Anime NYC 2024 was packed with everything an anime lover could dream of! There were panels, merch, and sneak peeks of the hottest upcoming shows. But the real highlight for me? Getting to watch the world premiere of Netflix’s Terminator Zero. As a fan who hasn’t kept up with the Terminator franchise since Terminator 3, I walked into the screening with mixed expectations. Thankfully, the first two episodes did not disappoint.
Terminator Zero—A New Perspective on Judgment Day
The show kicks off in 1997 Japan, a refreshing change from the usual Los Angeles backdrop. The shift in setting isn’t just a geographical move; it brings a whole new cultural lens to the Terminator saga. Japan, a country with stringent gun control and a unique relationship with technology, offers a fascinating contrast to the gun-heavy, tech-fearing U.S. portrayed in the original films. It forces the audience to think about how the rise of AI and the looming threat of Judgment Day might be through a different cultural context.
The Visuals: A Blend of Horror and Action
Terminator Zero. Timothy Olyphant as The Terminator in Terminator Zero Cr. COURTESY OF NETFLIX © 2024
Terminator Zero strikes a balance between horror and action. The series leans heavily into the creepy, unsettling atmosphere that made the first Terminator film so iconic. The art direction and animation are top-notch, with a focus on rim lighting that emphasizes the eerie, horror elements of the show. This isn’t just another action-packed anime; it’s a slow-burn thriller with moments of intense violence and suspense. The 2D and 3D animation styles blend seamlessly, adding depth to the characters and settings without feeling jarring or out of place.
First Impressions: What Worked and What Didn’t
The first two episodes introduce us to Malcolm Lee, who feels like this series’ version of Miles Dyson from T2. Lee’s creation of an AI system named Kokoro becomes the focal point, as Skynet dispatches a Terminator to eliminate him and his family. The action sequences are as thrilling as ever, but it’s the philosophical debates between Lee and Kokoro that add an extra layer of intrigue to the story.
However, the show doesn’t stray far from the Terminator formula. Our protagonist, Misaki, is a warrior from the future that comes back in time to protect Lee. While her character is competent and engaging, she doesn’t bring much new to the table in terms of character development. The show leans heavily on the familiar tropes of the franchise, which might feel a bit predictable to long-time fans.
The Anime NYC Experience
Attending the premiere at Anime NYC was an experience in itself. The energy in the room was electric as fans eagerly awaited the first glimpse of Terminator Zero. After the screening, we were treated to a panel featuring showrunner Mattson Tomlin, director Masashi Kudo, and production designer Haruka Watanabe. Hearing them talk about the creative process behind the show added an extra layer of appreciation. Their passion for series helps make Terminator Zero stand out in an already crowded field of anime.
The panelists discussed the challenges of adapting a beloved franchise like Terminator for an anime format, especially one set in a country with such a different cultural context. They touched on how the show’s themes of AI and the fear of technology are just as relevant today as they were when the original Terminator films were released. The discussions were insightful and gave fans a deeper understanding of the direction the show is taking.
After watching the first two episodes, I’m cautiously optimistic about Terminator Zero. It manages to bring something new to the Terminator franchise while staying true to the elements that made the original films so iconic. The change in setting, the focus on horror, and the philosophical debates about AI all add layers of depth to the story. If you’re a fan of the franchise or just curious about how it translates to anime, Terminator Zero is definitely worth keeping an eye on.
