bop_radar: Boppy default (Default)
bop_radar ([personal profile] bop_radar) wrote2008-03-10 08:57 pm

The Sarah Connor Chronicles

So it turns out they're good. Huh.

I've just finished watching episode 7 and I'm definitely hooked. They're not flawless, for sure, but the show's entertaining anyway. It's pacy, exciting and suspenseful and the leads are all strong. I'm really impressed by the casting--there's no-one that sits uncomfortably for me. Sarah's got a hard edge and understated watchfulness about her that is really powerful. John's emotive without being whiny or too OTT-teenagery. And Summer Glau is perfectly cast as Cameron. This is the best role I've seen her in to date. She was great in Serenity, but that film left me wanting to see more of her as an action hero--and The Sarah Connor Chronicles are really delivering. I even like the casting of the support cast so far.

Cameron's definitely the character I'm most hooked into and most fascinated by, but I find Sarah a very effective lead in terms of carrying the narrative. And I like John--especially when we get to see the glimmers of the person he will become, as well as the frustration he currently feels with being held back from that. But it's Cameron who I really enjoy the most. I love all the little touches like how rigidly she moves and how she says 'thank you for explaining'. I guess I've always had a soft spot for freaky robot chicks. *thinks of Seven of Nine*

I really didn't think this show would be any good! Can you tell I'm still recovering from the shock? I think Bionic Woman scarred me badly and I expected it to be sexist and badly written. It's actually powerfully, organically feminist, while also being entertaining action viewing. And I'm finding that the season is developing more and more. Yay!

And yes, yes, I could have listened to half my f'list and watched this a lot earlier, but you guys also like Torchwood and Supernatural! You are COMPLETELY UNRELIABLE! :p
ext_9263: (nonfandom it's like the future)

[identity profile] kristiinthedark.livejournal.com 2008-03-10 11:57 am (UTC)(link)
Okay. You have convinced me! Actually, I was going to watch this anyway, but now I feel more motivated to watch it sooner, rather than later. :D

[identity profile] bop-radar.livejournal.com 2008-03-10 10:53 pm (UTC)(link)
It's really good! *blinks* There's lots of women kicking ass in it. :D

[identity profile] counteragent.livejournal.com 2008-03-10 01:34 pm (UTC)(link)
but you guys also like Torchwood and Supernatural! You are COMPLETELY UNRELIABLE!

Heeeeeee. Exactly. *agrees, but with love for my flist*
Edited 2008-03-10 13:36 (UTC)

[identity profile] bop-radar.livejournal.com 2008-03-10 10:55 pm (UTC)(link)
I have buckets of love for my f'list, but their taste is dodgy at best. ;)

[identity profile] bzoppa.livejournal.com 2008-03-10 01:50 pm (UTC)(link)
What's "OTT-teenagery"?

I'm thinking of getting back into tv again soon. The summer's coming up and I can catch up on everything I missed since I'm taking the season off league darts (which frees up at least two nights).

I also did not like Torchwood. I got about 7 episodes in and thought it was awful. Supernatural turned me off near the end of the second season. Ironically, the last ep I watched I really liked—but I just didn't care about the characters or story anymore. I got myself completely spoiled in terms of S2 ending, and couldn't care less if the characters fix things or not.

[identity profile] bop-radar.livejournal.com 2008-03-10 10:57 pm (UTC)(link)
OTT-teenagery
Being a total selfish brat, I'd say, in a whiny emo annoying way. :)

I got about 7 episodes in and thought it was awful.
You lasted waaaaaay longer than me. One episode and I was clutching my ears in horror while simultaneously trying to cover my eyes. Required way too much coordination. :p

Supernatural turned me off near the end of the second season
Again, you lasted a lot longer than I did. With that show I think the entire aesthetic, premise and world all fell completely flat with me.

[identity profile] katiebugs18.livejournal.com 2008-03-10 01:58 pm (UTC)(link)
I can't remember which episode was ep. 7 so I'll be very general. I've watched the entire series and I really enjoyed it which surprised me because I didn't expect to.

Lena Headey just kicks so much ass and she gives a very interesting performance as Sarah. I like that she's hard and cold and ruthless because she knows it's how she has to be to survive and save John but it's obvious she's not exactly comfortable being that way; that she has reservations about her actions and what she's becoming. It's such a relief to see a strong woman played with so many layers. "Organically feminist" is the perfect description.

