The TV Addict with actor Richard T. Jones in Hollywood
In tonight’s installment of TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES, Agent Ellison finds some startling evidence at a crime scene. And in honor of actor Richard T. Jones finally getting more than five minutes of screen time and more importantly hopefully clueing into the fact that killer machines may be secretly infiltrating all levels of government, this TV Addict thought today was the perfect opportunity to run the interview I conducted with the fantastic Richard T. Jones last month in Hollywood.
How are you dealing with all the hype surrounding the show?
Richard T. Jones: The hype is always weird because it can set you up for great success or big failure. I’m just hoping that people tune in and enjoy the show.
JUDGING AMY [Jones’ previous credit] didn’t have this level of hype?
[Laughs] It’s so funny because as we’re doing the press line they’re saying, “Do you hope this show has as much success as JUDGING AMY? I’m like, I hope it has a little more. Don’t get me wrong, I love JUDGING AMY, but TERMINATOR is on a different scale.
JUDGING AMY had a six year run, which on TV is nothing to laugh about.
Oh yeah, we were very popular on CBS, but this is a whole different thing. I’m hoping for LOST levels here.
You mean you want to have viewers under 40 watching the show!
[laughs] That is just a fact!
©2008 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: Bruce Birmelin/FOX
What about fan reaction, is the public’s reaction more important than critics?
Ultimately it’s all about wether the fans watch and enjoy the show. Critics don’t have neilson boxes, no matter what they think. But you kind of want to bridge critical and commercial success.
Do you read reviews?
No. Unless they say something really nice about me. I might pick it up, put it on my wall. frame it. anyway…. Really, if i’m reading the paper I’m reading what’s going on in the world. I’m not going to take the time to say what’s going on in entertainment. Oh no, Brad Pitt again!
So here’s my theory. Your character will undoubtedly clue into the fact that these machines exist. And hopefully decide to team up and help Sarah and John.
Have you ever considered that I’m a Terminator…. look, I’m not saying I am….
Anything is possible
You’re right. That is where it may be going. Or it could be going that I’m a Terminator. Or perhaps I really just want to hang out with Sarah Connor. I think I like her. Ultimately. I blow off all my girlfriends just to focus on Sarah. Mabye Agent Ellison is a man chasing Sarah for himself.
Are we going to see any of your character’s personal life? Family? Could they perhaps be a little concerned about your Connor obsession?
You’ll see my character end things with a girlfriend because I’m so obsessed with this whole case. So you’re going to see me fixated on Sarah.
Was it nice to finally start shooting scenes with other actors in the show?
[Laughs] You’re too smart! No it just hasn’t happened yet. But we’re bridging that gap. We were very close to getting to that point, when all of a sudden the picket signs [WGA Strike] went up.
Ultimately, do you know where your character is going?
They kind of said be ready for action, and I trust them completely. 
TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES airs tonight on FOX at 9PM and CTV in Canada.
TV Addict Note: This interview was conducted alongside Oscar Dahl from BuddyTV