Televison, BAGs, and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles Part II

I am literally inconsolable. Brian Austin Green, (BAGs) has left Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. In an instant, too fast to even process, Derek Reese died by a gun shot wound to the head. His character, forever etched into the Terminator mythos. But does his death mean the death of the television series?

There is no doubt that the show itself has a foundation of brilliant writing undergirding it. It is also no secret that its cast is made up of some incredible actors. But, Brian Austin Green was unique. He was the human tie that held the present and future together and he did it with little dialogue. His presence added a foreboding sense darkness the show can't hope to replicate. He also represented a familial male blood relation to John Connor. A father figure that had just as much of a desire to watch over him as his own mother.

But, like so many other moments in this series, it seems all that come into John's life are there for one reason, to prove the point that John Connor's burden of leadership is fraught with the loss of many close to him.

Derek's death was a good one though, from a storyteller's perspective. It was quick and painless, so much so if you blinked, you might have missed it. It was inevitable too, because this show is about Sarah and her influence on John, not Derek's. That is the vision that is guiding this show, so, fans will be forced to rebound from such a shocking move.

But, I wish it didn't have to happen. I am certain that this ending was written a long time ago and that is why BAGs was actively searching for new roles. I wish him all the luck on the CW and will follow him there. You can read about his new show here. BAGs has come a long way from the early days of 90210. I just don't know if there is a role as perfectly suited to him as this one.

I think that those involved in the T:TSCC should recognize that after an uneven and short lived first season, due to the writer's strike, that BAGs single handedly saved this show from oblivion. His addition to the cast brought new excitement and life to a second season that has been fraught with brilliant episodes fused with music, faith, and human reflection which have made their mark on this year's television landscape.

With the season finale just days away, it is safe to say that the second season was an incredible success. I expect to see a season three on the horizon. I also expect new characters to be brought onboard and old characters to have an opportunity to grow and develop. Outside the shade of BAGs shadow, I expect them to emerge as strong and beautiful and I expect this show to continue. But, he cast a long shadow over this series and the life of John Connor. Something any actor would be very proud of. It is a solid legacy.

Good luck Brian Austin Green. Your character, Derek Reese, will be missed. He isn't the first beloved character from a successful series to be killed off but certainly one of the best. But, maybe, just maybe, we will see you on T:TSCC again. There's always hope. Derek Reese's death is nothing that a good writer can't fix.