Join us as we say goodbye to our friend/adversary Cromartie with another round of extra-good info and random production facts. Without further ado…
Mr. Ferguson is Ill Today marks are shortest turnaround time between the production of an episode and it’s airdate! Though the script had been written for months (nine were written before Samson and Delilah even premiered!), this episode was shot only one month ago — wrapped on October 6th. In fact, the visual fx shot of Cromartie’s two-faced, blown off endo skull was only completed this past Friday!
As you saw below, the title Mr. Ferguson is Ill Today is a callback to the first line of dialogue ever uttered by the character of Cromartie (upon entering John’s classroom in 1999, New Mexico). It was obviously delivered by our “first” variation of Cromartie, played by Owain Yeoman.
Johns tells Riley that the name of the little Mexican village is Dejalo, which doesn’t actually exist. Writer Dan Thomsen had a little fun naming the town — “Dejalo” is actually the title of a song on the band Rilo Kiley’s most recent album, Under the Blacklight.
Since we weren’t able to actually travel to Mexico for production of the episode, we used Veluzat Blue Cloud Movie Ranch as our double for most of Dejalo (at least all of the exteriors). It is located in Santa Clarita, CA and has been used in hundreds of films and television series dating back years. The current owners purchased it from Gene Autry in 1990.
The tune playing over Cromartie’s last stand is a song called La Llorona. It was originally written and recorded by Chavela Vargas but our own genius composer, Bear McCreary, composed and recorded his own take of the song for the episode. Check out Bear’s personal blog entry below for more details.
Though veteran TV director Michael Nankin joined us for his first go-round at T:SCC with Mr. Ferguson, he is actually friendly with quite a few of the folks around here — and even worked with our dynamo writer/producer Toni Graphia (Allison from Palmdale, The Demon Hand) quite a few times (most recently, Battlestar Galactica)! This episode was written by staff writer Dan Thomsen (Vick’s Chip).
Shooting the final scene of Sarah smashing Cromartie’s chip to pieces was grueling. Lena was so in character and “went for it” so intensely that she ended up cutting her hand on the gun. That’s some Sarah Connor.
I love Lena! She’s so awesome and makes a badass Sarah Connor. Her devotion to her craft definitely shows up on the screen.
Loved hearing John talk a lil bit about his past and it was cool that someone recognized him.
Mr. Ferguson is Ill Today=100% Awesomeness!!
The scene with Lena smashing the chip was very intense. I hate to hear she got hurt, though.
Thanks for the information about the production. I’m fascinated with how a show goes from the writer’s room to the TV screen.
Wow, I can’t believe how fast the turnaround was on that ep! Fantastic job!
Ooh, I winced when I read that Lena cut herself on the gun! Lena was simply at her best, displaying why she is an incredible actress. Brought me to tears with that scene! Some Sarah Connor indeed!
I’m coming in a little late but just wanted to say that I loved this episode! Well done! I always like stories told in different POVs like this.
Also, I’m VERY INTRIGUED that Cameron’s programming apparently includes sex appeal. She deliberately removed her shirt before going in a laying down with John. I wonder if this is something John has included or if it’s something Skynet put in. Summer does a good job of having her almost get it right (as she lays down she checks and adjusts some).
I was a little disappointed that it was that easy to bring down Cromartie, but I know that the show needed to wrap things up. Loved the parallel with Jesus on the cross. You all do a great job of weaving faith vs. tech into this show.
I love how subtle the show is.
Why did Sarah freak out?
Sarah: “I’m not a murderer.”
Cromartie: “Who’s a murderer?”
I think most viewers missed: Cameron crossing against the light is why she didn’t kill John.
–
Apparently Skynet doesn’t know about: defeat in detail. Skynet always sends 1 terminator vs the Conners.
–
I hope it is explained that Cameron now has more experience fighting terminators than other terminators: hence why she wins.
–
I hope Cameron starts carrying anti-terminator tools: pliers.
–
I’d love to see the Conners reveal a few pre-prepared terminator man traps.
–
Love the show! Thanks so much.
