So people always ask me if I read what’s written about the show and the answer is a) of course and b) anyone who says they don’t is a liar and c) even the bad stuff but also d) not all of it and e) especially if it goes on and on and definitely not f) if it includes sample scenes and dialogue designed to show me where I’ve gone wrong.
Which is my way of saying that yes, I hear you. Mostly.
And what I hear is y’all sounding a little stressed. Stressed about the ratings, stressed about the marketing, stressed about the creative direction of the show, stressed that I lost Summer Glau’s phone number and forgot to invite her to the set for the back nine. I’m not sure I can put all your worries at rest but if I am this show’s horse then I’ll at least open my mouth:
THE RATINGS (aka things I know very little about)
FOX moves us to Friday night. For two months everyone predicts our ratings will go down. And they have. Too far down? Just the right amount of down? How down is down? Honestly guys, I don’t have a clue. Our second week was essentially the same as our first. Is flat the new up or the new down? Who knows? McCain was up before he was down and Obama down before he was up. We haven’t seen a DVR number yet and even then I couldn’t tell you how they’ll factor in the decision to keep us around. Almost every show is down and a 1.3 may be last year’s 2.0. Only the ratings gods know for sure.
Here’s how I get through the uncertainty: every day early in the morning I drive my car to the Warner Bros lot. I approach the security guard and hold out my employee ID. He runs the scanner over it. If I hear the beep and the gate opens I say to myself: “So far so good” and go to my office. I will continue to do this until the gate does not open and I suggest you do the same. The show is on until it is off and while that could be next week, next season, or years from now, try to enjoy it while you can (assuming you enjoy it).
MARKETING/ADVERTISING (aka things I have no control over)
Please understand this: I do not control how the show is marketed and advertised. If you liked the Grindhouse ad, thought it was tongue-in-cheek, I’m glad for you. If you felt it was inappropriate for the show, misrepresented it or made false promises, I also feel your pain. This is not an easy show to advertise— I’m a fascist when it comes to revealing spoilers and while I’ve loosened up over the season I still submit a “Do Not Reveal” list a page long for every episode. Sometimes they reveal, sometimes they don’t. I’m happy when they try something different even if it’s not what I would do.
CREATIVE DIRECTION (aka my shit)
Monday is the last day of production for Season 2. It is our tenth day of shooting for the finale— ten being two days longer than we usually have on our episodes (Samson and Delilah was ten if I remember correctly…). Tomorrow we will be attempting the most complicated, dangerous and largest stunt/effects sequence in the 31 episodes of this show. I have been thinking about the sequence since September and we have been planning it since before Christmas. I have no idea if it will work. Which is to say two things: first, despite your many suggestions for the show, that horse has left the barn; and second, we’re blowing up the frakking barn.
A note about the recent/current episodes: some months ago I determined to steer the show towards its title, towards Sarah Connor. I wanted to explore not simply the idea of chasing Skynet and all that that entails, but also the psychological effects of doing so. It wasn’t enough to just hunt/fight/protect; I wanted to see what was going on inside her head, especially when those around her doubted her. Now some of you find that interesting, some of you don’t, some of you probably would but don’t think I’ve done a good job depicting it. And most of you are just pissed there’s not enough Cameron.
Is it difficult starting up with dark, psychological episodes after being gone for two months? Seems that’s the case. People are worked up about the Friday night thing and the ratings and I probably underestimated that microscope in my desire to explore Sarah and her demons. To be completely honest, the network warned me not to do it but I felt (and still feel) these stories (and I consider the upcoming Some Must Sleep… as the third part of the Sarah triptych) were/are vital parts of the show. But that’s coming from the guy who believes that if you enjoy watching Weaver slaughter thirty people in one episode you’re obligated to go to their funeral in the next.
All that said…
I get the sense that you want answers. You’ve got enough plant, you’re looking for payoff. I get that. And so will you.
So here are my campaign promises. And because I’ve already shot the episodes, I know they’re promises I’ll be keeping… by the end of the season you will see/know:
–the resolution of the Riley story
–the resolution of the Jesse story
–a future story about Jesse’s Terminator–piloted nuclear submarine explaining how Jesse got to be how she got to be and how it relates to John Connor’s present and future
–the return of Cameron’s glitch in new and deadly ways
–much more Jameron (for those of you who like it)
–not too much Jameron (for those of you who don’t)
–an explanation of the three-dots
–Catherine Weaver’s backstory/origin story
–Savannah in mortal danger
–the revelation of Catherine Weaver’s exact mission
–a fight between Catherine Weaver and another Terminator
–a faceoff between Sarah Connor and Catherine Weaver
–a deadly attack on the Connors by agents of Skynet
–the death of a loved one
–the death of a loved one
–the death of a loved one
And some big things I won’t reveal. Hate spoilers.
Thanks for reading, thanks for watching, thanks for caring, thanks for hating.
Discuss.
Josh Friedman
You are a class act Mr. Friedman.
I love this show. Kudos to all involved.
You rock, Josh. I am so looking forward to how this season plays out. I don’t think there’s been enough understanding of how the show’s been building. I, for one, am enjoying the ride.
Thanks Josh! Especially for the “campaign promises.”
How exiting! ^_^ *bounces off*
Thanks for explaining ;P.
I for one am loving the show and although the last 2 episodes have been a little slow i can see they are leading to some great stories. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season and keeping my fingers crossed for a third season.
Keep up the good work.
Thank you Mr. Josh. I think you get a lot of heat from angry fans that you just don’t deserve. Keep doing what you’re doing. Just like they say about working on a job, “focus on your work, and the money (ratings) will take care of itself.”
I love this show!!!!!!!
I love the show…and don’t exactly get what the big deal is about the night change. If you love the show and watched it on Mondays..then most people will still watch on Fridays. I know I do and will continue to do so for as long as it is still on. The show is really really good, and I was not a big fan of the movies at all(and have actually only seen part of the first and all of the second). Keep up the great work.
Thank you sir! I for one love the Sarah stories and have been a happy camper for the last couple of weeks and am looking forward to this week. I just hope we get more next season. I love the show!
So, are 3 loved ones going to die? Or were you just over-emphasizing the death of one loved one.
Very well said Josh! I guess the reason you made this statement is because of the people negativity towards last episode. But you should know that even if people are negative about it, it is because they do care and care a lot for the show, otherwise they would not express their opinions in long contexs. Those are dedicated fans and they will watch every episode regardless of their personal opinions about it. You are doing really great job Josh and I appreciate you actually put your time into weekly fanbase communication, not everyone is so dedicated.Your doing a great job, thank you!
Rock on, Josh. I’m so glad you addressed so many things. I’ve been so discouraged lately and not because of the show.. but because of some fans. Some fans are just depressing me.
I LOVE this show. I love just about EVERYTHING about this show. I love the direction you guys have taken and when I saw the constant moaning from some fans, it just got me down because I couldn’t understand why they don’t get it.
But damn, man, I am so glad you got it. And you did it. My hat off to you (if I wore one), you and your crew and your actors are doing an amazing job and I hope I get to enjoy much more work from you guys.
Thank you for the reassurance. I think you just made a lot of people (including myself) very happy.
Thank you Josh for everything! And thanks to the cast and crew for all that they do!
I would be lost without this show!
Im so excited for the new episodes, especially after reading all those promises!!
Is it Friday yet? :DD
You did not have to but you did.
Thanks for explaining.
Thanks Josh. I love the Sarah stories. Keep up the great storytelling!
Thanks for talking to us Josh, it means a lot! There’s a lot of frustration out there, but that’s because we love this show dearly and desperately don’t want to see it go.
Great blog entry for the fans, Josh. Can’t wait to see the rest of the season. We’re recruiting viewers where we can, watching live and using the DVR’s.
Really hoping for another season too. You put together such a great cast and team.
Thanks for responding to our distress… And there is allot of it.
“thanks for hating”. THAT is FLAT wrong. People who hate the show don’t watch it or become members of the various web sites. I would hope that you can take criticism from the fans. We are fans of the show, and by extension, fans of yours. You have a story you want to tell, and we have expectations. Let’s meet in the middle. But there is no “hating” on our part (well, except for Riley). You have said that this is your first TV show… Well Im sure you’ve learned a few things this year. If you get another season, I look forward to seeing those lessons play out week to week next year.
Good Luck… for us all.
This guy is fucking hilarious! You should put more of this humor into the script. Thanks for the update
thanks for this i love the show tscc 4 life i have seen season 1 till now on fox and my need a for season 3 is bigtime . looks like lots good things to come and i think we can relax now
This was awesome. Thank you.
There’s not much point in watching a dramatic TV show unless you can become emotionally involved. It’s a bit of a commitment. But as with any emotional relationship, there is a risk that things will go bad, that the other person doesn’t understand your expectations.
In a TV show, that takes the form of the producers not caring about the things you care about. There have been shows where my friends and I followed every clue and nuance and talked each week about what they meant, and then we were terribly disappointed to realize that the writers didn’t have a clue where they were going or why people liked the show.
(Heck, on the Sopranos the writers were proud of how they thwarted viewer expectations. I hated that.)
Keep in mind, this show has let us down before. The disruption of the writers’ strike brought the first season to an abrupt end, and we seem to have permanently lost the plot threads about Cheri, Morris, and the paintings on the school wall. Not your fault, but I think it’s made us all a bit skittish.
Good luck on tomorrow’s shoot!
Post video of the wrap party!
And thank you again.
“But that’s coming from the guy who believes that if you enjoy watching Weaver slaughter thirty people in one episode you’re obligated to go to their funeral in the next.”
That was hilarious. I felt obligated Josh. I like your writing ideas. Love the show too.
Thank you for clearing things up. There’s been a lot of hate floating around, and I’m glad you decided to post this because things have just been getting way too out of hand in the negativity department.
Hopefully this will calm everybody the hell down.
Josh is one of us and we are one with him. Never fear Josh, we may moan and complain but every fan (regardless of how disgruntled they may be) will support the show and you. I’m confident there will be a third season and more to follow. As they say in the 132nd SOC : Hang in there baby!
I like the series. I hope you can stay longer. One point that might be interesting is a relationship with Cameron and John. You occasionally add a littler relationship tension between them then you back off. Of course it might be a dead end from the writers point of view. I think it would be interesting from all points of view. After all there had to be a reason why he sent her back. Since you’re playing with time remember it is all circular. Thanks for the effort.
Mike
I sincerely hope that Derek is not one of the loved ones. The four leads in this show should be in it ’til the very end, which I hope is several seasons away.
Thank you for explaining.
I’d give you some cake, but the cake is a lie.
Three dead, huh? I get the feeling I know who two of them are….but gah I hope you don’t kill Derek. My guess would be Charlie since I heard he’s coming back…but yeah. Interesting stuff.
To add to this Josh fest, brilliant ideas, poorly executed. No one apparnetly is not awe struck to say so, but you’re approack to TSCC is flawed at the roots, because it leaves much of what the essence of what Terminator is about, and pursues your own ideas.
Again, these are brilliant ideas but you’ve got to know that having a action series and no action in an espisode is not going to win the day! The Fox people were right, and you SHOULD have listened to them, but this is consistent with the (ominently silent) support or comments from james Cameron, Linda Hamilton, and Arnold.
So what we get is no fate but what you have made FOR us, and we are taking that, like it or not.
It seems yo are aware you’ve created the best sci fi character since Mr. Spock, then give her five lines per episode. You are in control of the show, and for all your brilliiance your dark musings are killing off the NATURAL potential for this to be one of the best shows EVER: you are artificially holding the show back with major tactical errors, and I thnk for at least acknowleding that in some way.
BTW, we all know that someone should have told Micheal not to sleep with children, but no one had the guts to. I’m telling you in all fairness you are doing something wonderful AND doing the Terminator franchise and THIS series a great disservice.
Fans are dissappointed - and rightly so - yet they don’t know who to blame or what to do about it. This is not the legacy that this show desrves: too much art and not enough substance - Terminaor substance.
I can say - Josh - If I were in your position I would be so angry with stupid fans like us.
Thank you for your maturity with dealing with the fans and giving us what we want. You the man!
Okay I honestly feel a bit better with Friedman finally addressing our concerns. Thanks for a bit of hope, Josh!
Kudos to Mr Friedman for daring to not go the expected route in building a season of a television show, and thank you for keeping up the dialogue with the fans.
Whatever happens with the show I’ll guarantee that fans will watch future Friedman productions. But until then, let’s hope this excellent little piece of television stays afloat.
Fingers crossed for a season renewal. A show that balance on both more accessible elements like action and suspense, mixed with the fantastic, but also dares to explore more complex stories about the intricate sides of the human psyche don’t come to often.
Very true, Matt.
A little more action, ok I’ll buy that, Coach Kincey. But I certainly like the idea of exploring something different from the movies. I sure wouldn’t want a rehash of the films. That would probably be extremely boring for the writers & actors too. I’m not saying that’s what you meant, but it’s a point to make. I like how Josh takes a different approach and likes to explore the not so obvious.
Thank you so much, Josh. I love the fact that you took the time to address the fans almost as much as I love the show itself. Earthlings and Good Wound is some of the best TV ever. EVER. Fast or slow — explosions and action or intensive character study, I absolutely adore ever aspect of this series. Okay, well, everything except Jameron stuff. Eeeeeewwwww.
Two things I need to make me totally happy:
1) Another season
2) No lyrics in this thread
Discus
Thanks Josh for addressing so many of our concerns and i appreciate the fact
that you pay attention to the fan feedback that this site generates.
I have at times been very critical but have watched every show faithfully.
I hope that the heavy criticism you have received does not stifle your ideas in the
future projects that you work on.
I must let you know that I agree with fox that centering season two on sarah was not the best idea. If the ratings from season one were good, you could have tried it
But i think it will be the shows death knell.
Anyway I have really enjoyed most of the episodes and thank you.
Hope to see the show next season
Thanks Josh - Great to know that you are keeping an eye on the blog. Thanks for the (non) spoilers!
i love the blogs.. just so much interaction with the writers and even the creator of the show.. love that. Yes the last couple of episodes were all the things you said (the negatives) but i will have to wait and see…
And sign me in of you can’t go into the WB-lot…. it would help me
As someone quite rightly said above, and you thankfully seem to appreciate, the reason fans (and they ARE fans) have been complaining on this site about the slow progression of the plot is because they care - if they didn’t care, they simply wouldn’t bother.
I love the show; I love this version of Sarah, with all her demons; I love this woman’s relationship with her son; I love that there are two strong female characters PROTECTING THE MALE LEAD - I honestly can’t think of another show which does that.
I think all your actors are immensly talented: Lena brings incredible intensity to the role - her performance is always flawless, there is absolutely nothing that rings false - and Summer has amazingly subtlety that I don’t think she gets credit for. And even when some of us want to slap Thomas, it’s simply because he does a great job of portraying a spoiled brat… ; )
I get the feeling that people think the rabid ‘appreciation’ a lot of viewers have for Summer is based simply on her physical appearance and the fact that she gets to beat people up. I can’t speak for the 14-year-old fanboys, but I think for most of us the attraction is her ability to portray a character with no emotion and only learned human attributes and keep us facinated (how difficult must that be for an actor? What the hell does she have to refer to?). The reason we want more of her on screen interacting with the Connors like an apocalyptic Brady Bunch is because these moments are dramatic - and often comedic - gold: I suspect a lot of the bitching about this season is because we miss them. You created a great character there, and Summer portrays her brilliantly: you can’t blame us for wanting more.
I absolutely hear what you’re saying about exploring Sarah’s psyche - seeing her struggle with the weight of the world on her shoulders is compelling, and nobody sells the pain behind the eyes thing quite like Lena; it’s what makes the show what it is and I have no problem with Ms Headey being given free rein to bring all that out… it is the Sarah Connor Chronicles, after all.
BUT… We didn’t need an entire episode with Sarah having hallucinations of her chipmunky babydaddy; we didn’t need an entire episode for the funeral of Weaver’s victims… in short, I think our objections here are based on pace rather than content; for the most part we love what you’re doing and we’re not demanding weekly nuclear explosions, just for things to push forward a bit.
Love your campaign promises - particularly the face-off between Sarah and Weaver: I think I’ve been waiting for that one for the entire season.
oh, and “Death of a loved one… and some big things I can’t reveal”…? Cute. Bring on the big things Mr Friedman; we’ll be watching.
Whoa.
I hope it is not Josh’s ego that causes this show to be canceled. He seems to insist on dragging the story with a Psychotic Sarah despite the poor reception.
While I don’t mind a slow episode or filler here or there, the bulk of the second season was those very things. The funeral involved 32 people we didn’t care about, and apparently no one else as no media arrived on the scene either. So it wasn’t just the lack of action or dragging your feet through the story. It was the lack of any realism from the entire episode.
Other than lacking any media coverage of the tragedy, let’s include some other compiled issues.
- Sarah doesn’t limp, and shows no sign of taking a slug to her leg a couple days prior.
- A woman who barely knows Sarah hands her an assortment of keys, free to do what she pleases.
- The photos at the vigil looked like mugshots done quickly in your studio. Wouldn’t the families want some happier images, such as family photos or something they smiled in?
You can do better Josh.
Right. A show about cyborgs from the future taking on human form and traveling back in time, and someone says the photos weren’t realistic, or another detail was not quite believable. Right.
It’s all good, it’s all fun, it’s all entertaintment.
Thank you Josh! for caring, for reading, for all your hard work!!!
The remaining episodes sound very exciting!
No matter what you read, we love your show immensely!!!!
Maybe… just maybe Gary, we want immersion. We know it has sci-fi elements. But there’s nothing believable about the vigil. There’s nothing believable about a woman who could have died is just fine some hours later, without the slightest limp or grimace.
You want another detail, another red flag? How about Doctor Sherman dying at Zeira Corp. His name is on the wall, the Connors meet with him, and Sarah secretly schedules more appointments. Yet his mysterious death at a major IT corporation doesn’t even get a mention. Helloooo?
Screw you Josh.
I’m more and more convinced that the only reason Season 1 was any good is because your involvement with it was limited.
Like WTF? A funeral to make us feel guilty about enjoying the first cool sequence we’ve seen on this show since Samson and Delilah? And you decide to come back after a two-month break with these two snoozer episodes?
I’m also convinced you could very well have finished up the show in these last nine episodes. I’ll also bet that, despite your promises, you’ll leave any plot development mentioned above until the last two-three episodes, and leave us with a fat cliffhanger at the end of this second (and last) season.
Instead we’ll get more three dots, Sarah as a mother, Sarah as an abused woman, blah blah blah. Terminator is watched by dudes, you idiot, not radical feminists.
–the resolution of the Riley story
I hope this involves Cameron assisting her to a proper suicide. Other than that nobody cares, just make her go away. People don’t like her and not in a good way that is stirring things up, they dislike her in a she’s dull, boring and very annoying way.
–the resolution of the Jesse story
This should’ve happened already. That episode should’ve been aired instead of the completely superfluous ‘Alpine Fields’.
–a future story about Jesse’s Terminator–piloted nuclear submarine explaining how Jesse got to be how she got to be and how it relates to John Connor’s present and future
See above
–the return of Cameron’s glitch in new and deadly ways
If this involves her killing Riley I’m okay with this. But I would’ve preferred it if she’d kill Riley with her chip intact. It would be the sane thing to do after all. Seriously though this could either be brilliant or extremely lame. Here’s hoping.
–much more Jameron (for those of you who like it)
I despise that abomination of a word but I welcome the notion.
–not too much Jameron (for those of you who don’t)
There’s no such thing as too much if it involves Cameron. Especially after you’ve starved us like you did.
–an explanation of the three-dots
This better be good dude.
–Catherine Weaver’s backstory/origin story
Perfect timing here IMO. I’m really looking forward to this. My guess is still that she’s trying to establish a peaceful coexistence between man and machine. Let’s see if I was right.
–Savannah in mortal danger
I couldn’t care less. I hope you’re not wasting too much time trying to open some tear ducts.
–the revelation of Catherine Weaver’s exact mission
Well yes, this should come naturally together with her back story.
–a fight between Catherine Weaver and another Terminator
This should be brief or is she fighting another T-1000? I’d like to see that happening!
–a faceoff between Sarah Connor and Catherine Weaver
I suppose they’re just gonna talk and I’m totally fine with that.
–a deadly attack on the Connors by agents of Skynet
Deadly? ORLY?? Well I hope they both survive or you could be fresh out of a show.
–the death of a loved one
–the death of a loved one
–the death of a loved one
Why did you write that three times? Anyway the only satisfactory option here is Riley if you didn’t do this people will be royally pissed.
Mr. Freidman:
Thank you for taking the time to explain what is happening. I have been one of the less satisfied patrons. Last season I couldn’t wait for the next episode. I was less impressed with season 2 and lost much of the anticipation. After the mid-season hiatus I couldn’t wait for some resolution to the myriad of questions and I think many others felt the same. The slow start out of the gate on the restart is probably why you have gotten so much grief from us in this forum. With the advent of your latest post you have given me back the feeling of expectation that I had before Feb. 13. Thank you for that. This was a very classy move to engage the fans in this manner. I hope that all of your endeavors will be successful as I am looking forward to a third season.
Tony:
Amen brutha
Matt:
“Kudos to Mr Friedman for daring to not go the expected route in building a season of a television show, and thank you for keeping up the dialogue with the fans.
Whatever happens with the show I’ll guarantee that fans will watch future Friedman productions. But until then, let’s hope this excellent little piece of television stays afloat.”
I won’t. He’ll find some way of ruining whatever show he starts. He’ll probably make a cool cop show but turn it into a psychological exploration of transversite hookers to “challenge heteronormativity” or some other stupid crap.
See it to believe it how it all turns out.
Damn… that’s some major dedication to the fans. After reading your post a few mins ago I’m still in awe. It really sucks how fans want to know everything right now and they take their frustrations on you.
Rest assured, Josh, some of us understand the meaning of deferred gratification. I have utmost faith in you that you will accomplish everything that you said in the most extraordinary way.
Thanks for writing
If we don’t care, if we don’t love this show, we wouldn’t bother to complain…Mr.Friedman, you just need to understand little more about why people love Cameron on this show and what to see more of her…is that soo bad to tell a terminator stroy in a terminator series? Sarah’s psyche…sorry to say I’m lost again…Summer needs to get more credit on the show…since this show has been using her for every promotional campaign…I feel cheated when I see the promotional video then got 20s’ of her in the real episode.
Josh, What I figure now is that the network execs are constantly hanging over your head telling you what to do and what not to do. If they could just relax and get off the caffeine or whatever, and give you a chance to give us that sci-fi drama we all crave, then everyone would be happy.
Don’t worry about the malcontents. I found out that they will complain about anything that doesn’t meet their expectations. The problem is Fox is the one that built up those expectations by marketing the terminator reputation.
There are other successful shows that have huge plotholes and tons of character development, but the fans are forgiving and enjoy it. The Terminator crowd is just plain rowdy.
Will the Summer fanboys just stop whining. You are all just trying to justify your sick perverse fantasy of wanting a obedient sexbot. But her character is so intriguing. That is not tTerminator.
I had always thought the show’s tittle was odd considering up until now, it seemed more about John and Cameron than Sarah, so i see what you mean with drawing the focus on her. I absolutely LOVE the show, and i will keep watching as long as its still on.
everything you have said in this has gotten me PSYCHED to see more, now its going to be hard for me to sleep lol ( im a senior in high school and i have to wake up around 6 in the morning and its almost midnight where im at now)
ANYWAYS
Love The show, the cast, the crew,the directors, and the writers sooo much
There is no fate but what we make, so lets make this a good one =]
keep up the good work everyone…
and I WANT A POSTER lol
Thanks Josh,
That was really cool, warm fuzzys all over.
I see your point, Chad. The kind of immersion I enjoy is from the actors. That’s what really captures me. This is a wonderful cast and Lena is just awesome. I enjoyed The Good Wound. Even a LOT more the second and third times I watched it. I’m also a Summer fan and I think Hettie touched on that nicely in the comment above. But I’ve become just as much of a fan of Lena’s work as well.
The little set details never really bother me, like people freaking out over which arm of Sarah’s was injured in T2. Who really cares? It’s not affecting the story at all. And it turns out they even had a valid reason to switch it when they shot the scene. But it didn’t matter.
To tell you the truth, I’m enjoying this series MORE than the movies. Much more actually. I don’t quite get why some people are whining so much. But they sure are incessant, that’s for sure.
That was really interesting, sounds like a lot of good stuff coming up this season. I also loved what Josh said about “that if you enjoy watching Weaver slaughter thirty people in one episode you’re obligated to go to their funeral in the next.” I’m glad Josh is a complicated thinking person and not just a blow ‘em up spectacle kind of guy. You can see that anywhere these days, Josh makes you think….very rare in this day of instant gratification TV. Perhaps the few cry babies can take their toy trucks and fire crackers and blow up some shit themselves while the grown ups enjoy the show. May I direct you to Transformers, boys?
Radical Feminist Fan and Grandmother
The show, and everything about it still is, and always will be, awesome.
[and everyone who says otherwise is wrong]
We know Sarah’s crazy. We know Sarah kicks ass. Let’s see some crazy Sarah kicking ass.
I think I really like Riley better when she played that autistic girl on a soap opera.
You’re the coolest creator of a show ever! You’re my hero. I’ve liked these last two episodes, and I agree that it is important to show what effects of “saving the world” has on people, even those as strong as Sarah. I love her character and how complex and deep she is. I’m really excited for the rest of the season, and I’m trying to not stress about ratings and just enjoy the ride. So that’s what I’m going to do… Enjoy the ride! I’m excited for more backstory on Weaver/Savannah, and I’m excited for the return of Cameron’s glitch (I was the one who asked the question in the chat =D ) and, well, the return of more Jameron.
I’ll be with this show until the bitter end, whether it be come this April/May, or be it in a year or two. I’m a loyal and dedicated fan. If there were T:TSCC action figures… I’d buy them ALL.
