Oh X-Files, how do we writers adore you? Let us count the ways. Number one: the seamless melding of sci-fi and procedural plot, which has rendered oh-so-many inferior imitators. Number two: the awesome flash-light illuminated action sequences through spooky/cool Canadian locations. Who knew Vancouver had such topographical diversity? And number three: one of the most iconic sci-fi ships of all-time, between a laconic porn-loving crusader for Truth and his red-headed, trench-coated doubting Thomas of a partner… oh Mulder and Scully. Catch monsters! Uncover alien conspiracies! Exchange witty quips and amazing scientific snippets during playful and sexually-charged scenes in low-rent motel rooms! Oh X-Files… <3 <3 <3
My latest SCC episode, Earthlings Welcome Here, is an homage to one of the writers’ room’s all-time favorite shows. I’m not claiming it’s as good as Chris Carter and co’s best eps, and no Duchnovy of course (sigh…), but it’s our humble peek into UFO sub-culture, and its surprising intersection with Killer Robots From the Future.
I began the process of writing the script, as I often do, by doing some real life research. Wanting to know more about “Experiencers,” as those who have encountered E.T.’s call themselves, I attended a meeting of a group known as M.U.F.O.N. It was at this meeting, held in the sanctuary of a church in Studio City, CA that I learned about the process of hypno-therapy to recall lost or repressed memories. It was a fascinating event, and I incorporated my findings into the show.
I’m sure many of you will be wondering exactly what Sarah finds at the end of her quest for the three-dots. That answer — at least part of it -– will be revealed by the end of Earthlings. How are aliens and Terminators connected? Tune in tonight (and on Fridays at 8PM starting February in 2009).
The Truth is… well, you know the rest…
TUESDAY UPDATE: Love you, bloggers. Hate on my eppy or love it, we’re all playing together in the same imaginary playground — writers and fans alike — your close attention to detail and thoughtful, interactive viewing make creating T:SCC hecka fun..
As far as we know with the Terminator mythology, the AI and the Terminators were created by man. How the heck does it interact with UFOs and X-File type stuff? Well, I guess I’ll find out tonight, but it initally seems like kind of a weird mix…just my 2 cents.
But since Sarah is attending a UFO convention, my friend and I are hoping that at least one convention joke will be in there! Hey, I don’t consider myself a ‘professional’ con dork, ahem, attendee for nothing!
i should have known!! it’s no coincidence that i love this show so much.
“Oh X-Files… <3 <3 <3″ indeed.
i havent been so enthralled with a series since X-files.
well done guys. i cant freaking wait for tonight!!!
here’s to hoping for several more years of SCC.
Thanks for posting, sounds like a cool premise! I was worried for a sec that the show was starting to take itself too seriously.
Also cool, one of your actors played a nice man with a bit of an identity crisis on that show. Gave Mulder’s dad quite a headache.
Thank you for taking the time to share. That’s what makes this blog/site one of the few places online I make a regular visit to.
Can’t wait to DVR the show…hopefully tonight!
God bless the X-Files and God bless you Natalie for writing an ep that was inspired by it. I cannot wait to see it!
Can’t wait! I LOOOOVE the X-Files as it was a staple every week in the dorms at college during its first few seasons. It WAS Must-See-TV!
Perhaps you guys could strike a deal with Chris Carter, Duchovney and Anderson to actually HAVE Mulder and Scully show up for an episode… this would be right up Mulder’s alley.
Do it in the same vein as “Clyde Bruchman’s Final Repose” or “Jose Chung’s From Outer Space” or any of the other far out comedy episodes that worked so well! Even pull in Michael McKean if you can since he was always causing trouble for Mulder and Scully in the wacky stories his character was in.
Or even blend it with a homage to “Wargames” with Matthew Broderick.
“Would you like to play a game?”
Don’t be afraid to have some fun on this show!! It can’t be doom and gloom all the time.
I adored the X Files too - all 9 seasons, so I’m a die hard fan! (Will any genre show run for 9 seasons any more??) Anyway, so I’m intrigued by the XF connection. Yes, TSCC is more future tech than alien tech, but Sarah’s been pretty spooky lately, so maybe she’s in the market for some far out theories.
Looking forward to the ep.
Sarah “Spooky” Connor!
So does this means to SCC until Feb 09? Not even reruns? I hate to think it will be off air for so long. Normally, most shows like this - which rock! - never seem to make it, especially if they keep switching time slots.
What a cool insight into the sources of inspiration!
Here’s how I think aliens and terminators are connected. Terminator sightings will be considered alien sightings by Experiencers. They do have similar methods of travel; after all, space and time are part of the same continuum.
So, Sarah will go undercover and get some insight into terminator sightings. Very interesting. Hope I’m right.
The truth is out there! And we’ll find out tonight. Unfortunately, I’ll find out much, much later b/c I’m on Pacific time.