Will we ever find out what really happened to the real mister ferguson? Did Cromartie leave him alive, too? I suspect not. o_0 But one never knows…
Sarah taking out her frustrations on the chip was heart breaking - and very well done. Her brave warrior/protector/mother front crumpled in front of all – it was good for them to see how much this whole situation has consumed her.
Wow! I don’t even now where to begin.. This was an awesome episode.
And the scene with Sarah smashing the chip is, in my opinion, the most poignant moment in the series so far. Ive cried every time I’ve watched it.
Bravo!!
awesome work guys,really awesome
the chemistry of john and cameron needs to be back!!
riley needs to go soon
So freaking awesome.
I’m disappointed to learn that Dejalo is a fictional village, though. I really wanted to book the honeymoon suite for me and this episode.
This episode was amazing. Truly, you don’t see TV like this, and I’m just blown away every week.
I’m with Annie on how awesome Lena is!
Rock on!
Allergygal is right - this was one hot episode (naturally, I’m more a Niagara Falls kind of girl than Mexico but different strokes… ).
Will we ever find out what really happened to the real mister ferguson? Did Cromartie leave him alive, too? I suspect not. o_0 But one never knows…
I wish it wasn’t him.
I think he was killed in the Pilot, not sure though.
Shooting the final scene of Sarah smashing Cromartie’s chip to pieces was grueling. Lena was so in character and “went for it” so intensely that she ended up cutting her hand on the gun. That’s some Sarah Connor.
Cromartie hurts people even in death!
Lena cut her hand on that scene?!?!?! wow!!
oddly enough that makes me love her even more!!!
prolific show…. i love it!!
I loved this episode! I loved the look on Derick’s face in the jail. When Cameron said,” I can’t let anything happen to him.” There needs to a little more of Cameron and John! please!
Great episode and thanks for the info!
So how long do we have to wait to find out if Garret Dillahunt is still a series regular or he’ll only be appearing as Cromartie in nightmares, alternate timelines, flashbacks, etc.?
I agree with Ashely about more John and Cameron. I thought it was intersting how Cameron said ” I can’t let anything happen to him” And she rushed in there more then what she did in season 1. Remember her chip is still damaged and in my opinion she is acting more human examples include… “I want my leather jacket” How she takes off her jacket to go in John’s room and other stuff.
I thought the final scene with Cromatie reminded me of a Spahgetti Western it just fit. I hope the future doesn’t get totally messed up by all the events taking place. And I hope Cameron doesn’t turn again. Keep it up guys.
By the way forgot to include, who ever pinpointed the adjusting by Cameron nice job at picking it up. I didn’t even notice that until I ran that part again in my head lol.
And of course the episode was great, I mean a BSG writer did it
Would be cool to include a cameo from a BSG person maybe Katie?? She would be pretty good in the future role since she is so good as Starbuck. Can’t wait till next week!
Great episode!
I chuckled when I saw the red/pink bra under the white top practically glowing when Cameron entered John’s room. Flashbacks to BSG Cylon-sex! Was that an intentional Easter Egg?
Sorry to hear about Lena cutting her hand on the SMG. Please tell me the armorer unloaded it (even with blanks) before you let her use it as a hammer?
I may take my DH to a shrink. He nearly cried when Lena used the gun butt on that chip. He says surely they could find something better to use for a hammer than an expensive gun.
Tell him not to fret, starkiller, it was probably just a cheap airsoft replica and that’s why it busted up so bad! Something tells me that this cast isn’t too afraid of getting scars and adores going full out like Lena did!
Great episode! I just got into the series from watching recaps on Hulu and picking up the S1 DVD set. Fantastic storylines and awesome characters! I can’t wait for more.
Absolutely brilliant episode! Although it was already said, the quality of a show recorded a month ago is impressive. Terminator is by far the greatest show on tv right now, with the best looking cast of all times!!! I love the fact that each episode has a unique look and a different direction, it reminds me of early X-Files episodes. Whatever you’re doing with the show, keep doing it!!!:):)
That was one freakingly kick-@$$ ep. So much went on, but I for one am finally happy at a scene where John and Cam finally talk for once.
I hope Garret will still be around, even if Cromartie’s gone to the big scrap heap in the sky. That last stand scene of him was amazingly done. The visuals and the music. Damn best show on TV.
