Wednesday, January 16th, 2008
06:00 The Shield
08:00 The Sarah Connor Chronicles
09:00 The Sarah Connor Chronicles
The Shield. Season 3, Episode 12. Except for a few scenes this could be an episode from any standard gritty cop show. Vic and the team go after a known killer, he's ready for them and two children are shot in the crossfire. After that they must fight not only the criminals, but the Korean community also. Watching the Strike Force pull out all the stops to get the bad guy makes for great television, so even if The Shield was just this and noting more it would still be a great show to watch.
But The Shield is much more than a standard gritty cop show. And in the midst of all this action, Vic and the team see their plans to frame someone else for their crimes start to bar fruit. Vic's having troubles at home and he asks the guys if he can use some of the stolen money to look after his kids medical needs. Watching the team stuggle with this decision is some of the most rivetting drama to be found anywhere. An amazing cast.
The Sarah Connor Chronicles. Episode 1. I hate the dream sequence at the start. I know that you need it, to clue new viewers in to what this franchise is all about, but I really hate dream sequences. Never mind. This pilot is the second best of the 2007. It never stops moving, and it never puts a foot wrong. Dean Winters is a superb addition to the cast and bring an edge to the role that wasn't there before.
The Sarah Connor Chronicles. Episode 2. Building a sci-fi action series around a mother's fierce love for her son is a stroke of genius. It means you can tell any story from such a solid foundation. And the series is off to a stunning start with this outing. Lena Headey and Summer Glau are two of most beautiful women now appearing on television and each of them brings phenomenal depth and strength to her role. This episode sidelines John somewhat (but - hopefully - the fantastic Thomas Dekker will get a chance to shine in later episodes) and the focus is very much on Sarah and Cameron (I love the "Tin Man" nickname, I hope is sticks) as they set about creating a cover for the trio in 2007. The show has some exciting actions scenes, great character work, a couple of nice twists in the story and - most of all - some reminders that the engine driving this series is a mother's fierce love for her son. It's primal. It's beautiful. This is a great new series.
There are many, many touches I love. The fact that John goes to visit Sarah's ex. ( Perhaps seeking out a father-figure?) The fact that the FBI agent on their tail seems suddenly open to Sarah's odd story. The fact that the the Terminator from 1999 finds a way to come after them. The fact that Cameron has free will. But, most of all, I love the cancer storyline for Sarah. Headey is exceptional with this material. She brings strength and vulnerabilty to the role and it's such a pleasure to watch her work.
I'm so in love with this series that it's not even funny.
The Shield, The Sarah Connor Chronicles
