T-P.O.V. an Independent Writers Take on Terminator: SCC- Pilot Episode
By RossBondReturns
Sarah Connor Society Moderator & Writer
Introduction
Firstly let me briefly introduce myself and then I’ll explain what this first in a series of articles will be about. My first name really is Ross and I have been writing since I was 10 years old. Since I first saw The Terminator- I have been writing in the fantastic Terminator universe- that’s over 15 years now. I wrote a stand alone T3 script which I completed in 1999 and in 2006 I released T4: Years of Darkness- later this year the midpoint of my Future War saga will hit with T5: Ashes of War.
T-P.O.V. Stands in short form for Terminator or Termovision Point of View, it’s a term coined by James Cameron and one I use quite frequently myself. In this case I’m using it to represent MY own take on the writing that goes into each episode of Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles. One thing that is generally the case with television writing that differs from regular stand alone projects is a round-table of writers. This is where major brainstorming into ideas, plot points and character and show arcs become a reality- however the Pilot Episode came from one man and one man alone- Josh F.
A Strong grasp of the original material is shown by Josh in the Pilot Episode of T:SCC. I must admit I grinned when the opening shot came up- the road- the voice over. It was as if the story had been put on pause after T2…and someone had just hit Play. I really can’t put it any better than that- it was as if Josh were writing as Cameron (something I aspire to also)- and the results were very very good. Everything seemed natural and that is one of the toughest things to accomplish as a writer no matter how much experience you have- but I’m not lying when I say I felt as if I an outsider has just comfortably slipped right into a living breathing story of a life in progress.
For those wondering to make sure my dialogue has that ring of authenticity I stop at the end of a scene and then re-read it out loud. It can be great fun with friends! If it sounds forced or un-natural it likely needs some polishing.
All in all the pilot is a very strong episode. As is often the case when introducing something new in this case High School the ball is fumbled slightly. The shooting sequence and the immortalized “Class Dismissed” give me a good chuckle. Sure the line may not have been the best but I loved the servo moving up and down in his leg!
The true all important test of the Pilot Script in any series and especially with one with such a Visible name is does it work- it has to sell the show to get a green light for the series. And does it ever! It’s always very enojyable to see a writer who knows how to write and how to write well. And not only that but to mot make complete mess of things must be applauded- and once again the feeling of just knowing these people right from the start was very impressive.
In conclusion Does the Pilot episode seem a little light in comparison to future episodes- yes. And it should it’s a pilot…written and filmed practically one year before the 2nd episode.
Is the pilot episode a success form this writers stand point- Uniquivocally.
Until next time- Have fun writing- and Watching all things Terminator. RBR.
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