cyadon
Major
A Random Sci-Fi Geek
Posts: 612
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Post by cyadon on Nov 10, 2008 21:13:04 GMT -5
And episode 2x08 has arrived of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and here are my weekly thoughts: 1) The smile of hate. Oh yes, Riley, you have received it. And earned it so far. If a smile could kill, that would do it. 2) "Do you care about this girl? Then leave her alone." Mama Connor's got it right. If John was listening, which I think Cameron is giving him too much credit here, 3) Great entrance by Cromartie. And dragging Sarah around like a ragdoll really helps to lend to the physical power that he has. The other T888s haven't been as intimidating lately and Garret still has it. 4) Ok, the switching back and forth between the perspectives is interesting. I actually kinda like it. 5) Cameron is manipulative. She knows exactly how good looking she is and the 'I can feel heat' line was not said emotionlessly. Far sweeter than she normally talks and completely intentional. 6) This runaway excursion was very obviously planned in advance. 7) Riley is a foster kid. No wonder her guardians don't give a damn. 8) I see Riley's obsessiveness with wanting to find the truth out about John getting everyone in more trouble. 9) I've read T2: Infiltrator by SM Stirling. In that book, someone who can ID Sarah Connor gets a knife held to his throat by a 16 year old John Connor who reads the guy the riot act and all but threatens to cut off the man's balls. I wish I could see that John Connor in the Thomas Dekker John Connor. Snatch the camera and run do. Why is it that RILEY has better instincts than you? And his hesitation costs him as Riley and John are caught. 10) "Your American accent is killing me!" I thought John had a good accent in Spanish. 11) John is forced to call Cromartie as Sarah and realizes just how deep of shit he's in when Cromartie doesn't respond to the new code. Excuse my touch of schadenfreude. 12) Wow, Cromartie really just gets it. And he makes them all look like idiots as he explains how badly they've all screwed up. 13) I want to know why there's a stuffed animal in Cromartie's trunk. 14) Did anyone else wince as the bit of soda can tore off and embedded into Sarah's palm? I did. 15) And Ellison's buddies in the bureau is a somewhat overused plot device. Any random agent can call him with information when the case is closed and no one else cares! Also, how did Ellison get to keep his badge? 16) Police Station + Terminator = Massacre. This is a classic formula and a law in physics. Much like e=mc2. 17) Lots of gunfire this episode. But where are Derek and Cameron? They were good at the beginning but they need to get back into things. 18) I expected a more emotional meeting between Sarah and Ellison. They're so muted I have to wonder what's up. Though the initial distrust is there and Ellison is doing the right thing, which is what I expected. John definitely needs to punt Riley. 19) Cameron is getting more obsessive than she was about the purple jacket. I have to wonder what she's going to end up doing. 20) Cromartie PoV! Hah! That was amusing, especially seeing how he'd pick his targets and those he would bypass. 21) Ellison wandering into the open? That's what we call bait. 22) And we get a Desperado style shootout that ends with Cromartie's death. I knew that was gonna be the character that died. He couldn't keep failing or he'd get to be Wile E. Terminator, Supah Geneyus. But I have to wonder what the hell type of weapon Cameron used to smash open his skull. Something very high powered. Why do I have a feeling this isn't the last we'll see of Cromartie? Even if he is just a rusted wreck next time. 23) And Ellison is spurned, as I can imagine. There's nothing else behind the curtain, James, except for more Wizard of Oz imagery. 24) There's our emotional Sarah! Glad to see her get pissed (and at the right target) as she smashes Cromartie's chip into bits. 25) Sarah and John embrace and I think, maybe, they might finally make up. But there needs to be a large reckoning for what happened in Mexico. That'll be for next episode (I hope). Overall I liked the episode. I think the PoV switches were definitely an interesting dynamic that brought a fair amount of extra tension. I think the final fight could have been a little more climactic, but they obviously spent all their budget on sets and extras this episode. The death was not particularly surprising. Cromartie had outlived his usefulness as a character, but was easily the best terminator on the series so far (aside from Cameron). I am really hoping John comes to a realization after this. The brattiness has to end. How many innocents in that town died because John went there and Cromartie showed up? A dozen? More? Actions have consequences Mr. Connor, which you don't seem to grasp yet. One slightly amusing note: When they were burying Cromartie you could see Cameron only shovelling itty bitty bits of dirt into the whole when a terminator should be able to move a large amount of earth quickly. Oops! Being a little too girly there, Summer!  |
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tze
Refugee
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Post by tze on Nov 10, 2008 21:35:30 GMT -5
Heh. Cameron has a bedroom but Derek doesn't? Real subtle there, Sarah.
