“Terminator Zero”: Analysis of the Ending and Each of the 3 Timelines

The Terminator is a very confusing franchise to begin with. The action of James Cameron’s original films takes place simultaneously in multiple timelines, and only the most dedicated fans can follow all the events on screen.

The writer of the hit Netflix anime Terminator Zero, Mattson Tomlin, decided to confuse fans of the franchise even more. The series features three timelines, all very different from each other.

We explain all 3 timelines of Terminator Zero for you.

“Original” timeline

“Terminator Zero”: Analysis of the Ending and Each of the 3 Timelines – Image 1

The classic Terminator Zero timeline is where Eiko gave birth to Malcolm, the future creator of the artificial intelligence Kokoro, in 2024.

Here, Skynet has practically destroyed humanity – members of the resistance attempt to defend the future of humans. But Malcolm realizes that he can only defeat Skynet by going back in time.

He returns to 1983 and begins developing Kokoro.

Timeline “After Kokoro”

“Terminator Zero”: Analysis of the Ending and Each of the 3 Timelines – Image 2

This timeline barely appears in the series, although it still plays a major role in it.

In it, Malcolm succeeds in launching Kokoro on Judgement Day, and the new artificial intelligence quickly becomes Skynet’s main enemy. But Kokoro’s goals are not good at all.

Malcolm’s invention, like Skynet, wants to take over the world. As a result, two artificial intelligences divide the Earth between them, and the position of humanity becomes even more precarious. To prevent this scenario, Eiko is sent from 2022 to 1997. Her goal is clear to every Terminator fan: prevent the launch of Kokoro.

“Rewritten” timeline

“Terminator Zero”: Analysis of the Ending and Each of the 3 Timelines – Image 3

This timeline ended the first season of Terminator Zero. Eiko and the Terminator were able to disrupt Kokoro’s launch, but were never able to stop it. However, they managed to convince Malcolm himself. As a result, Kokoro’s creator realized that his artificial intelligence would not follow in the footsteps of Skynet.

At the end of the first season, Kokoro doubts whether it is worth saving all of humanity from Skynet. But at least it protects Japan from attacks by American artificial intelligence.

This timeline will definitely develop in the second season of the anime, where the children of Kokoro, Eiko and Malcolm will live in a world where Judgment Day has already occurred.