Since I have less than 10 minutes to go until the start of the show and then the big break ’til February, I leave you with one final song.
It’s a pretty hopeful one… given that it’s so close to Christmas.
Peter Gabriel: “More Than This”
I woke up and the world outside was dark
all so quiet before the dawn
opened up the door and walked outside
the ground was cold
I walked until I couldn’t walk any more
to a place i’d never been
there was something stirring in the air
in front of me, I could see
more than this
more than this
so much more than this
there is something else there
when all that you had has all gone
and more than this
I stand
feeling so connected
and I’m all there
right next to you
it started when I saw the ship go down
I saw them struggle in the sea
and suddenly the picture disappears
in front of me
now we’re busy making all our busy plans
on foundations built to last
but nothing fades as fast as the future
nothing clings like the past, until we can see
more than this
more than this
so much more than this
there is something out there
more than this
it’s coming through
and more than this
I stand alone and so connected
and I’m all there
right next to you
much more than this
way beyond imagination
much more than this
beyond the stars
with my head so full
so full of fractured pictures
I’m all there
right next to you…
more than this
more than this
more than this
more than this…
MERRY CHRISTMAS to ALL!! And have a HAPPY 2009!!
Go Season 2 1/2 and beyond!!!
This is my first post. I would like to give a big THANK YOU to all the writers. You have done a terrific job. In all of the episodes I can really feel the pain and suffering the characters have been through (in the future)…especially Derek (and his distrust of “metal”).
Anyway, I am 36 yo and an ER doctor, and usually don’t have time for TV much less any extra “drama” ( we have a saying…trauma not drama). The writing has been top notch, I especially liked the episode where John and Derek go to the military school, and Sarah befriends the little boy. The whole sequence where she is reading the Wizard of Oz and it is mirroring what is happening back at the school with the terminator…that’s good stuff. How Derek told John on the ride home about the militray prep school boy that loved to run, and sacrificed himself to save the convoy of prisoners, one of which was John…great great stuff. The writing has been top notch all season.
Why is it moving to Friday’s in Feb? Friday’s are show killers. You should put it on the same night as “24″
One more suggestion, please look up/download “Mouth” by Bush, the Stingray mix/ You should write a sequence where Cameron and John kiss (dream sequence, or something where they are undercover and she has to kiss him to protect their cover or something) and play that song in the back ground. Trust me, at least look up the lyrics, it would be perfect.
KEPP UP THE STRONG WORK, I look forward to many more seasons.
Ok not only topographical diversity: philosophical diversity as well! Morality, Sexual role suggestion, abortion, interracial marriage. A little BS galactica mixed with contempt for US the consumer/viewer. Calling out for viewer to ??? live/engage/notice?
X files photographically had a lot of darkness. This contrasts the darkness with brightly lit scenes.
20 years with a robot? we all are capable of hope & change. Shoot, move over John, I Like YOUR MOM.
Nice tie in with the California drones. It goes to show that real research goes far in the
in the writing of the SCC. The California
Drones also known as the Capitola UFOs are some
what of a real life mystery surrounding the
Capitola and Santa Cruz areas. There have been
several sitings of these drones in the last year. Funny to think that they could be early
designs of Hunter Killers. Who would have thought. Great show great writing. Thanks
This episode reminded me of what I loved and what I hated about the X-Files. (A great horror story about things that go bump in the night but promises of connections that never met the minimum standards of plausibility…shock and awe without a regard for the audience’s ability to remember the previous forty minutes.) I want to believe but I know any magic act is entertainment not mysticism. Einstein’s universe is wondrous enough.
I’ve never commented before but I just loved the episode and had to say so. This show always amazes me with how gently the characters are drawn sometimes. What a stroke of genius to have Sarah meet up with someone who “found himself” (or herself) and is actually more fulfilled being on the run. Their exchanges felt so real and so telling.
And the Riley arc was outstanding. I’ve often thought that Levin Rambin’s resume showed a lot more acting chops than she was allowed to show onscreen, and it was great to finally peel back the layers and get to know Riley. For the first time, I understand John’s attraction to the real and wounded person he must see inside her.
Last, kudos also for portraying Ellison’s faith respectfully and credibly; in the scenes with Cromartie, and in general. It’s refreshing, to say the least. I can’t say a lot of shows would be so fair to him or so bold as to let a major character take this stance. I think it’s brave and remarkable — both of which are characteristics of this show.
Love you, bloggers. Hate on my eppy or love it,
we’re all playing together in the same imaginary playground — writers and fans alike — your
close attention to detail and thoughtful, interactive viewing make creating TSCC hecka fun
Thank you for responding Natalie, and thank you for an overall good episode.
I hope some of us “haters” are seen more as residing in a “happy middle ground” between absolutely loving every single episode without question, and those who think everything is terrible.