Love Derek bitching about John at the beginning, only to end up frantic at the police station. And while I love our Sarah/Ellison interaction, can we please have some Derek/Ellison interaction? Please?
Fanfic writers: Derek and Cameron were stuck in a car together for quite a while. Discuss.
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terrasj
Sergeant
Rossbond Connor Crew
Posts: 445
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Post by terrasj on Nov 10, 2008 21:36:52 GMT -5
No kidding ga5speed02!!!! I think this series is on a definate roll now. Things really kicked into high-gear. I'm writing this, 12 minutes after the episode is over and i'm still going 'wow...'
If this post seems erratic... i'm probably as pumped as ga5speed02.
First up... I liked the show's format for this episode. They borrowed a bit from Law & Order - with the Cameron's story, then John's story, then Cromartie's story and Ellison's story. This was probably one of the most intense and fast paced episodes that I know of to date. Intense it was, and this episode had it in spades.
Speaking of spades - someone got buried.
Probably most of all, I liked the Cameron in John's bedroom scene, as well as the very end. Both were pretty well written. IMHO there was a fair bit of character development there for John, Cameron, Riley and Sarah. Some pivotal moments there.
Cameron seems to know how to handle John, possibly from future experiance, as well as she's still learning, and its paying off. She made a choice, took her denim jacket off and knocked on John's door, asked if he's busy - no reply and went in. She reveeals to John that he's lonely in the future, and that yes - they do talk / share alot in the future, even presumably spend alot of time in each other's company. I think Cameron did that really well, and she shows some emotion and caring too.
Before that, she watched John see Riley off, just stood there and watched... hmmm... And Cameron seemed quite convincing about his putting Riley in danger. Next morning, she tells Sarah she got what she wanted. And Sarah's reply - Sarah still clearly does not like the effect Cameron has on John!!!
Later, last half of the episode, Cameron checks out the jailhouse to find John, despite Derek's hesitation. She makes it clear to Derek that its important to her that John be still alive.
Theres a fair bit of good material for the Cameron thread. Some answers, lots more questions...
At the end, Sarah has a bit of an emotional overload, gets a bit hysterical then just caves right in, sob and tears. I think it gave her one heck of a good scare, and it kinda just poured all out now that they were in the clear. I thought it was pretty heavy, and touching, John coming up to her to get ahold of her, and just holding her there. This might pull John a bit closer to Sarah from that growing rift between them. And I'm just guessing here. As tough as nails Sarah is, she still can't escape being a parent, and this was IMHO a moment of weakness for her.
Other events in the episode - theres a bit of overlap between the view segments but it comes together nicely like puzzle pieces. I think the formula worked as we saw how it all comes together.
Ellison getting a phone call from Mexico was pretty good, apparently he still has his FBI badge, whether or not he's still operating in official FBI capacity or not. Apparently, for him he needed to see if it was the same John from 1999 or not, and needing to put some closure to it. As he said - first time they showed up in his life he lost his house and wife, and this is the second time they've showed up in his life and what happens now?
I'm also wondering what kind of shotgun shells or slugs was Cameron packing in that SPAS12 shotgun? That really packed a punch - a few shots took off half of Cromartie's face...
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Post by allergygal on Nov 10, 2008 21:44:49 GMT -5
Now THAT was an episode. First one in weeks that I've loved. Every character felt right. Even John being an idiot worked well. He made a stupid choice, but kept a clear head when everything closed in on him. And could it be? Did he actually learn a lesson from all this? I think so. I think he and Sarah may have turned a corner or at least taken a big step to the corner. Sarah and Ellison's meeting was perfect — no big big introductions, no explanations, just a quick let me help you out of that trunk and then they're talking as if they each understand the other. And I loved that last scene. So nice to feel all warm and fuzzy about the show again.  |
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terrasj
Sergeant
Rossbond Connor Crew
Posts: 445
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Post by terrasj on Nov 10, 2008 21:45:13 GMT -5
22) And we get a Desperado style shootout that ends with Cromartie's death. I knew that was gonna be the character that died. He couldn't keep failing or he'd get to be Wile E. Terminator, Supah Geneyus. But I have to wonder what the hell type of weapon Cameron used to smash open his skull. Something very high powered. Why do I have a feeling this isn't the last we'll see of Cromartie? Even if he is just a rusted wreck next time. Franchi SPAS-12 Shotgun - Wiki articleBut I've no clue if the shells/slugs are that powerful or what... (or were the shells home-brewed by Connors & co) Or if the FX guys are making this Coltran high heat resistant but softer than the standard metal alloys in the previous T-800's ... |
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cyadon
Major
