A Fresh Perspective on the Terminator Franchise: A Review of Netflix’s Terminator Zero

What comes to mind when you think of the Terminator franchise? For many, it’s a series that has lost its initial spark, becoming synonymous with mediocrity. Its track record is marred by a host of poorly received films and an incomplete television show. Even the fairly decent Terminator: Dark Fate failed to recreate the gritty, cyberpunk aesthetic of the original film or the adrenaline-pumping action of T2: Judgment Day. Therefore, it was with low expectations that we approached Netflix’s Terminator Zero, another potential disappointment in a once-beloved franchise. However, this animated series surprised us by not only honouring the legacy of the franchise but also offering a fresh take on its established lore.

Setting the Stage: The Premise of Terminator Zero

Unlike previous iterations set in the US, Terminator Zero transports viewers to ’90s Japan. The story begins in a familiar fashion – a Terminator is sent back in time with a mission to assassinate scientist Malcolm Lee (voiced by Yuuya Uchida in Japanese and Andre Holland in English) before he can activate Kokoro (Atsumi Tanezaki/Rosario Dawson). Kokoro is a rival to Skynet, the rogue AI that has almost wiped out humanity by 2022, and is set to beat Skynet to global launch in 1997. Following the Terminator is a hardened soldier named Eiko (Toa Yukinari/Sonoya Mizuno), tasked with protecting Lee and persuading him that his plans will cause more harm than good. This plot follows the typical Terminator formula, a decision made by series creator Mattson Tomlin to ensure Terminator Zero stays true to its predecessors.

Breaking the Mold: The Unique Aspects of Terminator Zero

The initial episodes of Terminator Zero may seem formulaic, but the series quickly ventures into uncharted territory. For the first time in the franchise, the concept of multiple timelines is officially addressed. Terminator Genisys mentioned a single, altered timeline but did not explore the idea of it splintering into different threads. This approach does not dismiss previous events; instead, Zero refers to the incidents that caused the franchise’s time paradoxes in a way that respects their impact on Terminator lore. This clever writing enhances the show’s canonical relevance and adds depth to Eiko’s initial predicament. Her decision to return to the past, knowing she will never return to her present, is as poignant as it is brave.

Exploring Themes and Setting the Tone

Terminator Zero does an excellent job of delving into the implications of time travel, the misguided attempts by humans (and machines) to alter a fixed future, and why Skynet’s rise always seemed inevitable. The series also examines fascinating themes around familial bonds and the essence of sentience. While the show occasionally stumbles by adhering too closely to the Terminator blueprint, including its own time paradox/plot hole, its somber tone sets it apart. Eiko’s war-ravaged future is grim, and the past isn’t much better, teetering on the brink of an even worse fate. Adding to their troubles is the constant threat of the titular assassin, a challenge that Eiko and her team are ill-equipped to handle.

The Brutality of the Terminator

While the series features a few gunfights and extensive collateral damage, the focus is on the Terminator’s calculated and often savage combat style. Skulls are crushed, spines are snapped, and limbs are ripped from bodies. The violence escalates when the Terminator arms itself. With a scarcity of firearms in Japan beyond those used by law enforcement, the Terminator ingeniously employs a modified crossbow.

A Nod to the Original

The menacing presence of the Terminator and the bleak atmosphere of Zero hearken back to James Cameron’s original film, utilizing its thrilling and, in some instances, horror-based plot elements. The series opts for gritty realism over grand spectacle, making its moments of hope feel well-earned. After witnessing the hellish trials they endure, it’s easy to cheer for the humans and their allies, aided by excellent voice acting and well-crafted dialogue.

Performance and Voice Acting

Both the American and Japanese casts of Terminator Zero deliver strong performances, with minor variations in their portrayals during specific scenes. Dawson is excellent as the AI Kokoro, although her warm interpretation sometimes contradicts the robotic nature of her character. Yukinari’s passionate depiction of Eiko stands out particularly in dire situations when compared to Mizuno. Ultimately, the choice between the two versions comes down to personal preference; apart from delayed subtitles, an issue that might be attributed to Netflix itself, there’s no “wrong” choice when it comes to the voice acting.

The Animation: A Mixed Bag

The animation of Terminator Zero is generally good, featuring strong line work and a muted color palette that reflects the show’s pervasive sense of dread. However, there are instances where the frame rate appears to change, resulting in jerky animation and characters moving in a stilted manner. This works for the Terminator, being a cyborg, but can be disconcerting when it involves human characters.

Conclusion

Terminator Zero is an engaging animated series that shines brightest when it ventures into new areas. Boasting a talented cast, an intriguing plot, and mostly solid animation, the show also offers plausible explanations for the time paradoxes (or in some cases, plot holes) present in the Terminator films. It does have a few sticking points, notably its hesitance to deviate from franchise norms; not every story needs to start the same way. And while it does a commendable job of rectifying past films’ missteps, it stumbles by introducing its own time paradox. Nevertheless, Terminator Zero demonstrates that there are fresh narratives to explore within the franchise, beyond those linked to Sarah Connor.

FAQs

What is Terminator Zero about?

Terminator Zero is an animated series that follows a hardened soldier named Eiko, who is sent back in time to protect a scientist from a Terminator. The series is set in ’90s Japan and offers a fresh take on the established Terminator lore.

How does Terminator Zero differ from other Terminator films?

Terminator Zero stands out from other Terminator films by officially addressing the concept of multiple timelines and exploring new themes such as the implications of time travel and the essence of sentience. The series also features a somber tone and a gritty realism that harkens back to the original film.

Who are the main characters in Terminator Zero?

The main characters in Terminator Zero are Eiko, a soldier sent back in time, Malcolm Lee, a scientist targeted by a Terminator, and Kokoro, a rival AI to Skynet voiced by Rosario Dawson.

Where can I watch Terminator Zero?

Terminator Zero is available to stream on Netflix.

Credit: www.gamespot.com