Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (TV Series) Pilot (2008) User Reviews

Excellent Show

[tankutb · 8/10 · 24 July 2007]

Executive producers Josh Friedman ("War of the Worlds"), David Nutter ("Supernatural," "Smallville") and C2 Pictures ("Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines") bring to television an intense new drama based on the celebrated heroine of the "Terminator" movies: Sarah Connor. At the end of "Terminator 2: Judgment Day," Sarah vanquished the liquid metal Terminator sent from the future to kill her teenage son, John. Sarah and John now find themselves alone in a very dangerous, complicated world. Fugitives from the law, they are confronted with the reality that still more enemies from the future, and the present, could attack at any moment. "Sarah Connor Chronicles" reveals what happens when Sarah Connor (Lena Headey, "The Brothers Grimm," "300") stops running and goes on the offensive against an ever-evolving technological enemy bent on destroying her life, and perhaps the world. Her son, 15-year-old John Connor (Thomas Dekker, "Heroes"), knows that he may be the future savior of mankind, but is not yet ready to take on the mantle of leadership that he's told is his destiny. John finds himself inextricably drawn to Cameron (Summer Glau "Serenity," "The Unit"), an enigmatic and otherworldly student at his high school, who soon proves to be much more than his confidante she assumes the role of Sarah and John's fearless protector. On their trail are not only threats from the future, but an intelligent and tough FBI agent, James Ellison (Richard T. Jones, "Judging Amy"), who soon becomes a powerful ally.

Loved it, want more!!!! I thought it was surprisingly good pilot. Acting was fine. This could be a very good show! Lena Headey (Sarah Connor) is a very hot British actress, and Summer Glau (Cameron) is fabulous. Arnie is occupied with being Governor, and the rumors are that he won't even be in the next Terminator movies.Anyone who says "No Arnie, no good" is a dunce... However,I like the new bad terminator in this show. The Sarah Connor Chronicles have got potential which will have a massive ratings hits.You can watch tons of actions and awesome experience.

I hope Fox will not decide to cancel this perfect show. Worth a watch. Schedule has it for January 2008, BTW.

An impressive start to the 'Terminator' TV series

[Tweekums · 8/10 · 31 July 2017]

This episode, the first of the 'Terminator' TV series opens four years after the events portrayed in 'Terminator 2: Judgment Day' in 1999 with Sarah Connor having a nightmare about a Terminator catching up with her and her son and killing him. She awakes alongside a man who turns out to be her fiancé. This is enough for her to decide that it is time to move on. She and John move to a small town in New Mexico while her fiancé reports her missing and learns the shocking truth about her past; at least the official version about her being very dangerous. It isn't long before a Terminator does catch up with John; luckily for him 'Future John' has sent a reprogrammed Terminator to save him… none other than his new classmate Cameron Phillips. She helps them get away but now they have both a Terminator and FBI agent James Ellison on their trail. They end up in a bank vault in Los Angeles; luckily Cameron has a plan that will help them to escape to 2007.

This episode is a fine introduction to the series although if you have never seen the first two 'Terminator' films you might want a bit more exposition. The opening dream sequence was perhaps a little too cliché but when the story proper got underway things quickly got interesting. There is plenty of impressive action, obviously the violence has been toned down but not too much. We are quickly introduced to characters who are likely to be important in future episodes. Obviously Sarah and John Connor will be major characters; it also looks as though Cameron, Agent Ellison and possibly Sarah's fiancé Charley Dixon will be key players in the series to come. Lena Headey is rather good as Sarah Connor, it can't have been easy stepping into Linda Hamilton's shoes. Thomas Dekker makes a decent John Connor although as he is the most normal of the protagonists he doesn't yet have the depth of character of his mother. Summer Glau is great as Cameron making her almost human but still slightly robotic. Overall I'd recommend this to fans of the Terminator franchise.

Promising Beginning

[claudio_carvalho · 7/10 · 4 January 2009]

In 1999, Sarah Connor has been living with her son John and her boyfriend Charley Dixon in Oklahoma for six months. When Charley proposes her, Sarah feels that it is time to move and travels with John to Red Valley, New Mexico, leaving Charley without any notice but her engagement ring. Later, FBI Agent James Ellison meets Charley and discloses the classified files of Sarah Connor. The teenager Cameron Phillips befriends John in his new school, and he has a crush on the girl. However, when the Terminator Cromartie arrives in school to kill John, Cameron saves him and John finds that she is an android sent from the future to protect him. Sarah discovers that the project Skynet had proceeded after the death of Miles Dyson and she decides to find the creator of the powerful machines traveling to 2007 to protect her beloved son.