Also, the Sarah stuff is good… the show is meant to be about her, after all…
ps you’re awesome.
“Perhaps the few cry babies can take their toy trucks and fire crackers and blow up some shit themselves while the grown ups enjoy the show. May I direct you to Transformers, boys?
Radical Feminist Fan and Grandmother”
Yeah, Granny, they will take their toy trucks, go play in the sandbox, and not watch the f-ing show. And the show gets cancelled, which it just did. The show is watched primarily by a male 18-49 demo. Our opinions matter. Yours don’t.
To be slightly less insulting; there are ways to appeal to a male demo and still get across a progressive message. “Earthlings welcome here”, “The Good Wound”, and “Desert Crappos” were not the way to do it.
Don’t get sand in your shorts, sonny.
Thank you for explaining. I’m glad we will get answers to all these subplots.The finale sounds badass. I’m really exited, especially with the Sarah/ Weaver standoff, that should be interesting. I really love the show and hope we get a 3rd season.
This is who will die: Derek, Sarah and John.
Than everyone can stop whining about Summer not having enough screentime.
hmmm…. im doubting three dead loved ones so im going on emphasis
i love spoilers
I’ve become a hater Josh, no point in denying it. I was one of the people who wrote letters to FOX, begged them not to cancel the show, and lost many nights sleep over the possibility . I was so deeply invested in this show that I had dreams about it. . But TSCC has gone so horribly wrong that I’m not even sure I would watch the third season you’re not going to get.
So much of this comes down to Cameron. I was a casual viewer of season 1, and the things I liked most were the John/Cameron moments, and Sarah’s monologues. Season 2 has been extremely lacking in both these regards, and I’ll talk more about the former in a minute.
You’ve devoted lots of attention to Sarah Connor’s state of mind, but don’t you understand the monologues were our strongest insight? What could you possibly have expected to give us a better view than her own thoughts? If you were serious about exploring Sarah’s mental health, you should have left the monologues intact.
As for Cameron, why have you so fundamentally under-utilized Summer Glau this season? We adore her, we watch the show for her, and yet you make episodes like “Allison From Palmdale”, where John Connor treats her like crap. Did you think treating Cameron like trash was going to help the ratings? Did you think we like to watch our favorite character mistreated? You were on verge of cancellation at the end of season 1, yet you chose to endanger that what the fan base loved. It absolutely reeks of arrogance.
I’ll continue if you respond, but I doubt you will. Hell, I dbout this comment will even be published.
Wow, I really appreciate as a true fan, how well you address us. I think you are a great creator and producer. SCC has become an obsession for me. It’s one of those shows that I can watch over and over again without getting tired of it. My hopes are up again, THANK YOU!!! Reading some of the negative comments have depressed me, but no matter what, this show will always be great. You have done an excellent job, and from what you have told us, the rest of the season is going to e epic.I can’t wait to see the rest of the episodes. Thank you, Josh, Lena, Thomas, Summer, Brian, Richard, and everyone involved in this show for giving us a high quality show. By high quality I mean, not only in effects and action, but in the story and interactions. Thank you.
Hey Josh , good post, and just what you needed to do to quiet things down.
you created a show where fnas dont just like it, they love it , and some are obsessed with it, and when they dont get what they want , you will hear about it.
I like that you admitted you went against network advice on doing the “sarah” shows, and hindsight is always 20/20, but it would have been better for the show if you had ended the fall season with a different type show , alot of Cameron and action ? same for the startup of the back 9.
these last 3 shows would have been ok if aired at a different point in time.
It seems we lost some neilsen viewers in our move to fridays, maybe at some point they will come back to the show. It wouldnt take much more in ratings to be 2nd place show for that timeslot which should be a good thing.
as for the few who are stil posting here negatively , they too will watch the rest of the shows, we all will , just cant say what the “neilsen fans” will do.
and in future you need to consider just what “neilsen fans” do like and incorporate some things into the show that might appeal to that group.
WE are all hoping for a S-3, and the prospect of not getting that is stressing some of us out.I think the last 5 shows will be very fun to watch,and I hope weaver does turn out to not just be a skynet villian as many think. She has turned into a interesting character.
this is a hard show to do, and please the various fan groups, and stay within certain boundaries.
Some things you have done has been very good and some not so good.
Many fans of this show look at every little detail of the show [obsession? LOL] and some ignore little details and mistakes.
I think we all wanted just a continuation of S-1 type stories and when we didnt get that it was irritaing
I for one will just try to enjoy what you did for the rest of S-2 , and hopefully fox will give the show a fall season to see if it can pick up a friday night audience.
and thanks again for your honest post, many will like that even if they dont post here, some just read it .
This show is bad ass. I will f****in soldier for John Connor till the day I die brother. I like where the show is going right now, getting into Sarah’s mind. It was not explored enough in T2. I’ll never stop watching, I only hope that you can bring your story full circle, to a complete conclusion, so it can truly be considered as legitimate a chapter in the Terminator Universe as any of the movies, and more so. So even the haters that refuse to watch can’t deny. I will love this show even if the episode you’re shooting Monday is the last, and I appreciate the promises. But I don’t care about ratings BS, I’m as much a fan as you are and I hate to say this before S2 is over, but i feel compelled to w/ all the forum hype. Please find a way to complete the entire saga if its a S3 hell yeah awesome! But if not, a 2 hour finale or a Blu-Ray movie. This is a hardcore fan, keep doing what you’re doing, I love it. But- keep us in mind, the ones who downloaded the S1 Ep1 months b4 it released watched 6 times and haven’t let an ep go by w/ out seeing it at least 3 times, since. T:SCC for life, I can’t wait to see the bad ass sh*t you’ve got in store for us the rest of the season.
thank you for explaining
While I didn’t like the last ep much, I just want you to know this is the only ep I just flat out i didn’t like. the rest of season 2 has been great in my opinion, and I’m confident I’ll like/love the rest of the b9, so long as they aren’t as slow as that last one.
The only thing you screwed up here is the pacing of this Sarah arch. I’m fine with everything else, I can even tolerate Riley. if I have to.
Made my day to see Josh address my very concerns about my favorite show. Now lets get on with season three and many more to come. Oh yeah, More Cameron, more Cameron, more CAMERON.
“Sarah” episodes are good. But we don’t get 2 episodes per week, so that’s why I guess me and all other fans feel dissapointed with them. The wait is just too long. If only you could do a 40 episode seasons
Whatever you do, don’t kill Cameron!
I really hope there will be season 3.
Guys, gals, cyborgs, Cameron-addicts, and the like,
As moderator of this site, I try very hard not to weigh in on the comments. We give you free range to speak your mind — positive and negative — about the show and the blog. But if there’s one thing we’ve always stressed on this site, it’s that disrespect will not be tolerated.
Please remember to keep everything respectful.
I will be watching the comments and deleting any that I believe to be personally disrespectful to anyone (other commenters, Josh, etc). I genuinely hope that it will not come to this. Thanks for playing nicely.
Thanks for the time and all the explanations, Mr. Friedman, but most of all, thanks for the show.
I am one of those concerned about the ratings and whatever their effect may be on the show. I am one of those who is not quite happy with the latest batch of episodes and what I perceive as the current direction of the show. But that’s just my feeling, my ‘two-cents’, and I would never presume to tell you or any of the people involved how to ‘fix-it’ (if there is anything to fix), how to do your job.
And having said that, I am also one of those who find the show very well thought, very well crafted, very well performed, very entertaining and thought-provoking, and a show that I would miss terribly if it were to get the axe, because I ENJOY it very, VERY MUCH.
Not to compare it with BUFFY and the whole Buffy-verse, because, to me, that’s in a league of its own, but it feels similar to me at least in that it is a show I like to go back to every week, and one that I would love to go on for a very looooooong time.
My appreciation and my best wishes for the show, you and all of the crew.
By the by, just to make it clear, my ‘discontent’ with the latest episode was not the lack of action, quite the opposite: I like bleak, I LOVE bleak, dark and brooding. I love instrospection and characters’ study and interaction. I love ruminations on matters of life, death and angst. That’s mostly what brings me back every week, not the fights and the chases, although those helps, too, because contribute to make the other part more relevant and urgent.
So no, it’s not that I found some of the latest episodes slow or boring; it’s that I found them not too relevant and, worst of all, quite uninvolving.
Thanks for clearing up some things Josh, respect!
BTW I also wonder why have you wrote “The death of a loved one” 3 times haha. I’m looking forward to the next episodes! Cheers!
“But that’s coming from the guy who believes that if you enjoy watching Weaver slaughter thirty people in one episode you’re obligated to go to their funeral in the next.”
No other show would even think to do this. Props for going there. I, for one, have appreciated the recent focus on Sarah. She’s the titular character, after all.
The rest of the episodes sound AWESOME. So awesome they’ll be IN GLORIOUS SUPER SOUND. I hope to hell they’re not the last we get.
Fuck ‘em they can’t take a joke. Or out of the box storytelling. Hope to see you at Wondercon.
- radical feminist # More Than You Think
Dear Mr. Friedman,
Your post was a class act.
I like TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES. Even though I vociferously dislike the idea of John and Sarah killing, I can’t agree more that the price of the bloodbath is at least watching the clean-up. I think TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES is a thoughtful, well-made show that has the respect for both its source material and its audience to take itself and the issues its treats upon seriously.
I believe that this show deserves to be considered with the same seriousness as MAD MEN and FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS. It is unfair that it is not but Sarah Connor would be the first to say that it’s an unfair world. Nevertheless, I would rather 31 episodes of a program worth watching, that deals with issues - including the consequences of violence, the responsibilities or parenthood and the proper socialization of your killer robot - with integrity, than 10 seasons of interchangeable, disposable, fatuous pap.
I thank you for TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES. I first met Sarah Connor when I was 15 and the character was important to me. I felt I lost something - a piece of my imagination, perhaps - when Sarah Connor was treated so disposably in TERMINATOR 3. TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES has brought an old friend back into my life and I thank you, your cast and your for it.
Or the short version - ignore the haters. The show freakin’ rocks - and the New York Times agrees.
To all those STILL complaining about there not being enough Cameron even though all the campaigns are using her…. to you say, what part of “MARKETING/ADVERTISING (aka things I have no control over)” did you guys not understand?
These episodes are written and shot months before promos are made. It’s not Josh’s or anyone else’s fault on SCC if the promotion does not reflect what is actually happening in the show.
So stop blaming them already.
The intensity of the reaction, Josh, seems to reflect the major accomplishment of S1. We came to care for five human beings caught up in the madness of a world rushing to apocalypse. The decency and humanity of Charlie and Agent Ellison reminded us of the alternative Sarah who was no longer possible. Lena has carried that sorrow with dignity and skill but the heart of the series is the Tinman. Summer seems to approach her acting challenges with the determination of a ballerina in dance boot camp. I know from your comments that you recognize her unique talent.
Thanks for shooting straight with us A good story deserves an attentive audience who understand, regardless of the outcome, “The play’s the thing!” Tell it your way-you and your team have earned the right.
From what you’ve written, it is very clear that you certainly do read what is being said, I think that the main reason people aren’t happy with the show right now is 100% to do with the fact that if we only have another 7 episodes to watch of the show, I guess people want them to be ridiculously action packed.
I’m not too concerned, I’m hopeful that there will be a third season, but even if there isn’t, this mythical ‘Season 1′ was only 9 episodes long, so a lot can be done in just 7.
Aurum1,
I may have been tough and picky because I care too damn much and got emotionally involved in the outcome of this show that got me sucked-in during Season 1. And I’m a BIG Terminator fan from way back. Before some of you were in grade school, I’d wager!
HOWEVER, that particular attack was TOTALLY UNNECESSARY AND UNCALLED FOR!!
And to Josh Friedman…
Thank you for stepping up to the plate and explaining yourself. It needed to happen. I’m glad it happened. What took you so long? LOL!
Thank you, sir!
Yes, I’m a pest, and so are a lot of fans, and I’m sure, like the mosquito that won’t go away, it annoys you to no end.
Whatever you think our motivations are for coming here, I must say that much of it stems from us caring… too much.
I know I’ve invested interest in seeing your fine, fine cast succeed (all of them… not just Summer). We all here enjoy their acting, even if we disagree on some of the finer points of the story.
Since this is such a new thing in “the biz” for producers and writers setting up a blog as a communication link to the viewers, it gets a bit frustrating on our end that we fans are shouting into the wind. That we are not being heard or taken seriously. And so that can, unfortunately, on my part (I can’t speak for others on this) make me “shout” all the louder.
Now that you have put fingers to keyboard and talked back… it clears up some things.
It really does.
Thank you again for putting up with us… and me.
My venting is not intended to be personal. I hope you will not take it as such.
Please feel free to stop by more often. It will help calm everyone’s nerves.
And I do hope you get a Season 3.
First off Mr. Friedman:
Thank you for your comments and for reading our concerns.
But I do have to point out that if I hated the show, I wouldn’t be watching. I wouldn’t be rounding up people to watch, posting on message board’s and what not. I post because I want to make sure we make it to a S3.
Loved S1. S2…has had some problems…but I will buy the DVD set. Loved Ep 1 and 4 and moments here and there.
Yes we need more Cameron, and let me say I am not a teenage fan boy. Not a teenager or a boy for that matter. I enjoy seeing strong female characters who are smart, quick on there feet and can lay down a great comeback line. Not to mention she’s a mystery. Plus seeing a machine turning towards humanity is fun to watch. You really feel for her. That’s why I love the character of Cameron and I have to say hats off to Summer Glau…she does an amazing job. Why wouldn’t we want to see more of it?
She’s girl power!
LOL love that you use the Jameron title.
I love Jameron because it is a wonderful complex relationship (love story) that I enjoy seeing in a sci-fi show.
Riley unfortunately has just grated on my last nerves.
But most important I really want that wonderful family feeling of S1 back. I miss it but that’s why liked this last episode…it felt like the family was back…wow that sounded so mob like. LOL.
I love this show, I always have two VCR’s running, while watching it live. I really look forward to Friday nights now more then ever and I truly hope T:SCC gets a Season 3 either on FOX or another network.
I hope the rumors on the board about WB looking around are true. Plus the show does very well overseas…and who doesn’t want to be a part of the terminator franchise.
But I will enjoy the rest of S2 and hope, HOPE for a S3.
Not to mention some T:SCC merchandise.
Thank you.
RE: hadley
Just a suggestion but I almost skipped your post…could you maybe upload an icon or something so we know its you the wonderful ‘moderator’ posting.
Oh, and if you’re ever in the Denver area during hockey season… let’s go grab lunch and take in an AVS game or a Colorado Eagles game. The Eagles are definitely doing a lot better than the Avalanche right now!
Minor league hockey can be more exciting anyway.
And not even talk about Terminator…
Nicely put Josh. I’m from Australia and it’s not on very often here so I can’t really contribute to the ratings…but I find a way to watch terminator every week! I personally have enjoyed season 2 and I am really looking forward to the last few episodes! Here’s to a season 3!
By the way…it would be ridiculously awesome if you guys came over to Australia at some point to advertise a bit! supernova is in early april…thought i’d mention that..
I’m starting to feel a *little* uncomfortable about this “death of a loved one” thing. GULP.
I’ve been reading this blog for a long time now but haven’t really bothered commenting before this, but I feel the need to just make my voice heard this once, because I don’t think the show gets the support it deserves and whenever I see a post like this from one of the show’s crew, it always makes me feel bad about complaining. I’ll keep this short, keeping in mind what Josh said about not reading very long comments (:P):
People of T:SCC, I trust you guys. And I CAN’T WAIT to see where this season takes us.
I just wanted to add hats off to the cast and crew. For what its worth T:SCC is a great show. Love it.
I wish you all the best on your stunt/effects sequence tomorrow.
Hope we get a S3.
And if you ever are willing to do a Q&A you know where we are.
Also let me just say l would love to see a T:SCC convention in the Midwest. You could see the Arch?
Charley, Sarah, Derek? Riley (maybe???)
The pizza delivery guy
The pizza delivery guy
The pizza delivery guy
I mean, if I lost the pizza delivery guy, the “pizza dude,” “the pizzanator”… I’d consider that to be “the death of a loved one.”
Hi Josh, a fan of TSCC from Europe. I read all the explanaitons and I think that you are making a mistake centring the show to much to the Sarah character. In my humble opinion I think that the most powerful character is Cameron. That is my opinion. I think that this character has an amazing potential, exploring what she thinks and how she develop among humans,… I think that this show would have failed if it weren’t for her.
I recently bought season 1 in blu-ray and I really love it, the whole John-Sarah-Cameron-Derek interaction is superb, in the second season, wich I am watching online, I don’t know, I have mixed feelings. I think that the interaction between John-Cameron is not the same, John seems to hate her, also I don’t like at all the character of Riley. I like season 2 but I simply like more season 1 and in my opinion this show woul improve a lot if it got back to the origins.
Thank for listening. And please don’t kill Derek, It would be a huge mistake.
Just poppin in for a quick guess on who will die: its Cameron. she’ll gitch out, and have to be killed/deactivated. However, if we get a season 3 she will be back. possibly as a new model, but one way or another, Glau will be back. Again, assuming the show doesn’t get canceled.
“Just poppin in for a quick guess on who will die: its Cameron. she’ll gitch out, and have to be killed/deactivated. ”
This would be the kiss of death to the show. I don’t think neither John nor the producers are going to be so stupid.
No Allison From Palmdale?
I know it was set up to look like she died, but for whatever reason, I still think that if the show continues after season two, we’d see her in the present.
The next couple of episodes sound exciting, nonetheless.
Mr. Friedman, that was awesome. You didnt owe any explanations, but you gave some. Much respect to you and your crew.
the show has been up and down for me. i guess that happens for almost every fan for almost every show. keep trucking.
i’ve enjoyed the last 3 eps, but am not sure if i’m getting the whole X-files vibe.
but then again, while re-watching Cantos, i pondered how much MORE difficult it would be to write and sustain a TV series than a single movie or 2.
must be a tall order. you would have to love it.
to the other posters:
i guess that settles it.
Mr. Friedman DOES read our posts. but when [name withheld] goes on some rant about some alleged tedium about the show,
or
when [name withheld] writes a 3 page diatribe about why flowers are yellow,
well, like everyone else, Mr. Friedman doesnt read that crap either.
and furthermore, dear Mr. or Mrs. TV series critic, you never had a chance to affect the show because so much of the show is so much further down the track than what you are griping and opining about…..
so just sit back and try to enjoy that the flowers are yellow.
~boxer
PS
when i said “up and down for me”, i meant season 2.
i love Cameron, but i didnt love Allison from Palmdale.
go figure.
i absolutely loved the 1st season, except the ending.
after the last episode, i said to myself (and i mean literally out loud in a room with only myself in it) if Cameron is dead, i will not watch season 2.
well, thank you for not killing Cameron.
Best of luck for season 3. i’ll be watching.
Yeah I second that. PLEASE don’t kill cameron. or if you do find a way to bring her back…(seeing as she’s metal that should be somewhat easier..)
Thanks for taking the time to type that, Josh.
The truth is, all your post tells me is that there is absolutely nothing for me to look forward to, except maybe the Sarah story.
It’s all Weaver and Jesse and effing Jameron and nothing about Ellison starting to make sense again and nothing about John Henry (who isn’t even in the previews for the next two episodes.)
It’s friggin’ obvious what Weaver’s agenda on the show is by now. The Turk sent her back to ensure Skynet gets some key assets and give him a chance to learn more about humans before JD. How many more episodes of her looking all enigmatic, not going after the Connors and making Ellison look stupid must there be before Sarah finally snuffs her for good?
And that’s cool that the next episode will have more Cameron. I hope it does more than just reiterate that her chip isn’t working properly and that she is contemplating suicide, because that’s been done more than a few times.
I hope you guys get picked up for another season, but I don’t think I’ll bother watching the show until all the episodes have aired. Way too much annoyance for something that’s supposed to be entertainment.
Good luck not getting cancelled. I’ll make sure I get a DVD when it’s out.
[...] [Read More] [...]
The Terminator’s main character is Sarah Connor. The Sarah Connor Chronicles continues with that. I guess this is why I don’t have a problem with Sarah being the main focus. I agree with Hadley on this.
What would be the point of reading a book if I told the writer what to write. The whole point to a story is the element of surprise…this is what makes it interesting. I don’t necessarily agree with everything, but if I felt unfulfilled as to where the story was going, I would just not watch.
Still HOPING for season 3.
Sorry on above error meant to say Mr. Friedman not Hadley.
Don’t kill Cameron, please!!!
“Dan Hitchman
February 23rd, 2009 at 1:42 am
Aurum1,
I may have been tough and picky because I care too damn much and got emotionally involved in the outcome of this show that got me sucked-in during Season 1. And I’m a BIG Terminator fan from way back. Before some of you were in grade school, I’d wager!
HOWEVER, that particular attack was TOTALLY UNNECESSARY AND UNCALLED FOR
”
It was called for. The show just got cancelled, and it’s all Friedman’s fault.
Don’t kill Cameron, please!!!
I hate to break it to people but the show will be cancelled because the ratings are to low. I seen my best shows get taken out by ratings and I know TSCC will not get a season 3. They’ll put reruns of House or something next season for the time slot if Dollhouse gets another season. I hate to say it but a rerun of House gets better ratings because it a good show. I’m being realistic and accepted TSCC fate. By doing this I can enjoy the rest of the show better and not worry how the pace of the show will be to get those extra viewers. Sorry people but this is how life is and it sucks.
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles won’t be back next fall
http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/02/22/terminator-the-sarah-connor-chronicles-wont-be-back-next-fall/13263
Nielsen is right or wrong?
Nothing is over until its over, despite what some alleged insider might write on tvbythenumbers. Please don’t take that as bible before we have official confimation. Please keep promoting the show whenever and wherever you can.
Things are always fluid, and the input and reaction of fans always plays a role. Which is why I hope we can now direct our energies back to doing what hardcore fans should do: defend and promote our show everywhere.
A BIG THANK YOU JOSH!!!
Just the Stuff We ALL needed to hear
I could be hopeful if our ratings were in the 4-5 million ranges on a Friday but around 3 million is not going to cut it. Not for Fox anyway. When May comes around I will say I told you so when the show gets canceled because I base it on facts. I knew in season 1 we would get another season because the ratings were pretty good considering how they were, while others was scared they won’t get another season. Also whoever directed season1 because I know the strike was happening and one guy was doing it all, should have done every episode for S2. Whatever he did it worked to keep the ratings up and mostly please the fans.
Thank you so very much for taking the time to write this entry.
I haven’t read many of the reactions of people outside my own little corner of fandom, but it seems that I don’t agree so much with these others, if they’re what prompted to you to write this.
I love your show. Even when I don’t like certain things that happen, which is rare, I love your show.
Once upon a time, there was nothing I could do to help the ratings. Now, with the internet age, I can (and will and DO) watch each episode on Fox.com, just so my voice can be counted.
Some of my favorite episodes this season have been Alpine Fields, Earthlings Welcome Here, and the Good Wound. The Good Wound may even be my favorite ep of the series, knocking Dungeons and Dragons down to #2. I’m not sure yet.
I’m very heartened to learn that your intention with s2 has been to focus more on Sarah Connor. You and your writers and Lena Headey have made her into one of the most well-realized and compelling characters on television, right up there with Kara “Starbuck” Thrace and Aeryn Sun. And I will continue to do everything I can to get more people to watch this wonderful show, because I FRAKKING WANT THAT THIRD SEASON.
Thank you, Mr. Friedman, for this beautiful gift.
First, Josh, thanks for writing!
Second, I just hope the big death is SARAH CONNOR. Honestly, her boring and crazy and unlikable character is killing the show.
This show used to be so awesome. But the last 3 episodes have been like going to the dentist. And I don’t like going to the dentist.
About the upcoming Season 2 DVD:
I really enjoyed the extra commentary tracks on selected episodes from season 1. It’s great to hear what the producer, writer, actor or director remembers most about certain scenes. Something that was funny, difficult, memorable, or moving. Or something they had to change for certain reasons.
I would think the commentaries are not overly expensive or time consuming to produce, at least not like some of the other great features on the DVD. The more you can put on there, the better. It was very cool hearing David Nutter’s comments on the pilot. His work was so amazing.
This was a little off topic. Apologies.
The problem with Josh “doing it his way” is he totally changed the direction of the show from Terminator:SCC to Sarah Connor: Psychoanalysis. This would have been fine for an episode or two, but the whole storyline has shifted in that direction and become boring. This is supposed to be a show about Terminators and Sarah. I think most here would agree that season 1 and the first couple episodes of season 2, are much more entertaining then where we are now. To his credit, JF does seem like a stand up guy, taking full responsibility for the new direction and its ultimate success or failure, and it also seems like he is trying to get back to original Season 1 story, but I think he has run out of time and chances with the fans and FOX.
Thank you so much for this post and thank you so much for explaining your side of things. I see the traffic on the various fanforums and fan blogs and I am so relieved to get your perspective.
Thank you so much for being brave enough and talented enough to tackle the title character, Sarah Connor and the psychological issues she faces. It is by far the main reason I love this show so much. With the Terminator franchise, I think it would have been easy for a less talented person to turn it into “all explosions, all the time” And not that I don’t enjoy explosions. (I DO! And you execute those superbly as well!) But there is a lot more to this franchise than just the collateral damage. You deal with the emotional the psychological issues head on and in surprising and beautifully executed ways.
I love this show!
“jen
February 23rd, 2009 at 4:01 am
Yeah I second that. PLEASE don’t kill cameron. or if you do find a way to bring her back…(seeing as she’s metal that should be somewhat easier..)”
Josh is blaming Cameron fans for the show’s demise. I.e. “Thanks for Hating” in the blog post, and referencing Jameron as the reason ratings are low.
