The first half of a two-hour premiere for “Terminator: The Sarah Connors Chronicles” premiered on Fox, Sunday, January 13, 2008. I have to say that I was impressed. Having said that, however, I have to wonder how long the series can keep up that kind of break-neck pace established by the premiere.
The show’s producers have certainly had successes in the past. Josh Friedman produced “War of the Worlds” while David Nutter produces the highly successful “Supernatural” and “Smallville.” He also produced the third installment of the terminator series – – “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines.
The television series begins where the second terminator movie left off; with Sarah and John thinking that they have stopped the apocalypse by stopping the invention of Sky Net. However, the two are on the run from the law because they believe that Sarah was responsible for the death of Sky Net’s inventor.
Unlike the premise of the movies, which was basically to cut and run from the machines sent back to terminate her son, in the television series Sarah and John decide to go on the offensive. And they won’t be alone. Another terminator – – a seemingly young girl – – has also been sent back to assist them and to protect John.
Lena Headey from the highly popular film “300” takes on the role of Sarah. Thomas Dekker from “Heroes” takes on the role of her son, John. Summer Glau, most recognized from the sci-fi film, “Serenity,” takes on the role as John’s protector, Cameron.
Following their every move is FBI agent, James Ellison, who many will recognize from his long-running stint on “Judging Amy.” But is he an enemy or a possible friend?
As the series begins, Sarah and John are enjoying the simple life in 1999. Sarah has just recently become engaged to a man that she loves. John, after two years of peace and quiet, has come to expect a normal life. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long before everyone realizes that they will have anything but that.
Once Sarah has a nightmare, she becomes quickly aware that they are no longer safe. Although she doesn’t understand why or how, she knows that the machines are back. With little ceremony and no explanation, the duo disappear, once again running for their lives.
They eventually settle in a rural area and John starts school once again. But his first day there, the nightmare begins again when his substitute teacher tries to terminate him and his new friend, and potential girlfriend, jumps in to save his life.
The three soon discover there is no easy escape. They don’t even know who is responsible for reinitiating Sky Net this time around. Without that knowledge, they cannot stop the future from happening.
Luckily, Cameron has an idea. She takes them to a bank where hidden inside safe deposit boxes are the pieces necessary to construct a time jumping machine so that they can move forward to 2007. There, they hope to try, once again, to stop the apocalypse from happening.
I have to say that Headey seems an able replacement for original heroine, Linda Hamilton. My verdict is still out on Dekker; however, who so far shows no semblance of what one would expect from a hero. However, he is obviously talented and I suspect will uncover the many layers of John Connors as the series progresses.
Glau certainly knows how to play a relatively emotionless character with the best of them. However, I suspect that we haven’t begun to scratch the surface of her multi-layered character either.
I love Ellison as an actor so I’m pulling for him to become an advocate to help the daring trio. I really would hate to see him in a bad guy role. I’m just not certain it would ring true.
If the first hour of this series is any indication, action adventure and sci-fi lovers alike should thoroughly enjoy this show. The graphics are amazingly good for television; much on the level one expects from quality shows like the Star Trek or Stargate series. If Fox can maintain that level of special effects while mixing them with talented actors and strong stories, they may have a real hit on their hands.
The second half of the series premiere airs on Fox Monday, January 14, 2008, at 9:00 p.m.