A Random Sci-Fi Geek
Posts: 612
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Post by cyadon on Nov 10, 2008 21:49:18 GMT -5
Now THAT was an episode. First one in weeks that I've loved. Every character felt right. Even John being an idiot worked well. He made a stupid choice, but kept a clear head when everything closed in on him. And could it be? Did he actually learn a lesson from all this? I think so. I think he and Sarah may have turned a corner or at least taken a big step to the corner. Sarah and Ellison's meeting was perfect — no big big introductions, no explanations, just a quick let me help you out of that trunk and then they're talking as if they each understand the other. And I loved that last scene. So nice to feel all warm and fuzzy about the show again. You have no idea how happy I am to see you happy again.  It's much more fun when everyone's enjoying themselves. What I really liked is that aside from Riley, they didn't stray outside the normal cast of characters from Season 1. It's all the usual suspects. Yeah. There must have been some interesting ammo in there. I wish there'd been a reference to it. |
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terrasj
Sergeant
Rossbond Connor Crew
Posts: 445
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Post by terrasj on Nov 10, 2008 21:59:14 GMT -5
No kidding... She's taking a definite interest in John. Hey cyadon, how about another point for your list: 26). Cromartie knew about the Jeep explosion and asked Sarah if Cameron's chip was damaged... Whoooo boy...... *whistles* We're going to have a field day discussing that one... Did is mean Cromartie rigged that explosive? To cause Cameron's chip to specifically get damaged? In the back seat, Sarah seen he had profiles on all of them, with photos... Funny how Jesse was profiling the Connors house also... Do you think that one point might warrant a thread all on its own?  :edits and addendum: |
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Post by Erika on Nov 10, 2008 22:59:10 GMT -5
Damn that was awesome. I haven't cried at the end of an episode of TSCC like that in a long time. YAY! I love this show.
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Post by ga5speed02 on Nov 10, 2008 23:20:07 GMT -5
18) I expected a more emotional meeting between Sarah and Ellison. They're so muted I have to wonder what's up. Though the initial distrust is there and Ellison is doing the right thing, which is what I expected. John definitely needs to punt Riley. yes and punt her good. i think in a later episode, something bad happens to riley and makes john a tougher man to get threw it. then im sure he will meet kate sometime Damn that was awesome. I haven't cried at the end of an episode of TSCC like that in a long time. YAY! I love this show. to be honest, my eyes did get watery. between the scen and the music. im a wuss, sometime music has that effect on me. like my arms got tingley when ever i heard the 'Cromartie music'. you know that deep bass sound when he walks. everyone has made great points. i wish i could put what i want to say into words better to make for better posting. oh i did find something odd. how could the office in prison pin point johns age to be 24, when the photographer recognized john and being sarahs kid at 16? |
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k8ie
Corporal
Posts: 1,482
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Post by k8ie on Nov 10, 2008 23:20:38 GMT -5
YOU'RE HAPPY? Dude, I have to live with her deal with Allergygal when she doesn't like an episode. It's scary man, you don't want to see what AG is like when she's unhappy. AG makes Bruce Banner look like someone who has a mild impulse control problem.  Sarah broke the gun at the end of the episode. Then John and Sarah hugged. I'm terrribly, terrrbly easy to please - Sarah Connor needs to be crazy and she and John needs to be affectionate. |
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Post by allergygal on Nov 10, 2008 23:38:54 GMT -5
You have no idea how happy I am to see you happy again. It's much more fun when everyone's enjoying themselves. What I really liked is that aside from Riley, they didn't stray outside the normal cast of characters from Season 1. It's all the usual suspects. *karma* for caring [ETA - well I tried to give you karma. I can apparently only give one per hour and I hit K8tie first. I'll catch you later.] It is so much nicer when we're all happy about an episode, isn't it? I totally agree about the regular cast. We've had so many other people wandering in and out. It's nice to get back to basics. No overblown plot, no side stories, no unnecessary characters. Just a singular problem that they all converge on. I think the show works best like that. YOU'RE HAPPY? Dude, I have to live with her deal with Allergygal when she doesn't like an episode. It's scary man, you don't want to see what AG is like when she's unhappy. AG makes Bruce Banner look like someone who has a mild impulse control problem. Sarah broke the gun at the end of the episode. Then John and Sarah hugged. I'm terrribly, terrrbly easy to please - Sarah Connor needs to be crazy and she and John needs to be affectionate. Hehe. True. K8tie is the allergygal whisperer. She keeps me sane (or at least tries). *karma* for that The John and Sarah hug was so needed. Their issues aren't going to vanish overnight, but now there's hope they can deal with it. |
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k8ie
Corporal
Posts: 1,482