We don’t critize to hate… too harsh a description I feel. I know I try to critize to vent my frustrations with some of the things I see happening. What I am trying to do is lay out some of the issues I have. I don’t want to come across as hurtful, that is the farthest from my intentions. I can only speak for myself about that.
Love OUR ideas or musical tastes, or think they’re goofy as all get out… as you said, that’s what makes it fun WATCHING and speaking out about TSCC.
If our tidbits and opinions help in any way… that’s why we are here posting in the hopes that you guys are taking us seriously. That’s why we watch faithfully even when we may not agree on everything.
And yes, some of us viewers (like me) are DIE HARD James Cameron movie fans (I’ve collected all his films from laserdisc to DVD to soon Blu-ray). I personally am worried about T4 through T6 after the disaster that was T3.
No James Cameron behind the wheel of his story tends to worry me a bit. Well, maybe more than a bit.
That’s why we may come off as having intense feelings about the characters and some of the directions you and your fellow writers are taking with them.
Again, thanks for reading our posts!
Have a very Merry Christmas and have a safe and fruitful New Year to you, Natalie, and the rest of the writers, actors, and crew.
And I’m sorry for any spelling mistakes… it’s late and there is no edit button, d’oh!
We love you, Natalie, and your fellow writers because, like the old Enrique, you are true believers but you are not finished with the game. Keep spinning the terminator straw into gold. We love the way you tell it.
I think my favorite part in this episode was the part when Sarah was seeing herself in the diner with “NO FATE” carved into the table. Very powerful and kind of brings into focus how important her mission is, reminds the audience of her resolve just like when she went on her failed assassination mission in T2 when she acctually carved the words. That whole message was conveyed in a 2 second scene, very good.
I did think of the X-Files watching the end too, that very early episode when Mulder sees that trangle military plane based on alien technology right before he’s picked up, gets strapped to a table, gets his memmories erased and is then handed back to Scully like a teenager getting let off with a warning. Please tell me they won’t do that to Sarah!!
The Sarah Connor Chronicles gets mentioned on
the radio show Coast 2 Coast with George Noory.
In an interview with UFO ivestigated reporter Linda Moulton Howe, George Noory mentions the use of the California Drones in SCC. He notes the accuracy and use of design of the drones
in the the show.
Well Natalie, many lashed out at this ep due to being frustrated with the first part of S-2 in general. this was the last ep of fall seasson and I think they expected this ep to show some changes and give some answers and it didnt and wasnt supposed to.
the 3 dot story was started , then 2 standalone eps aired and then came back in this one and it ended with a big question of what she saw, did she really see it, or hallucination? so the 3 dot story still seems unfinished.
it would have been better had they all [3 dot eps] ran one after another, and then have us know for sure what she saw, and that the 3 dot riddle had been solved.
I think It was a HK, but some think it was alien ship, and most a hallucination.
and I agree with colours that kyle should not have been shown in the preview, that created alot of negative reactions also.
@Natalie Chaidez
With regards to using the “X-Files” as a template for TSCC: “the seamless melding of sci-fi and procedural plot.” I don’t think that TSCC storylines have proved themselves truly amenable to procedural plots so far. A better template for TSCC is “Lost”. Each story moved the plot forward, even as it goes back and forth in time. Everything informs the present storyline.
Sometimes I feel that you writers are trying to inject procedural elements into TSCC, and I find myself rejecting them. An example of this is the device of the writings on the wall to jumpstart the storylines for the Connors. I don’t think that was particularly effective. I think having the Connors continue to build their own leads through research (internet, newspapers, city records, etc.), along with Cameron and Derek’s knowledge of the future is the way to go.
It’s much preferable to have stories where the connors go in entirely the wrong direction (”it’s just a logo, you crazy bitch”) than to have stories based on some guy busting into the Connor’s living room after writing down missions in blood on the basement wall.
Derek’s cell had specific missions they were to follow, correct? Perhaps those could be the basis of developing future leads about SkyNet.
Similarly, it looks like the three dots are going to become a main driver of the story in the back nine. While Sarah’s nightmares about the 3 dots illustrate the power of female intuition, they bring a decidedly pagan element to the terminator mythology, so please be careful with that. Hopefully, as the psychologist suggested, Sarah is suffering from repressed memories.
Despite these “criticisms”, I love the overall story.
@Natalie
I went a little deeper and discovered discovered Isaac’s blog and the CARET program. It demonstrates the tremendous thought and energy you obviously put into your work. Amazing.
where’s the edit button? I sure need one!
[...] Chaidez, roteirista, também escreveu em seu blog que o episódio foi criado como uma homenagem a Arquivo-X, e que ela pesquisou a respeito [...]
If the show is going to have more Area 52 themed episodes, an interesting book to read (if you haven’t read it already) is: I Could Tell You But Then You Would Have To Be Destroyed By Me by Trevor Paglen.