As a passionate fan of the Terminator franchise, it’s disheartening to see the ongoing debate over which installment marked the beginning of the series’ decline. Interestingly, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines is rarely mentioned in these discussions, perhaps because it follows a more natural progression with John Connor as the central focus. However, the franchise’s continuity issues and increasingly convoluted timelines have undoubtedly contributed to its downfall.
credit: Terminator: Genisys
Terminator Salvation: A Gritty Future That Stayed True to the Story
Despite the negative criticism surrounding Terminator Salvation, the film presented a grim and gritty future that felt more in line with the original concept. Sam Worthington’s portrayal of a terminator was intriguing, as it introduced the idea of an infiltration terminator – a human unaware of their true nature. Additionally, the film featured innovative machines and plot twists that kept the audience engaged.
Terminator Genisys: Ambitious but Ultimately Disappointing
Terminator Genisys attempted to take the franchise in a new direction by retconning the story of Kyle Reese and giving Sarah Connor her own terminator protector. While this deviation had potential, the film’s decision to turn John Connor into the villain ultimately alienated fans. This bold move may have been daring, but it ultimately failed to resonate with the audience and marked a turning point for the franchise.
credit: Terminator: Dark Fate
Terminator Dark Fate: A Misguided Attempt at Virtue Signaling
Released during the height of Hollywood’s ‘woke’ era, Terminator Dark Fate made the controversial decision to kill off John Connor early in the film, replacing him with a new heroine. This move, coupled with the portrayal of an augmented female warrior and a less effective Sarah Connor, resulted in one of the worst decisions in the franchise’s history. Had the film focused on a team-up between John Connor and the new heroine, it might have been more successful. Instead, it became a failed attempt at showcasing girl power.
The Inevitable End: A Franchise Struggling Against Its Own Fate
Ultimately, the Terminator franchise needed to convey the inevitability of judgment day and the struggle to survive and rally against it. However, instead of embracing this concept, the series fought against its own narrative until it collapsed under the weight of its convoluted storylines. Now, fans are left with a once-great franchise that has been reduced to a shadow of its former self.
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