As a seasoned gamer and long-time fan of the Terminator franchise, I must admit that my expectations for Netflix’s Terminator Zero were as low as the skyscrapers of 90s Japan. However, this animated series has proven me wrong, managing to both respect the franchise’s legacy and offer a fresh take on its established lore.
The Terminator series has developed a reputation for being average or subpar, with only a few standout exceptions. Mostly, it consists of disappointing films and an incomplete TV show. Even Terminator: Dark Fate, while acceptable, didn’t quite capture the gritty cyberpunk atmosphere of the original or the intense action scenes from T2: Judgment Day. Given this history, it’s no wonder our anticipation for Netflix’s Terminator Zero–yet another possible letdown in the once-popular franchise–wasn’t particularly high. However, this engaging animated series not only honors the franchise’s heritage but also presents a fresh perspective on its well-established backstory.
Although set in ’90s Japan instead of the US, Terminator Zero initiates much like its counterparts. A Terminator is dispatched from the future to eliminate scientist Malcolm Lee (voiced by Yuuya Uchida in Japanese and Andre Holland in English) before he can release Kokoro (Atsumi Tanezaki/Rosario Dawson). This new rival to Skynet, the rogue AI system that nearly wiped out humanity in 2022, is due to launch globally ahead of schedule in 1997. In a similar vein, a tough-as-nails soldier named Eiko (Toa Yukinari/Sonoya Mizuno) travels back in time with the mission of safeguarding Lee long enough for him to see that his plans will result in more harm than good. As is customary for Terminator stories, series creator Mattson Tomlin ensured that Terminator Zero adhered to its predecessors’ footsteps in terms of both strengths and weaknesses.
Initially, Terminator Zero’s early episodes follow a predictable pattern. However, it doesn’t take long for the series to explore uncharted territories. For instance, it’s the first time we see the concept of multiple timelines being explicitly discussed, which wasn’t mentioned in Terminator Genisys despite its reference to a changed timeline. This is intriguing because it doesn’t erase past events; instead, Terminator Zero hints at the incidents that created the franchise’s time paradoxes while still acknowledging their potential influence on the Terminator universe. This thoughtful writing enhances the show’s relevance to canon and gives Eiko’s decision to travel back in time, knowing she can never return to the present, an emotional depth that is both tragic and admirable.
As a gamer diving into Terminator Zero, I can’t help but be captivated by its thought-provoking exploration of the consequences of time travel. It challenges the notion that humans (and even machines) can truly change the course of history, suggesting instead that the rise of Skynet was always destined to happen. The show also delves into compelling themes about familial bonds and what it truly means to be conscious.
In this action-packed scenario, although there are several gunfights and extensive collateral damage, the narrative primarily focuses on the Terminator’s systematic and frequently violent combat style. He crushes skulls, snaps spines, and rips limbs off bodies. The situation deteriorates significantly when it picks up a weapon; due to Japan’s limited availability of firearms beyond those used by police, the Terminator skillfully employs a modified crossbow instead.
The new series evokes the atmosphere and intense, sometimes horror-tinged elements of James Cameron’s original film in its plotline. Instead of grandiose spectacle, it offers a gritty realism that makes the hopeful scenes all the more impactful. With strong voice acting and well-crafted dialogue, viewers find themselves rooting for the human characters as they endure trials.
Both the American and Japanese versions of Terminator Zero feature impressive performances, though minor differences can be noticed in specific scenes. Dawson’s portrayal of AI Kokoro is excellent, but her warmth sometimes contradicts the character’s robotic nature. Yukinari shines more in intense moments as Eiko compared to Mizu. Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference; aside from potential subtitle delays, which may be due to Netflix itself, there’s no incorrect choice when it comes to voice acting quality.
In many instances, Terminator Zero’s animation is robust, featuring sharp lines and a subdued color scheme that mirrors the series’ pervasive atmosphere of apprehension. However, on occasion, there seems to be an inconsistency in the frame rate, causing the motion to appear choppy and characters to stumble awkwardly rather than move smoothly. While this adds to the Terminator’s robotic nature, it can be quite jarring for human characters.
Animated Series ‘Terminator Zero’ Dazzles Most When Pushing Boundaries
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2024-08-29 10:39