A Comparative Analysis: Turning John Connor into a Terminator vs. Kiling Him Off Early

When analyzing the outcomes in the Terminator Genisys and Terminator Dark Fate movies, a significant debate arises regarding the decision to turn John Connor into a Terminator or to kill him off prematurely. In my opinion, the events and consequences in Terminator Genisys were significantly worse compared to the somewhat anticipated death of John Connor in Terminator Dark Fate.

Events in Terminator Genisys

The film Terminator Genisys, released in 2015, introduced a new take on the John Connor storyline. This version saw John Connor’s evolution and subsequent transformation into a Terminator. The move was criticized for several reasons, including the miscasting of Jason Clarke in the role of John Connor. Despite Jason Clarke's commendable acting abilities, his portrayal didn’t resonate well with fans who preferred the more charismatic and heroic John Connor from previous entries in the franchise.

The Plot in Terminator Dark Fate

Terminator Dark Fate, released in 2019, took a different approach. The film killed John Connor off early in the plot, setting the stage for a new protagonist, Dani Roerich and her mission against the Terminators. This decision, while surprising to some, was in line with the overall narrative of the franchise. The dark and intense nature of the storyline, driven by the headline threat posed by the future threat, served to retcon and re-establish the franchise’s core themes of resistance against dystopian technology.

Comparative Analysis

What sets the events in Terminator Genisys apart from those in Terminator Dark Fate is the impact of turning John Connor into a Terminator. This transition disrupts the core narrative and emotional investment that fans have in the character. John Connor is not just a figure in this series; he is a symbol of human defiance and resistance. His transformation was a critical mistake that cheapened the narrative and damaged the emotional essence of the franchise.

Jason Clarke’s Miscasting in Genisys

An additional layer of critique comes from Jason Clarke's performance, which is often viewed as a misfit in the role. While Jason Clarke is an excellent actor, his character didn’t align well with the archetype of the iconic John Connor. This misfitting further detracted from the film’s credibility and fan engagement. The miscasting in Terminator Genisys contributed significantly to its lukewarm reception and critical backlash.

Conclusion

Considering the overall impact and narrative flow, the events in Terminator Genisys were worse than the death of John Connor in Terminator Dark Fate. The transformation of John Connor into a Terminator, combined with the miscasting of Jason Clarke, hindered the film’s ability to deliver on its intended narrative and character development. The abrupt death in Dark Fate, while shocking for some, was a strategic move that allowed the film to recenter its storyline and established a new direction for the franchise.

For fans of the Terminator series, these differences reflect the ongoing efforts to evolve and adapt the franchise while maintaining its core themes. While Genisys struggled with its execution, Dark Fate managed to retell and redefine the narrative, laying the groundwork for future installments.