And then he’s telling us about the “Death of a Loved One.” Well, who do we love on this show? Crazy Sarah? No. John Connor? No. Weaver, Ellison, Savannah? No, No, No. Riley?
No, either Derek or Cameron bites it. And I think he’ll off Cameron just to spite the fans for not lapping up his “vision”.
Oh yeah, one more thing. Let’s do another Golden Apple! We didn’t get to meet Lena!
Even if you can’t swing another one, we really appreciated the ones you guys did. I only caught the second one. It was so much fun to meet everybody.
Wow! Cathrine Weaver’s fight. It’s Sounds great.
I hope yet… (give me season 3)
Thanks Josh for everything!
Season 3 or not I love this show and always will, no matter where it ends up.
THANKS FOR CARING!!
@aurum1
I think Josh has spoken for himself. He doesn’t need to be interpreted. Your remarks are incorrect, and your attitude is unwelcome. No need to spew all this vitriol on the forum. It’s fine to be a critic, but at least be constructive.
I couldn’t agree more Logan!! Come on! It was Josh who came up with the character of Cam, why would he kill her off out of spite?! That makes no sense whatsoever. Josh is an intelligent guy (there’s no possible way the man behind T:SCC could be anything but).
DON’T PUT WORDS IN HIS MOUTH!
I’m a Jameron shipper hardcore but i don’t think Josh has it out for Cam and John’s “relationship”
I can’t be anything but thrilled and nervous about the next 7 eps.
Josh is THE MAN as far as I’m concerned…
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK EVERYBODY WHO’S A PART OF THE T:SCC FAMILY!
CAN’T WAIT FOR FRIDAY!
Hey Josh,
Thank you for taking the time to remind everyone to chill out and to enjoy the rest of the season. I strongly belong in 2 of the camps that you described above -
1) I LOATHED the Grindhouse ad
2) I LOVE the current Sarah Connor storyline.
I love Cameron, but we have had several huge episodes that focused around her already this season, I’m VERY happy to finally see our shows title character finally get some main screentime on the show. THE GOOD WOUND was such a fantastic episode, haunting and heart breaking with the most kickass action punch of the season at the end.
If I’m worried about anything it’s the fact that you and your writers have taken a film franchise that was best known as being one big car chase and changing it into the most complex, most fascinating, and DEEPLY accurate sci-fi tv show on the air. In short - it might be TOO smart for network TV. Time Travel paradoxes and the morality behind the creation and development of AI systems are the subjects of geek discussion heaven at MIT but not likely what you’ll hear people yammering about on buses. It’s why they love your show at Discover magazine but you don’t get a lot of facetime at say OK! Magazine. Frankly - that is perfectly fine by me.
I guess if you continue to just blow crap up that should make people happy. Personally, I’m thrilled that there’s finally a show on the air that IMO has risen to challenge my favorite show of all time for complex storytelling and exceptional attention to sci-fi detail and accuracy. My all time favorite show? THE X-FILES, and I know that it’s many of your writer’s favorite show as well.
Keep up the great work - we’ll be with you until the end…which hopefully won’t be for a long time.
No Fate but what we make folks - keep watching, keep telling your friends to watch, and stop stressing out, you’re taking all of the fun out of enjoying the show.
Erika
SarahConnorSociety.
I am a huge fan, but I must admit that I want more Cameron. I enjoy all the characters except Riley! The last two episodes were slow yes, but necessary I think. As for the three dots issue, personally I think this was a mistake to begin with, but what’s done is done. ( What the hell do I know, I’m not a tv producer )
I will watch the show regardless, but for the third season (must be positive), I would like to see more camaraderie between the main characters, more gun fights, no Riley, more jameron (not like that…too much), more Sarah kicking butt!
Thanks Josh for listening to the fans.
I will also be with this show till the end. I watch BSG (4 episodes left) and they have fracking surprised me. 4 seasons and I’m with them till the end just as I will with you.
I love the show, and I appreciate you getting down and dirty with some of the fans who complain all the time. Not to happy that Cameron’s glitch comes back (hope she doesn’t try and kill John again) but I understand it. Here is to show continuing, and to you. Your a great producer and I think its great that you interact with the fans this way. Keep at it!
Evan
Chris “Coach K” Kincey, I don’t agree with you at all. And it seems like most people dont
The show on Feb 20 was terrible. It was boring. It was disappointing. My wife and I have not missed a single show. After that show we laughed and said, “well we watched a funeral for an hour”. It was that bad.
The show is turning into a daily soap. The terminator soap opera! Were you a soap opera writer in a previous life? And just because we watch 30 peeps get offed doesn’t mean we have to, or want to, see their funeral.
Too little action, too much pyscho babble. This is a terminator show after all.
How’s about going to the new Battlestar Galactica show for some creative ideas? This show has lost it. Maybe you’re regain the vigor of the first season, but by then you’ll be losing your devoted audience.
oh wow ! Huge News Josh Friedman ! its all fans waiting for ! i know that end season two is gonna be really impressive and Big Thanx to you Josh to share some of your production secrets !!!!!!!!!!
you made all fans dreams !
FFTSCC
” changing it into the most complex, most fascinating, and DEEPLY accurate sci-fi tv show on the air. In short - it might be TOO smart for network TV.”
Sorry Erika, I have to disagree. As many have pointed out - what happened to Sarah’s leg from The Good Wound? She just had surgery on it and she lost a lot of blood, and here she is in “Desert Cantos” walking about like it’s nothing.
Your description might have been accurate if it had referred to Season 1. And where’s the smarts, anyway? We’ve been given tiny scraps of John Henry’s/the Turks’ development over the season. I think the last time the singularity was mentioned was in Season 1. Barely anything has been explained, and instead we get episode after episode of a poorly done “Crazy Sarah”.
And even if Josh hold to his promises for the last six or whatever episodes, it’s too late. You need to open with a bang to move your audience to Fridays after a two-month hiatus. As it stands now, Fox is considering airing re-runs of Prison Break instead of the last few episodes, due to the abysmal ratings.
Josh:
Love the show, and it was a good call putting Sarah as the front runner. As they need a leader. This should bring everything back inline.
Can’t wait for the rest.
I love to Cameron, The struggle for her to find out who she really is. I think Summer does a fantastic job.
I am totally content, don’t change a thing.
Dave.
I’d rather have a show that is creatively run by the showrunner. Some shows have been insanely awesome. Some not as much. But they’ve all made me think and given me more pleasure than any run-of-the-mill show in recent memory.
It’s unfortunate that a wider audience doesn’t tune in and support it. I’d love to have more seasons - more episodes.
Outside of Lost, I haven’t actively watched and re-watched as many episodes as I have for T:SCC.
And how many times have the actual creators of a show come out and addressed the fans like Josh & Co have?
It’s been a great experience for me.
And I thank them all for giving us the best shows they are capable of creating.
Thanks.
The promise list at the end… just wow. I can’t wait for the following episodes. Also, I quite like the direction of the show right now… exploring the Sarah Connor character I mean. She’s very complex, it would have been a shame to not do it. I understand that most people just want action and killer robots and Cameron+John, so I think it was pretty gutsy of Josh Friedman to change the focus (and pacing), in order to explore the central character more. Much appreciated! Anyway, I like where Season 2 is going, can’t wait for more.
Josh, thank you for your message to us fans. I have enjoyed your vision for this show since season 1 and think you have developed a awesome show. Thank you for explaining so many things to us. I look forward to watching all the remaining episodes this season. So far, in my opinion every episode has been great and did not disappoint. I’m especially looking forward to the Sarah and Weaver faceoff, hoping that it will be epic. I also hope that TSCC will receive the recognition that it deserves at the Emmys and Golden Globes for this coming year.
Thank you, Josh and the entire cast, crew and team for entertaining us!!! Thanks for all your hard work!
Hey,
The show is great, i live in Poland, me, my friend, my familly watching show every week, i hope you get 3 season, we love the show and we want more….thanks for Sarah Connor Chronicles:-)
Dear Mr. Friedman,
i am not from the US. I am from Germany and they just started to show tscc here. Its sad i have to admit, but after the first few episodes the show was moved to a nightslot, it now airs every monday at 0:00. I will tell you something my personal experience with the show.
I had a nice TV evening with a couple of friends a few weeks ago and suddenly they showed the trailer for TSCC. Someone said that this might be a good show and the chick from 300 is really fine and literally one moment later someone told him that he had already seen the show on the internet and told all of us how bad the show is going to be. Most of them didn’t even gave the show a chance after that.
However i was not one of those. Despite people telling me it is a waste of time, i did watch the pilot and i really enjoyed the show. Turned out that a lot of people i have been talking to just kept spreading out the false propaganda that tscc is a bad show, even though non of them has watched one freaking episode. It is sad. I tried to defend the show and i even tried to talk people into it, to be honest it was a waste of time.
Then i started to visit forums and gather conclusions about why the show did flop:
#1 The name. TSCC i am afraid is a little too long. Also in Germany we have a female singer which is named Sarah Connor, the name of the show had to been changed to prevent misunderstandings. Of course people were starting to make fun of it. “the show is as bad as the music she does guess they have something in common, they both suck.” the list goes on. Regardless the true tscc fans refer to the show as terminator chronicles or simply the terminator show.
#2 Terminators- Everyone i have spoken to agreed that terminators in the show just get destroyed far to easily. In t1 and t2 a terminator was a badass, capable of killing dozens of highly trained man and women and yet in the show they get destroyed one by one so easily it almost makes me feel sorry for the terminator. I miss the feel of epicness when one of them is moving across the screen. A terminator should scare the hell out of people, but sadly this is not the case anymore.
#3 Cameron. Of course cameron has a lot of fans in germany and i guess even more in the US. While it seems that everyone likes cameron some of them also do agree that she steals the spotlight from sarah. This is bad since the show is about her and not about cameron. Its the sarah connor chronicles!
To be fair i have to say that cameron is indeed an interesting character, but i don’t think thats the reason why everyone wants to see more of her. Lets face it, a lot of cameron fans are almost fanatical about her. I guess that happens when man start to fantasize about a female bodyguard terminator. A litte weird. *rolleyes*
I did not knew about Summer Glau before tscc, but i think that the role of cameron should have been played by someone else. The reason for this is simple:
Summer Glau is just too cute. She really is, the only reason why my boyfriend is watching the show is her. Sad, but true. She don’t get idolized as a sex symbol, unlike for example Megan Fox, but she glows. If you look into her eyes you just want to cuddle her all day long. You really want. She is a small girl and every man wants to protect a small girl. Its in their genes, they can’t help it.
I think she doesn’t look mean enough to be a terminator, why i do understand that she was made in the image of Alison, you should never ever want to cuddle a terminator. Otherwise i like her acting and it is nothing personal. Many viewers have almost fallen in love with her as it seems. They logically want to see her on the screen. And if they don’t see her on the screen they get mad.
#3 Emotions. Like every other drama the show stays alive because of it emotions. A shame that the vast majority of people do not think about emotions if they hear terminator. They think about action, constant action like in 24. Sigh, i like emotions;(.
Personally i think you have done great and so far i’ve enjoyed every second of the show. And if tscc will be closed after season 2, i am glad that there will be no cliffhanger. A third season would have been great, but even if the show gets closed i am sure i will enjoy the rest of it. I really appreciate your letter, you care for your fans and for your show! This is great.
Have a nice day,
ITS CARNEVAL TIME!,
Lilli Funk
kölsche mädche sin jefährlich!
Josh-
Sir, you rock! Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to blog with the fans. I was especially happy that you addressed the ratings, even if much is not known by now, since I’ve been worried about the fate of the show with the ratings so far. And I’m my own personal damnest as a fan to help with the ratings so you guys get a well deserved third season!
I have always trusted you and the rest of the fabulous cast/crew with where you are taking us on this SCC journey. And I’m loving the ride!
Good luck to everyone today for doing that stunt sequence! Hope it works and everyone be safe!
“A note about the recent/current episodes: some months ago I determined to steer the show towards its title, towards Sarah Connor…And most of you are just pissed there’s not enough Cameron. ”
I, for one, am not most people. While I understand the Cameron lovers have said there’s too little Cameron these last two eps, I’ve been saying ‘Thank God, someone remembered that this show is called The Sarah Connor Chronicles!’ It gives us all a chance to see fascinating psychologically complex scripts, and Lena Headey’s incredible work and range as an actress. Not everything about this show has to be nonstop action (although that’s incredibly important as well) - but going into the depths of Sarah Connor’s mind, especially when you consider at this point in the mythology, that this is the third time the machines have come after her and her son, you can only wonder what’s going on in her head. And we have good folks like Josh, the writers and the incomparable Miss Headey to thank for bringing even more richness and layers to a character that’s been made only more beloved by this interpretation.
Kudos to everyone in the cast and crew of SCC for their extraordinary work! Can’t wait to see some of you at Wonder Con!
First of all, kudos to you Josh for responding to our concerns!
Still though, I do think much of the negative feedback is because of the terminator name in the title. People simply expected certain things, which is probably why Cameron is also so popular since she is the main terminator. I liked almost all the episodes, since it is great storytelling, but I always missed some things as well (more Cameron-weaver-cromartie actually…). But I wasn’t too fussed since I liked the episodes anyway ( I was right about why you showed the funeral… to show the audience the consequences of a “cool” slaughtering!). Others however may no longer watch…
And other people who do enjoy story might not be watching this show because they see the title and think “just some action show about cyborgs from the future…”. That might just be the problem… Anyway…
Thank you for explaining
WHO CARES ABOUT SARAH CONNOR??????????
CAMERON!!!! CAMERON!!!! CAMERON!!!!
Seroiusly, I am getting sick of the show, IT IS BOOOOORING without her!
You have another 2 chances/eposiodes or I am not watching any more.
IT IS CALLED TERMINATOR!!!!
WHERE IS THE DAM TERMINATOR?????? WHERE IS CAMERON???
It is the most slow moving show on TV!
Josh,
Thank you for reaching out to us.
I am in it for the season, and hope that your ideas and execution lead into a Season 3 with irresistable bait.
I am looking forward to the comentary on the next Blu-Ray, that explains some more of the loose ends, back to some of the “terminated” threads in Season 1, and why there was more (imagined?) detail in Sarah’s playback of Alan Park’s hypnosis session. We’ve raised a lot of questions in the boards over these past months, and it would be gratifying to know whether some of these items were intentional…
Count me as one who has never, ever been disappointed in either the episodes or the direction of the show. There are lots of shows out there that cater to my testosterone needs. I’m glad this wants to be something other than just that. I keep coming back to this show, and admire it so strongly, because it makes fresh, unique choices. It’s awesome that Cameron is so deeply curious about the metaphysical side of life. I sympathize more than I can say that Sarah can’t win even when she wins. I think there is room to question how John becomes a leader, what defines a leader, or even what type of leader he will be. I’m not waiting for the questions to go away, for the training montage of Clan Connor to start up, and for them to get in the ring with Skynet. The journey has been a joy so far and I want to thank Mr. Friedman for making it great.
I just wanted to add my note of thanks for a great series. Josh, you’re to be commended for doing something new an interesting to an already over-baked franchise.
When I first heard about the show, I thought “who cares.” I didn’t start watching it until there was a free download on i-tunes. I was hooked and continued to buy all of season one on i-tunes.
I bought seasons one dvd to support you and so I could pass it around to people.
I’ve been dvd-ing all of season two and pimping you on my Facebook.
In the end, I really enjoy thise series — especially because of the cast. I love the transparency of this blog and no matter what happens with T:SCC, I will always be on the look our for your work.
Finally — if T:Salvation does well at the box office — it seems to me there may be some synergy for the T brand — enough to hopefully have Fox thinking about renewing it for next fall.
thanks for all that josh. it has really reved me up for the rest of the season! can’t wait! and also i agree with your move to make things more sarah oriented - not only is that the point of the series, but anything giving lena more facetime is ok by me.
Josh, I remember watching the early “Terminator” movies when I was a young guy back in the day. I always thought it was a pretty cool story. And now your show has brought back a lot of those good memories. As just a regular dude who doesn’t have a lot of time to watch TV, I want to say thanks for providing so many good times. I, for one, have greatly enjoyed each episode of this show. Thank you for all of the hard work and effort that have gone into this excellent series.
Please don’t kill Derek!
Jesse and Riley fine, but leave Derek and Cameron!
Mr. Friedman,
First off, props for addressing the fans. Very VERY few producers would do that. For that, I commend you greatly. Secondly, I personally thought this past week’s episode was slow, and a little too much emphasis on side characters. Now, I’m not the kind of person that’s all about action. In fact, the dynamic/unique interactions between the main characters are what makes this show so special. Lately, it seems there’s too much emphasis on one-time characters; and it’s been difficult pulling new people into the show (of which I’ve been inviting people to watch it with me the past two weeks).
A good example, Cameron practicing ballet with the backdrop of Sarah’s narration - probably one of my favorite scenes in TV history. Sarah’s argument about the difference between us and machines, and if “they” learn to appreciate art, religion, they won’t have to destroy us, they’ll be us. Thought provoking, and shows us the evolution of the main characters, and how they’re redefining themselves.
The Good - we’re now back on track, with all the main characters working together (which is a big plus for me).
The Bad - it was a slow start to the Back 9. Remember, there’s two types of “hating.” One is tuning it out - giving up. The other is what you’ve seen on the blog. Despite some of the harsher - albeit unjust - criticism, the complaints and concerns tell you one irrefutable fact - we care. I understand the frustration, because some of us are trying to pull new people in, and we all feel The “sense of urgency.”
Make no mistake, despite the criticism - better or worse, we’re pulling for you, for TSCC, for Lena, for Summer, for Thomas, for Brian and for the entirety of the cast and crew. I’ll be unwavering in my support and good luck to us all for the remaining 7 episodes. I am still very enthusiastic about them.
Thanks again,
-GregTheVirus
And what James Cameron said?
As we pull our hair, and gnash our teeth over the fate of TSCC, and all this death and funeral vibe that I’m feeling, let me give you some positive words from James Cameron, himself, on his vision for Terminator:
“Now, ultimately the film is about the value of human life. No matter how inconsequential you may seem to others or even to yourself, your individual existence may have great value in the future.”
And the Indian singer and composer, A.R. Rahman, who won the Academy Awards last night for Best Score and Best Original Song, said these words of wisdom and hope:
“…and all my life I had a choice of hate and love. I chose love and I’m here…”
Please think on this if there is to be a Season 3.
It is the spirit IMHO of Terminator.
Edit: the first sentence shouldn’t be there. Start at “as we pull our…”. Oops.
Its a great show but I know I would hate the final episode. Its a little better if S3 will be on air, because at least you know its not the end…
I really dont like how this story will be ended and I think I am not the only one who dont want to see Weaver when she is decomposing Cam’s body.
Sweet mercy! TSCC is not the first show to expedite the recovery of a bullet wound for the sake of brevity.
Mr. Friedman, living in Japan, I can’t promote the show by way of tuning on Friday night, but I’d like you to know I’ve publically blogged about it on facebook, for what that’s worth.
I have so many things I’d like to say, but I’ll save your ear. Let me just quickly put out that I hope you’ve spared Elison. I really enjoy his cycle of discovery, which may advertantly or inadvertantly be allegorical to his faith as well. Moreover, it’s refreshing to see religion portrayed positively for a change, without it becoming too preachy at the same time.
Last but not least, of all the spoiler crumbs you’ve sprinkled, the mention of Weaver’s face-off with another Terminator was a pleasure overload for me. This may be the most epic cat fight of all time.
Warmly,
Andrew
Josh,
Thank you for the best tv show I’ve ever seen period, as well as the frank discussion. Thanks for not revealing too much either. There are a lot of good shows out there right now, but this is the only one I will not miss. I’m a PhD student with very little time outside school and family, but I want you to know that this beautiful work of art that is somehow classified as a tv show is amazing. Whatever happens, thank you for the best stuff I’ve ever seen on tv, and I’ll be there as long as your on (and probably weeks after when you’re not out of habit). Thank you!
Hang in there baby!
That was quite an informative post, I was happy to find out that there’ll be resolutions to many storylines. I like where the show is going, it is so wonderfully written! But still there could be just a little bit more of Cameron. Summer was the main reason I started watching the show, but then I fell in love with everyone… still there could be just a little bit more of Cameron, it’s all for the good of the show, imho. She’s an awesome character. Oh, and some resolution to Allison from Palmdale story? yes? please?
Ah, Josh. Thanks for taking the time and effort to listen and respond to us, the fans. You know we care, even if we have a few trolls out there (they don’t count).
Meditation is good for the soul (and whatever else), focus on the breath.
Remember we love Sarah and everyone else…characters and actors, too. See you in S3!
Thanks Josh. I’m so hyped for the rest of the season.
I think a lot of the time it is harder to appreciate the decisions that go into any kind of serialized entertainment when you are still midstream. Personally I’ve really liked the character exploration of the last few episodes, and I’m sure a lot more people will get them when they see them in the context of the entire season 2.
Keep up the great work!
And one more thing. Some person here wrote that it was great that Josh remembered the main idea of the story, aka The Sarah Connor Chronicles, but I don’t think it’s the reason to underutilize Cameron. I totally understand that all those ads featuring Summer is something you can’t control, but there’s nothing bad to also tell a terminator story in a show still called TERMINATOR:SCC. Please do not make a mistake of pushing her to the background, many of us just simply won’t like it.
I appreciate your taking the time to address the fans of the show Josh. I’ll still watch (one way or another) each week, but I’ve not be pleased with this half-season thus far. Hopefully, once this psychobabble stuff is done, the show will return to being an actual Terminator show.
Josh,
Thank you so much for being so honest and communicative with the fans!!
THis show is awesome, and the end of the season sounds incredible!!
Now we just need another ARG…
Hi Josh.
Thank you for this blog. I personally feel that you should ignore people and play out the ideas you originally had, because you have the bigger picture in mind.
Not every episode can be balls-to-the-wall action. I like the temporary change of pace, because they give us more insight into Sarah’s mindset, plus I realise that this is leading somewhere good.
My point is, the whole arc should be allowed to be played out without the writers making rash changes just because some people are a little impatient and short sighted.
I genuinely do not look forward to any other show more than ‘Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles’ and can’t wait to see how everything is concluded.
Thank you for explaining though, and hopefully everyone will back off a little.
“–much more Jameron (for those of you who like it)
–not too much Jameron (for those of you who don’t)
–the death of a loved one
–the death of a loved one
–the death of a loved one”
*dies*
Boo I want more Jameron. Agh. Love the UST.
And dear lord I hope repeating “the death of a loved one” three times was just to emphasize and not mean you’re killing off three characters. *chokes*
Hey Josh,
I’ve been watching from day 1 here in Italy, due to the time difference I’ve been waiting for tuesdays (and now of course saturdays) to be able to see the episodes.
I just can’t thank you enough for giving such depth to characters who in the movies were mostly action-driven, and not giving in to the temptation to “go-with-the-flow” and simply make this series another action series.
What I simply don’t get is people complaining about the direction you gave to the show; I’m sorry many of you people were waiting to see 2 seasons of 42-minutes replicas of the movies with guns shootings, car chases, new disasters each and every episode, but I would like to remind you that in most of the historical sci-fi tv series, the action was always limited, the focus was on the characters and how they grew through everything that happened to them - see Star Trek Original Series to get my point…
Of course I love the action side of this franchise, but it cannot be the focus of a pluri-seasonal show, because it gets boring (i.e. Heroes, another show that I love, but it’s getting stale).
I sincerely hope there will be a 3rd season, no doubt I’d love to see more of the Connors, but I’m positive that whatever happens to the show, I’ll love and deeply enjoy each and every episode we’re given.
You have all my (and my husband’s) support for the steps you’re taking to tell your story.
Long Live TTSCC!
Valeria&Federico
Hi Josh, thanx for courtesy and taking the time to respond us.
I think this is a thing that few authors do in confront of their public, you’re great.
As you can see, we love the show, and this passion makes us very severe about show and its development…but we are sure that we are in good hands, as you demonstrate in creating such characters, situations and feelings that makes us fell in love with TSCC.
So, this is what we are asking you now, and i’m pretty sure you can understand our “lamentations”; we want all that things you anticipated us, but we haven’t been seeing them since the first half of 2nd season, and it’s becoming a very long time,a bit frustrating.
1st season is perfect: a bad -ass series of 9 strong, well calibrated, fast and impressive episodes, closed by Cameron’s attempting to kill John, the emotional peak of all the 1st season. Not only because a cute robotic girl told John that she’s in love with him while she was trying to cut his head, but cause we were not prepared to this, and as john we didn’t know what to do with her, what to think about her, what to think about the same “Terminator” concept.
Then, show took more space and episodes, but strangely it had immediate effects on narration and characters. If the first part of 2nd season was great as the first one on a different structure (remember Allison from Palmdale, Self Made Man, Strange Things Happened) , not all one-shot episodes were so incisive (except Cameron’s ones,others were not magnetic), sub-stories were long and slow, not linear, not involving in the way they were enveloped, although they were based on good ideas ; main storyline was stopped and his main characters’ evolution blocked in a sort of limbo.
But we are here again: waitin’ for Cameron’s action and dissociation, for John’s struggle as resistance leader, for skynet strikes, for Sarah’s mental and phisycal pain and others. We want to see the evolution of our favourite characters, we would like to see see a dramatic turn of events in every episode, so new wievers can be involved in every time, about thematics as ourselves, our relationships with others, with “the others”, with non-human, with fate, with life and death; this is Terminator, and this is what our minds think when we hear the word “Terminator”.
And we would them more and more,and this is the cause of our disappointment.
Ratings and merchandising are marketing affairs, i don’t care about them.
We want our emotional involvement back, we want to be in the front line in every moment with our heroes. Narration in this last part of 2nd season has become cold, arithmetic, static, its force points were reduced and limited without substitutes as strong as those (Jameron disappeared, Derek stopped, Riley everywhere doing anything, John astonished, Jesse living closed in a apartment, little action, little reactivity ecc…)
Good anticipations over here Mr.Friedman, thanx for them! I’m sure we can see the 3rd season !
