PROTOTYPE. Did this science fiction serve as the prototype for ‘The Terminator’?

The “Prototype” was first aired by the American TV network CBS in December 1983 and then fell into obscurity—unjustly so.

Working under a contract for the U.S. government, a group of scientists led by Dr. Carl Forrester builds a humanoid robot. The self-aware android, named Michael, remains under Forrester’s care, who, without consulting his superiors, takes him to a shopping mall and then to a family dinner, where the machine successfully passes the Turing test. Shortly afterward, the military takes Michael to Washington for tests to assess his suitability for military purposes. When the android returns to the lab, the scientists find traces of gunpowder on his hands. Forrester fears that the Pentagon wants to use Michael as a soldier or professional assassin, so under the cover of night, he sneaks the robot out of the lab and takes him on a journey. After a few days, they reach a university town where Forrester lived in his youth. Both military personnel and Forrester’s colleagues pursue the fugitives.

Judging by the DVD cover of David Greene’s film—featuring a metallic skull with red eyes flashing a menacing smile and the ominous tagline “The future is not friendly”—one might conclude that “Prototype” served, quite literally, as a prototype for James Cameron’s “The Terminator” (1984), which was released a year later. Nothing could be further from the truth: this is a low-budget television production in the style of a lyrical drama with elements of science fiction, following in the footsteps of “Frankenstein” (both Mary Shelley’s novel and James Whale’s 1931 film adaptation play a key role in the plot), rather than an expensive action film. The kind-hearted Michael is more of a predecessor to David from Steven Spielberg’s “A.I. Artificial Intelligence” (2001) than the dangerous T-800. The misleading cover image is likely a result of Cameron’s film’s popularity and an attempt to capitalize on its success. So, the answer to the question posed in this article’s title is: definitely not.

Nevertheless, “Prototype” is worth watching. It’s a rare case of science fiction that doesn’t rely on mindless action and special effects but rather on an intelligent script and character development. Stripped of unnecessary side plots, Richard Levinson and William Link’s script is simple in its construction, yet it is not without weighty ethical and ontological questions. Michael gradually transforms from an obedient, lifeless mannequin into a being that asks questions and challenges its existence. Forrester observes this evolution and changes as well: the cold scientist obsessed with his idée fixe becomes a caring parent, amazed by the sensitivity of the person he brought to life. Their relationship is made believable by nuanced dialogue and excellent performances from David Morse (Michael) and Christopher Plummer (Forrester)—elements that make the far-from-happy ending of “Prototype” not only realistic but also deeply moving.