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Post by k8ie on Nov 10, 2008 23:47:09 GMT -5
According to the chat with Garret, Dan the Writer and Josh, the SPAS-12 was loaded with depleted Uranium slugs, which being incredibly dense would knock the heck out of Cromartie's face. I like that TSCC is slowly drawing a line around terminators abilities so that they're hard to kill, deadly if they catch you alone but not indestructible. If you know how to destroy them, it can be done but it requires planning, numbers and specialized weapons - all things Kyle Reese didn't have in 1984 1983. It's all part of my day job of saving the world from destruction by Allergygal. I also do parties. |
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cyadon
Major
A Random Sci-Fi Geek
Posts: 612
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Post by cyadon on Nov 10, 2008 23:50:10 GMT -5
You have no idea how happy I am to see you happy again. It's much more fun when everyone's enjoying themselves. What I really liked is that aside from Riley, they didn't stray outside the normal cast of characters from Season 1. It's all the usual suspects. *karma* for caring [ETA - well I tried to give you karma. I can apparently only give one per hour and I hit K8tie first. I'll catch you later.] It is so much nicer when we're all happy about an episode, isn't it? I totally agree about the regular cast. We've had so many other people wandering in and out. It's nice to get back to basics. No overblown plot, no side stories, no unnecessary characters. Just a singular problem that they all converge on. I think the show works best like that. Yar. Let's hope it stays closer to this. Maybe they saw some of the earlier criticisms and have been adjusting with their fanbase. Then again, it's unlikely, since we're such a small cross section. Kinda like nielsen ratings. And yeah, I'm glad that I'm not feeling the malaise that I've felt from a few folks in some of the other episodes. You remember that I felt it myself for Episode 2x02 (Automatic for the People). Don't listen to k8ie! She's of teh debil! It's in MAH SIG! That's proof enough. And yes. It's about damn time they remembered that they're mother and son and not just bodyguard and protectee. And yeah, I like the crazy Sarah cameo. Definitely need more of those. No kidding... She's taking a definite interest in John. Hey cyadon, how about another point for your list: 26). Cromartie knew about the Jeep explosion and asked Sarah if Cameron's chip was damaged... Whoooo boy...... *whistles* We're going to have a field day discussing that one... Did is mean Cromartie rigged that explosive? To cause Cameron's chip to specifically get damaged? In the back seat, Sarah seen he had profiles on all of them, with photos... Funny how Jesse was profiling the Connors house also... Do you think that one point might warrant a thread all on its own? :edits and addendum: Personally, I don't think Cromartie set the bomb in the car. That's pure Sarkissian. No, I just think Cromartie is observant. He'd probably been watching that house all day before going in after Sarah (and he thought John). Waiting for Cameron to leave, most likely. He knew only she could survive the explosion. |
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k8ie
Corporal
Posts: 1,482
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Post by k8ie on Nov 10, 2008 23:56:00 GMT -5
I am not teh debil. We merely share an mailing address.  Yeah, it's really disturbing that Cromartie picks up on the chip damage. And is familiar with the concept. |
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Post by rove3 on Nov 11, 2008 0:00:21 GMT -5
And episode 2x08 has arrived of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and here are my weekly thoughts: 1) The smile of hate. Oh yes, Riley, you have received it. And earned it so far. If a smile could kill, that would do it. 2) "Do you care about this girl? Then leave her alone." Mama Connor's got it right. If John was listening, which I think Cameron is giving him too much credit here, Big.Fat.Word. Right now there is practically no way that I can buy that this version of John Connor becomes anyone's saviour, much less all of mankind's. I keep waiting for John to "get his head back in the game" as Derek said and with each new crisis it just doesn't happen. Cromartie chasing him on the pier didn't do it. Michelle being kidnapped and dying didn't do it. Cromartie coming to his home didn't do it. Based on his flippant line in the promo that Cameron is starting to sound like Sarah I'm doubtful that the mexican massacre will do it.  Once again John acts like he doesn't have a functioning brain cell in his body and innocent people end up dying because of his stupidity. I can't excuse that. People died, people who didn't have to die on that particular day if John had acted like someone who knows that danger lurks around every corner for him. If the writers keep dragging this out much longer it's going to start becoming ridiculous to think that any reasonably intelligent person wouldn't snap back to reality. Sarah and Cameron are still keeping me tuned in for now, but at this rate I don't know how much longer I'll stay on for the ride. Considering that John was my favorite character in S1 it saddens me to have to write that. He's just fallen that far IMO. I really want to believe that the hug at the end and the whole senselessness of the episodes events will finally make the light go on in his head. Time will tell I guess. |
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