Plot Holes and Inconsistencies in the Classic Sci-Fi Film Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is beloved by many, but it is not without its share of plot holes and inconsistencies. While some of these flaws might have been excused when the film was first released, subsequent retcons and revisitation have brought them into sharp focus. Let's delve into some of the notable plot holes and inconsistencies in this iconic movie.

Major Plot Holes and Inconsistencies

1. The Truck Incident

One of the most glaring examples of inconsistency is the scene where the T1000 drives a big truck off the street and into a canal. After hitting the ground, the truck axle breaks, but in the next shot, everything seems fine. This inconsistency suggests either a technical error in the film's continuity or a deliberate plot device for dramatic effect, which might not have been well-executed.

2. The Mental Hospital Scene

In another memorable scene, the T1000 does not kill John Connor even when given a clear shot through the bars of the mental institution. Instead, he walks up to the bars and slowly passes through them, giving everyone time to escape. This alternative action makes the T1000's behavior inconsistent and calls into question his motivations and tactics in the film.

3. Cyberdyne’s Backup System

Another unintentional plot hole arises from the lack of a corporate offsite backup system at Cyberdyne Systems. In the 1970s, it was common practice for companies to have offsite backups for critical research and data. The fact that this detail was overlooked by Miles Dyson suggests a potential plot hole that could have been explored further or explained away, leading to a more seamless story.

4. The Grenade Launcher Misfire

In a crucial scene, T800 uses a grenade launcher to blow open a door at Cyberdyne. Using a 40mm High Explosive (HE) round from just ten feet away seems implausible because the round needs to travel at least 80–90 feet to become armed and explode. Therefore, it would likely only have dented or made a small hole in the door, making the use of such a powerful weapon for this purpose a questionable choice.

5. The T1000’s Emotional Misperception

A final inconsistency comes when the T1000, despite having touched Sarah Connor, fails to call John himself at the film’s end. Considering the T1000’s advanced abilities and understanding of human behavior, he could easily have emulated Sarah’s voice to call John. This choice on the T1000’s part is seemingly irrational and leaves viewers questioning the character's decision-making.

Conclusion

In summary, Terminator 2: Judgment Day is filled with several inconsistencies and plot holes, which, while not entirely detrimental to the overall enjoyment of the film, do detract from the narrative's coherence. It is worth noting, however, that these inconsistencies might have been less pronounced in the original release, and subsequent retcons have aimed to address these issues. Nonetheless, for fans and critics alike, these plot holes remain a point of discussion and debate.

References and Further Reading

For more in-depth discussions on the plot holes and inconsistencies in Terminator 2, you may wish to refer to scholarly articles and fan analyses available on the internet. These resources can provide a deeper understanding of the film's narrative complexities and further insights into the cinematic choices made by the filmmakers.