By Netflix’s anime series “Terminator: Zero” has premiered, and reviews are now out for the eight-episode series, which unfolds over two time periods – 1997, when Skynet first goes online, and 2022, when the war has been raging for decades.
Production IG (“Ghost in the Shell,” “Blood: The Last Vampire”) is handling the animated series which has landed a 100% (7.7/10) on Rotten Tomatoes and a more muted 65/100 on Metacritic.
Considering the bad reaction to the post-Cameron sequels, it comes as little surprise that this is being touted as the best “Terminator” related work in nearly two decades. On Metacritic, only Cameron’s first two films (84/100 & 75/100), the “Sarah Connor Chronicles” series (73/100) and Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines” (66/100) scored higher.
Here’s a sampling of reviews:
“Terminator Zero looks to both the past and future in an exhilarating anime spinoff that pays homage to the classic films while still forging its own path.” – David Ople, Total Film
“Here’s hoping Netflix allows the series to continue for more seasons because it’s not only one of the best anime the streamer has put out, but ‘Terminator Zero’ is the new direction the franchise needs to pursue.” – BJ Colangelo, Slashfilm
“Terminator feature films may have become a lost cause, but Terminator Zero is just getting started. Humanity’s battle against AI super-soldiers hasn’t been this fun in years.” – Daniel Kurland, Bloody Disgusting
“From action packed moments of pure adrenaline, to softer moments that will give viewers chills, Terminator Zero delivers. It does a great job of bringing something new and unique to this series by fully embracing the horror elements.” – Tessa Smith, Mama’s Geeky
“Terminator Zero sets a solid framework for an ongoing story that is, like the best parts of the franchise, as much about very human choices as it is about spectacle.” – Daniel Fienberg, THR
“The series is saved by its propulsive action scenes, thoughtful writing, and the emotional dynamics of its characters.” – Jenna Scherer, AV Club
“Terminator Zero is an entertaining animated series that shines brightest when it leans into new areas. It features a talented cast, an engaging plot, and solid animation that occasionally dips in quality.” – Kenneth Seward Jr., Gamespot
“Terminator Zero’s excellent voice actors and animation can’t fully save a plot that becomes bogged down in exposition and one too many twist endings.” – Shawn Van Horn, Collider
The story follows a soldier (Sonoya Mizuno) sent back in time by resistance leader The Prophet (Ann Dowd) to change the fate of humanity.
She arrives in 1997 to protect a scientist named Malcolm Lee (Andre Holland) who works to launch Kokoro (Rosario Dawson), a new AI system designed to compete with Skynet.
As Malcolm navigates the moral complexities of his creation, he is hunted by an unrelenting assassin (voiced by Timothy Olyphant) from the future which forever alters the fate of his three children.
“Terminator Zero” is now available on Netflix worldwide.
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