Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles

In an era of television where even the extraordinary is mainstream, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles is unique in the fact that the foundations for the story have already been laid.

Unlike other serial dramas which rely on increasingly complicated and bizarre plot twists to sustain viewer intrigue, TTSCC builds upon the successful film franchise and develops its story toward the ultimate resolution - Judgement Day.

With so many niche elements of the Terminator series available for writers to build upon, and the realisation that no sequel made without Arnie would do the franchise justice, a television serial is just what was needed to conclude the story.

Perhaps hindered by the weak third installment, TTSCC continues where Terminator 2: Judgement Day left off. Sarah Connor desperately tries to stop Skynet from ever being conceived, all the while obsessively protecting her son in a conflicting destiny that he would lead the resistance once she inevitably failed.

Actress Lena Headey superbly reprises the role of Sarah Connor, seamlessly transforming from protective mother to stunning heroin. Following his controversial resignation from "Heroes" after rumours surrounding his characters sexuality, Thomas Dekker plays a convincing John Connor.

Whilst superbly cast, although under misguided direction from the Director, Summer Glau plays a most inconsistent rendition of a Terminator unit. From the pilot where she is indistinguishable from her human class mates, her performance later becomes wooden, extinguishing any thought that perhaps she was more than just another metal soldier.

The first few episodes take off at quite a slow pace, however with so much of the story already revealed that is to be expected. Fans will be rewarded for their dedication as the series promises to be quite enthralling as it progresses, finally answering so many questions arising from the films.

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles plays weekly at 8.30pm on Channel 9. Check your local guides.