The Writers’ Strike Chronicles: My Story of Coping (so far . . . )

So as anyone who owns a television set (analog or digital . . . hopefully digital so you don’t have to go through the trouble of buying a subsidized converter in February 2009) should be aware of, there’s a huge writers’ strike that is currently the pain in everyone’s ass. I’m not going to tell you what the recent developments are, nor am I going to tell you who has crossed the picket line, or what the writers actually demand—you can get that information elsewhere—I just want to tell you that the viewers, myself included, are the ones who are suffering. I cannot take another reality show! No matter how provocative it is or how many celebrities are paid to host it. I have literally lost my livelihood . . . [if there was a devastated emoticon, it would go right here].
So maybe I’m being a little melodramatic, but you have to agree that recently you also find yourself thinking, “Why isn’t there anything scripted to watch tonight?!” What makes matters worse is the fact that my viewing spectrum is already limited due to the fact that I’m one of the few people who still don’t subscribe to a cable or satellite provider (hence, the previous “analog or digital” comment). The situation has gotten so bad that I actually have time to do things like homework and writing this entry right now. With the regulars on hiatus or a one episode per month status (unconfirmed), I’m forced to watch some new shows.

This week, I picked up FOX’s Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and I’d have to say, it’s not all that bad. I mean, usually a series that is based off of a movie does not turn out that well, I would like to reference NBC’s lackluster Friday Night Lights. Lena Headey, of 300 fame, is great as a more attractive Sarah Connor prototype that still maintains a certain ruggedness as seen when she mounts a motorcycle in the premiere. As many who are tempted to overact when they have to revive a role, Headey avoids this mistake, creating a Sarah Connor that is maternal, independent, and badass. Yet no matter how great a mother she plays, her on-screen son does not exemplify the same acting qualities. Thomas Dekker (who plays that healer kid from that episode of House M.D.) is adequate, but not exceptional as a young John Connor thrown into the midst of an impending apocalypse. But he’s young; he’ll grow into the role if FOX doesn’t end up scrapping it from next season’s lineup. Besides, he has some nice eye candy to gawk at . . . the Asian-looking Terminator-model that is supposed to protect him played by Summer Glau (better known as River from Firefly and Serenity). She’s no Arnold Schwarzenegger, but that’s fine…it’s not like she has to do any major acting, but rather, acting to not act (whatnot being a robot and all). Overall, Terminator is a good new show to keep an eye on. Great special effects, suspenseful, and equally nostalgic . . . any true Terminator fan (if there are any left) should tune in Mondays on FOX after Prison Break (which in my opinion, should have ended after season two . . . producer Brett Ratner, of ruining-the-X-Men fame, is a douche). Michael Scofield, despite Wentworth Miller’s ability to make girls croon with one intense look, is no longer the appealing and original character of season one but a tired, beaten horse (who just happens to be trying to break out of a Panamanian prison).

Next week: The Writers’ Strike Chronicles continue with my review of ABC’s Cashmere Mafia.

Coming soon: I weigh in on Golden Globes (press conference) whore Atonement.

Written on January 20, 2008 in Entertainment by Vu Le. TrackBack URI.