I completely agree with your comments about John. They could have gone the easy route and made his another stereotypical "rebellious" snot nosed teenager but they didn't and I really appreciate that.

And Cameron is just so interesting. Wait till you get further along, there's this ending to one episode...really great.

And leave 'Torchwood' alone. It's wonderfully campy and all kinds of silly fun. How can you not absolutely love and adore Captain Jack?

[identity profile] bop-radar.livejournal.com 2008-03-11 01:54 am (UTC)(link)
It's lovely when you get a surprise with a show, isn't it?!

she gives a very interesting performance as Sarah. I like that she's hard and cold and ruthless because she knows it's how she has to be to survive and save John but it's obvious she's not exactly comfortable being that way; that she has reservations about her actions and what she's becoming. It's such a relief to see a strong woman played with so many layers.
Yeah, it's a great performance. She's got a steely centre without being inhuman, and you're right about it being a relief to see a female character with layers. I think the one thing holding me back from totally fangirling her isn't actually her fault: it's the dark areas that her character has to get into due to who she is and what's at stake.

there's this ending to one episode...really great.
Oh! I think I might have just seen that. :)

How can you not absolutely love and adore Captain Jack?
I'd better not answer that for fear of ostricising myself from fandom. ;)

[identity profile] katiebugs18.livejournal.com 2008-03-11 08:38 pm (UTC)(link)
I'd better not answer that for fear of ostricising myself from fandom. ;)

I'd blow raspberries at you but hey, we all have our quirks. :-)

[identity profile] mahaliem.livejournal.com 2008-03-10 02:11 pm (UTC)(link)
I love it, too! I love it to the point where I think I might write fic for it.

[identity profile] bop-radar.livejournal.com 2008-03-11 01:56 am (UTC)(link)
Oh! Oh! That is very exciting. :D I would love it if you wrote fic for this show.

[identity profile] asta77.livejournal.com 2008-03-10 02:26 pm (UTC)(link)
I hate Torchwood! ;)

Agree with everything you said about TSCC. Cameron is, by far, my favorite character. And I think I saw more than one critic say this is what Bionic Woman should have been.

[identity profile] bop-radar.livejournal.com 2008-03-11 01:58 am (UTC)(link)
Yay! I should have known it was safe since you liked it. ;)
Cameron's just such an exciting, fascinating character! And it totally puts BW to shame.

[identity profile] norwich36.livejournal.com 2008-03-10 02:48 pm (UTC)(link)
I am waiting to see if SCC gets renewed before watching--I'm so tired of getting burned by falling in love with cancelled shows.

[identity profile] bop-radar.livejournal.com 2008-03-11 01:59 am (UTC)(link)
Ah yes... I can see how one would get cautious after a while. ;) I hope it gets renewed--I want more! The story seems to be strengthening and deepening.

[identity profile] 3gomez.livejournal.com 2008-03-10 03:25 pm (UTC)(link)
I have only seen the first five episodes of TSCC(mostly due to curiosity) and it turned out to be rather good.Cameron is the one who intrigued me the most so far...John's character is also interesting(because we know who he is going to be in the future,like you said).
Lena Headey as the lead is of course no Linda Hamilton,but she is solid,I suppose.Overall,a decent effort to make a series out of the "Terminator" saga.I hope it gets renewed,the production deserves the chance of one full season at least.

Bionic Woman?I don't remember that show(my brain blocks away ugly memories).

And now I run away from this journal,cause I too used to watch Supernatural until some time during Season 2... *shame on me?*

[identity profile] bop-radar.livejournal.com 2008-03-11 02:06 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah, I really hope they get another season--it seems like they're just hitting their stride now.

And don't worry, it seems like everyone watches SPN. I'm just being cheeky. ;)

[identity profile] proggrrl.livejournal.com 2008-03-10 04:23 pm (UTC)(link)
Haaaaaay, what's wrong with TW?! OK, nevermind.

Glad you caught up with TSCC, I'm enjoying it too, and definitely share the common view that this is what BW could have been. Sigh.

Glaubot is the best! Also, showrunner/fearless leader Josh Friedman has a very Large Sexy Brain...(unlike the BW folks, sorry!)

