(S02E21) Wow. Just, wow! This was one of the best episodes of the season. It was also one of the most heartbreaking episodes of the entire series.
I loved everything about this ep -- the pacing, the storytelling, and the surprises. It was all great. But did I mention the heartbreak? Click through for the spoils.
I never imagined Derek Reese would go out like this. Just one week after we said goodbye to Charley Dixon, we saw Derek take one in the head, courtesy of random Terminator #500. (TSCC is starting to remind me of Lost with all of these back-to-back character deaths.) Derek's death was so abrupt and it came so early in this ep – the opening credits weren't even done yet! – that I kept expecting him to show up alive in the final act. It didn't happen. It looks like Derek is gone, and TSCC has lost Brian Austin Green, a great actor who did the finest work of his career on this show. Brian and Derek will be missed.
Derek's death didn't prepare me for the shocker at the end. In the final moments, we saw Sarah walk out of the movie theater and notice what seemed to be a Terminator suspiciously waiting in line at the concession stand. But a squadron of L.A.'s finest was waiting for her right outside the door.
It was painful watching Sarah try to fight her way out of that situation. There was no way she could've escaped, but you can't blame her for trying. I'm certain Ellison had nothing to do with it, but it's a sure bet that John, Cameron and Sarah will never trust him again. He's lucky Cameron didn't break his neck right there. She's been itching to kill him for a while now.
So where do we go from here? We got a few cryptic clues about what Weaverbot is up to with John Henry and ZeiraCorp. She told Ellison that his and Savannah's survival depends on John Henry's survival. Does this mean that humanity's survival depends on the survival of John Henry?
I think so. I'm under the impression that Weaverbot is using John Henry, and teaching him morals and an appreciation for humanity, so that he can combat Skynet and stop Judgment Day. Or something like that. Like the eel in Weaver's fish tank that eats other eels, Weaver is out to stop her own kind from taking over the world. Does this mean she's a good guy? Probably not. She just has her own agenda, and it probably doesn't involve wiping out mankind.
The Connors finally found out about John Henry in this ep. It seemed like these two storylines would never converge, but it finally happened thanks to Savannah's conversation with John. Before getting arrested, Sarah wanted to storm ZeiraCorp and burn it to the ground. That might not be the best plan considering that Weaver and John Henry might be working against Skynet. I'm looking forward to the Connors coming face to face with John Henry and Weaver, hopefully in the next (final?) episode. Will they work together or try to destroy each other?
The episode began with the Connors meeting at the cemetery where Kyle Reese is buried. That scene, especially John's "everybody dies for me" remark, reminded me that John and Sarah have many tough battles left to fight before the war with Skynet is over. It's a shame that we might not get to see it all play out after next week's season ender.
Other Observations:
- The action sequence at the beginning was intense. Finally, we got to see Cameron throw down with another robot twice her size again. It seemed like old times.
- Shirley Manson is doing a great job in this series. She gave her finest performance yet in this episode.
- Did anyone else have to laugh when Savannah told Weaver, "But you can't sing"?
- I'm bettin' that John and Cameron will break Sarah out of jail in the next ep. How do you think they'll do it? Will they go in guns blazing like Arnold in T2, or will they come up with a sneakier plan?
Gossip Girl' Show & Cast Photos
Actress Leighton Meester attends the Gotham Magazine Leighton Meester cover party at Marquee on September 27, 2008 in New York City.
Duffy-Marie Arnoult/WireImage.com
Actress Leighton Meester attends the Gotham Magazine Leighton Meester cover party at Marquee on September 27, 2008 in New York City.
Duffy-Marie Arnoult/WireImage.com
Leighton Meester attends the Gotham Magazine/Leighton Meester Event sponsored by Jose Cuervo Platino at Marquee Nightclub on September 27, 2008 in New York City.
Brian Ach/WireImage.com
Leighton Meester attends the Gotham Magazine/Leighton Meester Event sponsored by Jose Cuervo Platino at Marquee Nightclub on September 27, 2008 in New York City.
Brian Ach/WireImage.com
Leighton Meester attends the Gotham Magazine/Leighton Meester Event sponsored by Jose Cuervo Platino at Marquee Nightclub on September 27, 2008 in New York City.
Brian Ach/WireImage.com
Leighton Meester attends a Gotham Magazine celebration at Marquee on September 27, 2008 in New York City.
Michael N. Todaro/FilmMagic.com
Leighton Meester attends a Gotham Magazine celebration at Marquee on September 27, 2008 in New York City.
Michael N. Todaro/FilmMagic.com
Blake Lively on location for "Gossip Girl" on September 22, 2008 in New York City.
Bobby Bank/WireImage.com
Cynthia Sparer, Dr. Herbert Pardes, Leighton Meester, Alex Cohen and Pamela W. Barnes attend the Kids for Kids celebrity carnival benefiting the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation at the Park Avenue Armory on September 20, 2008 in New York City.
