The science fiction franchise that began withJames Cameron’sTheTerminatorhas grown increasingly complex with each new installment.

Even the most dedicated fans struggle to reconcile the inconsistenciesaccumulated across films, TV series, and other media.

In every timeline, the advanced AI system’s creation stems from reverse-engineered technology left behind from future Terminators.

Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) and the Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) from T2 - Judgement Day

This circular causality becomes even more problematic with each new story iteration.

This constant reinvention of John’s character and significance undermines the emotional weight of the original films.

This inconsistency becomes particularly glaring inDestination Zero, which questions the very notion of a predestined savior.

John Connor and the T-800 on a motorcycle in Terminator 2: Judgment Day

This pattern of perpetual apocalypse undermines the significance of each “final” mission.

The T-1000 inTerminator2, despite its near-invulnerable liquid metal composition, falls victim to relatively simple tactics.

2The T-800 Can Keep Up With More Advanced Models

Old And Surely Obsolete?

Custom image of Eiko in Terminato: Zero with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s T-800 from Judgment Day

Despite being an obsolete model,the T-800 consistently proves capable of holding its own against theoretically superior Terminators.

This raises questions about why Skynet would continue developing new models if the original design remains so effective.

This contradiction becomes particularly glaring when considering the technological gulf between these models.

imagery from The Terminator Franchise

Custom Image by Yailin Chacon

Suppose a T-800’s physical capabilities can match those of its successors.

The relentless pursuit of key human figures by time-traveling cyborg assassins known as Terminators is central to the narrative.

John Connor, the future leader of the human resistance, is the core target of the malicious machines.

A T-800 model terminator in T2: Judgment Day

The Terminator franchise, launched by James Cameron in 1984, explores a dystopian future where intelligent machines wage war against humanity. The relentless pursuit of key human figures by time-traveling cyborg assassins known as Terminators is central to the narrative. John Connor, the future leader of the human resistance, is the core target of the malicious machines.

The Terminator crouches as the time travel machine starts up

Sarah in a driver’s seat holding a gun in Terminator Genisys

Arnold Schwarzenegger as the T-800 with a shredded face in Terminator 2 Judgment Day

Terminator (1984) Movie Poster

The Terminator franchise, launched by James Cameron in 1984, explores a dystopian future where intelligent machines wage war against humanity. The relentless pursuit of key human figures by time-traveling cyborg assassins known as Terminators is central to the narrative. John Connor, the future leader of the human resistance, is the core target of the malicious machines.

Movies

Terminator