Terminator Zero has arrived, shifting the franchise’s focus from the Connors to a new family in Japan, for a unique and diverse pursuit.
In Terminator Zero, Malcolm Lee is a scientist racing against time to find a way to defeat Skynet in 1997 and prevent Judgment Day. Production IG, renowned for their exceptional anime productions, has created the most thrilling Terminator spin-off since T2, complete with an ambitious and satisfying conclusion.
Instead of just stopping Skynet from causing complete destruction, this examines the concept of time travel and the significance of preserving the future. As an eight-episode anime series instead of a two-hour science fiction film, there is greater opportunity to delve deeper into complex ideas.
Don’t worry, even though it may seem complex, we provide a clear explanation of everything that occurs in the final episodes.
What Happens at the End of Terminator Zero?
The climax of Terminator Zero is comprised of two key moments. The first is Kokoro’s determination to halt Skynet, followed by Kenta’s brave decision to not activate the EMP despite being warned by the Terminator.
During a fierce confrontation within the Kokoro lab, Malcolm Lee sacrifices himself in an attempt to halt the Terminator’s progress towards the EMP. Despite the valiant efforts of Eiko and Misaki to impede the unspecified T-model, Malcolm’s actions were ultimately in vain as the Terminator seized Kenta and continued towards its target.
As he bids farewell, imparting his last pieces of advice to his children, Koroko finally grasps the concept of hope for humans. She concludes that although both humans and AI can possess destructive nihilistic tendencies, our capacity to motivate one another distinguishes us, and she feels motivated to strive for improvement.
As Kenta places his hand on the EMP trigger, she reveals to him that the Terminator cannot harm itself. This leads him to place his trust in her rather than the monstrous T-model, who has been claiming that Kenta will ultimately form an alliance with Skynet in the future to fight against the bigger threat, Kokoro.
Kenta gives in and turns off the EMP, reuniting with Eiko, Misaki, and his siblings. Together, they exit the lab as Kokoro’s drones begin working towards creating a better future in this unfamiliar timeline.
Why Kokoro chooses to save mankind
Malcolm’s objective with Kokoro was to grant it autonomy, and subsequently encourage it to rescue us from Skynet. Although this was quite a risk, his exchange with the AI regarding our worthiness of being saved becomes a significant focus in Terminator Zero.
Despite our tendency to engage in war and display a lack of regard for all forms of life, Kokoro finds little incentive to protect humans. After being activated, she chooses to keep us imprisoned, uncertain of whether or not granting us autonomy would be beneficial while she contemplates the actions of Skynet.
Kokoro’s perspective on human sacrifice shifts after witnessing Malcolm’s selfless decision to sacrifice his own life to save his family, despite having given up his own future. This act serves as a catalyst for Kokoro to reconsider her beliefs. It reveals to her that humans are capable of sacrificing everything for the sake of others, not just for the purpose of procreation or dominance.
Although we are capable of being just as destructive as any monster, we also have the potential to achieve great things. This is demonstrated when Kokoro is moved by this realization and steps back, bringing Skynet with them.
Malcolm Lee and Misaki created a new future
Despite the shocking revelation, it is discovered that Malcolm and Misaki are actually time-travelers from a future beyond Eiko’s time. With a background in engineering, Malcolm had a deep fascination with creating a benevolent AI capable of communicating with Skynet. He believed this could be the solution to the endless cycle of death and destruction since Judgment Day.
Despite facing the threat of capture by other humans, his determination pays off as he successfully creates Misaki, an android with a basic understanding of free will and emotions. In order to protect her, he uses a time machine to travel back to 1983. While he starts a family, Misaki becomes his loyal housekeeper as they work together to build Kokoro.
Fourteen years later, the events of Terminator Zero occur and Malcolm puts his theory to the ultimate test in order to safeguard Japan and his children from Judgment Day. Despite his plan succeeding, it is a close call and a completely new, uncharted timeline is created.
Kokoro now has Terminator technology
In typical fashion for the franchise, the final scene of Terminator Zero shows Kokoro’s robots retrieving the skull of the T-model that was sent to eliminate Malcolm. As with previous installments, the Terminators are completely dismantled to ensure their technology is not misused.
Despite the odds, Kokoro manages to hold onto a large chunk of the Terminator’s head, with one eye still intact. This event raises questions about the future of this timeline, but only time will tell what will come to pass. Perhaps one day, we will have the opportunity to discover the answers.
Our forthcoming anime list will provide you with information on all the significant releases until then.
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