The Inconsistencies and Logical Deficiencies in 'The Terminator' Series
In the realm of science fiction, the 'Terminator' series has captivated audiences with its compelling tale of man and machine. However, a closer examination reveals several inconsistencies and logical deficiencies that challenge the narrative's coherence.
Double Entendre and Ignorance: The Naming of Sarah Connor
One of the most apparent inconsistencies in the 'Terminator' series is the name 'Sarah Connor'. In the original film, Skynet's failure to locate a photo or any reference to Sarah Connor is explained through the battle's destruction of records storage facilities, leaving audiences with a vague idea of where she lived. However, this explanation is problematic on several levels.
The name 'Connor' itself poses a question: Why did the series create a character with a common last name, potentially leading to many individuals with the same name? This could have been avoided with a more unique identifier.
From a universe perspective, the lack of identifying documents also raises questions about Skynet's intelligence. If it was capable of creating advanced Terminators and a time machine, it should have been able to locate individuals with the same name by checking driver's licenses, identification documents, and other records. Finding a Sarah Connor would have been a simple task, but it wasn't, which undermines the series' internal logic.
Genetic Identification: The DNA Challenge
The writers of the original 'Terminator' were likely unaware of the importance of DNA in identifying individuals. In the real world, Skynet, being a highly advanced AI, would have used DNA to confirm John Connor's identity. This would have ensured that only the correct Sarah Connor was targeted, eliminating the need for the widespread and violent hunt for women with the same name.
Although the OJ Simpson trial a decade later highlighted the public's misunderstanding of genetics, the 'Terminator' series predates this by nearly a decade. Therefore, the writers could have easily incorporated genetic identification into their narrative. This would have made Skynet's actions more logical and reduced the random violence of the hunt for Sarah Connor.
The Thin Narrative and Temporal Inconsistencies
The original 'Terminator' film is often criticized for its thin and inconsistent narrative. For instance, Kyle Reese refers to the 800-series Terminators as 'infiltrator models', suggesting that they are capable of stealth and deception. However, a bulkier and less convincing Terminator character fell back on brute force rather than infiltration.
This reliance on physical violence over strategic subtlety undermines the character's credibility and the narrative's logic. The series could have explored a more nuanced and intricate storyline by focusing on the Terminators' ability to infiltrate and manipulate human targets rather than resorting to gratuitous violence.
Final Thoughts: The Unstable Foundation of a Franchise
The 'Terminator' series, while a cultural phenomenon, has its foundation in a tale riddled with plot holes and logical inconsistencies. The combination of a common name, genetic ignorance, and a thin narrative led to a series that, despite its initial success, struggled with maintaining narrative coherence in subsequent installments.
For the long-term survival of the franchise, it is imperative to address these inconsistencies and develop a more solid and well-thought-out storyline. The foundational elements of the original series, though groundbreaking for its time, now appear as obstacles rather than stepping stones for a more robust and engaging franchise.