Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles—The Complete Second Season

The TV spin-off of the Terminator films delivered both smart science fiction and riveting, spectacular action for the small screen, winning the show a loyal following and solid ratings. In the series' second (and ultimately final) 2008–09 season, divisive secrets and splintering suspicions begin to unravel the already fractured family unit—tough, battle-hardened mom Sarah Connor (Lena Headey); her teenage son, John (Thomas Dekker), who is destined to be the savior of the human race; John's brooding, cagey uncle from the future, Derek (Brian Austin Green); and petite hellcat and robot bodyguard Cameron (Summer Glau). John's troubled girlfriend, Riley (Leven Rambin), and Derek's enigmatic lover from the future, Jesse (Stephanie Jacobsen), who has inexplicably followed him back in time, have their own hidden agendas, while the shadowy corporate conspiracy behind the machine apocalypse grows more complicated. But most fascinating is the evolution of the growing cast of robots, who become both more “human” and less predictable. The gritty writing, vivid characters, and dynamic visual style did not, however, attract a big enough audience to justify the show's high budget. Compiling all 22 episodes, DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary on four episodes by executive producer/creator Josh Friedman and others, eight behind-the-scenes featurettes, storyboards, and more. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is “Collision with the Future: Deconstructing the Hunter-Killer Attack,” which offers an excellent analysis of an effects-heavy scene during the finale from four different perspectives. Highly recommended. (S. Axmaker)