Terminator Zero is a 2024 action-packed sci-fi anime that reimagines the iconic Terminator franchise through the lens of Japanese animation. Produced by Skydance Television and Netflix Animation, and animated by Production I.G, this Netflix release merges the familiar dystopian battle against Skynet with a fresh narrative set in an alternative Tokyo, Japan. Released on August 29, 2024—also the franchise’s infamous Judgment Day—the series explores the perilous implications of time travel and artificial intelligence, two themes central to the Terminator universe.
Plot: A Battle Across Time
The story of Terminator Zero unfolds across two distinct timelines—2022, where humanity struggles against the onslaught of machines, and 1997, the year Skynet gained self-awareness and triggered a catastrophic war. In a desperate attempt to alter this grim future, Eiko, a soldier from war-torn 2022, is sent back to 1997 to protect Malcolm Lee, a scientist on the verge of launching a new AI system designed to rival Skynet.
The show expertly balances high-octane action sequences with moments of deep introspection, particularly through Malcolm’s internal struggle with the ethical implications of his work. As Malcolm wrestles with the moral dilemmas surrounding his creation, the relentless pursuit of an assassin from the future reshapes the destinies of his three children—Kenta, Hiro, and Reika—and potentially, the future of humanity itself.
Character Development
Terminator Zero is heavily character-driven, with intense dialogues that add layers to the story. The characters are given substantial depth, allowing viewers to connect with their personal struggles amidst the broader narrative of survival.
Eiko, one of the protagonists, serves as the anchor of the narrative, though her character feels somewhat flat at times. This could be because of plans to further develop her arc in future installments. Despite this, her resilience, determination, and vulnerability make her a compelling character.
Malcolm Lee is portrayed as a conflicted genius, torn between his ambition and the fear of creating something as destructive as Skynet. He embodies the archetypal father figure, burdened with the responsibility of shaping a better world, while his children carry the weight of his legacy.
“If you understand something, it can never truly control you,” says Malcolm Lee.
The show also pays considerable attention to his children—Kenta, Hiro, and Reika—whose futures are intricately linked to the success or failure of Malcolm’s project. Other side characters, especially Misaki and the AI Kokoro, are integral to the story. Misaki’s presence adds emotional weight to the series, and her interactions with the children make her a standout character. The eldest child Kenta has a particularly notable character arc. Viewers are encouraged to pay close attention to the subtle character behaviors and quirks, as these often foreshadow key plot twists in the story.
Animation & Soundtrack
Production I.G, known best for their work on Haikyuu!! and Psycho-Pass, showcases their exceptional skill once again by creating visually striking worlds in Terminator Zero. The character designs effectively convey the emotions and struggles of the characters. However, the animation quality, particularly in action scenes, leaves much to be desired.
The use of CGI in some of the fight sequences is subpar and can be an eyesore, detracting from the overall visual experience. The action scenes, which should be a highlight of the series, are often marred by poor execution, with clunky movements and unconvincing choreography.
Michelle Birsky and Kevin Henthorn composed the soundtrack for Terminator Zero, which plays a crucial role in setting the tone for the series. Voice acting in both the original Japanese and the English dub is strong, with performances that capture the emotional depth and intensity of the characters.
Philosophical Insights
Terminator Zero goes beyond its action-packed surface to explore deeper philosophical questions about AI, technology, and humanity’s future. The show raises critical issues about the ethical boundaries of scientific advancement, particularly in the context of creating sentient AI that is in conflict with its heart, mind, and soul.
Malcolm Lee’s character embodies the dilemma faced by many scientists today: the desire to innovate versus the responsibility to prevent potential harm.
“You are so ready to blame Skynet for the end of civilization. But Skynet is just another byproduct of man’s natural inclination to self-destruct,” says Kokoro, the AI.
Criticism
The anime can be seen as a spiritual successor to previous sci-fi anime with similar themes, such as Ghost in the Shell and Steins;Gate, both produced by Production I.G. However, when compared to these and others with similar dystopian themes like Pluto and Arcane, Terminator Zero falls short. Its reliance on typical anime tropes and predictable twists, coupled with flawed action scenes and questionable plot decisions, prevents it from reaching the heights of these other works.
Additionally, the time travel elements, while intriguing, can leave viewers questioning the overall purpose of the characters’ struggles. Mid-series, I found myself questioning what it was all for, as the resolution feels somewhat detached from the timeline the story is set in.
The storyline sometimes relies heavily on plot armor, with scenes where the highly advanced Terminator inexplicably misses shots at close range or is outmaneuvered by humans who, at times, appear stronger than the machines.
However, Terminator Zero does offer a refreshing take on the franchise by shifting the focus from action to philosophy. Rather than centering the story around physical battles, the series challenges the notion that humanity has an inherent right to survival, instead asking, “Is humanity even worth saving?”, posing this dilemma to a non-biased third party: the AI itself.
Across its eight-episode run, the series intertwines different themes which makes it a worthwhile watch, especially for those interested in the newer implications of the Terminator universe.
Personal Reflection
While Terminator Zero is not without its flaws, I found its exploration of philosophical themes and its character-driven narrative to be engaging. The series asks bold questions about humanity’s worth and the potential for coexistence with AI. Despite its shortcomings, particularly in the animation and action scenes, the show’s emotional depth and thought-provoking dialogue kept me invested throughout. The show’s exploration of time travel and its impact on human lives was particularly engaging, leaving a lasting impression long after the final episode.
“Things will get worse before they get better.”
Terminator Zero is a mixed bag. The series could serve as a starting point for viewers who want to delve deeper into the Terminator universe.
It brings new ideas and philosophical depth to the Terminator franchise. However, it is hampered by inconsistent animation quality, overused tropes, and narrative inconsistencies.
Despite these flaws, it stands out as a character-driven, thought-provoking exploration of technological dystopia and the moral dilemmas of AI. While it may not be the best sci-fi or time travel anime, it offers enough substance to make it a memorable addition to the genre.
For fans of the franchise and sci-fi anime enthusiasts, Terminator Zero is worth watching, if only for its unique take on the familiar story. The questions still stand after the first season: Will humanity find its place with AI in another timeline or universe? Or perhaps more importantly, is humanity really worth saving? The answers may give newer depths to the potential second season—if it ever comes to fruition.