[identity profile] bop-radar.livejournal.com 2008-03-11 02:07 am (UTC)(link)
Haaaaaay, what's wrong with TW?! OK, nevermind.
Heh heh heh. :) I can accept that many of my friends like it... I just can't join them. *g*

Also, showrunner/fearless leader Josh Friedman has a very Large Sexy Brain...(unlike the BW folks, sorry!)
Hahaha, I can believe that, having seen both shows. :) It's fun to have a new show to fangirl!

[identity profile] deaver.livejournal.com 2008-03-10 05:34 pm (UTC)(link)
And yes, yes, I could have listened to half my f'list and watched this a lot earlier, but you guys also like Torchwood and Supernatural! You are COMPLETELY UNRELIABLE! :p

Ahahaha. My four current favorite shows (as BSG is still missing *sniffle*) are, in no particular order: Torchwood, Supernatural, Terminator:The Sarah Connor Chronicles, and Eli Stone. Talk about having no taste whatsoever!! *squishes you*

[identity profile] bop-radar.livejournal.com 2008-03-11 02:09 am (UTC)(link)
Heeeee. I heart your 'no taste'. Sometimes I feel lonely not being into TW or SPN, but then it passes in an instant and I go back to feeling just mystified again. ;)

I don't know Eli Stone at all, but I'd say Terminator's a cut above the others. Clearly I am biased, but I don't care. :D
ext_1890: (Default)

[identity profile] svmadelyn.livejournal.com 2008-03-10 05:34 pm (UTC)(link)
*giggles* You should come join [livejournal.com profile] schronicles if you're interested! We're having a Flash Fiction/Art Challenge. *dangles*

[identity profile] bop-radar.livejournal.com 2008-03-11 02:10 am (UTC)(link)
Done! :) It is very exciting to have a new show.
ext_9390: My Phoebers! :D  (Smallville: Hee (Clois))

[identity profile] chickadilly.livejournal.com 2008-03-10 06:28 pm (UTC)(link)
And yes, yes, I could have listened to half my f'list and watched this a lot earlier, but you guys also like Torchwood and Supernatural! You are COMPLETELY UNRELIABLE! :p


HEEE!!! *fangirls you* I thought I was the only one who couldn't get into these shows! :D

[identity profile] bop-radar.livejournal.com 2008-03-11 02:11 am (UTC)(link)
Ha, not at all! But we usually hide in fear of our (fannish) lives. ;p I love my f'list, but sometimes I'm baffled by their taste.

[identity profile] dramaticgrl.livejournal.com 2008-03-10 07:55 pm (UTC)(link)
I really like T:SCC and Cameron is also my favorite. I can't remember what episode 7 was, so I won't say anything specific about the show because I would hate to slip up and accidently spoil you about anything.

I really hope this show gets renewed for a second season because it has some serious potential.

[identity profile] bop-radar.livejournal.com 2008-03-11 02:12 am (UTC)(link)
Thanks for the discretion. :) I'm going to be all caught up in no timme, I promise!

I feel like the show's growing and growing, so yeah, it would be good to see it get a solid chance to develop.

[identity profile] jude-judith82.livejournal.com 2008-03-10 10:24 pm (UTC)(link)
So you've joined the bandwagon huh? I was actually quite surprised how much I enjoyed that show. I was hooked.
They're not flawless, for sure, but the show's entertaining anyway. It's pacy, exciting and suspenseful and the leads are all strong.
Umm exactly.
I could have listened to half my f'list and watched this a lot earlier, but you guys also like Torchwood and Supernatural! You are COMPLETELY UNRELIABLE!

HEY! LOL.
Oh and a completely random note. I was rereading your Smallville essays and besides the very awesome Seven Basic Plots ,I totally want to pick up that book by the way, I came across one I hadn't read before about the maternal forces in Lex Luthor's life. Ok and I'm dying for an update now ;-)

Edited 2008-03-10 22:24 (UTC)

[identity profile] bop-radar.livejournal.com 2008-03-11 02:14 am (UTC)(link)
Yup, bandwagon? Check!

one I hadn't read before about the maternal forces in Lex Luthor's life. Ok and I'm dying for an update now ;-)
Oh! Yes, that is due for a revisit, lol. Glad you enjoyed it!

[identity profile] smact46.livejournal.com 2008-03-10 11:49 pm (UTC)(link)
I've watched a couple of eps and thought it looked interesting. I agree with you that Cameron is by far and away the most interseting character for me. I am not so sure about Lena Heady in the role of Sarah though. Something just doesn't sit right with me. I do plan on watching the whole thing through though at the conclusion of the season.

