The Pullbox

TERMINATOR: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
Episode 2.08 – “Mr. Ferguson Is Ill Today”

Written by: Daniel Thomsen
Directed by: Michael Nankin

I’ve made it no mystery that this is one of my favorite shows. I’ve also made it clear that I think its incredibly under-rated. Most people out there aren’t aware this show even exists. And some people who are aware of it, haven’t watched it because Terminator 3left a bad taste in their mouths. They doubt the TV show could be any good. This show is incredibly well written and stars some of the best actors on television, beginning with Thomas Dekker and going all the way down the list to include Richard T. Jones, Lena Headey, Summer Glau and the biggest surprise; Bryan Austen Green.

This episode proves to any and all nay-sayers, that this show is top-notch. A quality program that deserves your time and attention. This week’s episode was the best episode yet. Joining other great episodes like The Pilot, Dungeons and Dragons, The Demon Hand, and Samson & Delilah. If you’re still on the fence about watching this show, please, wait no longer. Pick up Season 1 on DVD. Its cheap and short. You’ll fly by those first 9 episodes and you’ll be craving more. Then, jump on FOX.COM and watch the first 8 Episodes of this season, so you can start catching the new ones every Monday. You’re missing out big time.

After the jump, you’ll find my spoiler filled review. Please, do not read this one if you haven’t seen the episode or plan on catching up on the show, as the events of this episode are pretty huge and are a major spoiler to the rest of the first two seasons.

- SPOILER ALERT -

This episode used one of my favorite story telling methods. Non-Linear story telling is something I fell in love with when Seinfeld first did that backwards episode. Christopher Nolan then made it famous with Memento. Its been played with and tweaked since then to not just work in reverse. Now its used to jump and and forth in the time-line of a story, to tell the events of the story from different points of view. Smallville even used this in an episode back in Season 6.

This episode of Terminator:SCC is told from different points of view. We get Sarah’s Story, John’s Story, Cameron’s Story, Derek’s Story, Ellison’s Story and Cromartie’s Story. It was written brilliantly and the stories each lined up so well and were each as interesting as the others.

Cameron had an interesting scene with John. She wanted to convince him not to see Riley anymore. Well, she’s a robot, but she’s a female and knows she’s a hot one. She knows she can use that so she enters John’s room, pretty scantily clad, and lays in bed with him, very close to him. She talks to him in a way I don’t think I’ve seen her talk to him before. She sounded genuine and honest, despite the fact she was manipulating him. Its a side of her that worries me. I feel like she’s been coming through for the Connors lately, but the fact that she’s capable of such deceit and manipulation, makes me worry that maybe we can’t trust her fully yet. She doesn’t seem to be malfunctioning anymore. Not since “Allison from Palmdale,” but now she’s just shady on her own.

John does what dumb teenage kids with raging hormones do. He ran off with Riley. But he’s gotta go the extra mile and go all the way to Mexico. Far away from the Connors and any help. Derek is right. He’s been too careless lately. Riley’s a distraction and John’s not acting like John Connor should act. He gets recognized, which means that Riley has now heard the name “John Connor.” That’s going to be a problem. Then there’s the jailbreak and the gun fight.

Cromartie gets confirmation of the correct house from the very kid Sarah allowed to live in last week’s episode. He breaks in, and takes Sarah. He intercepts a distress call from John and heads to Mexico to track him down. It was cool to see the look on John’s face when he called Sarah, entered the new code, and he didn’t get the correct response to the code. It was also very cool to hear Cromartie mention that Cameron hasn’t been careful. He knows she must be damaged. One thing I found interesting is that Cromartie drives with music playing. why would a Terminator listen to music?

Ellison had a front and center position in this episode, which I love. Nice to have him back in such a strong way. He came to John’s rescue and managed to get him away from Cromartie. I really enjoyed the way he covered for John with the authorities. And the Jailer mentioning that John Connor would be 24 years old by now, if he wasn’t already dead, was a great nod to the time jump in the Pilot Episode. Ellison’s interaction with Sarah was especially cool. I’ve been looking forward to these two exchanging words for a long time. Sarah’s scene where she destroys the chip and loses control was as moving as any Thomas Dekker has delivered. Lena Headey’s been holding back this season. Its so rewarding to see her get to flex those acting muscles and show us all what she’s made of.

The Mexico gunfights reminded me of Robert Rodriguez’s Mexico series (El Mariachi, Desperado, and Once Upon A Time in Mexico.) Not just because it took place in Mexico, but the shooting styles were very similar. And the use of slow motion for the dramatic effect, and the religious undertones/homages are present in both. Cromarties final moments are spent in a very Christ-like position.

Riley and John’s relationship is growing into something I really enjoy seeing. I like it that he has somebody that keeps him young and happy. And I like the way she interacts with him. But I also know its something that can’t last much longer. She keeps getting closer and closer to danger.

Cameron’s line of “I can’t let anything happen to him,” was oddly unexpected. Yes, she’s programmed to protect him, but even that has been called into question more than once. And the way she said it, again, sounded so genuine and honest. She said it with real feeling and emotion behind it. Such a simple line said so much about her and how she feels about her situation.

The final gun fight with Cromartie and the Connors was spectacular. Seeing Sarah in her element, shooting it up like the hardcore fighter she is, and seeing Derek help out as well with his skills from the War. Not to mention Cameron coming in and blowing a hole in his head worthy of any Terminator Movie. Top it off with John delivering the final shot. It was all just amazingly shot. Its a shame Cromartie’s gone for good. He was a great addition to the cast. But it was time for him to go and his departure was a fitting one. Now we’re left with Weaver being the only Terminator as a show regular.

I’m curious to see if she’ll become the one chasing John now, or if another T-888 will be brought in. In my opinion, Weaver works best doing what she’s doing, not chasing John.

This episode was incredible. I can’t wait to see what’s coming next.

The A-Train’s “Mr. Ferguson is Ill Today” Rating: 5 out of 5 Dead T-888s.