ROTTEN TOMATOES: Next on Fox: Terminator: The Series!

Next on Fox: Terminator: The Series!

by Scott Weinberg | November 10, 2005

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Variety reports that not only will a fourth "Terminator" movie become a reality some time relatively soon, but also that the Fox network is where you'll eventually be able to find "The Sarah Connor Chronicles."

"Andy Vajna and Mario Kassar's C2 Pictures, which produced the most recent "Terminator" feature, has pacted with Warner Bros. TV and scribe Josh Friedman ("War of the Worlds") for the tentatively titled "The Sarah Connor Chronicles." Skein* will focus on robo-warrior Sarah Connor and her savior son John Connor.

Friedman is aboard to pen the pilot and serve as exec producer - showrunner of the series, which will take place in the fictional time frame between the second and third "Terminator" features.

In addition, Vajna confirmed that C2 is in "the final phases of development" of a fourth "Terminator" pic and that the series will have a link to what's being envisioned as a new feature trilogy.

Friedman said his "challenge is trying to figure out how to reinterpret (Connor) for television."

Because the "Terminator" franchise involves time travel and alternate futures, Friedman believe he'll be able to take a few plot liberties in the series -- emphasis on "few."

"The last thing I want to do is take a title and exploit it," Friedman said. "The show needs to stand on its own while still being respectful of the franchise."

Unlike the features, "The Sarah Connor Chronicles" will not be non-stop shoot-'em-up or chase scenes, in large part because of the reduced budgets of television.

"There's going to be a healthy dose of both (action and family drama)," Friedman said, noting that the "Terminator" mythology "has a lot of big ideas in it that don't cost you a dime to explore.""
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Incidentally, Josh Friedman actually blogs quite humorously. So click here if you want to see how dazzling the life of a screenwriter can be.

*Because "skein" is easier to type than is "show."

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Movie:	The Terminator
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Celeb:	Andrew G. Vajna
	Mario Kassar
	Josh Friedman

(1-15 of 15 posts) | Reply

jeremyd4 writes:
on Nov 10 2005 04:56 AM

Given the production values of some tv shows these days, this could be good if they give it the attention it deserves.

(Reply to this)

dracus writes:
on Nov 10 2005 06:41 AM

This is good news for all Terminator fans. . However, you got to wonder if the fact that Arnold�s popularity as governor is slipping has something to do with the Terminator IV script being dusted off. As for the series, I may actually have reason to watch more than just DVD's on my television again. Now, if we can only get a proper DVD box set of the first three Terminator movies �..

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Racer Z writes:
on Nov 10 2005 12:31 PM

While I enjoyed the first two Terminator films, I saw little reason to make a third, let alone a TV series. What's the point? What more can possibly be told? James Cameron himself felt it was unnecessary to continue the franchise. Why not let a good thing go before it's milked dry? I know that's not going to happen, but I have no interest at all in seeing a TV series based on Terminator. What's more, the third film has already soured my love for the first two. Imagine what a weekly series will do.

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glenbo writes:
on Nov 10 2005 12:35 PM

This is definitely an odd decision to make a Terminator TV series and to bring the movies back to life. I have always been a big Terminator fan, but I think these studios are thinking a bit over their heads. I mean how long can the concept keep from becoming stale or keep away from someone who will destroy it. I have hope although and really want this to work, but it will have to be pretty damn good. For the show to be a success, it will have to stay true to the originals and will need to look like it's not on TV. I just can't really stand some of these cheesey action shows on TV; this will need to be top quality TV similar to Band of Brothers and Lost in terms of execution and production. As for the movies, we have to wonder if it'll be the same without Arnold although it could work with some original filmmakers.

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CrazyGhost78 writes:
on Nov 10 2005 12:37 PM

In reply to this comment (#827637)
[b]Agreed![/b]
The third wasn't unwatchable, but close. A fourth, particularly without Arnold will destroy the franchise, and a TV show...

Oy vey.

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South_park300 writes:
on Nov 10 2005 01:13 PM

actually, arnold IS going to be in the fourth terminator. he has signed on for both that, and true lies 2.
i guess he isnt expecting to win re-election. which makes sense

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lavatory love machine writes:
on Nov 10 2005 03:42 PM

the thing about a fourth terminator is that on the third they gave away a lot of plot points that now they have to keep, like arnold killing john connor

and between t2 and t3 there isn't much to tell, sarah dies but there isn't any terminators, and putting one there it will contradict everything

sarah died beliving that they stoped everything on t2

if it happen I hope linda hamilton returns as sarah, if she's still alive somewhere

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Infernal writes:
on Nov 10 2005 08:35 PM

[b]This could..[/b]
This could be good. But I wasn't a big fan of the Terminator series. Still not. Most of you have heard, but some people are just ignorant to the fact that Arnold Schwarzenegger will not be returning. I mean, this could last without him, but I'm just not very enthusiastic about this fourth installment and television series. But I don't know. We'll see.

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zeromark16 writes:
on Nov 12 2005 07:07 AM

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

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Paul_Is_Drunk writes:
on Nov 12 2005 01:45 PM

Dumb

Dumb dumb dumb

They actually cancelled Arrested Development to waste money on this? Fox has no idea how to run a network.

And when the hell did this skein thing start?

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AgentIndigo writes:
on Nov 13 2005 06:43 PM

Holy. Crap. Its like Star Wars. These franchises are crossing the game, movie, book and TV lines over and over and over again. Can they honestly pull it off and do a good job? What does James Cameron say about this? Racer Z, I'm with you.

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LimpytheTurtle writes:
on Nov 13 2005 09:12 PM

Get Down!!!! get on the Chopper!!!

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synergyred writes:
on Nov 15 2005 06:51 PM

Ah well, just another show I won't be watching.

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southfrisco writes:
on Nov 16 2005 12:19 AM

In reply to this comment (#827645)
I bet Cameron is not very happy with how they killed the franchise with T3. This news is like they are trying to steal from a grave that has nothing left to take. BTW I saw a fourth film coming once they foolishly decided to make the third film. Cameron is the only one that can save it, and that ain't happening. What I am waiting for is a Hollywood II city. Think of the possibilities!

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1XEVDOPhil writes:
on Jan 05 2008 06:24 PM

Why is everyone getting so upset and emotional, its not Terminator-4!

Its a series is set AFTER the events of "Terminator 2: Judgment Day."

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