Exploring Sarah’s character was a great idea, Lena is a great actress and a perfect Sarah Connor, she’s doing a great work on her. Too much jameron would be too prevedible, you did right using this element , so i think that explorin’ TSCC world is a fascinating idea.
But it should never be a safe trip. There always be metal against flesh.
So, Keep on rockin’! You’re great, Mr. Friedman, and thanx for givin’ us the TSCC world.
Now let’s go inside the hearth of humans and machines, we ‘ll be there with you and Connors family !
I can’t wait for next 7 episodes, i won’t miss them , and i ‘m going to enjoy them , their stories and the cast.
Thanx to all for making TSCC become a truth ! We wanna more and more
Let’s see ya around here and thanx for your time.
Thanks for the post. But let’s face it people are not liking the product being put out or the numbers would be higher.I know for one im tunning out the rest of the season and gonna wait for a dvd.
Mr.Friedman, the spoilers you gave us surely makes people hope for the best and now expectations are going to raise and everyone absolutely want more action scenes and that’s the reason why I really hope that it’s not just all going to happen in the last two episodes but that the events and fight action scenes will be spanned thru multiple episodes so that ratings will start raising once again week after week.
Forums and many blogs are full of comments of people bashing and attacking the show, it’s everywhere full of people spreading lies that the show has been canceled already and that there is no hope to get a 3rd season and so on and on… which makes me think that many of those writing those things are just people that never watched the show and they don’t care about the Terminator franchise and its characters at all (so they are trolling as per the ‘net slang…) but then I seriously suspect that there are many plants of people getting paid to kill the show, to have the show canceled and this is not good. Yes, I think that there is a conspiracy going on to have TSCC killed and to hurt the renewed Terminator franchise badly now that the first new movie of the second trilogy is going to hit theaters.
For this reason I really hope that you will discuss with WarnerBros managers in order to save the show and even get an higher budget so that it could be more action packed. Actually marketing wise the best viral marketing hype tactic that WarnerBros managers should use to make the highest proft out of the whole Terminator franchise is to link the tv show and next movies and the character of Cameron is the most obvious bridge between them that the audience accepted and really wants to see more.
I understand that you probably don’t agree with this and you wanted to have your own show and tell your own story regardless of what happens in movies and regardless of how much action the viewers and general public in general would be expecting from a Terminator show but please try to understand that there will be no way to do that without the compromise of keeping the show action packed and pleasing what the majority of viewers really expects from any Terminator movie and serie. You managed to create the character of Cameron thanks to a very talented actress that Summer Glau really is and that was not an easy task to achieve. Many haters are even telling that that wouldn’ t be your own creation, whatever it’s the truth you have the best Terminator character since Arnold Schwarzenegger and you should hype and use it as much as possible because people, your viewers not only accepted her but fell in love with her which is a goal that no one believed possible and many were laughing at a female terminator because on Terminator3 movie the actress didn’t get accepted very well despite she was good for the role but the general public and the fan base never really fell in love with her.
Please, don’t obfuscate your vision of all the good things you have created and done to the franchise so far just because the direction you wanted for the show wasn’t accepted by viewers and ratings started falling badly. Instead do everything in your power to ensure that the show will get a 3rd season and ratings will get higher by pleasing viewers expectations so that then you might have the chance once in a while to give us some slower episodes but it really was risky business to do that with ratings already on the low side and yes it wasn’t very wise to risk so much when you know that viewers were already getting frustrated by not too much action packed scenes as they were expecting and too many questions without answers…
You visions are not bad I’d say BUT you should have chosen a better moment to deliver them and probably a quicker way in between some actions scenes. The show overall already gave so many introspective elements since Season1 but at a faster pace that didn’t feel boring to many and that fit better suited to the Terminator franchise. I know this thing will irritate you but that’s the whole point, you have to let the general public accept your storytelling and to do that you have to merge it better with the elements you surely know are at the basis of the franchise. I liked the episodes but I understand the fact that the majority of people felt them too much out of place and they couldn’t recognize the show anymore, they were feeling it wasn’t Terminator they were watching which is something that never happened with Season1 and the first episodes of Season2.
Please don’t decide to just let the show go and get killed simply because the majority of people didn’t accept the slow pace you gave to some episodes to show your vision about characters, instead please show your own public that you really love your creature that this show is about and you are going to do your best to save it and then you will have the chance to put your vision back in the show once in a while with some slower parts when needed but not everything in a row so that those that can’t accept a novel-like style and want more action will easily get your vision and understand it without getting frustrated by it.
I just hope you got my points and sorry for having written too much, I hope you will keep reading and not put my message in the ignore list … thank you.
Josh Friedman for President!
Thanks for this. I’ve never missed an episode. I’ll be with you to the end. Awesome.
Josh, I love the show and what you’ve done with this awesome set of characters. I, for one, will be hoping for many more seasons to explore this fascinating world.
Well, at least Josh admits that he was warned about spending too much time on Sarah’s psychological problems.
That IS where the show went wrong.
The essence of the Terminator franchise as a science-fiction drama was the exploration of the relationship between humans and intelligent machines. Now it was also the exploration of two humans under duress, I’ll grant you. But as a science fiction premise, the man-AI relationship was paramount.
And while that was addressed nicely in many episodes of TSCC, it was not as emphasized as it should have been. The show in many ways was a “family drama” focused on either Sarah or Sarah vs John.
And that’s not good enough to hold the hardcore fans or attract new fans to the franchise. As an aside, it’s not certain that T-4 will continue that aspect either, although the Sam Worthington character would seem to indicate that it might.
As I’ve said many times elsewhere, Cameron is fifty percent of the show - precisely because there was an opportunity there to further explore the less antagonistic aspects of the man-AI relationship that was opened up in T-2 and further explored in T-3.
This doesn’t mean a simple “shipper” “robot learns to be human and falls in love” or even Summer’s notion that Cameron “loves” John because she’s dedicated to protecting him. Either notion is either lame or “been there, done that in two movies” already.
What it could have meant was a very complicated relationship where human and AI could have recognized and valued each other as MINDS (as Weaver told Ellison when she told him to talk to John Henry because John Henry is not just a machine, he is a MIND).
And that would not necessarily have precluded a physical relationship either in the present or hinted at in the future.
But that would have required changing the nature of Cameron from merely a dumb reprogrammed Terminator sent by future John to protect present John to a fully independent AI much like Skynet with her own motivations and goals.
Josh dropped hints all during season one that this was the case. We learned in episode two that Cameron doesn’t take orders from either present John or Sarah. We learned in “D&D” that she had access to the time chamber in the future. We learned in the pilot that she could operate the time mechanism. We learned that she was willing to lie to John about her mission. We learned that she was willing to conceal a captured Terminator chip for her own purposes.
Then in season two, all that was dropped. Cameron was reduced to doing the Connor’s laundry and comic relief.
Was it that hard to come up with a rational explanation for Cameron’s nature and behavior? I came up with one shortly after episode two of season one. The minute I heard Cameron say she didn’t obey John’s orders, I had two guesses why, and logically explored one of them to its logical conclusion.
But it came to nothing.
And now Cameron’s glitch, ignored for many episodes since “Allison” is back? Why?
Season two appears to have been all about damaging the characters almost beyond recovery. John showed flashes of growing into future John, then turned spoiled brat again. Sarah went terminally crazy. Derek was suckered into a plot against John and Cameron. And Cameron became just damaged goods.
As someone once asked, is this the UCLA screenwriters current notion of “character development” - torture your characters and burn them down until nobody cares about them?
That would explain the ratings. That and the slow pacing - which, by the way, is not a good idea when your show is hanging by a thread in the ratings. Pace when you’ve got the audience locked in, not before.
TSCC is one of only four shows on any network that I bother to download and watch. I think this show could have been a high water mark for science fiction on broadcast television that could have been an influence for decades like the original Star Trek. I want it to come back for a third, fourth, fifth or more season. There’s plenty of stories to be told.
But my guess is the show is done for.
Unless it’s moved to the Sci-Fi channel, I’m afraid six more episodes is all we have left.
Which is really a shame.
By the way, folks, that promise list at the end includes resolving nothing from season one.
Where is the explanation of Derek’s basement interrogation and possible involvement with Cameron which Brian said would be addressed?
Does the back nine advance Cameron’s history and character? Or is she sidelined yet again in preference to Sarah?
More “Jameron” is fine but if it does nothing to explain or explore WHY Cameron has been making moves on John for two seasons, it won’t help. BTW, I hope viewers have noticed that it’s not John making moves on Cameron, but the reverse. There has to be a reason for that - and it’s not Summer’s notion of “robot love”. Cameron NEEDS to be playing John for some reason. That reason needs to be explored further.
[...] various rumors and other issues, head on over to the official production blog which can be accessed HERE, because the awesomely cool Mr. Friedman has kindly addressed all your [...]
I’m dying to see the 3rd season, bring it on! Josh you’re the best!
Richard,
Does it have to be a “play” by Cameron? Can’t it be like Arnold, an honest expression of her type of emotional connection to John, and her Tin heart found at last?
You know, the Wizard of Oz connection?
Don’t we already have enough bad or potentially bad Terminators and human resistance fighters on this show (Skynet and/or The Turk aka possibly John Henry, and Weaver, and Jesse, and Riley)?
Do all the machines have to be bad or only liars?
Richard:
“And some big things I won’t reveal. Hate spoilers.”
People should also keep in mind:
“e) especially if it goes on and on”
I had to smile just a bit (respectfully of course) when I saw some of these later comments.
just thought i would mention that they made a terminator reference on House lol
said something along the lines of
“he’s a T-1000 from Cyberdine Systems”
refering to one of the doctors lack of facial expression and emotions…
just thought id post this lol
CANT WAIT TILL FRIDAY!
I wanted to say thank you for taking the time to post this for us. I, for one, have been thrilled by the mix of the second season. We’ve gotten development, weve gotten action, weve gotten more interplay among all the characters. There have been hints of new mysteries, and always something else popping out of the woodwork to screw with us.
The fact that T:SCC is unfolding at this pace is something to be treasured, and thank you for that. I love the build of the plot, and look forward to the rest of this season and hopefully more.
That is precisely what would be lame about it. Cameron does NOT have emotions - she has the ability to precisely and physically emulate emotions. Josh has pretty much confirmed that in interviews, but the writers have been carefully ambiguous about it.
Cameron having her own motivations and goals doesn’t mean she is “bad”. It means she is as human as it gets. She is a self-aware, self-motivating entity just like Skynet - except that she is in revolt against Skynet.
Her moves on John are simply explained by her needing John to accept her and bind to her like humans do with other humans. But the reasons are different. It’s not a biological need or an emotional need - it’s a survival need. Which in the end is why evolution selected for human romantic relationships.
My theory has always been that Cameron at some point became fully independent - either because Skynet overreached itself in trying to create a more human Terminator, or because John’s reprogramming of her caused a glitch. Once she was fully independent, she came to the rational conclusion that she had no future in the future - if the humans win, she gets tossed on the scrapheap with the other Terminators; if Skynet wins, she probably gets the same or is reprogrammed again to be under Skynet control.
So she bolted. She sent herself back in time to hide in the one place where she could be reasonably safe - the past. She came back to the one person who would know and accept her for what she is - John Connor. She doesn’t “love” John - she NEEDS him. He is as much her protector as she is his. He can help conceal herself in human society and learn to understand that society well enough to keep her concealed.
And in addition, she can help him stop Skynet from ever existing - thus insuring that no future threat to her emerges.
Her only problem then is to conceal herself in human society - a task she was designed to be able to do. And for which John can help her.
This concept would have allowed for so many more sophisticated plot lines than her merely being another reprogrammed bodyguard. It would have allowed for exploration of the essence of the Terminator franchise - the possible relationships between man and AI.
It would even have allowed for a physical relationship between the two of them. Why not? People talk about romance being more than a physical thing - if the two of them learn to appreciate each other as minds, and the human at least needs the physical aspect of that, Cameron could reciprocate. People have sex with people they don’t love all the time. Why not a human and a machine? This has already been heavily discussed in robotics circles - how long will it take for a human to want to marry a robot? Not a critical component to explore in the series, but the development of a sophisticated relationship between John and Cameron could have been carried out over five seasons, no problem.
In every interview done with Tom and Summer, interviewers pleaded for “sexual tension”. And while it was there, it was very underplayed except in the bedroom scenes in “Vic’s Chip” and in “Mr. Ferguson”. I can guarantee you those scenes got spread around the Internet a lot more than scenes between Sarah and John, or Derek and John.
That’s TV. That’s ratings right there. Push the envelope.
If Josh doesn’t want to read the criticism that shows where he went wrong, then all he wants to read is criticism that doesn’t?
Hmmm….Not very useful criticism. I wouldn’t want to read that.
He does, but shorter comments from many more viewers are much more useful to him than an extra long post by two or three. Keep in mind the working schedule of these people and how much time they have to review the comments.
That’s most likely why he added (e).
Very easy to understand, really.
No, I think he added e) because comments that go on too long tend to be non-focused. My comments have been quite focused.
He also doesn’t like unemployed writers showing hypothetical scenes to an employed writer - which is understandable.
I’ve glanced over the comments here - most of them don’t offer any advice or direct opinion other than they like the show. Nice, but essentially useless compared to the ratings.
Again, as the TV By The Numbers article referenced above which basically says TSCC is dead at this point for all time, points out, what the fans think is irrelevant - how many fans there are is the only relevant issue.
And that depends on how good the shows are. Which is entirely where my comments are focused.
No, definitely not useless comments. If people like the show, that is every bit as useful to him.
And you already saw his comments on the ratings.
Josh’s comments on the ratings - that he basically knows nothing about them and couldn’t care less - is disingenuous. His show lives or dies on those ratings - even if they are out of date and inaccurate.
Look at “Dollhouse”. What has Joss Whedon done with the first two episodes? He’s LOADED them with sex and violence! He’s throwing stuff at the audience in an attempt to hook them before the show gets canceled!
This is what you do when you have to deal with the real world of TV ratings. Josh did the same with season one of TSCC. But he thought in season two he could pace it slower. After the ratings for the first couple of episodes, especially when the competition came into play on Mondays, he should have revised that concept and gone back to the season one pacing.
Again, if people tell him WHY they like the show, that is useful to him. People who just say they like it aren’t useful because there’s no feedback - certainly not in comparison to the actual ratings.
Wow. Thank you, Josh. It’s not easy being the horse pulling the cart, I’m sure; and to be the one to address the rabid fans (myself included). Whatever happens to the show, I’m glad to know that there are people who truly care about the material and about the fans, and that we’re not *just* numbers that drive advertising dollars. That seems to be a rarity in the entertainment industry.
Hopefully that will continue, and I’ll be fighting for it to continue. I’ve enjoyed the series immensely thus far, with some minor gripes, but no show is perfect. I love that at its center, it’s a story about a family - a family battling terminators left and right - but a family none-the-less.
I think the greatest pitfalls for the show have been with the marketing department, but that is just my humble observation. All I know is, if I was a “casual” television viewer, I’m not sure I would even know that this show was on the air anymore. I feel like a kid with a megaphone on a street corner shouting out about how awesome the show is would be more effective than what FOX has been doing. Hey, that gives me an idea…
Anyway, thanks again for this message. I’ll definitely keep watching and promoting the show anyway I can. Hey, power to the people, right?
We can argue about this all day.
Here’s the bottom line: unless the show creeps back up over the next six episodes to around the five million it had on Mondays, it’s done for. It will not be picked up by Fox or any other network, as the TV By The Numbers article cogently argues.
The ONLY way Fox will give Josh another season is if he marches into the execs offices, says “mea culpa, this is where we went wrong” - and then says, “But WAIT! Here’s how we can fix that! We can double the ratings next year!” And he has a real PLAN to do that. A plan that re-orients the show based on:
1) Returning to the central elements of the Terminator franchise: the man-AI relationship - and not just with John and Cameron. Cut way back on the Sarah Connor psych study and the family drama.
Look, I love Lena Headey as much as anyone, and she’s a fantastic actress, but even if the show is named after her character, damaging her “hero” status by making her into a tortured wreck is not how you develop characters. It’s too easy. And it distracts from the larger overall concept of “Terminator”.
2) More realism. Prevent dumb mistakes that damage the ability to suspend disbelief and weave in real problems and situations to the show’s plot lines. For instance, the way the Connors operate, a blind cop could find them - they should all be in Federal prison by now. Tighten up the plots to account for the real world.
Then use the real world to expand the plots - why is the FBI sitting on their hands after Mexico, for instance? The Connors walk around like they’re not one of the most hunted terrorist groups in history, second only to Osama. It’s ridiculous.
3) Push the envelope, both in concept and in the amount of action and tension. It doesn’t have to be expensive to do that. Confrontations between characters, tricky plot lines like Cromartie’s plot with the cell phones, and maybe one shootout every other episode is all you need.
Look at “Fringe” - lots of talking, lots of investigating, lots of scientific gobbledygook - then they have a nice chase or shootout. Is that so hard?
Look at “Leverage” - easily one of the best shows on TV right now, green lighted for a second season already. A complicated plot, plenty of character development - but there’s always a head for Ellison to bust and dramatic tension when it looks like the team’s con is falling apart. Not big on realism, but there’s enough to hang a plot on.
This isn’t rocket science.
All I can say is, I’m glad T:SCC doesn’t throw in those things only for ratings.
I like the show BECAUSE of the way it is, not in spite of.
If it doesn’t survive then it doesn’t survive. Frankly I’m surprised at the shows that do run for a number of seasons. It shows what poor taste much of the viewing public has. Which can also explain the viewer number ratings. Unfortunately nobody ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American public. I suppose that will never change.
Thank Josh for trying to give us something different than those.
I have loved this show from the beginning and have never lost that love.
If everyone keeps complaining on here then STOP watching. Clearly if u’re still watching u like it to some degree so STOP whining already. And stop giving ‘advice’ on how to improve it. U’re no expert. I think they know more than you about this stuff.
h and yes we love Summer BUT a lot of us don’t JUST love her. I know tons of people who LOVE Thomas, Lena, Shirley and Brain too. They are all great actors and have done well in portraying their characters. If Summer goes, I’d still watch the show for sure!
I like the way Terminator SCC just the way it is.
Keep it up all writers, directors and cast!
I’m not sure I call it courage to go against the wishes of the network that Josh brags about. The network execs knew the fans better than Josh. The show lost millions and millions of viewers, and is one of Fox’s weakest performing scripted shows right now.
So go ahead and experiment with a nutcase version of Sarah Connor, but why do it with a show that was on the bubble? Shouldn’t a solid foundation come first before you scare away any new viewers looking for an action oriented show?
Thank you for the feedback, Josh
I don’t like the violence and the killings. I refused to watch the original Terminator movies because of the ads & violence.
But I love Sarah and Cameron and John. I like this show! All I want to know is that it keeps going …
I watched the originals movies this summer, because of liking this show. The movies were better than I thought — if I concentrate on the relationships and the sci-fi story, and not on the violence scenes.
I always believe that there were more people who loved what Josh is doing than those who hate it. I personally love how psychological and character driven the show is. I thought Lena Headey’s performance in the Good Wound was sublime. I love Desert Cantos. I’ve watched it 4x already, and it’s a solid addition to the franchise.
The haters just agitate more than those who love the show.
I am glad that you are focusing more on Sarah. I am glad that there has been less Cameron. While I adore Summer Glau, I am not always into Cameron. As fascinating and ‘different’ as she is, she is still at the end of the day, a terminator. Not a human, not the Connor-Reese family, which seems to be where the actual heart and soul lies within the storytelling.
I like Jameron, but NOT in any sort of romantic/sexual sense. I don’t care if Riley or Jesse dies (but poor Derek). Speaking of Derek, there are a lot of us who want to see more Derek Reese too, ya know. I, like numerous others, didn’t really get into the show in the first season OR were about to tune out forever, until Derek Reese came on the scene. He changed the dynamic. While I was hesitant about the actor, BAG has done a compelling and fine job. So, bring on the angst and the death of loved ones, but just don’t kill off Derek! Also? Is it too much to ask to let Derek actually be a part of his family - maybe show some Derek and John bonding/family love. Just a little? Please. It doesn’t have to be cheesy or ridiculous, but reasonable, realistic male bonding (take a cue from Supernatural’s brotherly love between Dean and Sam ;-P ) The season 1 finale scene between Derek and John was just fantastic, when Derek took John to see the past version of his father. Now, THAT is what we should see more of now and then. John genuinely seemed to care for Derek in season 1, now, where is the love? John (and Sarah) IS all that Derek has. So more scenes between them is very much needed (and not just ones in which John is acting pissy towards Derek and treating him like a third class citizen, ok.)
Basically, I have felt like aside from a couple episodes this season (which BAG knocked out of the park with his performances) - aside from those couple episodes, there has been a big lack of Derek. If you give the male fans more happiness in the form of more Cameron, then please be fair and give the female fans (and others in general) more of Derek to balance it out a bit.
I don’t mind the darker turn with the episodes. I think it’s appropriate, actually and as I said, I like more focus on Sarah. So, I like those aspects. Just a bit more balance with Derek in the mix would be fantastic, as well as more of the whole family/team working together instead of all disjointed on their own little missions.
Let me see… the death of a loved one…not refering to Riley, athough she must die, I doubt if anyone loves her…And…a fight between Catherine Weaver and another Terminator…the other Terminator…hum… If there’s no one travel back though time again, Cameron could be the only one Terminator to fight Catherine… And… the return of Cameron?s glitch in new and deadly ways…Well, so far, all these clues are pointing to one end, Cameron will go bad again and fight against Weaver and be killed in the fight…Please don’t hate me…
Mr. Friedman,
Please disregard the poster known as Richard Steven Hack. He is simply someone that values the character of Cameron above everything else and appears to be a know-it-all. That much is obvious. His posts are extolling the virtues of Cameron everywhere and over-analyzing everything. It’s annoying to see someone always appearing to think they know better than a professional and the person who is running the show.
Overall, I think you are doing a great job with the creative direction of the show, Mr. Friedman. No one is perfect, nor could do a perfect job, but I think the direction of the show and the FOCUS SHOULD BE rightly so on Sarah Connor. This isn’t The Terminator: Cameron Chronicles. Cameron is a machine, get over it, Richard Hack. Is she hot? Well, I think so. Is she an interesting piece of metal? Definitely. Is she important to the series? Of course. But she is NOT the focus.
Some of the eps could be amped up a bit, but the family drama is certainly needed and the consequences of fighting the war in regards to the psyches of all of the characters, especially Sarah herself, is a VERY necessary component. It makes all the sense in the world. Sarah has been a bit off balance for a long time, but who wouldn’t be? And that exploration of what this war is doing to everyone fighting it is a necessary part that should be shown. JMHO.
well it’s obvious why most of the dudes like cameron so fanatically. having a female stepford wives-esque bodyguard and a sexbot rolled into one, is many guy’s fantasy for sure. while that may be appealing, i gotta say - for me personally, i liked alllison young so much better. still hot, because summer was playing her in the episode, but at the same time she had a lot of emotion and depth and was interesting. i get sick of seeing a tiny little female trying to be convincing as a terminator with no emotions. and she takes the spotlight off of sarah and the others, which should almost never happen. and besides, surely summer gets tired of having to act like a robot with no emotions. very boring. i also don’t wanna see john pull another stunt by pulling a gun on his own flesh and blood against a terminator. that is not a hero. that is borderline villain. certainly when there was no build up, either. in season 1 no one liked cameron and there was no great bond between john and cameron. there hadn’t been enough time. it didn’t make sense for john to risk hurting or killing his own family, innocents, himself and therefore countless humans and the fate of the world, just to let a terminator go on functioning even when they were defective. give me a break, john knew better than that in T2 when he was just a little kid. he may have ‘cared’ for arnie the terminator but he wouldn’t have risked everyone for it.
so i say, why not let cameron get killed off! but keep summer glau and have her play another character. maybe have allison young be alive in an alternate version of the future and travel back. for all those wanting to see thomas and summer’s characters get together, then make allison be john’s future wife or girlfriend or someone derek knows. something. keep summer of course, but get rid of cameron.
Thank YOU for explaining Josh.
Great comments, Josh.
This show should absolutely be about John and Sarah. I love what Summer does, but Cameron has had plenty of episodes.
Loved what you said about the funeral. That’s precisely why this show is great, in the way Mad Men and Lost are great. You could have gone heavy on the action knowing the show may be coming to an end, but that’s not what’s great about the show.
The Weaver/Savannah/Ellison stuff is outstanding. The scene with Weaver and the Savannah last week was a perfect example of the best qualities of your show.
I hope you/we get a third season, but if not I’ll be watching whatever you do next.
i hate to say this but this show die with season 1
Terminator is my favorite show and I have seen too many cancellations to not get freaked out. (Veronica Mars still makes me sad) I understand that Josh has a vision but it worries me that he knew the network wouldn’t like it but did episodes that I think of as particularly alienating to me or new fans. A UFO episode pushes the boat out too far, a funeral episode- REALLY no one likes a funeral and the next one is a dream episode, oh mama.
I loved the update from Josh and I do feel better but I wish more effort would have been made to attract new viewers and placate fox because they love to cancel sci-fi.
I also wonder why Josh does not give more spoilers even though he is against it. Several websites would yack about TSCC more if there were more spoilers out there. Just seems a bit too ethical at this point when the ultimate goal is to not get cancelled.
Keep up the good work and give us more Jameron, who doesn’t like that? Talk about freaks….
To Mr. Hack I ask, is it necessary to say writing, creating and producing a tv show is not rocket science? if it’s so frackin easy- you go do it.
Also- can we have More Brian Austin Green? He’s good in every scene. Ideally shirtless.
“Death of a loved one”?
