Terminator Zero: Is This the Reboot the Franchise Needed?

What Does Terminator Zero’s Story Involve?

Terminator Zero is a bold new installment in the Terminator franchise. This series was first introduced to audiences back in the early 1980s (as the Terminator's initial release). This television show was also released by Netflix, offering an anime interpretation - featuring a unique narrative style for audiences. It gives a completely new perspective on Time Travel and its relationship to those Terminator characters. Even though it takes place within the established universe, it's completely self-sufficient, meaning fans can enjoy this without watching any of the previous films. This approach has worked remarkably well.

Fans will instantly recognize a recurring theme: The arrival of an AI known as Skynet, who’s intent is to establish its power. However, it also aims to change the fate of the world as viewers recognize that the primary story focuses on how these individuals have to travel through time and even go through a battle in a dystopian, apocalyptic future. What's particularly striking is how Terminator Zero aims to completely rethink how the main Terminator events come to pass, particularly how Judgment Day came into existence, serving as an alternative and powerful narrative.

Why Does the Terminator Franchise Revisit The Past?

Lena Headey as Sarah Connor from the Sarah Connor Chronicles against a blending backdrop from Terminator movies Image

As the Terminator timeline continuously expands - its core premise often involves a fight to prevent or stop the rise of an AI who takes over. While the first couple of installments in the franchise - specifically those directed by James Cameron (considered one of the most successful releases as part of the franchise) - have become legendary - a variety of other iterations and spin-offs failed to recreate the same level of appeal. Those films were often described as those that continued to repeat, retread, and possibly retcon those elements that had served as a source for that enduring appeal.

Fans will often recall those Terminator Movies as those that introduced those who sought to stop, change or modify a set of events that happened in the past. Often relying on Terminator characters like John Connor, Sarah Connor, or a powerful cyborg, known as The T-800 (played by Arnold Schwarzenegger). Even as fans were aware that these were vital elements to Terminator lore - the movies that were released following Cameron's departures were often seen as if they struggled to deliver the same kind of story, leading to a series of disappointments amongst fans and critics. It is uncertain if this might shift in the future of this iconic film franchise, though there is a lot of interest.

What Are The Terminator Characters In The Netflix Show?

Arnold Schwarzenegger firing a flame gun in Terminator Dark Fate Image

Those following the Terminator franchise will quickly notice that Terminator Zero, the Netflix series, has gone in a different direction. The main premise of this Terminator storyline takes place across hundreds of years. In a time that exists long before the rise of Judgment Day (those familiar with the franchise know that this serves as one of the key events in its long-running story and the catalyst that sparks those dangerous confrontations that shape the Terminator narrative and characters. ), and takes on a new aspect for the television series as it’s focused on how the AI was forged - one that features a character that can shape-shift in a range of ways, with one of its greatest goals, that serves as the center of this production, is to stop Skynet before its ascent to dominance can become a reality.

The events that have unfolded so far in this series give those fans who have watched, a compelling storyline - highlighting those Terminator characters - with new faces who are tasked to find their destiny, prevent the inevitable. And that inevitable fate - those events which can bring chaos.

Why Do The Terminator Movies Revolve Around Time Travel?

The Terminator has become an iconic movie franchise because it has focused on those sci-fi narratives that have to deal with the effects of Time Travel, with this serving as the core element, the main focus, behind the characters who are often sent back from a future dominated by a war between humans and machines - the key focus, being how those sent from this dangerous time make an effort to change their world.

This series revolves around those elements of Time Travel, specifically those figures sent back - to kill a future leader, John Connor (the character at the center of the first couple of installments in this franchise and who is central to its main Terminator story). These individuals sent back to assassinate Connor, in addition to the mission to stop this. These often bring those events to light: Terminator characters are those often caught up in this grand battle for time - each character playing a pivotal role that highlights this fight for dominance.

Are There Plans for Terminator 7?

While the Terminator franchise is expected to continue - a Terminator sequel is possible. Those following those who are fans of this series know Terminator 7 is a concept, an idea - even one which has been mentioned - but the release date, if one should come to fruition, remains a secret - the future is uncertain. However, a new production in Terminator lore - particularly one set after those events in the original Terminator franchise might need to find its own voice - which could include how they incorporate Terminator characters who have become popular through various Movies - it's unclear if they will make their way into another Terminator sequel. It’s very likely this might lead to new, innovative storylines.

In an ideal scenario - a Terminator production will be able to move past its early successes. For some, Terminator 2: Judgment Day (with a well-regarded Terminator script - one which serves as an inspiration) will serve as the primary reference point for many. Those fans might look forward to discovering new concepts, or, if they're not going to bring back the previous Terminator characters, at the very least reimagining their story or, potentially, moving forward with another new set of Terminator characters. The possibilities are boundless.

Does The Terminator Show Have A Story That Might Lead to Other Production Avenues?

Terminator Zero, the Netflix anime production - has proven that this franchise does have longevity, particularly with its potential to inspire a large variety of future projects - especially when it comes to future productions and spinoffs, as well as new Terminator movies . The current animated series has served as a compelling showcase of how much those Terminator characters, themes and ideas can be re-interpreted in different ways, especially through new story arcs.

While it’s not possible to speculate whether there will be another series or if Terminator Zero will be connected to future movies, as many Terminator fans will wonder what is in store. This does appear to be a critical shift and, in some ways, a potential to start a brand new chapter within this classic sci-fi franchise. However, those watching this production may notice how it’s also set within a universe that has a long history, offering a slew of compelling characters and moments that may continue to give audiences new interpretations - and those fans are likely to appreciate the new avenues for exploration that can come with Terminator franchise expansion.