By: Jesse Striewski

When Netflix originally announced a new Terminator anime series to drop on August 29, I initially did not make the connection that it landed on “Judgement Day” (the day the machines become self-aware within the now four-decade long franchise’s lore). I knew right then and there I needed to speed watch the new series immediately.

Although not much of an anime fan, I have been known to dabble occasionally (most recently with the likes of Aggretsuko), and it’s a safe bet I’ll give just about anything with the Terminator label on it a try (for better or worse as of late). In this case, I’m glad I took the chance on it.

The plot is not too far of a stretch from previous films and television shows already made in the series, although this time instead of focusing on John or Sarah Conner, the primary prey for the time-traveling Terminator (Timothy Olyphant) is a scientist named Malcolm Lee (Andre Holland), whose competitive research to Skynet quickly finds him targeted by the deadly assassin from the future.

Along with Olyphant and Holland, the talented voice cast is also rounded out by Rosario Dawson and Sonoya Mizuno (among others). All in all its worth a watch for just about anyone who grew up quoting Arnold’s famous “I’ll be back” and “Hasta la vista, baby” lines.

Rating: 3/5 Stars