TV Review: Terminator - The Sarah Connor Chronicles, "The Mousetrap"

Season two keeps on chugging along. The season premiere was an explosive piece of television and a good example of how to put people on the edge of their seats. The second episode brought the action back down to more acceptable week-to-week levels, but was nonetheless another strong outing as we get into more character moments while not sacrificing the action on which this series is built.

Now, here we are, week three and still going strong. I have to say that this show, while not the best thing I've seen, continues to impress with its ability to mix the personal with the epic, the action with the heart, not to mention a little bit of comedy.

Now, I am going to assume that anyone reading this has already seen the episode, as there will likely be spoilers as I recap and share my thoughts.

During the second episode, Charley's (Dean Winters) wife, Michelle (Sonya Walger), discovers more about his relationship with the woman known as Sarah Connor than she cared to. Because of this news, and the fact they are now targets, they must go on the run. Needless to say, Michelle is none too happy with this.

As we get into the third episode, Charley and Michelle are on their way out of Dodge. While stopping for gas, they are discovered by Cromartie (Garrett Dillahunt), who promptly hops in the vacated driver's seat and takes off with Michelle, leaving Charley in a cloud of dust. Not knowing what else to do, Charley calls John, who had foolishly given him his cell number.

Sarah gets word on what has happened, and without telling John or Cameron what is going on, heads off into the desert with a disapproving Derek in tow. What does she expect to find? An upset Charley and a dead Michelle. Fortunately, Michelle is able to get a call off to Charley, allowing them to get a fix on her location.

What have we learned? Charley is indeed upset, but Michelle is far from dead. She happens to be strapped to a chair and wired to explode. Why the elaborate setup? Easy. Cromartie needs a couple of things from them. First, he needs them to give him an opportunity to find John, and second, he needs them out of the way. No need to kill them — just stick them in the middle of nowhere, nice and out of the way. This leads us into the John and Cameron arc for the episode.

Article Author: Chris Beaumont

Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about music and movies when he isn't indulging in them. He is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Follow: Twitter and Tumblr. Visit: Critical Outcast. …

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