This "Pilot" of "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" has a promising beginning, supported by a charismatic cast leaded by the fantastic Lena Headley, great story with a good transition from 1999 after "Terminator 2: Judgement Day" to 2007, and magnificent special effects and make-up. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Piloto" ("Pilot")

A terrific start

[gridoon2024 · 8/10 · 2 August 2015]

Re-watching the first episode of this series now, just a few weeks after "Terminator:Genisys" has been released in theaters, it is striking how much better this is, despite working with a much smaller budget and without Arnold Schwarzenegger. Actually, Arnold's absence may have been beneficial to the show, as it removes the need for a Terminator one-liner every 2 minutes (the bad Terminator DOES get a great one-liner in this episode anyway: "Class dismissed!"). The actors are well-chosen for their roles, particularly Lena Headey, who almost rivals Linda Hamilton for the title of the best Sarah Connor, IMO. The pace is fast and relentless, the special effects are good, the story has surprises (the entire "security deposit box" sequence), and overall this pilot is faithful to the spirit of the original films while advancing them at the same time. It did make me want to see what's next. *** out of 4.

Terminator:The Sarah Connor Chronicles-Pilot

[Scarecrow-88 · 2 January 2011]

Come with me if you want to live.

Sarah and John(Lena Headey and Thomas Dekker) have continued to remain vagabonds moving from one place to another in order to remain a step ahead of any cybernetic killing machines sent back to kill the future leader of the resistance. A new cybernetic protector, Cameron(the action babe Summer Glau) is also sent to help Sarah and John ward off the killing machines which might threaten them. Meanwhile an FBI agent is out to catch Sarah for her supposed murder of a bright Skynet scientist responsible for the creation of the very killing machines John is to defeat. This opening episode for the short-lived series based on the TERMINATOR films introduces us to Sarah having to leave a man she loves, Charley(Dean Winters)who John considers a fine father figure, before settling down, encountering a T-1000 masquerading temporarily as a teacher, shooting up a classroom, before the chase ends up in a bank's security vault which contains a time-traveling mechanism. Sarah, John, and Cameron move forward from 1999 to 2007 where the real storyline for the television series will begin. Each episode progressively explores the difficulties for Sarah, trying to raise her son, while keeping him safe and making sure she keeps the future from falling to a Holocaust. John's trials in regards to a normal teenage life are also established with great importance. Glau, who I can't take my eyes off of, is pretty good at playing a mechanized being, her transition into high school life good for some laughs. A constant is Special agent Ellison's pursuit of the Connors, preferably Sarah who he blames for killing Cyberdine's creator, Miles. Some good action scenes especially when Glau engages in battles with T-1000 models as they go through windows and damage walls, not to mention, Headey looks damn good with a shot gun.

Bridging the Gap...

[Xstal · 9/10 · 8 August 2022]

A terminal connector to short out the gap, gets off to a flyer, is straight out the trap, there's plenty of spark, a clearly set arc, and curious characters, with plenty of zap.

Pilot of "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" is pretty good start of new series

[tavm · 7/10 · 15 January 2008]

It's 1999 and Sarah Connor (Lena Headey) has a nightmare that her teenage son, John (Thomas Dekker), gets killed and a terminator robot chokes her. She wakes up at this point in bed with her fiancée who is offering her a ring. Next day, she tells John they're moving. John is puzzled. At the new school, he meets a girl named Cameron (Summer Glau). Each tells about their parents which they both later reveal were lies. Both John and his mother figure out Cameron is an android from the future. It's in the new classroom that a new teacher is presiding. As he goes through the roll call, when he comes upon the name John 'Reese' and John raises his hand as that alias is called, the "teacher" (who's actually a cyborg) starts shooting, "wounding" Cameron and making John run through a window. When a truck violently backs into this teacher, the driver, Cameron, says those famous seven words, "Come with me if you want to live" to John as another Terminator adventure begins...Nice continuation of T2 (T3 being ignored at this point). Cool to see three cult actors (Headey from 300, Dekker from "Heroes", and especially Glau from "Firefly"/Serenity). All are pretty good, if not great, in their roles. Good sprinkling of action and humor throughout. Can't wait to see the next episode...

It actually was kinda OK

[eilidhmorris · 6/10 · 24 July 2007]

Now when I first heard about this, I was a little optimistic. I've been lucky enough to see the Pilot of the show and I was left wanting more. The story fits in perfectly, we pick up with Sarah and John on the run from the authorities ( See T2 for details). Not gonna give too much away, so i'll stop right there. But one thing I will say is that don't go into this expecting much. The makers of the show have tried really hard and what visual and special effects I saw, I was rather impressed, especially when we see the infamous Time Displacement Unit being used. (I won't say why or how).