Sorry to hear about Lena and her hand, hope it wasn’t too serious =/ Just goes to show what a great actress she is.
you see. It was the best episode.
Cromartie’s acting was really nice.
I evern felt sorry for him.
I heard the schedule will be changed from tuesday to fryday.
very good idea.
On Monday, there were too many competitive program. you should not feel ashamed , because those programs were played on monday before TSCC did, which means they alreay had a watchters. anyway. It was really nice episode.:)
all scenes impress me and Cromartie Death specialy , Thanx for FX Man and all the work done around to make it look so real and special Thanx for Sarah/Lena at the END ! Briant Scene, Emotional scenes always make me feel something !
I just got a chance to watch it again, and I was floored. I missed so many little things the first time. This is one of the greatest episodes of the season.
Thank you all!
Awesome episode!!! It was sad to see Cromartie die. He was a cool terminator. Lena is such an amazing actress. She’s so great as Sarah Connor. I hope we will get to see more story lines that focuses on Sarah more.
The take on llorona was fantastic if I may say so myself. Do you think it will ever be up for download anywhere??
I loved the way the story unfolded in this episode. Multiple viewpoints is not an original idea, but when done well, as it was here, it makes a refreshing change! Loved the part when Sarah is in the trunk and it opens to reveal Ellison. Great twist. It also means a second or third viewing lets you examine for continuity in the multiple stories.
I am not a fan of Riley, but I am seeing her as an interesting catalyst for change. Sarah’s barely concealed hostility and Cameron’s rather surprising attempt at using her sex appeal were different ways that both failed to make John give up seeing her.
I was sorry to see Cromartie ‘die’, but it had to happen. A terminator can only fail to catch the Connors for so long. It was also nice to see Ellison team up with them. I like that Sarah was pretty cool with him.
That final scene was a tear jerker. Sarah’s rage, John comforting her and the two of them reconnecting. Touching.
Best episode of the season so far!
Great Episode.
It actually makes sense that the Connor’s should trap the terminators that come after them. Most of the terminators aren’t cautious and so they are easy to lure to their destruction.
Question. Why don’t the Connor’s go the US Government or the UN?? I mean they have all the proof they need. There should be an explanation as to why the don’t.
Sorta sorry to see Cromartie go. Kudos to Garret Dillahunt for playing the baddest Terminator since Arnold. It took Ellison, Derek, Sarah, John and Cameron to bring him down. I don’t think it was a good idea showing Ellison where Cromartie was buried… Liked the multi viewpoints aspect of the show. Excellent episode.
I thought the Mr. Ferguson episode was pretty good but will admit I was’nt a big fan of the multi perspective way it rolled along. I also felt the climax fight in the church was a bit underwhelming, but eh what do ya do. The story was fine enough for me to look past those issues. Still wish we could have seen Cromartie and Cameron go at it full tilt. Shucks.
Anyway… Once again Cameron shows us a little more personality here. Its clear she is trying to win Johns effection over Riley, but because she doesn’t have any emotions (that we know of anyway) doesn’t know how. This of course leads to the slightly awkward bed scene which further implys that there is more of a realtionship between the two in the future. It also occurs to me that the reason why future John confides in future Cameron about his loneliness is because of the realtionship he has/will have with her in the past. (dare I say future John is friends with this Terminator) The scene where Cameron is alsmot desperate to find John is also telling. Her somewhat eratic movements and saying “I gotta make sure he’s okay, I can’t let anything happen to him” is maybe the most human reaction she’s had since the pilot episode. For the 1st time she doesn’t know where he is or how he is, and it “scared” her.
In anycase as always keep up the good work. Looking forward to the next episode.
Is Ellison going to dig up Cromartie and deliver its remains to Weaver?
I think the reason they can’t go to the authorities with proof of Judgment Day is because that itself would have a tendency to accelerate technological evolution. The weapons the armed forces are using today were developed from research done decades ago. In the terminator ‘universe’ the endoskeleton, time displacement research, etc is probably already taking place, like the Turk. Nobody wants them able to jump ahead 20 years since Skynet will have control of it all.
[...] even premiered!), this episode was shot only one month ago wrapped on October 6th. In source: goodbye to mr. ferguson., Terminator - Sarah Connor [...]