Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles– “Ourselves Alone”

We learn it isn’t always easy to live the life of Riley. Meanwhile, after flipping the bird and losing control of her fingers, Cameron entrusts John to watch the watchwoman.

Title: “Ourselves Alone”

Cast and Crew

Written by Toni Graphia and Daniel T. Thomsen
Directed by Jeff Woolnough

Lena Heady as Sarah Connor
Thomas Dekker as John Connor
Summer Glau as Cameron Philips
Leven Rambin as Riley
Brian Austin Green as Derek Reese
Stephanie Jacobsen as Jesse

Synopsis

A malfunction in Cameron’s hand could have grave consequences. Riley finally understands her role, leaving both her and the Connors with difficult decisions to make.

High Point

The episode features some strong central dilemmas, which present opportunities to explore characters: most notably, John, Cameron, and Riley.

Low Point

Given the potential this episode had, I found it surprisingly slow-moving and soap-like.

The Scores

Originality: 3/6.

Effects: 4/6. They’re saving budget here, and use a traditional effect passably well.

Story: 4/6. Much of this episode deals with slow and soapy portions of story arcs; the second half grows most intense. Mostly, “Ourselves Alone” establishes elements that will be significant in later episodes.

Acting: 5/6. The acting is uneven, but generally works well. Rambin impressed me more here than in her previous appearances.

Production: 5/6.

Emotional response: 4/6. I found much of the episode flat, but we see the direction of the season again.

Overall: 4/6.

“Ourselves Alone” receives 29/42.

4 replies on “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles– “Ourselves Alone””

  1. Riley
    I like that they finally reveal Jesse’s plan for Riley. Hopefully they will wrap this arc up next episode and we won’t have to see Jesse any more. She annoys me more than Riley.

    • Re: Riley

      I like that they finally reveal Jesse’s plan for Riley. Hopefully they will wrap this arc up next episode and we won’t have to see Jesse any more. She annoys me more than Riley.

      My wife nearly cheered when Riley kicked the bucket. She hated that character from her initial appearance and was just waiting for Cameron to take her out. We both liked the way this particular plot thread turned out, and Jesse’s plan, as well.

      For some reason, I keep hearing rumblings about how much this show stinks, but honestly, this last group of new episodes have been the best yet. I hope they don’t get cancelled.

    • Re: Riley

      Am I the only one who liked Riley?

      I liked her just fine. I still don’t understand why my wife hates her with such passion, and I haven’t been able to get her to explain it. I still like how her plot thread ran, though. It was interesting the way her future tried to use her, and says something about what kind of desperate measures that future is willing to take.

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