Now, I absolutely love the first 2 movies, and I'm still warming to the 3rd, I urge you to give this show a chance. It could be the stepping stone to Terminator 4. The acting is good, the effects are good and the story makes sense. Theirs nothing to lose really.

Hope this helps anyway.

Decent cast and great protagonists but stereotyped secondary characters, some rotten cheesy scenes, good visual effects, intriguing and twisted but predictable story

[igoatabase · 6/10 · 1 July 2010]

I recently found a F* word parody of the show funny enough to check out its pilot. So far I had decided to ignore it even if I'm a fan of the Terminator franchise. Indeed I thought the cast wasn't convincing enough and worried that the story would turn into a bad episodic B-production. Now that I've seen it I'm not disappointed that I changed my mind because it was an entertaining popcorn experience. Indeed even if it's not as dark and fascinating as the first two films there were plenty of elements to appeal the demanding viewer.

First even if I still think the cast is questionable at least it definitely has potential. I found the mother and son relationship between Sarah and John Connor quite inspiring, as much as in Judgment Day. However Lena Headey is no Linda Hamilton and she almost looks like a fragile model. But of course you can't be objective when comparing anyone to such an icon like Hamilton. She was so strong and charismatic in her role ! Headey is too beautiful and obviously trained mentally for the role because her attitude is fierce but she's not physically convincing. As for Thomas Dekker I found his portrayal of John less annoying than the pesky actor from Terminator 2 but it didn't prevent him from growing on me so I have no doubt the same should happen with Dekker. In fact the process can only be smoothed thanks to the third member of the gang : Cameron. She's a pretty young woman played by Summer Glau who gets caught in the whole Connor maelstrom. As expected her performance was good and there was something quite enigmatic about her behavior.

As for the other characters we have the usual agent obsessed to catch his prey. The first scene he was featured in was obviously staged to make us hate him and I found such a technique pathetic. What a lazy way to develop him ! Why didn't they decide to leave it to the audience ? An other issue was the Terminator. You should really miss Arnold Schwarzenegger and Robert Patrick ! The actor's primal appearance was ridiculous and his only line just plain dumb. Let's also not forget his brainless attitude towards the authorities ! The visual effects were alright but the action wasn't well choreographed and it was nothing like in Terminator 2 where the T-1000 was just mind blowing and scary. So don't expect to jaw drop before it. However it wasn't a complete disaster because our three heroes saved the day and helped to forget about these annoying and silly decisions. Seriously what were they thinking ? Some scenes are as different as night and day.

One thing I really enjoyed was the obvious references to the previous installments. From the road trip with Sarah's voice off at the beginning to the numerous elements directly borrowed from T2 the long time fans can only applaud. Some might think that it's a lazy way to exploit a franchise but I consider it was a smart move because it binded the show to the cult films we all know and love. Of course some twists were obvious and the action was quite predictable in general but it should be intense enough to captivate you until the end. And the good thing is that it's actually only the beginning of their epic journey because the story was exciting at times and what happened at the end should intrigue you enough to make you want for more. But I really hope the cheesy Terminator won't be back ! However let's not forget that Brian Austin Green is featured from the third episode and considering how his performance as John Corben was astonishing in Smallville's Metallo it should be the only excuse you need to become a chronicler. More wounded flesh and sexy bones ! More shiny metal and twinkling red eyes !

The Usual Old Terminator Thing

[Littleman95 · 7/10 · 6 January 2021]

Plot: the usual plot from the good old Terminators. There is a thing that messed up a little with the time line of the franchise but I'll see if it will be somehow fixed. I can't get John's age. He seems quite adult but he has a child behavior. It's weird. I'm wondering why, with all these proofs and witnesses, the police and also the FBI still does not believe Sarah Connor's story about the machines. I really can't get it. Is too absurd.

Actress and Actors & Acting: not really high quality. I feel Schwarzy's lack. And not just him. All these new actors and actress makes it a little weird. At least the actress here are quite good (better than the actors, sincerely).

Soundtrack: very good!

Visual Effects: good, for 2008 year.

Conclusion: if you liked the original trilogy with all of its shooting and explosions I guess you can appreciate this beginning but do not expect more. Of course this is just the first episode, so I'll make a better review at the end o the seasons and the show (if I'll watch it all).

More of the same !

