5 Things About ‘Terminator’ That Made Zero Sense and 5 Things That Made Perfect Sense

The Terminator (1984) is a sci-fi classic that launched a franchise and made Arnold Schwarzenegger a household name. Its gritty story of a killer cyborg from the future hunting Sarah Connor in a time-travel showdown hooked audiences with its intense action and clever premise.

But not everything holds up. Some plot points feel shaky, while others are rock-solid. Here’s a look at five things in The Terminator that don’t add up and five that hit the mark perfectly.

Zero Sense: The Terminator’s Human Detection

The Terminator, a killing machine, struggles to identify Sarah Connor. It kills two other women with the same name, relying on a phone book instead of advanced tech to track her.

A cyborg from the future should have better ways to confirm its target, like facial recognition or DNA scanning. This makes the Terminator seem less advanced than it should be.

Perfect Sense: The Time-Travel Premise

The idea of a future war where machines send a cyborg back to kill the mother of the resistance leader is brilliant. It sets up high stakes and a clear conflict in a single stroke.

The time-travel rules are simple: only organic matter or things covered in it can go through. This limitation adds tension and explains why both the Terminator and Kyle Reese arrive with nothing but their wits.

Zero Sense: Sarah’s Instant Combat Skills

Sarah Connor starts as an ordinary waitress but quickly becomes a fighter. In hours, she goes from panicking to making pipe bombs and facing a cyborg head-on.

This leap feels rushed. A bit more training or buildup would’ve made her transformation into a survivor more believable.

Perfect Sense: The Terminator’s Relentless Nature

Arnold’s Terminator is a perfect villain—cold, unstoppable, and terrifying. It keeps coming no matter how much damage it takes, from gunshots to explosions.

This persistence drives the film’s tension. Every scene with the Terminator feels like a life-or-death moment, making its threat feel real.

Zero Sense: Police Station Massacre

The Terminator walks into a police station and kills dozens of cops with ease. No one lands a meaningful hit, and the station seems unprepared for a single attacker.

A heavily armed cyborg should face some resistance. The scene feels exaggerated, making the police look incompetent.

Perfect Sense: Kyle Reese’s Desperation

Kyle Reese, played by Michael Biehn, brings raw emotion to the story. His haunted demeanor and urgent need to protect Sarah show the toll of a war-torn future.

His love for Sarah, sparked by a photo and stories from John Connor, feels genuine. It adds heart to the action and makes his sacrifice hit hard.

Zero Sense: The Terminator’s Repair Scene

The Terminator repairs its own eye and arm in a motel room with basic tools. A complex machine fixing itself so easily feels like a stretch.

The film doesn’t explain how it has the know-how or precision for self-repair. A quick line about built-in diagnostics could’ve made this less odd.

Perfect Sense: The Industrial Climax

The final chase in the factory is a masterclass in tension. Sarah and Kyle, battered and desperate, face the Terminator in a gritty, claustrophobic setting.

The industrial presses and machinery make the fight feel real and dangerous. It’s a fitting end that uses the environment to ramp up the stakes.

Zero Sense: Skynet’s Plan Flaw

Skynet sends one Terminator to kill Sarah, banking on a single mission to erase John Connor. If it fails, there’s no backup plan, despite Skynet’s supposed genius.

A super-intelligent AI should have a more robust strategy, like multiple Terminators or different targets. The plan feels too simple for a machine overlord.

Perfect Sense: The Low-Budget Grit

The film’s low budget works in its favor, creating a raw, grounded vibe. The dark streets, practical effects, and minimal CGI give it a realistic edge.

This gritty style makes the sci-fi elements feel believable. It proves you don’t need a huge budget to tell a gripping story.

What’s your take on The Terminator—any plot holes that bugged you or moments that felt spot-on? Drop your thoughts in the comments!