Watched me some Terminator
So I watched the two episodes of Terminator - I was, in the face of the disappointment that called itself last seasons sci-fi offerings, optimistic about this show, really looking forward to it even. And on the whole, I think it didn’t deliver. It had its moments, and it was never bad in the way, say, Heroes was actively bad. But overall, it wasn’t that strong.
Apparently the world was also excited since it posted those big debut numbers, I wonder if it’ll be able to hang onto those viewers for long enough to get some real story going. I think it has good characters, good actors, good writing and what not - it’s just that there wasn’t that much plot or character interest to keep you hooked. I think Summer did a pretty good job of being a robot that hinted at emotion - she hammed it up at times, but I think it was all well done. Mom and son were well cast, too.
As I’m not a big Terminator buff, I don’t know squat about any continuity issues with the movies. I loved the first when I’ve seen it, thought 2 was ok and didn’t even get to 3. Y’know?
I just don’t think enough of it was memorable. The action scenes were ok - but largely didn’t stand out. I think that the way they used Summer was pretty sub-optimal - having seen the type of work she’s capable of doing. They basically had stand up fist fights between her and a big guy - which was somewhat novel since she’s like 1/3 the size of the other guy, but it loses its novelty pretty quick.
But as with everything I’ve seen recently at least there’s promise. I’m hoping they wanted to start with a bang and then settle into something more developed because there’s hints of it throughout the episodes, subtle interactions that hopefully get more play as the show develops. I’ll keep watching it and hope it gets better. It’s that or reality shows, right?
January 19th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Too good of a concept fro prime time television. They have to mess up the good ideas, it is in their contracts.
January 21st, 2008 at 1:31 am
I’ve also been watching this and much preferred the second episode. That opening scene in the first episode was an exciting start to the series–until I saw that it was just a dream one of the characters was having. I find that device kindof annoying.
I thought that the choice of terminators sent back to protect John was a funny one. They could have sent a big, brawny terminator a la Arnold in T2, but instead they send a lithe, young woman who often wears miniskirts. Even without the stylish clothing and nice hair, she’s easily my favorite character on the show simply because she’s so much more interesting than either John or Sarah.
Some parts that were illogical: why is the FBI so hot to get Sarah Connor when there’s a “bad” terminator going into a school and a bank and shooting things up? There has been no indication that the police are making a bona fide effort to get this guy. The scene where he tears open his thigh to get the gun stashed in his leg was outrageous. I guess that makes it more interesting than if he had just stashed it in his briefcase or pocket. And the construction guy finding the terminator head and a dismembered hand killing another construction worker. Shouldn’t the police check that out? You know CSI would find the homocidal arm and conclude that it’s made of material not of this earth or time. Now that there’s actual evidence that objects from the future are on present day earth weakens the psychology story with respect to Sarah. The cops think she’s crazy even though she’s telling the “truth.” With proof of the future on earth, that angle goes out the window. Anyway, that’s a departure from the film I think.
January 21st, 2008 at 8:13 am
Fantastic - yeah I thought that initial dream sequence was weeeak. Especially being the opening scene of the premier episode. Sigh. And I am in complete agreement with you that Summer’s the best part of the show.
The second ep was a little better than the first, but I still didn’t love it. I *think* that the FBI guy is kinda starting to be a believer - you see it in his face after he hears about the robot arnold blowing the school. But you’re totally right that it’s completely ridiculous that pretty much the whole robot is left behind (obviously, since the head can reassemble himself in the future) and nobody notices that “Hey this is a super advanced robot” in the crime scene and just shovel it all into a dump. WTF? Sigh.
Still, I hope the show gets better! I’ll watch it for a few more, I think.
January 23rd, 2008 at 1:18 am
Felix, did you watch Episode 3 or were you out birthday partying? It was boring and the worst of the three so far. I thought Sarah, in the “date” sequence, was as robotic as the terminators. I don’t know if this is an indication of her skills as an actor or if that was just the way she’s written, but she’s such a boring character. At least John has a little rebelliousness in him and he just seems more human and believable as a character.
The scenes with the “bad” terminator holding hostage the scientist to regrow his skin and skin tissue was creeeepy. And effective.
January 23rd, 2008 at 7:36 am
Heh, still need to catch ep 3 - but from the reviews you and scott are giving, it seems like it’ll probably be the last one I watch.
Check out Variety’s review of ep 3. So awesome! Comparing it to Small Wonder is hard core, man! That’s why they make the big bux. I can’t find it, but I think the ratings for this one were way, way, waaaay down. Prolly won’t make it.
January 23rd, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Heh! I’ve actually never heard of Small Wonder until now, but that screenshot looks like something from a really awful show.
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