I am currently in the middle of an X-files rewatch (which is quite ambitious!!)in preparation for the movie sequel. It has actually been really enjoyable to go right back to the beginning and track the progress of mulder and scully throughout the seasons. This has helped somewhat with my BSG deprivation. Counting down to April now......

[identity profile] bop-radar.livejournal.com 2008-03-11 02:19 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah, Cameron's my 'hook' into the show, for sure. But I really like Lena Heady so far. It didn't take me too long to get past her fragile body frame since emotionally I think her performance really delivers in terms of strength and 'badass'-ness. ;)

An X-Files rewatch is DEFinitely ambitious! Wow! Can you fit that in before April?!

April is sooooooon now. :D :D :D

[identity profile] serenography.livejournal.com 2008-03-11 04:39 am (UTC)(link)
I watched the premier ep and was only slightly intrigued. I did see the one recently where Cameron did the ballet classes. I'm a big Firefly/Serenity fan, so I do enjoy watching Summer Glau, but I'm not sure I like her enough to watch this show regularly. You recommendation does carry a lot of weight though - although, I'm so behind now and I HATE not knowing what's going on with a show.

And I have to plug SPN as one show that has gotten better and better with each season. Maybe you should give it another chance? *pokes*

[identity profile] bop-radar.livejournal.com 2008-03-11 05:17 am (UTC)(link)
I was pretty instantly hooked, so I'm not sure if it would improve for you. I just found it so much more entertaining than a lot of recent shows--I didn't find myself fidgeting or starting to multitask while watching it.

I did try SPN again at the start of Season 2, but it quickly sent me scurrying back into my corner squealing in horror. I fear it's just really not 'for me'. ;)

[identity profile] beck-liz.livejournal.com 2008-03-13 03:03 pm (UTC)(link)
I've just finished watching episode 7 and I'm definitely hooked.

YAY! And I'm thinking you may have had a chance to see the last two episodes by now, so by now you should know just how awesome it all is. *twirls*

I think Bionic Woman scarred me badly and I expected it to be sexist and badly written.

Oh, god. Bionic Woman was so scarring. The horrible thing is that I worry that the idiot network hacks will think that BW failed merely because the protagonist was a woman, and not because the lead actress was boring and the show poorly written. *fears*

And yes, yes, I could have listened to half my f'list and watched this a lot earlier, but you guys also like Torchwood and Supernatural! You are COMPLETELY UNRELIABLE!

HEY!!!! *sniff* Well, y'all watch a lot of weird stuff I wouldn't touch with a ten-foot pole, too. Hmph.

[identity profile] bop-radar.livejournal.com 2008-03-13 09:10 pm (UTC)(link)
Ohhh, cool icon! And I have indeed seen the final two eps now. :) It gets better and better! But 'splodey Cameron made me angsty! I want her back together again stat!

I worry that the idiot network hacks will think that BW failed merely because the protagonist was a woman, and not because the lead actress was boring and the show poorly written. *fears*
That is something to be deeply feared, indeed. *nods* That show was so abysmal. Thank goodness for T:SCC restoring my faith.

Well, y'all watch a lot of weird stuff I wouldn't touch with a ten-foot pole, too. Hmph.
:) Sure do! *giggle* I love my f'list. I just don't always agree with them. ;)

[identity profile] katefinn.livejournal.com 2008-07-06 01:00 am (UTC)(link)
Oh dear! I'm so happy tohave run into your TSCC posts! I just recently discovered the show and I had so much watching the 1st season.

I really didn't think this show would be any good! Can you tell I'm still recovering from the shock? I think Bionic Woman scarred me badly and I expected it to be sexist and badly written. It's actually powerfully, organically feminist, while also being entertaining action viewing.
I know! It's so good to be able to watch something where girls can kick ass (Sarah Connor transformed the hospital where she was in in a Swis cheese.Gotta respect that!) and relate to them, as they are still real. Even if one of them is a robot.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to season 2 and your considerations about it!

[identity profile] bop-radar.livejournal.com 2008-07-06 02:01 am (UTC)(link)
Me too! Me too! I discovered it late and it's probably No.1 on the list of shows I hope to write more about in due course... ;) It was such a refreshing discovery and it seems like the plotting is getting better and better--I can't wait to see where they take it! (I need a Cameron icon!)