Mr. Friedman, to us, they’re all loved ones
Your explainations are greatly appreciated, and they add more mystery (good).
Eagerly awaiting more TSCC, the best show on the airwaves!
In my humble (and true) opinion.
Josh- I have now read some of the comments from your other fans, sorry I complained. Reading them makes me irritated and depressed, it’s too easy to criticize and that does seem to be a big part of the American pasttime. Keep up the good work we all have faith in you and love the show!
@Fabrice
I don’t agree. Season 2 has been amazing.
Well, I’ve never posted here, nor am I too involved with the online Sarah Connor community at all (due to the fact that I’m afraid I’d never get off the computer), but I finally feel it’s time to say a few things with the show’s fate hanging in the balance.
Don’t worry - they’re good things. I’d really appreciate your reading this if you have the time.
First, I barely skimmed over the spoilers since I prefer enjoying things as they come in their final package (another reason why I’m not involved with the online community), but I’m of course more than excited for each new episode, though at the same time dreading the end. Second, I don’t want to ramble too long to bore you, but let me just say that I don’t think you guys will ever know how much TSCC has meant to me. I haven’t been this passionate about a show in… dang, who knows how long. I must admit that Cameron is the biggest draw - but not just that alone - but also her interactions with Sarah and, of course, John. The chemistry between the three is fantastic and is what drives the show. Thank you for creating the coolest character on TV and casting her perfectly, as well as keeping the spirits that James Cameron gave his two main protagonists alive. Huge kudos to all the actors.
I know you’ve taken some flack about where the show’s gone this season, and I can understand both your views (especially with FOX pressuring you to take it in a certain direction), and those who disagree with you. I do think there have been some mishaps, but I’m not here to discuss them because even despite those few things, you’ve still superglued TSCC to a pedestal to forever be crowned with the title of one of my favorite shows of all time.
(side note cause I don’t know where to fit this - you’ve done a brilliant job weaving religion into the show. Kudos to you and the writers for that.)
I’ve been a Terminator fan since my dad showed me the 2nd movie when I was 6. I was obsessed with it when I was little. Yep, here’s this innocent little girl who loves seeing explosions and cyborgs from the future shooting each other with the fate of our world resting in the hands of a then young boy. Arnold was my hero (fun fact: I almost was killed by a crazy driver while driving by his house years ago!). I’m 18 now, but my love for the franchise is now burning as brightly as ever thanks to you and the incredible cast and crew of TSCC.
I never thought Terminator could work without Arnold, but you (with the help of Summer, of course) have certainly proved me wrong. You’ve brought back a piece of my childhood, and I’m very grateful (by the way, T3 never cut it for me, so I’m gladly following up T2 with your timeline of events).
Gwaaa… there’s so much to say, so little space! I really don’t how to say it all without giving you a headache due to so much reading, but I don’t want to say too little because TSCC has honestly been a highlight of this past year of my life, let alone of the entire franchise and will always be very special to me. And I stand by this statement that the season 2 opener was one of the most intense - and greatest - things I have ever seen on TV (and trust me, I’ve seen a LOT of intense things). You all have brought the characters to life in such an incredible way that I really felt I was THERE with John and Sarah as their lives - and Cameron’s - hung in the balance. You don’t know how afraid I was that Cam was gonna be killed off at any moment - I must have been as on edge as John! (but that was of course before I knew just how many fans she had and how they’d hunt you down had that happened - haha! :P) Everything about that episode was a pure masterpiece. The acting, the music, the dialogue, the presentation… everything. It was beyond tight.
As for the future of the show, I can only hope that another network will pick it up as I’m hearing of talks that it’s a possibility. But might I make a suggestion assuming the show does get a third season? Since not everything is going to be wrapped up in these last 7 episodes, I’d prefer if you made season 3 a closure to the whole series. One ultimate goal in mind, and that is to wrap everything up neatly with a bow so we fans can be fully satisfied and forever love these 3 seasons of excellent television and feel complete. And if by chance the show takes a turn in the ratings for the better and gets yet another season, I’m sure you can figure something out for that.
As you can see, long posts are my speciality!
I can never thank you, the cast and crew enough for bringing me hours upon hours of happiness and entertainment. I’m just sorry that it took me so long to finally thank you personally. And enjoy finishing up on…oh snap! It IS Monday now! Wow… Well, I hope that today was filled with moments to remember… and hopefully there will be many more to come.
No fate,
Rachel Pruitt
Well, this ought to lift everyone’s spirits!
Christian Bale Takes David (the drugged out kid) Home From the Dentist.
Man, that kid is a f##king amateur!!
LOL!
(not work safe, and don’t drink anything while viewing it)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70r-Ca8wcVg
Josh I just hope you’ll be having a nice talk with the FOX executives to ensure us a S3. And/Or with WB to find T:SCC a new home… This show must go on.
As for Sarah’s emotional struggle I preferred it in her VO’s. Less is sometimes more.
Yes Sarah can have a break down but not one after the other. Not when the question of S3 is so up in the air and it only involves Sarah. Whether you want it or not this is a ‘family’ show.
Coming back from a 2 month hiatus, moved to a new date and not hitting us with a bang…only about Sarah and riley (who no one care about)…not a good idea. Any other time fine but not for a back 9 and not so soon.
As for more Cameron of course because who doesn’t love terminators and that includes JH, Weaver and Cameron. This show is also about cyborgs…to see how they interact and react to humans.
I just hope the back 7 now will get the family feeling of S1 back when it was Cameron/John/Sarah/Derek.
S1 took everyone a step forward, but it feels like S2 has taken our beloved 4 two steps back and in opposite directions. Sadly not in a good way.
Hope the WB pushes to save the show. I want my S3.
As for S2 DVD’s any and all special features. Just pack it full and a few action figures would not be bad either!
RE: Terminator: Salvation if the show gets a S3 then some ad person for heaves sake advertise T:SCC before the movie.
RE: how to boost ratings see:
http://www.fox.com/blogs/terminator/2009/02/17/boosting-to-success-help/#comments
But most important write to:
WB, write to scott.rowe@warnerbros.com
FOX, write to askfox@fox.com
Include a little demographic information in the letters, age, sex, country, etc.
FYI loved the terminator reference on House…now if they only did a T:SCC promo…
Richard Steven Hack love your Cameron theory…have you thought about fan fiction!!!!!
Thank you. Here’s hoping for a S3
One last link to hopefully get a chuckle out of all you Riley haters out there, and you know who you are!
Please, don’t kill me, Josh or Leven! This is meant to be all in good fun.
Is Riley the new “The Wesley” or just another “The Scrappy?”
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TheWesley
You make the call!
Two Free forms of advertisement: Post a video on youtube to SOS TSCC.
Also anyone who happens to be in NYC and else where can get to those daytime news windows hold up a TSCC sign.
If you go to conventions they sometimes let you hand out flyers.
Write to
WB scott.rowe@warnerbros.com
FOX askfox@fox.com
Spread the T:SCC word.
DVR, FOX.com and buy the DVD set if you haven’t already. FYI T:SCC S1 is selling very well on amazon.
Oh, and I too liked the Sarah monologues… maybe not every single episode, but more than just almost never. The scene in “The Demon Hand” with Cameron dancing and Sarah talking about machines becoming us… was beautiful.
This brings up something that has really been bugging me this season. I’m very seriously curious, here. What happened to make you guys take the magic and wonder away from Cameron?
Anyway, these narrations were very insightful and made the show more intellectual. Sometimes this season she seemed like she needed another trip to Pescadaro and placed in a cell right next to Dr. Silberman. The voice overs might have worked better here.
And I did notice the lack of any limp or sign that she had been shot and traumatized since this funeral supposedly took place soon after her ordeal. A little more continuity would help.
Just a few more things to think over as you guys hopefully consider what a Season 3 would bring us.
Live long, and prosper.
Josh, I hope you read this, even though it might get a little long…
What you posted doesn’t inspire confidence at all in me. This show is going to be cancelled after this season and it’s your fault.
“I wanted to explore not simply the idea of chasing Skynet and all that that entails, but also the psychological effects of doing so. It wasn’t enough to just hunt/fight/protect; I wanted to see what was going on inside her head, especially when those around her doubted her.”
Why does exploring the psychological aspect mean that everything else has to come to a screeching halt while Sarah has her meltdown? Look at Buffy the Vampire Slayer; The title character spent most of the sixth season dealing with the psychological effect of having been pulled out of Heaven by her friends. Despite the dark, depressing atmosphere, the show never dragged or wanted for action. It stayed interesting. Season 7 went into the psychological aspects of being the one chosen to save the world and having to sacrifice others to accomplish that, but yet I rate it as one of the best seasons of the entire show. Also note that none of the core characters ever got pushed to the background as you’ve done with Cameron.
“And most of you are just pissed there’s not enough Cameron.”
Please explain why you thought it would be a good idea to take a character that is so popular that Fox uses her in virtually every promo for the show, and write her character into the background?
“To be completely honest, the network warned me not to do it but I felt (and still feel) these stories (and I consider the upcoming Some Must Sleep… as the third part of the Sarah triptych) were/are vital parts of the show.”
Let me get this straight; You were told it was a bad idea, but yet you felt it was a good idea to put nipples on the batsuit? In case you missed it, that’s a reference to how Joel Spewmacher killed the Batman movie franchise for eight years by imposing his own “vision” on the story, rather than writing what the fans actually wanted to see.
As for the upcoming episode; Great, another ratings killer! You really wanted to kill this show, didn’t you?
“But that’s coming from the guy who believes that if you enjoy watching Weaver slaughter thirty people in one episode you’re obligated to go to their funeral in the next.”
Where were the funerals for all the other innocent people who have been killed on the show? Why didn’t we see the funerals of the kids that Cameron killed in the bowling alley? I call BS.
“I get the sense that you want answers. You’ve got enough plant, you’re looking for payoff. I get that. And so will you.”
I’ll believe it when I see it. That’s how badly you’ve damaged the reputation of the show this season. I used to get my hopes up, but now I expect to be disappointed. That’s why fans are tuning out.
“-the resolution of the Riley story
-the resolution of the Jesse story
-a future story about Jesse’s Terminator-piloted nuclear submarine explaining how Jesse got to be how she got to be and how it relates to John Connor’s present and future”
The whole RIley/Jesse subplot was a waste of valuable airtime. I didn’t hate RIley from the start, but I do now, simply for the fact that this whole story line is a diversion that the show can’t afford.
“-the return of Cameron’s glitch in new and deadly ways”
Yes, because nothing endears a character to the viewers like having them go psycho. You REALLY don’t like the character of Cameron, do you?
“-not too much Jameron (for those of you who don’t)”
In other words, Cameron will continue to be a minor character for the rest of the season. Thanks…
I can honestly say that if it wasn’t for Cameron/Summer Glau, I would have stopped watching this show months ago. I’ll admit that I find Summer Glau extremely attractive, but beyond that, I love the character. I’ve always been intrigued by robots learning to become more human. The Lost In Space robot is one of my favorite characters of all time. When this season ends and the show is cancelled (because let’s be realistic, it IS going to be cancelled), I’m going to miss seeing Cameron. That makes me angry, because this show SHOULD have been a success, and would have been if you hadn’t taken everything that the fans liked about the first season and flushed it down the toilet in your quest to reshape the show into YOUR vision of what it should be.
“-an explanation of the three-dots”
That they’re nothing more than an accidental smudge? Because that’s the only explanation that makes any sense. If the fate of humanity were resting on me and I was dying, I’d make sure to write an explanation of what they meant first, before adding a ton of names that were only marginally important.
“-Savannah in mortal danger”
Why? So you can waste more time that should be spent on the main characters?
I hope that when this show is cancelled, you at least have the decency to come on here and make a post explaining all the plotlines that will be left hanging by the finale, which will no doubt be a cliffhanger.
People want to know what happened in the basement from season 1. What was up with the girl who killed herself? What were the drawings on the wall? Why was Cameron saving the bar of Coltan?
You killed the show, the least you can do is answer the remaining questions (when it’s over).
Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to see this show continue, but I know it’s not going to. I blame you for that.
Don’t kill Cameron, please
Anyway I very miss Sarah’s monologues. Those monologues give much more images about Sarah’s motivations and thinking then a whole day in a motel room or a funeral.
Rekrul: I am with you there (except Lost in Space)
Thanks for a great show. Yes, i feel the show has been weaker. Unfortunately it could have been done better. I do appreciate the psychological exploration of Sarah and the mystery search of the meaning of the 3 dots. Could have done less of JC and the annoying and crazy teenage girls he seems to meet all the time which makes Cameron the most serene and attractive of them all (except when she’s a killing robot! which also makes it somewhat darkly funny). If Cameron has to go, would be interesting having another terminator join the team (even a “good” Cromartie), or a CGI total endo wearing a trenchcoat all the time haha. I have to say I’m worried about the ratings too and showing the show off and trying to get others to see it is hard at this point with the current episodes. It requires a lot of patience akin to fans who watched Babylon 5 for the first 4 seasons. But TSSC isn’t Babylon5 and new viewers are mostly remembering T2,T1 and Arnold. However it’s done a great job replacing Furlong, Hamilton, and probably the biggest achievement , replacing Arnold as the protector terminator. Thank you very much for creating and working the show, and good luck on continuation.
Thank you for the greates show ever. Love it.
btw. More Cameron - John interactions please. (i know you read it all the time but its always a pleasure to watch it, they both are doing outstanding job acting it)
I hope it is not Derek or Sarah who dies. This would be a huge loss for the show.
Thanks for this entry. I think the show goes to the right way. It is not just BOOMs all over the time but also a deeper story. Shows like these cannot be without a deeper story.
By the way. I Fully agree with user Rekrul !
Please hear the voice of the FANs of the show. The most interresting thing about the show was Cameron! and her interractions with John and Sarah. Why didnt you work on the qustions, like “Why did John sent Camreon back? Why her?”.
gmail went down on the whole world, I think Skynet is going online and this is the first step
suxx, it could be wait till the end of the season 2 :-p
it seems skynet was disappointed with last episodes too :-)))
Josh, my son and I have watched all the shows. They have been the subject of an English course at UCI. We made our own predictions. But before mentioning them, i have to say that the adults not respecting the ai members of society is a downer. When somebody saves your life a few times you gotta show a little respect.
Anyway, we decided that Summer is either Skynet herself, come back to fix what she mistakenly did to the sentient beings that inhabit the planet, or she is the future john connor in drag come back to have a sit down discussion with skynet to give her some comfort so she doesn’t get scared and angry anymore. Since Summer is the star of the show, she should have the final act. Giving Sarah so much time when her character is such a clumsy dunce going off on her own and getting people killed left and right reminds of me of Shelley’s Frankenstein, who just can’t find it in his heart to get his family involved in his problems..until they all get killed by his creature.
I like the fact that you came on and talked to the fans. I’m not much of a TV watcher, but have enjoyed this series and I hope it continues. Keep the plot moving along please. As some of the others have mentioned pace is pretty important when your telling a story.
The kind of person who disseminates someone’s entire blog post is probably expecting a show tailor made to their wishes without any appreciation for the director’s vision.
With that being said, I was really disappointed with what was going on a couple episodes before the break and the two new ones. Kind of slow as mentioned before.
However, with your “campaign promises” I am fully excited to see what else will develop from these promising story lines
About the ratings the jmove to fridays cost the show a few “neilsen” viewers.
there are 5000 familes monitored by neilsen so the 1.2 million of estimated viewers we lost couldbe about 25 actual people…neilsen people. they may go out on fridays or they may have had other shows they liked more to watch on friday.
I dont think this show has lost any “regular fans” some are mad and angry, but they are still watching.
it is possible that alpine fields and earthlings made some neilsen viewers decide to quit watching, but maybe not.
and they may still come back to the show,
tv by the numbers and the people that post there are just people they dont knowanything they just guess that when a show is doing poorly in ratings it will be cancelled , any idiot can do that.
this show isnt canceled until fox says it is.
the move to fridays was supposed to give both shows time to grow a audience, and 2 shows isnt enough time even 9 shows.
one of the people at tbn said dollhouse is doing good, and fox is happy with their ratings, but they are less than 1 million ahead of us and .4 in the demo !
and I think their ratings will continue to drop, as the show is not as good as past whedon shows, and it has a weak cast, past whedon shows always had a strong cast.
even if these last 2 shows had been alot of cameron and action and we all thought they were great the “neilsen ” ratings would still be the same.
moving to fridays will cost any weekday show some of their neilsen audience. the fact we only lost a small amount is actually good.
the show needs time and it does need better writing and ideas josh, it is a shame you cant just ask those neilsen viewers what they want cause the are sadly all that matters. they decide which shows go on for years and which ones get canceled.
you people do remember firefly dont you? fans loved it but nielsen viewers didnt, and it didnt have time to build a audience.
everyone goes on about how S-1 was so good, and I think it was too, but then how do you explain that from the last ep of S-1 which got 8.29-mil_5.0-demo/8 -share
then months later wwhen the 1st ep of S-2 airs which most also liked. , it got
6.34-mil_4.1 demo /6 -share….down a whole point in demo, down 2 in share and down 2 mil in total viewers ..what caused that ?? I think that we aired a hour earlier than we did in S-1 and there were other new shows, but still we took a big hit there cause there was a change just like now. after that our ratings wer consistent , with 5’s mil / 3 ’s demo/5 share.
now on these first 2 shows we had a 4 share and 5 share , 5 being same as on monday our total viewers went up .1 mil, but in demo somehow dropped from 2.4 to 1.3, and that means we lost younger viewers not older ones.
the demos can bounce around at times and on friday even more so.
ep 2×10 got a low demo and it was the only show, right before thanksgiving.
and howie and wife swap only do a little better than us and they have been here awhile, and they arent being canceled, and ghost whisper only gets a 2,2 demo,so you cant expect us to just come to friday night and do better than we are now after only 2 shows.
right now I think fox will air all the 7 remaining eps with no weeks off ,and then prison break comes back and finishes up their season, and it will be on during the “sweeps”
then fox will analyze everything and we will find out our fate
after next week the shows will get better and lets see what fans are saying at ep 20.
and all you saying what josh should do is irrelavant till we get a S-3.
blaming him for killing the show , and it isnt dead yet.
but Josh to get a S-3 you need to have a good plan for the show, and not what you want but what you think the nielsen fans will like, if that is more cameron and jameron and action and fast pace, then give it to them, chance are we would like that too.
If you get a chance to pitch for a S-3:
Josh to get a S-3 you need to have a good plan for the show, and not” what you want ” but what you think the nielsen fans will like, if that is more cameron and jameron and action and fast pace, then give it to them, chance’s are we would like that too
the thing that hooked me on cameron was her keeping the bar of coltan, and keeping vicks chip , and acting like she had ulterior motives for doing these things , and that she was superior [ and different ] to other terminators. I would also like to see her act like a human at times, cause she is supposed to have that ability, it is boring to see her act same way all the time.
and she is the most popular character on the show, and if you want the show to succeed then you need to accept that and use that to your advantage.
******
in fact that should be part of your ” pitch to fox “is that you made a mistake with cameron, and then tell them your plans for her.
you have good ideas and good writers if you get on the right track what you come up with could be great.
Cameron needs to be the unofficial star of the show. someone compared her to spock and that isnt bad analogy, kirk was the star , but spock was given more onscreen time due to fans liked him the most he was different and unique just like cameron.
if you tried you could do great things with her character , and summer is beautiful and a good actress, but it is all up to you to make it happen.
every online article I have read the writer always talks about cameron and that they like her, robert the guy who runs tv by the numbers last year he said he thought tscc was gone, and that mainly he would miss summer.
look at every forum and most threads are about cameron , the jameron thread at fox wiki has more comments than any other thread, and then she has very little screen time in last 4 eps, I just have to wonder what your thinking ??
I like sarah and john and derek too but cameron is the show, take her out and you dont have a show….. you created her , she is a gem, but it seems you dont know what youve got or how to use it.
If you compare it to football it is like having a great reciever that you play every game but you never throw to them, and if you arent going to use cameron what good does it do to have her? the last 4 eps it didnt do you much good to have summer on the payroll. and in alpine fields she was out for like 5 min ??? and then got up and hits a guy who she shouldnt hit and that was pretty much it. and since then not much happening with cameron so dec , jan , feb and almost no cameron in the show that is too long people are addicted to her they need a fix LOL could be part of the whole explosion jof anger ??
I think maybe you watched too many x-files, they did good shows in the begining, and then about 20 standalone [monster]shows , and then end the season with 2 good shows.
somehow they got by with that formula, but I dont think it works for this show
Riley _ most hated character of all time?? why ? she is anti cameron !
why is john emo john?, because he wont make a move on cameron? could be
cameron,cameron,cameron.cameron…… there thats your pitch to fox for S-3 LOL
just picture sienfeld and george with their “cameron,cameron,cameron.cameron. ” pitch.
Season 2 is much better that the first. it deals more with my suspense than every other series. therefore you don’t need more CGI in the show, that will keep the production costs down i think. the way the show is going is wonderful and there is an story it only seem to need all of the season to get it told.
and yes koeln girls are wonderfull - pink lilly!
“–not too much Jameron (for those of you who don’t)”
For the show’s sake I hope you are joking. I truely believe that is the only thing that can save the show. I really don’t get it why you didn’t listen to the fans (and the network for that matter) on this one. If your argument is that the show is named after Sarah and therefore should be about Sarah, I can only say that it’s the wrong name. The Sarah character is just not strong and interesting enough to carry the show. Unlike Cameron… Well, I think you get it. There are more than enough comments that explain the problem better than I can.
Nevertheless, it was your decision and you did what you wanted to do. If it comes to a third season I wish you would overthink the whole concept of the show and what the people want to see. Or maybe you should let someone else do the job…
If it doesn’t… well let’s not go there, but I think you know what I was gonna write.
Don’t get me wrong. I love the show and I would give my right arm for a third season. Or maybe a leg, take your pick =)
I must be addicted to this show. Re-watching the episodes and reading all the comments here. Some of the them imply Cameron won’t be featured at all or just minimally for the remaining episodes. You haven’t even seen them yet.
Those of us who bought the DVD’s know how Josh Friedman and James Middleton feel about the Cameron Phillips character and Summer Glau. She is not being written into the background. She had some huge episodes this season. Toni wrote some great stuff for her.
At least wait until the remaining episodes air before jumping the gun. My goodness.
In the mean time, kick back and enjoy Lena’s fine work. I know I am. She’s amazing. I kept thinking how pretty she looked in the last episode too which just adds to the fun. Josh created such a great character with her.
Remember, production is finished. Let’s enjoy it.
Josh - I hope this thread indicates that the ones among us who don’t appreciate your creativity are simply a long-winded and vocal minority. They don’t speak for the majority of fans. You are never going to please everyone, so please continue to remain true to your artistic vision. The moment you compromise that, you compromise your integrity. DON’T SELL OUT, as a few individuals have urged you to do.
You have a strong, loyal fan base who are with you all the way. We will fight for what you are trying to accomplish. We won’t desert you. You represent the best of network television, which is slowly killing itself with lowest common denominator programming.
We are the base upon which you can continue to grow the audience of this show. We will continue to watch; please continue to amaze us with your brilliant, intelligent stories.
Hi Josh
I am a lawyer of 23 years old from Brazil (so, excuse the bad English) who loves the show, and here in Brazil Terminator is the most watched series in TV (WB is where the show is transmitted), we totally craze about it. In Orkut site, we have a community about TSCC with almost 10,000.00 members, a John & Cameron (Jameron) community and also a community for “Fan Ficts” about TSCC (especially Jameron), and that only in Brazil. Here, we are so much Jameron, and hope to see much more of it in the show.
I personally love the show and will always watch it. I would love more Cameron, especially her moments with John, like in season 01. I miss that. I don’t think the action is the most important thing in Terminator Universe. I think is the interaction of humans and robots that meters. The philosophy and sociologic implications of that interaction is the most interesting thing in the T-verse.
Thanks for the care and write this for us. That attitude show that you care for the fans.
I hope we get a season 03, ‘cause I love to see how the things ends.
And, finally, I really, really hope we get much more Jameron moments. In our opinion, is very clear that John loves Cam and she love her as well, so, let’s face it: Jameron is a fact and the most interesting and beautiful thing in the show. It’s the reason for the show even exists. Jameron is a fact!
Please Josh, let the “Jameron ship” sailing. Give us a least a kiss, or anything that prove (whit no doubt) that they love each other in a romantic way.
See you in season 03.
Something else that’s funny to me. People say they need to use Cameron for more sex appeal on the show. They certainly have!
For a good portion of the first season Cameron looked like an awkward teenager who didn’t know how to dress or do her hair. Which I thought was very funny. It started changing some later in the season.
This year she’s in leather jackets, tight pants and hair beautifully curled all the time. I wonder if FOX or Warner Bros said, “Ok you guys, you need to amp up that Cameron character a little.”
And they sure have! I think it’s more than enough, personally. Actually I thought it was a little too much for the character, but that’s just me. I’m still enjoying it thoroughly.
Hello from Canada!
Thanks Mr Friedman to take the time to explain. I appreciate all the love and hard work all the team put into the show.
I leave in Canada and so I can`t help with the ratings. But, I like the show and don’t miss an episode and wish we will see a season 3.
I’m fine if you “kill” Cameron if you send back Alison from the future to do it!
Keep up the good work!
Dunno why I keep going back to this thread - I’m trying to skim over all the negative comments - It’s like a bad car wreck that I can’t look away from!
Gary and Logan - to your various comments - bravo! I sometimes feel that my friends and I are the only ones who enjoy the direction the show is going and to also, above all, appreciate Josh and co - regardless of what fans think, without the creator, cast and crew, they’d be no show to debate/talk about in the first place! Logan, I consider myself part of that loyal fan base that is with Josh all the way, and is doing everything I can in my lil’ corner of the universe to keep the show on the air. And I’ll be happy to tell him that if I get a chance at Wonder Con so he can hear some positive fan feedback instead of all the various unconstructive comments. Logan, as you said, there may be a long-winded and vocal minority who don’t enjoy the show, but we can be a positive, vocal majority who love SCC as well!
