I wrote the below earlier this year. At the time I wasn't super impressed with the show. It was okay, with decent action, nice fights and such. But I just couldn't see how they'd sustain this chase/on the run/save the future theme. Seemed like it would get old. And maybe in time it will. But I have to admit, I've really enjoyed the first, abbreviated season, which Fox kindly reran across several weeknights recently (why doesn't everyone do that nowadays?) The writers are doing a good job of pacing things so that it's neither too much too soon, nor being dragged out too long: the chess-playing computer that will become Skynet, the traffic cameras that may become its first eyes...the Terminators posing as humans and chasing after Sarah...the "good" Terminator, nicely played by Summer Glau as the (mostly) emotionless, butt-kicking robot in a slight girl's body, the FBI agent pursuing them who's now a believer. All the characters are interesting, the actors competent to impressive. I'm even starting to like the kid who plays young John Connor, now that he's slowly developing a little harder edge. Initially I had issues with him seeming software, weaker than the young actor who portrayed the role in T2, but the character's finally taking on a more mature tone. And who'd have thunk I'd enjoy Brian "90210" Green in a scifi thriller?? Yet I like his storyline as the soldier from the future, back in the past to change his present, kinda like Cable in the X-Men comics. The overall production value of the series is high, which probably contributes to my enjoyment. And, like the best action shows (The Fugitive, Alias, Prison Break in the first season), the show's exciting, full of explosions and fights and chases, but anchored by some dramatic elements that let you see the characters as more than just types. John's struggle with being a savior while trying to just be a teenager, Sarah's struggles to protect her son in a life she hates, those who enter their circle dealing with the mind-bending reality of what may be coming. The whole thing's been exciting and engaging. Now, after two or three years, I might tire of it the way I did with "Prison Break" and "Lost", but for now I'm enjoying the ride.
************************8 < Sun 01/13/08 9:17 pm scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > What do you think? It didn't really give me enough to love or hate it. I like all the characters. Summer Glau, who looks so young, makes a good contrast as the killing machine. A scene when she takes out a bunch of dudes while stark naked is funny. Lena Headey is okay as Sarah Conner. On first blush, she's not as hard looking as Linda Hamilton was in Terminator 2. Headey is almost too pretty for me to believe she's on the run the way the series suggests. Again, I contrast her raven haired beauty with the rawboned, lined face, and haggard features of Hamilton in T2. But every now and then, Headey will gave that "look" that same slight frown, the furrowed brow that she gave the Spartan king in "300" as she urged him to kill Xerxes' envoys. When she does that, in those moments i see the strength of Sarah Connor. Still not sure I'll like her as much as Hamilton, but maybe that will come with time. Like all shows like this, I have initial doubts about a running (literally) theme that is the sole focus of the show. The action tonight didn't really allay those doubts. it was good, but not spectacular. But then I'll be willing to give it time to see if it develops a storyline that'll keep me engaged. Thoughts?