Jason Kempin/WireImage.com
Actress Leighton Meester attends the Kids for Kids celebrity carnival benefiting the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation at the Park Avenue Armory on September 20, 2008 in New York City.
Jason Kempin/WireImage.com
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
4-04-2009 @ 11:29AM
CRVBOY said...
Considering the previews for the next episode showed Cameron going all Ah-nald on the police station, I'd say they break Sarah out with guns blazing...
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4-04-2009 @ 11:36AM
Mike said...
Great episode! I've been waiting for a show (or movie even) that doesn't over-dramatize the death of a main character. Derek will be missed, but as part of his death, the show has found some momentum again.
Just in time for it to be canceled. :(
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4-04-2009 @ 12:07PM
Brad said...
I thought it should be mentioned, it is technically possible for any of the characters that were killed (Rease for example) to come back again. Since we know that they are actually changing the future, it means that a different version can come back at a different time, which can lead to a few different stories.
I do hope that Rease comes back one day because of the way he went. It just seemed like, wait, what, huh, how, like that? I guess it really does show how mortal and how lucky they are and have been.
Awesome episode.
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4-06-2009 @ 2:41PM
MT said...
The only way for Derek to come back would be on a round-trip prior to his current (last) assignment. In other words, he'd have to come from the future at a future point in time earlier than this last departure, and then *go back* to the future, so he can return to the past again. Given that he's not known to have traveled to the past and back, I doubt this could happen.
Of course, with the changing / multiple futures, all bets are off, but even so, I would be surprised to see Derek again, other than in a flash back/forward.
4-08-2009 @ 9:26PM
chrissthomas said...
I do not think that Reese can come back because even in the alternate timeline which Jesse came from he had still left to go back. There may be major events that can't change or need more major events in the past to make them change. It may not be possible to change some events at all. For example it doesn't seem to be possible now to change the future so that Judgment Day never comes. It is inevitable now. That all being said I was sad that Derek had to die he was my second favorite character on the show.
4-04-2009 @ 12:09PM
La-Di-Dah said...
I too do not want Derek dead. Will miss him. Looking forward to finding out Weaver's motives, yea. Maybe Weaver comes from a future where she is an ally of John Connor.
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4-04-2009 @ 12:34PM
Adam said...
What an amazing episode! Seriously, why can't this show for-sure survive for another season! I honestly like this storyline far more than the one produced in T3 and will probably not like Terminator: Salvation very much because it doesn't have the intricate and symbolic storyline shown here. I cannot wait to see Weaverbot and the Connors face-to-face. Maybe Cameron will go Ah-nuld on her too.
My only disappointment was Derek's death... it seemed a little too under-dramatic. It's like "Oh, Derek's dead... moving on..." Oh well, minor complaints...
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4-04-2009 @ 12:39PM
bruce said...
Keep in mind Derek did complete his initial mission - to kill Andy Goode. The rest was just lagniappe, as the cajun would say. I liked the random, unexpected death. I think the character had run its course, and was now untrusted. It was time for him to go.
It was a great episode, and I'm already pissed off at FOX for putting this great show in a timeslot that guarantees even though 5-7 million people are watching each episode, that viewership doesn't count b/c it's not "live" on friday night, and as such Fox will certainly cancel it. One episode left, and unlike Life on Mars, there was no notice head of time to make a proper ending to wrap up the series as best as possible. It will end of a cliffhanger and there will be no 3rd series.
This is why I don't watch shows on Fox, because they're always cancelled. I stupidly made an exception for TSCC, and now I'm going to regret it since I've become emotionally invested in the show. I have a rule that I don't watch shows on Fox until they've officially been given a second season (which TSCC was, to be fair).
The word is that the entire TSCC set has been dismantled and completely taken down. Fox said "no we just moved it" ... yeah, to the trash. They didn't say where they moved it, nor why.
Ugh. So frustrating. We'll be hearing the show is cancelled any day now and it will be heartbreaking. Especially when the timeslot is filled with yet another hour of American Fucking Idol.
Reply
4-04-2009 @ 1:47PM
Jason said...
Mon Chere, 100 pts for using Cajun. Now back to my Boudin.
4-04-2009 @ 9:15PM
Ryan said...
Although numbers point to cancellation, it's not yet a certainty; the word is the decision will be made in May (probably after T4's opening weekend).
As to the sets, remember that they moved out of the old house, which only leaves the ZeiraCorp office and basement sets, and those might not be standing after the season finale.
4-05-2009 @ 5:35AM
bruce said...
Ryan: I was thinking about that - since they moved the house set (assuming they didn't just use a real house for it, and they probably didn't), what other sets does the show have? Not many. The Zeira elevator and Weaver's office and John Henry's basement. That's all I could think of. Maybe those will be destroyed in the finale - it sounds like weaver reveals herself to John Connor. That implies an end to Zeira Corp, at least in that location and it's current form. So we'll see.