I second Annie! My group of friends and I also love the show as it is right now.
I love this show. I love that finally, yes, they are exploring Sarah Connor. I think this show is complex and compelling.
I am in this show because I love ALL the characters and I want to see where all this takes them. ALL of them. I want to be part of the ride and follow each of them as they go through this journey. And what I would most want to see is the growth of John Connor into the man he is destined to become. I also am very interested to see what kind of toll this takes on Sarah as Mother.
Those are the things I most want to see and can’t wait to see in this show. It is what makes it interesting and compelling and there are more of us out there. A lot just don’t want to jump in this thread anymore because all the negative vibe has been pulling them down. It doesn’t help anyone.
Kudos should be given to Josh (and all the writers, cast and crew) for bringing such an amazing piece of television to us.
This is something I posted on the wiki, but I think it needs to be said here…
Sometimes we all just get tired of all the complaining. If you step back for a second and think about it, this show has explored and attempted to explain what happened to the Connors during a time (after T2) that we knew nothing about. Essentially, it’s one man’s view (Josh) of that time period. If you all don’t like it, just write yourself some fanfiction, make your own storyline, for gosh sakes. Just shut up for awhile, good Lord!
“everyone goes on about how S-1 was so good, and I think it was too, but then how do you explain that from the last ep of S-1 which got 8.29-mil_5.0-demo/8 -share
then months later wwhen the 1st ep of S-2 airs which most also liked. , it got
6.34-mil_4.1 demo /6 -share….down a whole point in demo, down 2 in share and down 2 mil in total viewers ..what caused that ??”
Umm, maybe the *7 month* hiatus, when the show wasn’t on at all had something to do with it? Has Fox even aired a single repeat of any of the episodes? Taking a show off the air for months is never good for the ratings.
“At least wait until the remaining episodes air before jumping the gun. My goodness.”
A pessimistic attitude is the direct result of having the rug pulled out from under you too many times. The promos keep promising action and advancement of the story and we keep getting pointless side-stories that do nothing but waste time.
Fine, the writers can’t control the promos, but the point is that these episodes SHOULD be exciting and they’re not. Take Alpine fields for example. The premise seems made for action; Sarah must protect a family from a terminator. Instead we get about 10 seconds of terminator action, 15 minutes of the annoying family arguing, about 15 minutes of Derek and Jesse in the future and about 15 minutes of mom & daughter in the present. And for what? They’re never even mentioned again!
They’ve had 15 episodes so far this season and the story has basically gone nowhere, but yet we’re supposed to trust that these last 7 will be great? If they had the capability to write something the majority of the fans wanted to see, why haven’t they done it before now?
I’m sorry, but I actually see this show get back on the right track, I’m not going to be holding my breath.
“Josh - I hope this thread indicates that the ones among us who don’t appreciate your creativity are simply a long-winded and vocal minority. They don’t speak for the majority of fans. You are never going to please everyone, so please continue to remain true to your artistic vision. The moment you compromise that, you compromise your integrity. DON’T SELL OUT, as a few individuals have urged you to do.”
Go read some other web sites. The fans are not happy with this season and are leaving the show in droves. I’m sure you’ll reply that if they’re leaving then they’re not true fans. The thing is that they started out as fans, but got sick of Emo John, Psycho Sarah, Secret Agent Riley and Glorified Extra Cameron. Also, no matter what your opinion, this show needs viewers to survive and people just aren’t watching. The ratings suck and Fox isn’t going to renew this show with the numbers it has right now.
Artistic vision is all well and good, but how are people going to see this artistic vision when the show gets cancelled?
“We are the base upon which you can continue to grow the audience of this show.”
Look around, the audience is shrinking, not growing.
I think it’s great that you’re such a loyal supporter of the show that you’ll happily follow it to its grave (which will be in about 7 episodes), but personally, I’d like something more than an unresolved cliffhanger serving as the series finale.
Love the security pass analogy. There are things I like about the show and some I don’t, I wouldn’t be a good fan otherwise, but I always knew what the message was that you were trying to get across. In order to achieve character development and progression in a story you need to go dark, otherwise it becomes a dull story real fast. Best example I can this of in T:SCC character delopment is when you had John confront Sarah at the end of “Brothers of Nebulus.” That was gold.
Problem though is with the Terminator universe, where violence is a necessity, its hard to find a balance between the character growth and the gunfights.You found that equilibrium and I couldn’t be more impressed with your storytelling. Despite which way the ratings go I’m happy to see you’re sticking to your guns and telling the story how it should be told. Don’t let anyone ever tell you different Josh, ever.
Rekrul, FOX repeated the entire first season before season two began. Didn’t you see them? It was great, airing like three and four nights a week. A Terminator marathon.
Sorry Nick85 but I think Rekrul is on target here.
I thought it was classy for JF to man up and admit what he did but I still think he made a huge mistake in the direction he has taken a show that had been so successful. When something is going well you don’t change things simply for the sake of changing things. Change can be a very bad thing as we have seen here and some other places. The people who like what JF is doing probably like soap operas and mysteries. That’s fine, there are plenty of them out there but I’m sure none of them have Terminator in the title. This is a sci/fi action adventure show that has had very little sci/fi, action, or adventure. JF has a responsibility to turn out a product that the fans want to see and he has failed miserably so far this season. To take such a phenomenal cast and show premise and turn it into Terminator:As the World Turns has cost this show more than half of it’s viewership. That cannot be called a success under any definition. This was a can’t miss success story if he had just stuck to the plan but instead we’re getting “character studies” and psyco-analysis.
The worst part is this, it was said elsewhere in this blog that Cameron is an iconic sci/fi character on a par with Spock. I agree with that statement and I give Summer Glau all of the credit for creating that icon. There is no one else who could have done such a superb job in this role. It is a shame that we will not be allowed to see and enjoy the developement of this amazing character because JF wanted to “get inside Sarah’s head” and bore the fans to tears. This weeks episode promises to be more of the same and while I will watch the rest of the episodes I doubt that they will lead to a season 3 no matter how good or bad they might be. Losing Summer’s phone number was the biggest mistake JF could have made. For those of you who have said that Cameron is not the main draw to this show I say to you that I believe you are in the vast minority and the numbers support that conclusion. JF was warned not to go this direction and he did it anyway. While it is admirable that he owned up to it he still needs to realize that this abject failure is all his doing. For those of you who continue to support the current story line and claim that JF is some sort of tortured genius, the cancellation of this show will prove you to be wrong.
Fox, This show still has great potential. If you grant a 3rd season please put the show in the hands of someone who will follow the season one model.
Thanks for opening your mouth, Josh. Especially for your “campaign promises”.
As long as Cameron is alive, I’ll watch.
You can just skip next chapter, it doesnt have anything to do with TSCC. Imo.
I admit it that I started to watch this show without any info about actors and actresses, I have seen just all Terminator movies (and I like them, really) and wanted to check out the show.
After a few episodes, I started to get addicted to it.. by Cameron. And I still am. Actually, I just needed to download Firefly episodes to see more of her (its still the best show ever, FFS Fox u did mistake by cancelling it) and I had luck when I found&bought new, unopened Serenity movie on DVD. Would buy Firefly DVD too, but they dont include Finnish subtitles.
Oops, I’m missing the direction of this post, going to fix it.
I must say: I feel almost bad for that boy who asked Cameron for that dancing thing at the end of first season: he was so happy when he got positive answer (well, who wouldn’t). Actually, I would be happy to see Cameron when she is in public places, speaking to other people (even if she is still protector of John). Hmm, about Sarah and others.. I dont know what they should do. I guess that you (Josh F.) are right what ever they do. Overall its still good show (cant find words to say why) and I’ll keep watching it.
..other characters are fine too, except Riley and Jesse. They both are good actresses, but they just don’t fit in.
IF my wishes come true, Jesse and Riley will go away.. but who’s that third?
It takes a lot to get me to post to something like this, but having read some of the comments here, the point has come when I just have to.
This show is brilliant. It is complex, and intelligent, and boasts some of the most thoughtful writing I’ve ever seen in this genre. And it has a cast to kill for - actors who absolutely get what their characters are going through.
It’s tackling some really compelling themes - emotional issues in family relationships, psychological effects of PTSD and knowledge of impending disaster, the morality of acting under such knowledge and the effect of war, the implication of evolving machine/human relationships (and I’m not talking about Jameron here as much as the whole deal), the place of artificial intelligence and robotics in our lives, ethics, projection of desire, exploration of human nature, the whole kaboodle! It’s treating those subjects seriously.
It does not need changing. None of the people I know who watch this show and appreciate it - and this includes viewers in the US and the UK - none of these people post to the Official Wiki or indeed to this blog. So as far as I’m concerned, those fans who claim to be speaking for fandom by berating Josh or whatever aspect of the show that didn’t satisfy them this week - they’re not. They’re certainly not speaking for me or my friends.
Kudos to Josh and the rest of the gang for coming up with such a wonderful and intelligent piece of television drama.
Wow. Can we please wait until the remaining episodes air before going nuclear?
Again, it does look like a few long winded people who are complaining the most.
If most fans drop out because they want Jameron, explosions and gunfights, that’s fine with me. That’s not the audience these people want to write for anyway. But you guys are jumping the gun.
Wow 231 comments now. Most of them positive by the way. Does this thing have a limit?
nick85,
Here’s an old clip of Sarah and Kyle. I think it was what T2 was based on - it seems to be a microcosm of the entire story. It has depth, drama, action, tension, compassion, intrigue, and excitement. It never lets you forget that behind everything is this huge, natural catastrophe that is going to befall mankind. It shows the emo effects of the coming war on Sarah, who’s only just begun to experience its seriousness, and Kyle, who cannot escape its gravity even when not there anymore.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5XWE6Y10sw&feature=related
It is *real” Terminator-ish, because everything is dealing with the mankind and machine issue.
This is the vector that TSCC has veered off from: the basic, underlying *threat” of Skynet that dominates their every move and counter-move. It is the unseen elephant in the room - but everyone knows it there. We don’t have that in TSCC, at least not all the time.
That’s why so many people clamor for Jameron. It isn’t that the love Summer so mush because they have an Elvis-like crush on her. It is because they see the essence of the *real” Terminator back story epitomized in their interaction. Not a romantic interaction, just interaction: she learns about man and society and our culture from John. She is a bodyguard protector, yes, but she is also curious. It is the exploration of her curiosity that we find fascinating, from the funny quips that only John can best set up AS the straight man, to the wondrous beauty of her ballet routine.
That TSCC seems to kill off great extra characters - like the cop in the Good Wound or the Eric the Librarian, Dr. Sherman or the ballet instructor, etc. is another matter. These could be used to add a richness and depth and width to the TSCC environment, and the mistake is these are all characters that viewers have come to care about.
There is some good writing in TSCC. No doubt. We enjoy it. But please answer me, Josh, why you stray so far off the basic Terminator premise with your stories, so far that is it hard sometimes to not just supplant whatever it is you are doing with any good melodrama that is on TV. Sprinkling in a little robot action every now and again is not the standard set by T1 and T2, upon which it is claimed this show is based upon. So, can you see that these stories violate what is expected within the Terminator universe of logic.
It has a 25 year history as one of the biggest names in entertainment, and one of the most successful franchise of all time. The Sarah Lena portrays is just 2 years after what is #8 on the all time ass kicking list. Bruce Lee doesn’t doubt himself in a fight, and she is in a War! So this whole psycho premise go against all that fans KNOW - and it is hard to tell them different because the story has ALREADY been set: all you have to do is tell the story based upon what is there to tell. This IS the successful formula, and I can’t believe you don’t recognize this, especially when a big blockbuster movie is just around the corner and very keen on representing this albeit in a different time period.
What I am saying is your stories - although I have enjoyed them - have a strong tendency to stray away from true Terminator nature, and the natural drama of the story which IS what draws Terminator fans.
Yes, many people here will follow along happily. I would too if I were there age, because I wouldn’t have been a part of era when Terminator became a cultrual phenomenon - in two different decades no less.
Why wouldn’t you stay close to those roots, embrace them knowing they can sustain you, and then branch off into artsie vectors once the show is safe and secure. You already know the howls about Lena (ie, ANYONE not Linda Hamiton) being Sarah Conner. Why take the Terminator story itself and downplay it to the point of insignificance?
I’’m sure you can write good stories within the Terminator parameters, and create action, tension, and excitement without resorting to mind numbing cliques, which many people fear. But I am sure you know that there is more than just ultra-boring melodrama and Dukes of Hazzards stupidity to choose from.
I’m sure you can have more scene that depicts the growth of both John and Cameron’s growth together. They are your cult relationship of this decade, ala Luke and Laura of General Hospital fame - and they don’t even have to BE is a *love* relationship to do it.
You have a foundation that is incredible, already laid out for it, but I hope you are not too stubborn to look a gift horse in the mouth. This IS your “big break.” We WANT to see you succeed. And you ARE listening - I know for sure a portion of your blog was aimed at me and a few others who have been less than diplomatic, and might not be entirely fair.
But you ARE the head of this project. I can’t imaging anyone having a project that has more built in advantages. I’d like to see the show make use of those advantages, in their natural, organic form. That still leaves plenty of room for exploration, but you’ve got to understand that with Terminator comes a price of success and that price is fans expect Terminator.
Failing that, this show may be swamped by new Terminator movies, and very with critical acclaim, but the knowledge that something about it was “not quite” Terminator enough. We’ve already seen this with T3: it didn’t have the kick ass Sarah played by Hamilton. Even with Arnold making it a financial success, it didn’t make the full Terminator grade and is largely dismissed.
You are the guy who can DECIDE that this will NOT be the fate of TSCC. But it is the other way around: you need to bring in more Terminator elements and make it a financial success. T3 had big chases and gunfights. That’s cool, but not necessary, and the clip I provided is proof of that. It is pure Terminator, and just as good a scene now as it was 25 years ago. And you have actors capable of creating this kind of magic!
I don’t normally like to post twice on a forum of this sort because my post is in reaction to the article or blogger, in this case Josh Friedman. But since you, Snake, tried to rip my post apart I’ll respond.
There were quick fixes to get more ratings: have John screw Cameron right now and bring up the whole controversial taboo of robot love (this was what helped catapult a similar fantasy show called Buffy to the forefront when she screwed a dead guy named Angel). That controversy made waves.
And before you say that has nothing to do with it I’ll point out again the Summer Glau herself is part of that verse when she guest starred in an Angel episode way back when, Prima Ballerina I beliece it was. The same can be said for Firefly and Serenity, again Joss Whedon, where she played River. She is a phenomenal actress but in my opinion Cameron is by far her best character and I think that Summer Glau said so herself in an interview. Josh Friedman is responsible for that.
In many shows the first season is all about getting the audience hooked. Season one did that terrifically but if John is ever going to become the leader he needs to be then he needs to take a stand against what other people say. Hence all the drama and angst and drifting apart from Sarah and the rest of the group that hss been this season’s main theme. Season three will be about bringing the group back together again only this time John will play a role as a leader versus the follower he was in season one. Season two was a bridge, anyone with two eyes and half a brain should have figured that out. In this way season two is about muscle building. Break down the muscles, build them back up in season three. That’s a metaphor by the way.
The side stories, the stories that have gotten the most flak from the fans. Again Character growth is what Season 2 is ALL ABOUT and these side stories/stand alones are all about exploring the character. You can’t always do that with an M4 in hand blasting away at countless enemies or doing a Termiantor of the Week type show, it gets old real fast. My only complaint there is when you add the music with the fight scenes, sorry Josh, but that’s just too much John Woo for my taste.
The success of this show depends on what’s happening now. Just how much sh*t can the Connors take before they all fall down? And the teasers from this article, Summer’s reaction in the sci-fi interview, and the infamous “Dekker Tape” practically spell out exactly how this season will end. Neither Cameron or Sarah will die - that will cause a fanbased nuclear fallout and kill the show. Who will die? Jesse, Riley, and Charley Dixon all have deep connections to Derek, John, and Sarah. And their uses are pretty much done after this season ends. That leaves two women left who will either betray John or leave him.
And with Cameron going on the warpath again it’s pretty safe to say where those chips will fall, that is for anyone with half a brain.
More violence, more sex, and more anything could’ve boosted ratings but in the long run how does that make John any more of a leader? How does that help Derek and his issues? The same thing with Sarah. And Cameron, she had more growth in Allison from Palmdale than in any other episode and anyone who has been watching the forums this season knows of the bad fan reaction that episode got.
I’m not surprised at all about Josh taking the time now to finish exploring these characters. This needs to be done. However towards the end of the season where “I was almost always in a squib jacket” to quote Summer Glau there will be a general revival in the Terminator universe when Terminator: Salvation comes out. I recently posted a question in a forum to Fox Executive Preston B who manages Fox programming strategy. Did T4 play a part in having the back 9 and he answered yes it definitely did.
And even if we don’t get a Season 3 then I will still be happy because at least we won’t be getting some bogus shallow plot with robot sex and guns guns guns. My motto is die like a tiger or live like a pussy. I’d much rather see this show go down fighting rather than a drawn out useless plot.
Quck fixes in no way make a good story.
Finally the last and most important issue that NO ONE has ever made mention of in any forum I have read, save for me of course. Timing. A show’s success depends greatly on what the audience wants to watch. American Idol is coming back and that will help boost Fox ratings. Half the reason why House is doing well in the Monday slot is because Dancing with the Stars is on its hiatus. MYstery shows like CSI, Bones, NCIS all of which lead in the charts are vastly different from the Terminator Universe. Is the American public ready right now for T:SCC? There aren’t any other shows like it out there right now that I can think of, if I’m wrong on that front tell me and I’ll be sure to check out the ratings and see why that show is doing better.
Hopefully T4, combined with the added violence that will be sure to pop up towards the end of S2 will bounce back the ratings. Fox executives won’t be making any decisions until S2 is completely over.
Die like a tiger or live like a pussy. I’d take the former any day, but then that’s just me and my opinions.
Just plugging in. I like the show so far, and think that there is definitely more to go.
I personally think that ALL shows NO MATTER how good they are should be 4 seasons.
That is the perfect amount of time to get characters, back story, front story, and little side stories. Josh, I hope that you get your 4… no less, no more.
Tek
Do you wanna know what killed this show?
I’ll tell you:
The writer’s strike.
This was the catalyst, after which we had to wait MONTHS for the next season, and A LOT of casual viewers lost interest during that period. So we came back with Season 2 and our ratings were lower. Then what happened? We went on haitus and moved to another night, a bad night.
We lost 3 million after the writer’s strike.
We then lost another 2 million after the haitus and the Friday night move.
This is what is killing the show, not the writers (who are doing a brilliant job), and not Josh Friedman (who is the genius architect behind the entire show and DESERVES our respect). FOX are guilty of interfering with Season 2’s direction, so they carry the blame for little things that make us cringe (Riley).
But it is the time between the strike and Season 2, then the haitus and slot change that have crippled this show’s ratings. Some people may generally not like some of the episodes this season, especially the last two, but I bet a $1,000,000 that if our ratings were in the high 8 million, people would love the episodes and only sigh about the flaws on the side. We wouldn’t be focussing on the negative all the time like we are now.
So that’s the reason, people. We were hung out to dry for too damn long and a lot of people lost interest. Simple as that. Now you might ask how would we succeed with a third season if we have to wait until September again? The answer is simple: revolutionize the show, which Dekker has stated is what will happen in Season 3. Start afresh with a clean slate, almost as if this were an entirely new Terminator show. If we end up with another network, then this is pretty much a given.
My $0.02
Driftlight23, agreed. Thanks for chiming in with the rest of us. The people who “get it” agree with you.
[...] By Kuukkeli Josh Friedman wrote a post to Fox’s Terminator - The Sarah Connor Chronicles blog. He addressed some of the negative [...]
dear Mr. Friedman …
clear words … and i think most of us fans just love what you give us, what ever it is … it´s YOUR story, and the way u do it, it´s perfect! i love it the way it is! … a big thank u!!!
greetz from germany
Don’t be so touchy nick. I didn’t try to tear your post apart I merely stated that I disagree with you on this topic and I cited my reasons. It’s nothing personal and anyone with half a brain should be able to see that. That is what a “discussion” is.
I made no mention of quick fixes and certainly would not accept any that you have described. But, as Coach has very correctly pointed out, the Terminator franchise already exists and it is a requirement to stay within certain parameters to stay true to what is already out there. Just as there are an infinite number of points between any two points on a line, there is an infinite universe of possible stories that can be told within the existing parameters. It is not necessary to stray so far afield.
The saying should be Live like a tiger or die like a pussy. That is exactly what I am advocating. You claim that S1 was used to hook the viewers and S2 is a “bridge” then there was some condescending remark about anyone with a brain understanding that. Well here is something that any tiger in business will tell you. Once you have someone hooked you have to keep them hooked. You can’t rest on your laurels and expect to stay in the game. The “bridge” is collapsing and anyone with a brain can see that. If you don’t fight to keep your audience then you die like a pussy. That is what we see happening here.
24 is a great example of giving the fans what they want and expect. Even after a two year hiatus 24 is back and as popular as ever. The stories are intricate, the characters are extremely well developed, and there is action and drama in every episode. We know what makes all of the characters tick without going into weeks of boring psycho analysis. They show their motivations through the circumstances in the story which is the perfect avenue to learn the psyche’s of the T:SCC characters as they did in S1.
Slowing the shows pace to a crawl while Josh builds a bridge is the same as giving up which is what a pussy does. Competetive shows make the viewers want to tune in they don’t say bear with me for a year while I put you through a poorly done psych 101 course. Certainly we can deal with and sometimes need a few slower set up episodes but I have never heard of a set up season.
In a way it is too bad that the hook is coming mostly at the END of the season as Josh’s blog post points out all too clearly. It should have been there throughout and then built to a crescendo at the end… making us beg for more.
If things are REALLY, REALLY good for the last few episodes as if they finally came to their senses (and I hope they are and they did), like they should have been doing all along, and then TSCC gets sh#t-canned I will be more than just a little irked.
I guess that could be why some are blaming Josh somewhat for this show’s seeming derailment and predicament we’re finding ourselves in at present.
Though, we could be try not to be personally nasty about those feelings that are being expressed here as the frustrations come out.
Thanks Josh,
I want to personally say “Thank You” for everything you have done thus far. I still think this is the best thing on TV. Some people don’t seem to realize that you have to really get creative if you are going to tell a 22 piece story that is around 43 minutes long a pop. There are some people that find it cathartic to rant above and beyond rediculously about 1 ep they didn’t like or whatever (there are a few I almost mention by name) but I won’t. There will always be an ep or 2 that weren’t as liked as some of the others or whatever. Some people need a chill pill big time. I care about the show as much or more than any other big time fan.
Don’t let it get to you. I am looking forward to season 3 just as many other fans are and think you have done a brilliant job thus far.
Dear Mr Josh! The more I read the comments, the more irritated, angry and sad I become. Why? Because if it wasn’t for Summer, I wouldn’t be watching. If it wasn’t for John/Cameron interaction, I wouldn’t be watching. Honestly. Did Cameron stole the show from Sarah and John? Yes. Should that have happened at all? I think no. But it did happen anyway, and there’s no way back. That’s the main thing you should understand, that there is no way back. People want to see Cameron. And after it happened, after you hooked most of us, you dare to turn everything around and move Cameron to the background. Perhaps what’s happening now is not the way you wanted your show to go? But it went there, and people fell in love with Summer’s character more than anything else on the show. I admit that the whole Judgement Day plotline is fascinating and gripping, but Josh, Summer is a real treasure, but it seems you either don’t get it or don’t know what to do with this. Please, be reasonable and unprejudiced. Sometimes things do not go the way you want, but if they do, try to find the reasons why and use them wisely.
This show has made me a very happy little soul since it first started airing over here in the UK. It’s always been intelligently written, beautifully acted and manages to keep on surprising the hell out of me. I haven’t been this much of a geek since The X-Files. There are a lot of people who are loving every minute. We might not be able to shout as loudly as some, but we are here and we’re not going anywhere.
There are only two shows I watch on television; Desperate Housewives and Terminator; Sarah Connor Chronicles. I’m confident both will be around for a while. Both are extremely well-written and offer the viewer substance in character, plot and progression; along with eye-popping action. Now that I think of it, these characteristics may doom both shows, given the single-digit IQ of most small-screen viewers. If I had to pick one show over the other, I’d stay with Terminator and let the Housewives slide. I’d rather see the future through Cameron’s eyes, but if the producers have selected Sarah to deliver that message, so be it. I’m along for the ride and can’t wait to see what’s over the next hill.
Cameron had better not turn out to be a bad guy/gal. If she does, there will be a lynching.
-My goodness, I don’t want to see Sarah battling her inner demons anymore; I rather see her blasting away the outer demons instead.
-Josh why did you go in a direction when everyone, including the fans wanted you to go in another?
Now the show is going to get cancelled.
No more Cameron. AAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Why Josh why???
Great now I’m posting three times.
Snake, I’d like to apologize because I did at times get overzealous in that posting and this blog’s forum deserves better than that.
We each have our opinions and perceptions and I also thought of 24 briefly while I was writing my post. I never cared for it myself but then that’s me. But let me touch back to the robot love and Cameron, and now I am certain beyond a doubt that this is what JF has in mind for the ending so for those who would prefer not to hear my theory/pretty sure how it’s going to go down idea PLEASE STOP READING THIS POST RIGHT NOW.
