Why Do Terminators in 'Terminator' Series Have Teeth and Smile?

The Terminator series, known for its dystopian sci-fi storyline and iconic villains, often raises questions about the design and behavior of its robotic antagonists, particularly the way they mimic human traits. A common query is why Terminator bots, such as the T-600, have teeth and the ability to smile. This article aims to unravel the reasoning behind these design choices and explore the implications of such features on the overall narrative and viewing experience.

Robot Design and Infiltration:

The primary function of Terminator infiltration units is to blend in with human society, making them indistinguishable from their human counterparts as much as possible. The inclusion of teeth and the ability to smile is part of this design philosophy. In the case of the T-600, a failed prototype initially designed as an infiltration unit, this human-like appearance was maintained throughout its operational lifespan, transformed into a foot soldier once the more advanced T-800 models were introduced.

The Creepy Aspect:

The reason behind including these features is multifaceted but largely rooted in the feeling of unease or creepiness that they provoke. For many viewers, Terminators with teeth and smiles are unsettling. This is especially so when considering the psychology of human perception and the way such attributes influence emotional responses. Animals, which tend to show their teeth only when under threat, do not smile. The idea of a machine with human-like traits, including the ability to mouth a smile, is inherently jarring and creates a dissonance between perceived benevolence and inherent malignancy.

The Visual and Emotional Impact:

Another significant factor is the visual impact these features have on the audience. Think of the infamous scene in The Terminator where the T-800 first meets Sarah Connor. The moment when the machine, mimicking human behavior, utters a smile in a foreign way, strikes a chord of fear and discomfort. This is further emphasized by the visual design of some Terminator models, with their shiny, almost stainless steel teeth, akin to those of the Jaws shark, which indeed look unnervingly aggressive.

The Appeal of Mimicry:

On a more fundamental level, the mimicry of human traits serves to enhance the realism of Terminator designs. The series intentionally blurs the line between human and machine, creating a sense of unease that reflects the series' central theme of the existential threat posed by advanced artificial intelligence. The inclusion of teeth and the ability to smile, while creepily reminiscent of human behavior, also points to the deeper theme of the blurring of lines between good and evil, human and machine.

Conclusion:

The design choices of Terminator to feature teeth and the ability to smile in their machines are driven by a combination of narrative, emotional, and aesthetic motivations. These choices enhance the creepiness factor, emphasize the human-mimicking nature of the infiltrators, and contribute to the series' themes of fear and duality. Understanding these choices adds depth to the viewing experience and provides insights into the intricate storytelling and world-building of the Terminator franchise.