The Sarah Connor Chronicles, FOX, Airs Monday 8/7c

Episode: “Allison from Palmdale” (Season Two, Episode 4)

Synopsis: Another programming glitch sends Cameron (Summer Glau) on a cyber-psychotic bender. She ends up arrested and goes home with another street kid. John (Thomas Dekker) tracks her down, and we learn more about this Terminator model’s history. Meanwhile, Agent Ellison (Richard T. Jones) solidifies his relationship with the Garbage Terminator (Shirley Manson).

Review: I found myself in a love/hate relationship with this episode. Let’s break this down that way, shall we?…

What I hated – The plotting of this show has broken down a bit. With Cameron’s memory glitch from a few weeks back, we’re already rehashing old plot points and it’s only the beginning of the second season. Other television series have mastered the multi-episode storyline, but The Sarah Connor Chronicles still fall into the 80s-era trap of being too episodic.

As this particular episode goes, the characters are still rather weak – with the exception of Cameron herself. Sarah is tied up in the silly storyline of her pregnant landlady. John continues to act like a douche and not a future warrior. And no one seems to question why Cameron, thinking she is Allison from Palmdale, has super strength.

What I loved – Although the amnesiatic storyline is a bit tired, the flashbacks to Cameron’s history is extremely interesting. It hints at a greater level of meddling and interconnectivity between the humans and the Terminators. This also brings to light the conflicted, powerfully violent character that Cameron can be.

And finally, I like where the Agent Ellison/Garbage Terminator relationship is going. Ellison could prove to be very interesting if he goes down the right path.

Up Next Week: John and Derek must protect a man who will become a leader in the resistance. Meanwhile, Agent Ellison gets his first assignment from the Garbage Terminator.

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Did you watch The Sarah Connor Chroniclesthis week? If so, feel free to discuss below.