us around. Almost every show is down and a 1.3 may be last year’s 2.0. Only the ratings gods know for sure.”
Now, as for what fans can expect to see in the last seven episodes of the year, Friedman did offer some big hints of what’s to come. What’s ahead is SPOILER territory so if you don’t want to know, stop reading now…
“So here are my campaign promises. And because I’ve already shot the episodes, I know they’re promises I’ll be keeping,” he said, “by the end of the season you will see/know:
–the resolution of the Riley story
–the resolution of the Jesse story
–a future story about Jesse’s Terminator–piloted nuclear submarine explaining how Jesse got to be how she got to be and how it relates to John Connor’s present and future
–the return of Cameron’s glitch in new and deadly ways
–much more Jameron (for those of you who like it)
–not too much Jameron (for those of you who don’t)
–an explanation of the three-dots
–Catherine Weaver’s backstory/origin story
–Savannah in mortal danger
–the revelation of Catherine Weaver’s exact mission
–a fight between Catherine Weaver and another Terminator
–a faceoff between Sarah Connor and Catherine Weaver
–a deadly attack on the Connors by agents of Skynet
–the death of a loved one
–the death of a loved one
–the death of a loved one”
“Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” airs Friday nights at 8 p.m. on FOX.
skiznot says
I think I’ve only seen one episode I didn’t like. I hope “better” doesn’t mean dumbing it down for the lowest common denominator. I approve of what they are doing with the show and have faith in the current writing team. I hope the exectives don’t step in and mess with a good thing.
Kevin Bachelder says
I think this is one of those rare cases where it isn’t the network that screwing up a show. Instead this time it’s the show creator! He said it’s “my desire to explore Sarah and her demons.” Sorry…that’s not very interesting and has made for some painfully slow moving episodes as of late. Even the network execs told him he shouldn’t do that. This series could have been so much more fun but he’s turned into a psych journey into what’s going on in Sarah’s head. 🙁
Anachronite says
love the show. keep on rolling!
Bill T. says
If they keep it on Friday, it will die an untimely death.
the lows says
Can’t get any worst.
Tim
Bronzethumb from Australia says
I’ve enjoyed these past two episodes, and I’ve been glad to see the creators try stories other than “Terminator Smash!”
skiznot says
Yeah, I just disagree. I have found the psychological angle compelling. I’m glad they showed lasting effects of John having to kill someone. And I appreciate the depth they are going into Sarah’s characters. Was glad to see Trip from Enterprise in an episode and the interaction between Sarah and the Doctor and halucinations of Reece were well crafted and compelling as well. That’s just my opinion. I like that it takes the thriller aproach rather than the constant action movie style.
Robin says
I think the recent episodes have had strong moments, but overall they’ve been a little disappointing. For the time being, though, I’m willing to give the series the benefit of the doubt that it’s building up to something really good.
I am glad to see Team Connor being forced to face the greater consequences of their actions. If nothing else, the funeral showed them the immediate cost in human lives that their war on SkyNet is having. Which is not to say that the machines are blameless, but I’m pretty sure there’s a safer way to go about destroying them. (Just don’t ask me what it is. What do I look like, a TV writer?)
Kyle Nin says
The last two episodes almost put me to sleep.
It’s so sad that THIS is what “Terminator” has become. It’s supposed to be Action (Thriller at the least) not Drama. Bring back the movies! Oh, there’s a movie coming in a few months? Yay!
Barry says
I hope … I hope … I hope they kill off Riley.
There, I said it! (I feel so much better.)
Honestly, I’ll follow the show wherever they take me. I’ve gotten to be a big Lena Headey fan this year so I’m okay with the Sarah episodes. And I have faith. They’ll get back to Cameron. (And, you know, that hot terminator on terminator action.)
Kyle Nin says
I really only watch because of Derek Reese. He’s the best character on there. I really don’t think Cameron is all that special and sometimes I even find her annoying. Okay, I guess I kind of think John and Sarah are annoying too. But Derek isn’t.