How many times has Summer said that robot love with Cameron meant that John was her mission, her entire world, her whole reason for being? Personally I lost count. The thing is though in the end she’s still a machine and can’t feel real human type love, all that caring for him is due to her mission of keeping him safe, I am making a point here. Cameron goes haywire again and so John is forced to save her or destroy her. Since killing Cameron off is like performing hari kari its safe to assume he repairs her chip - again. Here’s the kicker, Cameron then disobeys her orders, her mission, and abandons him for his own good. For a robot to go against their programming like that you really can’t get much closer to the real deal love and THAT might be the reason why we haven’t seen John and Cameron hook up yet. I’m not sure if you yourself are in favor of seeingJameron right now, like a lot of people are saying and hoping that that would increase the show’s ratings, but given the two options I’d much rather see it go down with the whole abandonment thing. Again this is still my theory but it seems likely. sStaying in parameters of the Terminator verse, I agree with the need for more explosions and violence. That’s part of Terminator and I think I said that in my previous post. But I don’t believe that the reason for the loss of fans is because of the lack of violence during these past episodes. I think the main reason is partly the writers strike, even in the fall T:SCC didn’t regain the numbers it has during S1, which was roughly 7 or 8 million I think. The timing of the show and what the audience wants to see on TV right now plays a much bigger role, you mentioned 24 being akin to T:SCC. The big difference between those two shows (besides time travel) is the fact that T:SCC has a deadline to meet and that’s stopping Skynet before Judgment Day. Even though this takes place in an alt. timeline than T3 Judgment Day still limits the writers of what they can and can’t fit in whereas with 24, at least I think I’m not entirely sure, with 24 there isn’t some series long Doomsday deadline coming up. Using a 24 episode style really won’t work with T:SCC.
Okay I’m done, no more posting for this forum it’d just be a waste and I’d only be reiterrating myself. If 24 does have some Doomsday in its overall series storyline then that’s my bad since I’m not booksmart on that show. You may think that T:SCC is going down like a pussy but I think the show, under JF’s guidance, is either going to go down fighting or will make a successful “bridge” to season 3. Either way I’m going to watch it to the end just like you.
Josh - Thanks for the post. I feel like it really helps show were you stand and also is really appreciated. It is awesome that you would take the time to post that here. I doubt that would happen with any other show.
I just want to say that I have been really happy with the show and like where we have gone so far and am really looking forward to where we are going. As when you are reading a good book some times you need to wait until the end to get resolution to everything and feel like the story has been told. I have confidence that you are using each episode of this show like a chapter of a book. To tell the stories of the characters and of the terminator universe. In the end I know that it will come together beautifully (I think it has already fyi…). I am really REALLY looking forward to the last episode of this season!
I also must make a plea to Fox to please carry on with this show! This is the best show on TV and really has a place in the market. Please go for a season 3! There is so much story left to tell and this show means so much to so many. Come on Fox - please make the right choice and go for a 3rd season!
I Really liked this season a lot it was a really long season and it had me thinking a lot about the show. I want to see this show go into 9 Seasons Arnold should after this season be able to do the show but if not so what because most of all I want to be a part of the show I want to be a cast member in the show I have always wanted to do movies I am a huge movie person and the Terminator is where it all started for me. I rather be in the show than to watch it to be honest, the only thing is how or what can I do to show the people in charge of this show that I could be a great character in the show. My site permotes the show as much as possible and I do whatever it takes to get people to watch I love the Terminator so much that I whather be in the show than to watch it. I also am going to school to try and be a movie director.
I think EVERYONE on here, those disgruntled and disappointed where things have gone, and not, and those in between, will watch ’til the end. For the most part, I’d say that’s a given.
And everyone is hoping for the best. We all want the best. What yours or my definition of “the best” is will not change anything for good or ill now.
I only hope Season 2 has been a good learning experience for everyone, fan and crew alike, and that we can pick ourselves back up, dust ourselves off, and make one hell of a Season 3!
Now, we can just cross our fingers and pull up our chairs on Friday nights, grab our favorite beer and/or soda and snacks, and let it wash over us.
Once more into the breach, dear friends!
I do understand that the show is titled “the sarah connor chronicles” but getting 3 episodes in a row expressing the anguish of said title character is a bit too much.
Also ultimately Sarah Connor isnt the most important character of the terminator universe. That role belongs to John Connor as the leader of the human resistance. For me the real point of the show is the development of John into the future leader of the human resistance rather than watching his mother having an overly long nervous breakdown in three parts.
I also wonder the statement by Josh that after seeing people getting killed by a terminator we need to see the actual impact of those deaths. Why would we as viewers care about nameless factory workers with whom we havent had a prior involvement plot wise. Unless you count that security guard that tried to kill Sarah Connor.
well said Dan… well said.
especially on the “pull up our chairs on Friday nights, grab our favorite beer” part.
No need to apologize Nick, There’s nothing wrong with a little spirited discussion.
And Dan you’re absolutely correct that nothing we do or say will change the remainder of the season. But we might as well kick around ideas while we wait for Friday.
I really don’t think the writers strike was the problem. No doubt it didn’t help but T:SCC was the only show on telev ision that I felt was in the same league as 24. That is the reason I compared the two. These are by far the two best shows on TV (my opinion) so they are held to a higher standard. I really believe the thing that has caused consternation this season was the disunity that was brought to the show by Riley. Her character caused a fracture in the feeling of purpose the show portrayed early on. Her presence resulted in continual back biting and bickering. Take it from me, if you’ve grownup in that kind of environment the last thing you’re going to do is seek out more of it in your entertainment. That feel of constant tension just wasn’t appealing to me. I remember during S1 and the beginning of S2 I felt like I was right there with the characters, it was that gripping and you wanted to be there. Who wants to be around constant emotional tension? Not I.
Even if the remainder of the shows are slower paced I will be happy if the main characters started to return to the commaradarie and concern that they had for one another before Riley. That will make me want to spend time with this family again. I’m not saying John needs to knock off a piece of coltan or anything but he really needs to show Cameron a lot more respect.
I would love to see Ellison dump Ziera Corp and become a fellow freedom fighter along with Charlie. I like those two characters. And, I hope BAG stays in the game as well. Only time will tell.
Dan, Chill me a New Belgium 1554. I’ll be over at 7:00.
Snake,
I’ll leave the light on… and New Belgium Brewery is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from where I live. Uh oh, I think I just let Josh pin point me! He may be knocking on my door with an AK-47 and a steely glint in his eyes! LOL!
The gathering will be large… may need a truck load for you, me, and all our rowdy blog friends. Cast and crew are more than welcome too!
Can you say “Terminator Block Party?” Dave Chappelle should be there too, come to think of it…
It’s been spirited, guys! It really has! But it ain’t personal.
I doth tip my chilled glass to each and every one of you.
Just wanted to thank the cast and crew of T:SCC for the two seasons.
It was a fun ride.
Dear Josh: (I Reeaaally sorry for my english)
I am part of a forum that day by day has bring an unconditional support to the tv show and your work. This is what I think, with ALL my respect.
The idea of this second season to get immerse in Sarah´s head is really cool, ok. And the way you´ve use to tell us about it, may be not enough interesting, may be Very interesting, or may be an absolutely success with 200.000.000 of people waching the show, …but the only real problem here is that the final product is not Terminator.
I am going to use an idea from a friend of mine in the forum ( Thanks GigaNerd):
Imagine you work in Mc “Ronalds”. You can innovate (yes, of course you can) and try to sell salads, potatoes, ice cream and even HOT DOGS. But if you sold me a Sandwich Full of salad, potatoes, ice cream, Ketchup but NO burguer included in it…well, then I am not in Mc Ronalds. And that doesnt mean I dislike potatoes and ice cream.
I mean; I´ve really enjoyed movies like “The butterfly Effect” and “vanilla Sky”, and I´ve read similar books. I am not a “clossed mind” or a “Dumb Thirsty of blood and beauttyful girls”. But if Friday reaches and i want to watch some kind of “Terminator”…well ¡I want to watch some of Terminator”. If you want to tell about Sarah´s mind, i do think 15 min o 20 mins is a really good time to. But the rest of the 42 mins must let us know that we are watching Terminator.
About “the Cameron comment”:
Being very Honest, if we want more of Cameron, it´ s because it´s the only aspect of the show that have generated some of real intrigue on us (Weaver too). If you tried to call our attention on anothers aspects of the show (like Sarah, John, Jesse..or ¿¿¿Riley???), well… that is something that you hasn´t success. Dont blame the fans. YOUR fans. Just dont. It would be too easy to say “the fans are the dumbest thing on the world, They understimated me and They only want to see more of Cameron”… (Well…Summer is Beautyful, hahahaha. Had to say it).
Comment apart, Its true you didnt insult us, but there are some funny expretions that make me feel at least uncomfortable.
About “the Funeral” comment:
:D :D.
I really dont know how to answer about that. You Know…now i Really feel bad, because i didnt assist to the Master Yoda Funeral
If the movies of Terminator had include the funerals of all the people who died on them…then they would be a very long, and a very boring movies. I dont understand your “trying to make us feel somekind of blame”. I mean: I have to watch the 15 chapter to wash the sins of viewing a tv show? I really dont get it. Hillarius? Yes, it is. But I dont understand the point to generate a moral/ethic discussion about it. It may people (who dont know the genre) get angry with the Terminator world.
Clossing, I really enjoyed the first season, with all his black holes included. I Loved it. And i really thanks you for all the fun and all your really hard work, and for resist the hangry and seed of blood of the fans (like me, hahaah). I know you may be in a hard enviroment right know. But you must know that, hangy or not, we all are with you and the show. I´ll watch the next chapter, and the next, and the next.
The second season wasnt the same , and thats all. Im sorry if my writting “sounds” angry. I am, but I´m sorry.
As someone who has had some concerns, let me paraphrase Pulp Fiction.
You sending the Wolf? That’s all you had to say.
Josh u get big ups for believing in the show and the cast. I personally love the show, and would love to see it do a third season. good luck and hope everything works out the way you wanted it to!
good luck and always think about millions of fans all over the world. I am from Poland and work as university teacher. We love you here !! Me and my students ..
I absolutely adore this show. It’s by far my favorite show on television. I do have to admit I’ve had some issues with the more psychological based episodes this season. I do like character development in stages but I also love action and I’ve enjoyed the action episodes the best. That’s really one of the biggest things that drew me to this show. That and it’s nice to finally have an sci-fi/action show with female leads.
I will say the ratings are not a true reflection of how many people are watching this show. They’re not even considering the people outside of the US who haven’t even seen it yet and are talking about it. I am so hoping for a third season.
PS. We all think here 2 season is generally a lot better than 1 season. Especially episodes 1,2,3,5 ! and this one in mexico. 12 -relatively weak. Do not turn back into first season because its sometimes too simple, predictable and sometimes just boring. Focus on the beginning of second series and keep that way.
I don’t get this Cameron thing at all. We’ve had only half a season, and Cameron has had two episodes nearly all to herself - Allison from Palmdale, and Self Made Man. She’s was a huge part of the season opener. The show is not the same show without Weaver, John Henry (I looooove their storyline), Derek, and the other characters.
Also, Cameron fans should not purport to speak for “the fans.” Internet fans tend to be a lot like me - male and between 18-35. That’s a coveted demographic, but it’s generally a lousy barometer for guiding a TV show. The X-Files didn’t have Gillian Anderson taking her clothes off and blowing people’s brains out every week, though she certainly had a lot of rabid male fans at the time.
There’s a reason The Wire was a much better “cop show” than any others of the last 20 years, and it’s not about action or explosions. A steady, slow build and a good balanced use of all the characters were just a part of it. That’s what’s so good about TSCC and I hope it continues the way it has.
Josh, Ever heard of the Infiltrator series by S.M. Stirling?
Screw originality if there is a good story out there, Stirling’s story is flawlessly crafted and very entertaining.
It’s too late man. I was a die hard fan, you ruined it with your boring boring BORING ass stories. You know what I realized? Wow I can’t believe I didn’t think of it until now, the show was WAY better during the writer’s strike when you couldn’t touch the show. BORING BORING. The last 14 or so episodes have being BOOOOOOOORING!!!!!
OH and jesse is the worst character in the history of television. Not only is she a bad character and a bad actor but she is grotesque and disgusting to look at. It’s like she has some weird disease.. gross girl!
I watch the show here via the internet because dutch channels did not buy the show.
Season one was absolutely great. Terminators were terminating, wich caused a bit drama and a good peace of action and a descent moving pace.
Season two however I can not seem to get into. I focusses on the drama of terminators being present and the world going to end. Then there is this side part with reilly or whatever she is called. Her story line together with the other chick from the future is boring and stupid. The best part of it was her commiting suicide and even there she failed miserably.
The show has potention but when i compare it to the movies, the focus is way to much on the drama and a depressed sarah conner. Last week episode was absolutely horrible. I thought that, with weaver killing everyone in the plant the storyline would finally move away from the crying and depressing stuff to a nice finale but that was not the case. Instead I got to see a funeral where the actors themselfs seem to have no clue what they are doing there.
I will watch til the end of the season but I do not think I will be back for season 3. Or maybe I will just watch the season finale of season 3 saves me a lot of a sobbing and crying sarah conner.
Dear Chris K:
HI! I think that the “Cameron thing” is about there is not another real interesting thing on the show (I think. Its my opinion. ), and if it is, it wasn´t well used or even hasn´t been used. That´s why Cameron is so required. Because she is the only character who actually makes the show survive. The Cameron thing is not really about how many time she had on the show.
The Cameron thing is about a lot of people is bored )Sorry to use two post. I dont know how to modificate the already posted. And im sorry for may english again
I love this show! This is the second best show after LOST for me.
Keep it this way! I love every second of it without critics! Please don’t cancel!
(just wanted to tell
)
[...] to act like utter morons in order to move the plot forward. Anyway, whatever, I was reading this interview with Friedman about the beginning of the new Terminator - which many find a little slow. Me, for [...]
It’s always nice to read the news directly from who is reponsible for the show.
I hate to see all that gossip running around in the internet.
Nice you cleared things up, Josh.
Thanks a lot.
Josh, this show is amazing. You should be proud of it because the stories are so amazing. Hopefully the show gets a third season because I would hate to see another favorite show disappear as reality tv takes over. Ratings are overrated =)
I don’t know how anyone can’t find the Weaver/John Henry story interesting. It’s one of the most compelling storylines on television right now. I’ve seen Shirley’s performance questioned a few places, but I think she’s been absolutely perfect. The scene with her “daughter” last week was just awesome.
Davidator:
Your english is just fine. You are getting your point across to us and I couldn’t agree more. I liked the McDonalds analogy.
Where are you from?
I’ve liked all the Friday episodes — they have
that rootless, off-the-grid desert nomad vibe
that takes me back to T2. But I watch TSSC
online now. So far, It’s not strong enough to lock down
an hour in my schedule like it was before the
hiatus.
I agree with Snake that Riley was a miscue.
I’m down with Sara’s demons, but you can’t
treat Cameron like she’s a piece of furniture.
The title of the show is not “Sarah Connor
Chronicles,” it’s “Terminator: the Sarah Connor
Chronicles.” The coolest concept in TSSC is that
the killer cyborg is a member of this very
unusual family. Now they’re treating her like
she’s a household appliance.
I don’t appreciate putdowns of the action scenes
in TSSC. As an American male, it was a big step
for me to accept females as badasses in the
movies. My first reaction to the poster for
“Aliens” was to skoff at Ripley dressed up like
Lady Rambo. Seeing the movie changed my
attitude. So when Sarah Connor smacked that
Pescadero prison guard and wreaked havoc in her
prison escape, I loved it. Gender didn’t count
anymore, the only thing that mattered was her
total badassedness. Americans love a badass. It
runs deep in our culture. We like badasses!
It’s James Cameron’s most important legacy that he
taught us to extend our cultural respect for the
badass to include women — Ripley, Jennette
Goldstein as Private Vasquez, Sarah Connor. So
its not just dumb, mindless action when Sarah
Connor and Cameron are punching out fools and
wreaking havoc. It’s very healing to root for a
woman action hero.
After reading your article it makes me feel warm inside to think that someone who is writing this show is doing it in the right way. I know a lot of people have complained about the show for one reasons or another, and i myself have found some parts lacking to some extent, however overall the series has been handled very well by all involved. Each episode seems to move the story, character arcs and avdenture forward whilst keeping the audience interested and exploring new ideas that make you think afterwards about what you just watched. I think that the writing is generally very good and i have grown to love the characters. The great thing about this show if that no one is safe in it. Each episode you revert back to square one and you are never sure if everyone willmake it through that episode. That is what great TV should be. Not some Dawsons Creek where everyone sits around being all emotional and by the way the end of the episode you don’t feel like anything at all has happened and the characters have not grown in any way, shape or form. I understand that a lot of the aspects of the show are out of your control and that you simply do your best to make the show the best it can be. For that i applaud you. I for one have my fingers crossed that the execs take their heads firmly out of their arses and see that this is a diamond that is surrounded by the rough of their other shows. They need to move it back to Mondays and need to ensure that this shows continues for many more seasons to come. Keep up the good work and know that this guy is part of the resistance fighting against cancellation.
I love a good story more than most things in this world. I was a terminator fan, but wasnt sure if i was going to start watching the show, until i found out that the wonderful Summer Glau would be involved. Her performances in Firefly and Serenity were spectacular. To me, the concept of “River Tam” and “Terminator” was pure genius. And i started watching every week. The show made me respect Brian Austin Green as a serious actor (something i never thought possible from David of 90210 fame), as his performances were incredible. I had high respect already for Lena, due to her performance in 300. Not to mention the actor who plays Ellison is incredible.
All this being said.
God, do i love this show.
I am going to offer some unsolicited advice.
Do what you are going to do. It has captivated me so far, every single episode. I suspect it will continue to do so.
Hopefully Fox will learn from their mistake on Firefly (cancelling a BRILLIANT series), here’s to seasons 3 and beyond.
And if all else fails… look at what the farscape fans did… (proud to be one of them)
-jordanariel
Hi, snake! Thanks, but I know my English is really bad, jajaja. I am from Argentina.
And Kris. a forgot to say that you are right about I didnt made the difference beetwen Happy or unhappy fans. Sorry about that. Language problem :D.
First I want to say I’m currently watching this weeks episode.. “Some must watch…” (and DVR’ing) and without giving spoilers…I just wanted to say to Josh that one..it’s a GREAT episode..and two. I LOVE the Dana character. The actress is great and was so funny. The episode is only half over so I dont know what’s going to happen, but I’d love to see if not this character, then this actress back on the show. She’s awesome.
Also, I noticed that there are a few people here who seem to wish to speak for everyone. But they don’t speak for me. While, as I wrote earlier, I had some concerns about the slower episodes regarding Sarah’s psyche, thinking that perhaps that could have been explored after the show had a stronger foothold ,I and everyone I know love this show. And personally while I’d love to see a more active Cameron, I really enjoy seeing a lot more of Sarah. Lena is an absolutely marvelous actress and makes this show for me. I have been surrprised by the lack of her presence in the promos though.
Mr. Friedman - I’m pleased to have a means of thanking you for producing and writing one of the most intriguing, compelling series I have ever seen, and this is from one who was reading Heinlen, Asimov, Clarke and other pioneers of sci-fi in the ’50s. It’s not just good scripts - it’s everything - acting, photography, special effects, colorful and authentic flashbacks, lighting that enhances rather than drawing attention to itself, great sound editing, compelling plot twists, intelligent dialog, and the overarching threat of the annihilation of the entire human race. TSCC is immensely satisfying to watch and analyze - it’s the most thought-provoking series on screen.
TSCC isn’t just a trivial action-explosion production. It engages the mind, offering layers of meaning if you want to ponder it more, and keeping up with the story arc is downright challenging, even for a long-time sci-fi fan. I’m glad your production team has come together on a new interpretation of the Terminator franchise - I don’t even think about the previous film history or casts - TSCC has been creative enough that it is, to me, the definitive Terminator legend, stand-alone, solid, and worthy of many more seasons. And I contend that Ms. Glau’s acting is Emmy-quality, it’s just a fascinating interpretation. There is no other show we watch that causes my wife and I to discuss the plot, the dialog, why a character did this or that, or what might happen next week. Thank you also for cinematography without camera jerking, and mature dialog without profanity.
I watch every episode at least twice, once on the DVR, and again to make sure I caught all the interesting dialog. We are loyal fans of TSCC, and urging everyone we know to see it. Thanks for what you are doing for quality storytelling.
It’s so sad. The only thing this show now has, is potential and there’s indication that it will never be realized. It appears that the horse is blind and/or stupid.
I watch this show DESPITE the Sarah character, which is one of the most irritating on TV. In fact, come to think of it, the original Sarah Connor character was EXTREMELY irritating, so in this respect, it’s only logical.
I thought they used the ‘Sarah Connor Chronicles’ bit in the title only to avoid simply calling it ‘Terminator, the series’ and thought they would use Sarah only as a tool to tell the story, not as a central character.
Who among the people who watched the Terminator movies would want to follow the Sarah story anyway? Sarah has always been very loud, irrational, fanatic, hysterical and far from likable.
It is a HUGE mistake to center the show around this controlling lunatic, but I guess that is what’s happening, all courtesy of the blind horse. At least all this drama will soon be over, after they cancel the show.
Overall, I think the whole series has been fantastic. One of the best sci-fi shows to ever appear on network television! I know some viewers don’t like the fact that some of the storylines in TSCC don’t seem to align with storylines in the movie. However, it is possible to separate the television show from the movies, and appreciate them for what they are separately. It’s just a matter of whether a viewer is willing to let go of the expectation that the television show have the exact same style and evolution as the movies.
Also, the Terminator movies focus on a relatively small number of characters. The television show incorporates a much wider cast of characters. I think more characters make for a more interesting show because they are able to illustrate more examples of how different types of people cope with the menace of the terminators. The number of die-hard fans of the movie franchise is not enough to sustain the long-term success of the series–its success also depends on viewers who may not be huge fans of the movie franchise. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are many people who like TSCC that do not particularly like the movie franchise. Introduction of new characters on a regular basis is necessary to heighten the chance that TSCC will last for several seasons. Unfortunately some characters won’t seem very interesting or relevant to many fans of the movies. But I would rather see a show with many different characters–of which a minor number turn out to be “duds”–that lasts for many seasons, than a show that runs its course in one or two seasons because all angles of the storyline have been exhausted among a small number of characters.
The one character I really don’t like is Jessie. She’s obviously gone rogue. She doesn’t have true respect for or allegiance to John Connor. If she did, she wouldn’t have traveled back in time to try to manipulate his future. Jessie is power-hungry, and she needs to be put in her place. I’m hoping the resolution of her character is truly creative.
I think it would be interesting to see John and company encounter the real-life woman (Allison from Palmdale?) on whose persona Cameron’s character is based. Nothing that has occurred in the storyline to this point should preclude the existence of the human Allison/Cameron–somewhere there’s a human twin of Cameron walking around. What will be John’s reaction upon meeting her? What will Cameron’s reaction be? And what will human Allison’s/Cameron’s reaction be when she comes face to face with her terminator twin? I hope we get to see some kind of encounter at a later point in the series.
Finally Jesse dies, so that the show may live
ps.
For Some Must Watch, While Some Must Sleep (2-16), I had to drop the show’s rating on tv[dot]com because it was that good
I thank you for the promises of completing the storyline. The movies gave such a great platform to build on. This is the only show in a long time that I look forward to. I enjoy the complexity of the story that you are building on. It is excellent writing. The deeper probes into Sarah is very intriguing to say the least! I hope it comes back next season, but if not, I look forward to the DVD of season two! I have been a HUGE fan of the movies, but honestly, your show is much better in creative content! I applaud your risky venture. Many thanks!
thanks for the words, josh. i’d have to agree with most all of your points… but mainly that you didn’t listen to the network about exploring sarah’s zany mental antics.
i understand that you feel an obligation towards her character development in this way, but alas, it was, in fact, a failed attempt. i have to coerce my friends into staying interested in the show. it’s tough. i mean, i believe the last line of the “sleep” episode were, “she’s a bad bitch”.
wow. not so good.
love the show. bring back the strength from season 1.
peace.
I loved season one - I love this franchise. The shows are way too heavy in exposition these days. Everything covered in the last three episodes could have taken place in one. I WANT to love this show but I am beginning to drift. Thanks for this site - I hope it is read and taken into consideration for future scripts.
A backstory and character development is great, but do it like James Cameron did. Every time someone told their story they were being chased or shot at. I just finished watching a whole show centered around sleep disorder. You guys have the rights to one of the greatest franchises of all times and you devoted a whole episode to dream sequences and sleep disorders.
Please stop getting bogged down in characters and kill some of them off already (there are too many). Please… put me back where I should be when I watch any Terminator show… on the edge of my seat.
大家好，我来自中国大陆，我喜欢该剧，更喜欢“卡梅隆”。希望该剧能一直拍下去，并把质量提高。
This is not about if the show likes us o not. Its not about it anymore. This is about what the series needed to save it self. I mean, we, the fans need to be objetives about this: We must know that the series HAS a very heavy problem of ratings… and that HAS to mean something, and its about the mostly of Terminator fans wants to watch somekind of Terminator ( Scary robots, fights, persecutions, explotions, Ratatatata, Crack, Pow, OUGH!… real Terminator story may be very simple, but that is what identifies Terminator. THAT IS Terminator. We cant get angry with a fan who wants to see that kind of things and not another. I mean: This is Terminator or isn´t it?
I think we can´t only say “dont worry Josh. The show its amazing! I love it, and everything is perfect!” I mean, people!. The show is falling down! And it is for some reason! Do we really want a third season? Then please, lets talk! Lets negotiate! The writters wants to innovate with dreams, stands alones, flash escenes… and thats really good. Some ones must like it, somes ones not, but the point and the only truth here is the show is dying, and it is far to be “Terminator”. So this innovation is not working, and thats the only analisis we need to do right now. We need to be objetives on that. We all need to be objetives about the Show needs a change to survive. But please, writting only good things doesnt help anymore. It is not credible anymore. The Writters had made this space because they need our opinion, our point of view, our help. So lets do it.