[elshikh4 · 5/10 · 18 March 2023]

Here's what I wrote on 30 April 2009, right after watching this pilot:

This managed to give me a fit of rage!

First off, rise and shine everybody, the story died in Hollywood, or rather the producers became that idiot to kill it anyway. I believe that every age has its own unique writers and writing, but it seems that this age's producers aren't unique, or even close. Look at today's movies; they're nothing but based on older movies, TV shows, comics, video games, or sequels, prequels, spin-offs, reboots, and even midquels (Yes, there are things named midquels now!). But to have the same problem in TV as well?! I mean if all the world's men have become with mustaches, it's fine with me, but all the women too? It's horrific! WHERE ARE THE ORIGINAL IDEAS??!! Sure they're out there, waiting for the production companies to make them, but apparently these companies don't give a hoot!

Writer / director (James Cameron) made once 2 movies; (The Terminator - 1984), and (Terminator 2: Judgment Day - 1991). I'm not a fan, however I have to admit that they were big hits, and considered classic sci-fi action. But when their lead (Arnold Schwarzenegger) made many flops later, he decided to do what all of Hollywood stars use to do whenever their careers goes wrong; a come back to their hit role. The third movie, (Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines - 2003), wasn't that great, toying with the 2 previous movies' story (about the GONE-TOO-BORING END OF THE WORLD!), let alone that it nearly remade the second one yet with a female super stalker. I go through this history lecture simply to assure that: 1) They returned to the old story, 12 years after the second movie, because "the name got fame". 2) They did nothing but repeating this second one! 3) There was an intention to exploit the name through next movies and - why not - TV shows too. Ok, my only comment is: Grrrrrrrrrrrr!!

Despite that part of me was happy to have the chance of watching a new (Hmmm!) action show, and despite the fast-paced, hot-colored persona of it, (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles) pilot is dull and un-enjoyable exploitation. Though it's not totally pointless, since it's made for one unmistakable purpose: The Cash.. namely the god of most of the producers!

Clearly this is the practical definition of bankruptcy. After the super stalker was a man in the first movie, he became the super helper in the second one. And after the super stalker was a woman in the third movie, the super helper became a woman in the TV show. See, it's an easy game of changing cards, where "Come with me if you wanna live" is what the produces say to their poor writers! Ironically, recreating the good terminator as a girl, and naming her (Cameron) - obviously to honor (James Cameron) - could be the first and last original things here!

To make matters worse, from all the plots in the world they selected "good guys on the run" aka (The Fugitive - 1963) good old formula, which was recycled many times along the years, just remember: (The A-Team - 1983), (Hot Pursuit - 1984), (P. S. I. Luv U - 1991), (Vanishing Son - 1995), (18 Wheels of Justice - 2000), or even (Renegade - 1992). The thing is, this round, it's not an old plot only; IT'S AN OLD STORY TOO!

While some fans were mad because the script ignored part 3 completely, I was more mad because of a very logical question: Is the future Skynet that dumb?! Because if all that is needed is getting rid of tomorrow's leader John Connor, then why doesn't it send a machine to older time to get rid of him early?! Or get rid of his mother while she was pregnant? Or get rid of his father? His grandfather? Or (James Cameron) as the original responsible for all of this drivel in the first place?!!

Add to that, (Lena Headey) as (Sarah Connor) dreams of herself in a miniskirt?! Has long kisses with her boyfriend. And (Summer Glau) as (Cameron) is supposedly naked in more than one scene?? As if it all became about gathering elements of sex and violence, through pretty old story and plot, to fill the channels' air with more air, or dirty air for that matter, which is repugnant before being pathetic!

To be objective, I liked: Lines like "I'll make pancakes" and "class dismissed", and where they were being said. (Headey) and (Glau) charisma. The decent visual effects. And the moment in which (Cameron) somehow makes a connection between playing a role in saving people, and having friends. You're not a weirdo when you help people out.. nice message indeed.

Finally, some messages from my side. To the one who came up with this show's idea: You're evil! To the producers that don't care about new or different ideas: You're worse than evil! To my fellows, the miserable viewers: Hang on folks, nothing goes forever! To the director: How come that (Sara)'s house has a bullet-proof chair?! And to the writers: Why not making it as a comedic cartoon series, naming it "100 ways to not kill John Connor"?! It would work better this way!

Who knows? It may turn into the best TV show ever! But according to the idea itself, I'm not enthusiastic, seeing that it's not The Sarah Connor Chronicles; it's The American TV Bankruptcy Chronicle!

.. Even the pilot episode is entitled "pilot"!