Key Takeaways:
– Terminator Zero offers a fresh take on the famous franchise, through Japanese anime.
– Set in 1997, it introduces new characters and a novel storyline that moves away from familiar plotlines.
– The storyline, which orbits around an AI creation racing against time to avert an apocalyptic future, presents moral dilemmas and engaging twists.
– The switch to an anime style and a Japanese setting adds a refreshing outlook to the series.
– There's a brilliant balance between the classic dystopian narrative and the unique anime flavor.
The latest entry into the Terminator franchise isn't your classic Hollywood blockbuster. It's an Anime! Yep, you heard it right. Skydance teamed up with animation studio Production I.G. to create an anime spin-off series titled Terminator Zero. This series is different, much different from anything we've seen from the franchise before. It's not set in the United States, and for the first, it doesn't feature the iconic duo – John and Sarah Connor. Instead, it offers an interesting new perspective on the timeless dystopian time travel series we've come to love, all through the compelling lens of Japanese anime.
So, What is Terminator Zero About?
Terminator Zero plunges us into the year 1997, the year Judgment Day occurred, according to the original films. Instead of focusing on the Connors', the series introduces new characters, including Eiko, a soldier sent back in time from 2022 by The Prophet. Her mission? To prevent scientist Malcolm Lee from bringing his version of Skynet, known as Kokoro, online, and thus avert impending doom.
More Than Just Robots and Betrayals
Now, this isn't just about the usual robots and betrayals we typically see in a Terminator series. There's a mix thrown in here too. Malcolm Lee is a scientist battling his inner demons and questioning the morality of his creation. Meanwhile, an unrelenting future assassin is hot on Malcolm's heels, which dramatically affects his three children's futures.
And, let's not forget the new Terminator – he's intense! He hardly speaks but makes his presence known. Although some viewers might find his voice doesn't quite match the Terminator we're used to, this only adds to the many unique aspects of the series.
Anime and Terminator: A Perfect Blend?
One thing fans will appreciate is how well the anime style and subject matter gel together. The shift to Japan fortifies the series with a refreshing angle and reinforces its unique identity. And while the series still follows the classic time-traveling resistance fighters narrative, it does so in a distinctive and refreshing way.
The Voice Cast
The voice cast was spot on for this series. Sonoya Mizuno's portrayal of Eiko is strong, and the voices behind Malcolm Lee's children blow viewers away with their emotive performances. Considering the children get the most screen time, you won't get bored of them.
A Loyal Nod to the Originals
Terminator Zero isn't just a reboot or spin-off; it's a tribute. The series remains faithful to the franchise's mythology but breathes fresh life into it thanks to the changes in setting and format. The mature content adds depth, and the character development complements the action-packed sequences well.
Wrap Up
Despite the complicated nature of time travel and a storyline that can get a little confusing here and there, Terminator Zero offers a thrilling and gripping look at the Terminator franchise. It's loyal to the originals while allowing for innovation and uniqueness. Its impressive blend of time-honored storytelling and Japanese animation style is indeed a gamble that has paid off. No wonder then, it feels like the best story we've seen since Terminator 2. Be sure to catch this exciting series when it premieres on August 29th on Netflix.
And remember, although it takes a while for the plot to pick up pace, stick with it. You won't be disappointed.