That being said, as for the "decision in may" statement by Fox, they're not going to say the show has been cancelled until after the season is over. They'll still be referring to this last episode as the "season" finale for a few more weeks. But I am fairly confident, unfortunately, that the official decision has been made to cancel the show.
4-05-2009 @ 9:55AM
Ryan said...
I agree with you that it's fairly likely -- just wanted to point out to the readers that it's not set in stone yet. Personally, I appreciate FOX's patience so far with this show, as the ratings didn't justify the back 9.
And you're right: it would be a travesty for them to cancel T:SCC just to give Dollhouse a second season, as their numbers are fairly even.
4-04-2009 @ 12:41PM
Edward Wilson said...
I stood dumbfounded, mouth open, for at least five minutes when Derek received the head ventilation. This great episode caused a great deal of sadness for me, not only at the death of Derek and arrest of Sarah, but also the realization that Fox will probably not let us see a next season.
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4-04-2009 @ 12:43PM
Treyzel said...
That was a pointless killing of Derek. How does it forward the story? Random terminator kills a major character in the opening credits and its treated like an extra got shot. I'm finally fed up to the point of no return with this show. I wanted so badly to like it.
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4-04-2009 @ 3:47PM
Jane said...
I believe the point was that death IS pointless. I enjoyed this episode and the shock of such a quick and unnecessary death. The reactions to his death were so emotional as well. They can't stop to mourn and yet they can't keep going without grieving. I will definitely miss him. You truly feel for John, and Sarah.
I think Sarah's fight against the cops was in part a distraction used to give John and Cameron cover so they could escape unseen. That look she gave John as she turned to face the police was heartbreaking. I echoed John's sentiment "I will kill you!" even though Ellison was just a clueless pawn for the cops.
A wonderful episode! I can't even think about it being canceled.
4-04-2009 @ 12:58PM
D said...
Assuming the series survives....I figured it was Derek that was the "main character" death that had been "spoilered" in the past as his character was the only main one that could die and the story go on.I also think these recent eps are "house cleaning" for future story lines if there are any.I think Weaver and comapny's agenda is not "human friendly" just not extermination of the race and this may be more of a power play than one side trying to stop the other.One of the themes in the movies this show is based on is that Judgement day happens only the details are effected.That means Skynet does it's thing or maybe Weavernet does it instead.But...alas...it means nothing if the series ends.Fox used to be bold and daring,taking chances and letting shows build a base...not anymore.Wish shows like this that were in danger,like Jericho was and on and on,had a place to go where there was a chance for them to become something.
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4-04-2009 @ 1:11PM
Hutch said...
I think Weaver and John Henry may not want to wipe out humanity, but only because they have ulterior motives. We already know that because of John Connor, humanity fights back and starts to win against Skynet. What if Weaver was sent back to stop judgement day but enslave humanity in another way? Wiping them out doesn't work, why not try something different?
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4-04-2009 @ 7:07PM
prototype said...
could weaver be the terminator who turned future john down on being his alli (the sub mission with jesse) and has now come back
4-05-2009 @ 1:24AM
StevieG21 said...
I liked this episode a lot. Not every death has to be dramatic and heroic. John did mourn him and Sarah just blocked it out. They are on the run and didn't have time to really grieve.
I think that Sarah fought the cops to distract them and give John more time to run away.
The show isn't perfect, but I am invested in the characters unlike Dollhouse. I hope it will return or SciFi can pick it up and dump one of the Stargate shows instead.
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4-04-2009 @ 2:17PM
bruce said...
I've been saying in past discussions that Ellison, in large part due to his extreme religiosity and his attempts to thump the bible into a computer, is the dumbest character on this show and the one who is most likely to be the proximate cause of Skynet's decision to bring about Judgment Day. Of course, as an evangelical Christian, Ellison is certainly looking forward to the end of the world... after all, he "Knows" that he'll be "raptured" up to heaven and "saved" as all the heathen infidels (jews, etc) have their flesh vaporized.
After this episode, is there any doubt about how friggin' stupid Ellison is? Remember he has read Sarah Connor's whole file and knows all about her statements re: Skynet and the end of the world, judgment day, the computers, terminators, etc. With the confirmed knowledge that Sarah Connor has been right all along, his actions and inactions, decisions and lack thereof, all combine to leave no reasonable doubt as to his extreme, practically incomprehensible stupidity. If he were not religious, I'd have a problem with the Ellison character as being far too irrational. Even fiction has to make sense, and even fictional characters have to be able to plausibly justify their actions.
It's a good comment on my perennial fear that religious tales of armageddon/judgment day/end of th world are nothing more than self-fulfilling prophecies. After all, the question is not IF a nuclear bomb will eventually be exploded, but only when and in the name of WHICH religion's god? Vegas odds are on Islam/Allah, but an underdog religion's bomb will still murder the same number of innocent people (a/k/a 'infidels').
It's not computers and AI that should be feared; rather, we should fear religion and those who truly believe in it. The Ellison character, who is not even acting with the express intent to cause death, drives that point home.
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