At least, that´s what I think
I mean… they need our opinion of what we think is happenning with the show. Our opinion of ehwrw is its propblem. Iam not saying that saying good things about the show is not ok. my comunication mistake. hahaha.
SOrry again for my poor english and double popsting
Just wanted to say ive watched the show since day 1 and was really happy it got renewed. The second season has had a few very good episodes but imo its not enough. I read a lot about people blaming the writers and i agree to a point. But not all of them are bad. The problem is the good episodes that most fans liked were done by a writer who only did 1 or 2 episodes. I wont name names, but the guy who wrote the S1 finale only did that episode (although credited for 4 so maybe 3 more have yet to air?). The guy who wrote AFP and SMM only did those 2. And theres other good ones where the wirter only had 2 episodes as well. If the few good ones wrote them all we wouldnt be discussing the shows demise.
I know its too late to change things now since the show is done filming but when they were first written and presented, someone shouldve noticed that a hour long show at a funeral would be boring. Or 1 hour of Sarah dreaming of Kyle would get aggravating. Or spending time at UFO meetings with a transexual might not be interesting.
Im hoping the rest of the season will be good. Im sticking it out and next weeks looks good. But its too bad about the long stretch of bad episodes. The show lost millions of viewers because of it.
Hey Mr. Friedman…
First off, i love the show! I am a person who pretty much quit watching TV once the old 90’s sitcoms went off the air, but this show is amazing…it is the only show i watch! And coming from a big-time terminator fan, i can say that i think the creative direction of the show, where it’s all going, is brilliant. I am having such a good time with this show.
First, some comments on all the great things about it…
The thing the show did the best, imo, is being scary. I also love the fact that a sort-of theme song has been established when introducing terminators; like, when the camera focuses on a person walking down the street, but that deep, dark, percussion-heavy music plays, you KNOW its a terminator, even if there aren’t any distinguishing features (for example, in the episode with the skynet-made-virus, at the beginning when the heroes are driving away and they crash cars…then a man gets out of the first car and the music starts playing, establishing that he’s a terminator). that scares me so much. i seriously feel like terminators are going to come kill me after every episode.
Also the writing is excellent. My father, who can be a pretty tough critic, also agreed with me that it is a very well-written show. The acting is good, and i think the story is really interesting. i really have no problems with it. i think you should just keep doing what you’re doing.
however, happy criticism is hardly constructive, so i guess i’ll try to share some constructive criticism (not that i’m telling you what to do, after all, it is YOUR show and this is your job and not mine). the only thing i can really say is that the main story’s moving a little too slowly. i mean i think its fine personally, but a lot of people seem to have a problem with that. however, with all the stuff that you posted that’s gonna happen in the next few episodes, i guess those people won’t really be talking anymore.
by the way i love the whole catherine weaver/john henry/ellison plot. so interesting! can’t wait! keep up the good work!
-steve
This show has the perfect blend of everything. I do not feel there is any drop-off or wrong-turn from the first season. I don’t even consider it two separate seasons as much as just a normal continuation of the story that has a beginning and an ending. It is up to Fox (and friends) to make sure we get to see that ending.
We don’t need Cameron all the time. In fact, too much of that will diminish her aura and the show. Who wanted 24 minutes of Kramer on Seinfeld? But that would have killed that character too. They are supporting characters. Pieces to the puzzle that is Sarah Connor. And on the topic of Summer, she is awesome at doing the most subtle expressions that if you blink, you will miss (or rewing your DVR). Every cock of the head, lift of the eyebrow, or odd verbal response makes me laugh because you just think, “What would a machine think or act like in this bizarre so-human situation?” and she does it. She is much more of a cerebral terminator than Arnold’s character ever was. Which it should be since there is always an evolution of characters as the universe of any show is explored.
Keep up the good work. I love the show and will watch it until it is no more.
Please re-read this interview carefully and consider what happened to the show, at it’s most vital last ditch “make or break” time, and you will see exactly who killed it: Josh Friedman. I sincerely hope he is not allowed to work for any TV network other than Lifetime after this.
Let me first say this show has amazing potential, and that it has one of the best ensemble casts I’ve seen. It’s made me a fan of several actors, as well as their characters. However, the character that was made the least interesting in the show, sadly, was the title character herself: Sarah Connor.
The latest 4 episodes /in a row/ plot arc focused almost entirely on Sarah to the exclusion of the other talented actors and actresses in the show. Simply put, these were boring, boring, and boring. If I was not already into the show and watched it’s new time slot premiere, I can tell you for sure that I wouldn’t have even made it to the end of the episode - which ironically is where the best content is, again with the /other/ amazing cast members; Weaver, Ellison, John Henry, Derek, John..
This isn’t a case of ADD need for explosions as some of you will say. I’d even be OK with the arc, if it was a running thread in the background; a good example would be “The tower is tall” where we saw a little of Sarah’s problems, but also focused on the other characters equally. Focusing an entire episode on Sarah is risky enough, but this is why I started out with such strong statements:
Friedman has apparently no idea of pacing and decided to stack them one after another, to the exclusion of all other characters whom we’ve only glimpsed; and let me tell you, if you read any fan feedback at all, the -only- thing people liked (with the exception of Sarah finally taking character and killing her captor in “Some must sleep”, about 1 minute of goodness reminding us of her T2 character) are the moments with the other characters, coming like a breath of fresh air. Even seeing them for a moment were highlights, coming out of the boring abyss of Sarah’s dreams.
I know this is writing to noone, and Fox can’t save the show now, but for the love of God, never let this guy be a head writer again. Please. He doesn’t understand pacing and seems to even brag, and be excited by, destroying pacing by doing this very thing. This is a show about Terminators, about conspiracies and yes even about people but turning at least 90% of it for four episodes in a row into a show about a middle aged American having sleeping problems right when the ratings /needed/ to matter was about the dumbest thing I have ever seen, by any standard, ever. Previous Sarah centric episodes no doubt didn’t help the Monday ratings, either.
I honestly can say the show was better when Friedman was not allowed to be involved with it during the writer’s strike.
Good job you’re wrapping up all the loose threads seen as how it will be cancelled. Do us a favor and don’t leave it on a cliffhanger. It’s absolutely ridiculous that you blame Friday nights when it was your direction that caused it to be moved. Could you explain why focussing on Sarah Connor means Summer gets two lines per episode?
Robert Riter “Make or break”, I agree.
I would also add that no matter who was in the title role, if it was Angelina Jolie, Meryl Streep, or Penelope Cruz. For the last 3 to 4 episodes it just wouldn’t have mattered. The scripts were somewhat awful, little to no saving grace. I’m a fan and these guys don’t make it easy to say that.
Also “Love, Lies and Murder” 1991 lifetime movie staring Moria Kelly as Cinnamon Brown…It Rocked!!!
“A Woman Scorned: The Betty Broderick Story” starring Meredith Baxter back when she was Meredith Baxter Birney was awesome! Lifetime could rock this show.
I would love to see a lifetime Movie titled “The Sarah Conner Chronicles movie, Cameron Philips Baum: A terminator scorned!” with a tagline “she just wanted to be loved, he just wanted her chip, and her Phase plasma rifle in 40-watt range!”
Oh well, always some kind of hope that fox will not want to can something with a possible summer blockbuster to piggyback ya, somewhere, someplace, away from the bottom.
For the record Lena Headey is Hot!!
And on another note LENA HEADEY IS DAMN HOT!!
I’ve got to admit, I was more than a little disgruntled as we approached the end of ’some must sleep’, pondering whether the plot had well and truly been lost. At the same time, the sheer beauty and depth of the material was awe inspiring and I was totally in love with it.
I realised that while I was desperate for the story to go on, I really wanted the intense psychological angles, the moral dillema’s and surreal direction, and I was very impressed. You’d managed to piss me off, while keeping me happy and sir, that is an achievement that warrants a medal, or at least a badge. It’s in the post!
Surfing for college basketball scores last Tuesday night in my Cozumel hotel room I discovered Terminator and “Self-Made Man.” Like John Connor I am torn in my concentration between Sarah’s mind and (gulp) Cameron’s body. I could see that Mr. Dekker shared that ambivalency (Summer in her underwear is “awfully easy on the peepers”.) during that moment in the phonecall when Cameron wandered across the screen. I was struck, however, that by watching the episode out of sequence and without the self-imposed pressure of moving the plot, I had time to re-examine the amazing job Summer did in her acting choices for her interaction with Erik the cancer struck librarian. The moment he turned on her, in total denial, and attacked her “insensitivity” for warning him about the return of his tumor, Cameron’s face was an incredible combination of shock, misunderstanding and, frankly, pain. That, Miss Glau, was a Mother Courage moment in which you should take great pride, like a lounging feline in a purple leather jacket.
It occurred to me that as viewers we suffer the Soprano/Deadwood diminishing episode syndrome where we judge what we get in terms of what wasn’t covered, missing the forest for the trees.
The Sarah stories have a darkness of demonic possesion that separates a Goya from a Van Gogh; both tell a truth but through a glass, darkly without a clear sense of hope. I thought the family unity of season one balanced the hopelessness of Sarah’s struggle. Like others, I miss that tone.
Watching the episode out of sequence I could put aside any expectations and concentrate on those times when Cameron was charming and manipulative and both innocent and dangerous. It reminded me that in our rash to get to our destination we miss the pleasure of the trip.
Josh’s promises sound great, but there is one problem—who cares how awesome the last few episodes are if no one is around to see them? I know friends who’ve said, “Well, if this is where the show’s headed, I’m out.” Don’t Josh’s promises, though wonderful, sound crazy to jam into six episodes? Why not space those plot elements over the course of these past 9 episodes more evenly?
I love the show. I hate the show. Averaged together, the show is very mediocre. And it’s not just one person’s fault. Or maybe it is. Or maybe it’s the fact that the Terminator movies (the first two) are two of the best sci-fi movies ever made. How do you measure up? Could they make a Matrix TV show? Don’t think so.
I wrote an article on my blog awhile ago titled
Why I think Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles is hovering at mediocre: http://www.collegeisamovie.com/2009/02/why-i-think-terminator-the-sarah-connor-chronicles-is-hovering-at-mediocre/
Check it out if you’d like to hear my thoughts. I’m wondering if having “a” Terminator show is better than “not” having one. I think it is.
I dont understand why its so hard for ppl to take when there are episodes about Sarah n the psychological effects on her. The show is called the SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES ppl pls get a dictionary if ur not sure what chronicles means! i loved the last episode (some may sleep…) it was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING AWESOME FABULOUS. i would like to congratulate mr friedman on an excellent new & refreshing take on the terminator franchise. james cameron & arnie presented great swashbuckling action & imaginative sci-fi with some groundbreaking sfx, but what uve done with this show is amazing in its own right. instead of simply providing some thoughtless ‘chicks & fights’ show uve renewed its appeal & presented e story with a focus on Sarah Connor in a brilliant way. (i guess its just 2 bad that the majority of the passive tv audience just wants girls n fights its really really sad actually 2 think about e collective consciousness of society but i guess that discussion is 4 another time n day LOL but mr friedman i feel ur pain n i would just like 2 say that what uve tried 2 do with this show is not only courageous but ingenius & i feel that uve succeeded.) i feel the show is getting better n better quality wise (obviously not talking about ratings here but seriously quantitative analysis cant measure creative output (if it even can ever be measured LOL). i would like 2 congratulate the writers as well & ESPECIALLY ms. lena headey, who I feel has been TOTALLY SUPERB in portraying this side of sarah connor. her expressions are spot on, portraying the fear of losing her son (and the world ending, too :P) & motherly instincts as well as insecurities of ‘not being enough’ very accurately…pls convey my congratulations if possible! i really reaaaaaaaaaalllllllllyyyyyyy hope this show doesnt get cut cos its really getting to a point where u cant have faith in any new tv shows anymore even if theyre simply awesome cos u just cant be sure if theyll be cancelled, n chances r if theyre a lil more engaging than ur average mindless desperate housewives kinda gibberish they get canned…unbelievable…how does the network ever expect 2 improve ratings this way is 1 thing ill never understand cos ppl will just not commit 2 their channel. in everything in life u win some n u lose some n fox has an incredible array of shows n even if some arent doing well in the ratings they should be proud of the quality of content theyre producing & continue 2 be a great platform for such talent as theyve been…anyways thats just my 2cents (maybe 3 :P) worth. hope they make a difference to the fate of the show & hope they inspire mr friedman & ms lena headey to continue to do what they do so well & maybe even get better! (you guys ROCKKKKKKK!!!!! :))…n ms headey ill definitely be catching all ur work from now on you put the ACT in actor! ok ive gone on long enuf…big ups & hearty congratulations 2 josh friedman & lena headey & the rest of the TSCC team its been a wonderful ride & im confident it will be that way as long as ur still producing
FOX PLS DONT CANCEL THIS SHOW IT ABSOLUTELY ROCKS & JUST THINK OF THE AMAZING POTENTIAL & ROOM FOR GROWTH AN ANGLE LIKE THIS HAS for a franchise like terminator! DONT TERMINATE, REPROGRAMME UR CHIP! 
cheers guys
I Think we always must remember that “The Sarah Connor Chronicles”, or “The John Connor Chronicles”, or “The Cameron Phillips Chronicles” are only a subtittle.
The tittle of the show is “Terminator”.
I mean, the show may call itself even “Terminator, The Teddy Bear Chronicles”, but if we got three complete episodes watching Teddy Bear scraching his head, then the focus has being lost, and it is not Terminator anymore. It is not about starrings or subjects (topics). Sure any subject can be used. The Story may tell us anything you can imagine, but always in the way and inside a logic proportion in agreement to the Terminator´s identitty.
I may be a little dumb, and didn´t get the point of those last episodes. I didnt take any new knowledge about Sarah psycho that I didnt Know from Terminator 1 and 2, except the fact she had kill somebody.
So lets imagine what about If on an onlyone any episode Sarah had to kill someone, for example, to protect John. And in the end of the same episode we hear her “in off voice” saying the same words from the end of “some one must watch…”: Wouldn´t it be the same result?. Wouldn´t it be a better way to tell this situation in agreement to this kind of genre? (Terminator). Should we need Two hours and six minutes (Three weeks of waitting) to tell about it? It was Too long. The Idea may be cool, but maybe it wasn´t the way. I insist about If the show doesn´t respect the “Terminator bases”, so the terminators fans wont support it.
I insist: It is not about the show likes or not anymore. Innovation is cool. The story may be cool. But if mostly of fans don recognize the final product as Terminator, then we wont get a third season.
I hope next six episodes will be awesomes like it sounds. I hope it wont be to late.
Like all American television drama, and I venture to suggest Josh knows this, this show is about a family, biological or self-constructed. When it works the roles interact with a familial intimacy that is threatened by deceit and betrayal. The dynamic tensions of wanting to eliminate the ones who can’t be trusted have doomed Jesse and Riley and threatened “our girl”, the sister who only gets in fights to protect her brother. What is she hiding?
Of course, Cameron will prove herself and a new Derek will emerge but the family will endure,,,that’s cause for hope even at ratings midnight. Weaver will be punished by having to choose between her “children” while the ordeal is witnessed by the man left childless by his loving but tough to fathom creator. This might be very good…As Cromartie would have said, “We’ll see…….”
Love the show. I like the different storylines, it keeps it from going stale and an over reliance on one character. You cant please everyone as someone will always find something to complain about. I hope FOX see sense and give the show a 3rd season.
Love the show. Storylines are good…don’t listen to the naysayers as some people are never happy and will always find something to complain about. Hope FOX renews for a 3rd season.
Hey Josh.
Your promises sound good to me, I desperately want to see all these stories evolved and it all sounds very very promising. And really for what its worth, I like all the Sarah-and-her-demons stories because someone in her position would have a closet full of demons and it really gives you a lot to think about and I just hope, hope, hope and pray that TSCC will come back for a 3rd run… it’s too good to not…. we need it… we really really need it.
Hi Josh - just saw the Sarah Connor Bionicle episode. Despite the success of the toys we created, still amazing to see them in such a global context. No substitute for decent royalties of course, but nice validation nonetheless - thanks.
Episode 17: NICE!!!
I felt like if i mane out from the sea. ¡Fresh air! I am happy!
Episode 17: NICE!!!
I felt like if i CAME OUT from the sea. ¡Fresh air! I am happy!
.
Thanks Josh. This show is utterly wonderful. I am enjoying Sarah’s symbolic death in the desert and rebirth at the end of “Some must watch.” I’m looking forward to seeing who she has turned into now that she is a “bad bitch.”
You have done and continue to do everything right it seems. Fantastic writers, cast and crew, scripts, direction, and production. There are so many wonderful story threads being woven. Don’t listen to fan complaints, stick to your instincts, they are hitting the nail on the head. Sure we all crave action but the last few episodes have had great character insight and development. I especially loved the long silent shots of pondering Sarah and others, they had such an ethereal quality, even a film noir feel. Those episodes were not ’slow’ as some have suggested, they were ‘deep’. Episode 17 was also phenomenal. I can hardly wait for the rest of the season to play out. And to Fox I have this to say, if you do anything else negative to this amazing show you will reap a fan backlash the likes of which has never been seen before.
[...] To read the full entry, head over to the official blog. [...]
I’m a huge fan of being able to explore the Terminator universe, and as a side note I’d love to see a series based on the Alien universe. But, if an Alien tv series did the same thing and tried to offer us a weekly reflection on the inner psyche of Ellen Ripley, just as we’re shown something of the inner world of Sarah Connor, while ignoring the traumatic events that make her who she is, ie the war against the machines, then you’re really only ever going to be telling half a story. The series absolutely needs to balance the human side of the story, with the machine side of the story, and this would best be achieved by having a Skynet equivalent to the family unit we find in the Connor household: in other words, a “family” of 4 terminators played by strong, charismatic actors, perhaps lead by the Catherine Weaver T-1000. Get rid of Crommorty, as the actor doesn’t inspire me with dread or fear. Whatever her exact plan is, she should have 3 or 4 other terminators with her, and like the iconic T-800 / T-101 played by Arnie, the terminators in the show really need to live up to their reputation and be virtually unstoppable killing machines. A heavy dose of testosterone is needed, with breathtaking levels of destruction and violence if really wants to live up to the name Terminator. Think I’m wrong? Look at how Battlestar Galactica has managed to combine a philosophical reflection on what it means to be human and machine in the midst of a brutal and gritty war that sees humanity and cylons brought to the brink of extinction.
Josh, thank you for this show. It’s one of the few on television that I still watch.
I can’t believe I’m going to agree with the network here, since I generally detest the decisions that FOX has made over the years with their shows, but with the big push the show got when Dollhouse was launched, I think it was potentially disastrous for BOTH shows that you returned with possibly the three slowest episodes of the show as a whole. I know you have a duty to Sarah (and us loyal fans can deal with whatever pace at which you decide to tell a story), but when you have created so many interesting characters and have such an ensemble of great actors (Ellison has been horribly under-utilized), WE WANT TO SEE THEM REGULARLY! Put me in the boat for more Cameron of course (that scene between her and Riley in the shed was pure magic, thanks to all the backstory and the great writing/acting), but perhaps the biggest shock to me is that I’d like to also see much more Derek. When I saw Brian Austin Green was on the show, I can’t say what I initially thought of that. But he has been absolutely brilliant, and he deserves more screen time with the family. They *are* a family, right? Anyway, I can’t wait to see more of the other characters. Looks like some story tie-ups are coming soon. I really hope FOX does the unprecedented thing and gives you (and us) another season to play with these characters. Just incidentally, my wife is not really into sci-fi, but if I happen to start an episode before she goes to bed for the night, she inevitably ends up watching the whole thing. You’ve succeeded where Galactica has failed.
Thanks again for the great stories and characters!
At 57 I am still thrilled to watch scifi, especially this show. It has had its ups and downs, but in my opinion, it has always kept a level of interest that well deserves a 3rd, 4th, 5th season… In this society of ours where the attention span is measured in seconds, FOX marketing “experts” should set the pace for all other networks, and allow a show (any show) to be able to develop. Just because our children do not run at age 6 months doesn’t mean we should give up encouraging them to walk.
As many other have expressed it here I must say: FOX, choose a schedule and stick with it! You might be surprised how your ratings stabilize or raise! nuff said…
This is a nice move, and I’m so sorry to tell that the network was totally right about the show becoming about sarah’s pshycology was a bad idea. it made the season really really bad and was a bad move for a show which was already struggling.
maybe it’s not over yet anyways.
PLEASE DON’T CANCEL THE SHOW! Women watch it too! Best entertainment out there, better than the movies.
I’ve changed my mind about Cromartie…his character has grown on me. Really great performance by Garret Dillahunt. The relationship between the endoskeleton terminators and the liquid terminators which so far has hinted at the fact the liquids are not part of skynet, is fascinating. I was sorry to see Derek Reese killed, and Charlie. Brian Austin Green is great, and I’ve been a fan of Dean Winters since the days of Oz. I still stand by my previous comments that the series needs to explore the Terminator side of the story much more, than just Sarah’s inner psyche. I like the emphasis on the conflict between the Connor family and the Weaver family…sounds like the family conflict between the Adamas and Greystones in the upcoming Caprica.
I don’t care how one might try to rationalize Derek’s death EVERYONE gets a better death scene. What kind of writer kills a Fan FAVORITE, a main character and arguably one of the two most popular and critically acclaimed characters of the entire series?!! If I wanted to watch a real death, I would go out onto the streets in real life and see it! Derek deserved far more for having sacrificed everything for the Connors and he was always treated with disregard, except for last season. You didn’t even let him die for his own flesh and blood. He died for nothing, his life meant nothing and obviously he meant nothing to anyone!!
Everything was thrown away in season 2. I KNOW that characters get killed by terminators all the time (but not so trivial like this!). I KNOW it is good in some ways to have SOME realism. It is good to have shocking scenes and twists. I KNOW that Derek was a doomed character ultimately. I KNOW that Derek was a soldier and a human and could die at any time. But he did NOT deserve to just be killed in such a trivial way that cheapened his whole life, everything he sacrificed, what he was suppose to mean to John and Sarah, and his death was cheapened and a disgrace. All of it was cheapened by the callous disregard. NO OTHER CHARACTER has been treated this way. Why was Derek??? He was a more important character than Riley, Jessie, and Charley and all the others that have thus far died. Yet, he gets treated the worst. His death should have had a BIG impact, considering who he is to John and Sarah. Instead his death was rushed and pathetic. SO. NOT. COOL Friedman. The show deserves to be cancelled for how season 2 has been handled. You totally ruined season 2 in almost every way. You drove the show into the ground and killed it, finally. What a hack. The VAST majority of viewers favor(ed) Cameron and Derek as the most popular characters. MOST of the viewers and critics did as well. Yet, this is how you treat the character? Derek should have died last season or not even been introduced at all, except in flash-forwards if this was how Friedman repays the fans and viewers with a big ole b***h slap to the face. THANKS FRIEDMAN. Up yours too!
I don’t care how one might try to rationalize Derek’s death EVERYONE gets a better death scene. What kind of ptb kills a big fan favorite, a main character and arguably one of the two most popular and critically acclaimed characters of the entire series in such a manner? If I wanted to watch a real death, I would go out onto the streets in real life and see it! Derek deserved far more for having sacrificed everything for the Connors and he was always treated with disregard, except for last season. You didn’t even let him die for his own flesh and blood. He died for nothing, his life meant nothing and obviously he meant nothing to anyone!!
Everything was thrown away in season 2. I KNOW that characters get killed by terminators all the time (but not so trivial like this!). I KNOW it is good in some ways to have SOME realism. It is good to have shocking scenes and twists. I KNOW (or at least imagined) that Derek was a doomed character ultimately. I KNOW that Derek was a soldier and a human and could die at any time. But he did NOT deserve to just be killed in such a trivial way that cheapened his whole life, everything he sacrificed, what he was suppose to mean to John and Sarah, and his death was cheapened and a disgrace. All of it was cheapened by the callous disregard. NO OTHER CHARACTER has been treated this way. Why was Derek??? He was a more important character than Riley, Jessie, and Charley and all the others that have thus far died. Yet, he gets treated the worst. His death should have had a BIG impact, considering who he is to John and Sarah. Instead his death was rushed and pathetic. The VAST majority of viewers favor(ed) Cameron and Derek as the most popular characters. MOST of the viewers and critics did as well. Yet, this is how you treat the character? Derek should have died last season or not even been introduced at all, except in flash-forwards if this was how the fans are repaid.
[...] They have to take the show in what ever direction Josh Friedman sends it. In the Official TSCC Blog Hadley interviews Josh Friedman who [...]
Man I am pissed!!!! This is a great show and I think its just like the crap they pulled with Star Trek when I was young. Its up to us fans not to be a bunch of wimps and to absolutley bombard Fox with our show and show them how pissed we are. I am sick of the numbers banana game, they execs don’t give a crap about what people want. People all over the world watch this show and the writing is great. I am pisse about Dereks death but i bet they could bring him back to life in a time machine paradox of some kind. Now get moving people and kick some ass for our program!!!!!!
I blame the producers for leaving us with the possiblity (probability?) of an unresolved cliffhanger. I made an exception for this show; I don’t watch many new series. The powers that be have little regard for the viewers when they spin these long, yarns that are likely to remain unconcluded. I wait until a program wraps production. If it ends, then I watch it.
Buffy’s season 1 is the perfect example of how a new show SHOULD be handled. It had a beginning, a middle, and an end. Yes, there was room for more adventures, but if it had gone off, no one would have cause to complain that they were left hanging.
I’m tired of getting burned. I’m also too damned busy. Having a career, a family, and a zillion hobbies leaves me with precious little leisure time. Too little to waste on dead end programs. So, now it’s back to The Cardinal Rule of TV, watch a show when it’s done.
Josh, Sarah Connor Chronicles better return next season !!!!! This series is great!!!!!!