T-888

The Series 888 Terminator, or T-888, is a variant of the Series 800 Terminator mass-produced by Skynet. The T-888 has been nicknamed by Resistance fighters as "T-triple-eight", "triple-eight" or simply "trip-eight". ^{[citation needed]} The Series 888 Terminator is also an Infiltrator series, all of which used living tissue over hyperalloy endoskeletons.

Specifications

Abilities

Besides the standard abilities of its predecessor, the T-888 is stronger, faster, and more resilient to damage. For example, Cromartie was able to gain entry to a bank vault by strategically tearing pieces from the locking mechanism, then battering it until he was able to grab an edge and twist the door itself away from the wall.

The T-888 has been shown to run at incredible speeds, capable of catching fleeing vehicles with relative ease. Vick Chamberlain, for example, was able to chase down and board a secure van, despite taking fire from Cameron. The Bedell Terminator was likewise successful when it leapt up onto Sarah Connor's jeep, and later chased Derek Reese through the woods.

Endoskeleton

Cromartie's endoskeleton, as shown in "The Turk".

The endoskeleton of the Series 888 Terminator has several specific "upgrades" from the standard Series 800 Terminator. Besides the new arm and leg plate design, and new pistons, the most notable difference between the two models is the addition of armor plating on its back, which provides effective cover from most forms of damage whereas the T-800 is vulnerable to precise attacks from behind.

The T-888 also possesses "Thigh Blades", the blades located on the inside of the model's thighs to decapitate a human. Additionally, the T-888 chassis components such as the head, torso, or limbs are available in a wider array of sizes, allowing for far more variety in living tissue infiltration sheaths to be used. Other differences are mostly cosmetic, including the design of the head and lower jaw.

Like its predecessor, the T-888 endoskeleton is forged from a hyperalloy with the key ingredient Coltan, granting the machine superior resistance to heat. The alloy is shown to be capable of withstanding most small arms fire, with the exception of depleted uranium shells, and high-explosive incendiary Raufhoss rounds, which is capable of penetrating the alloy and causing significant damage to the unit. The endoskeleton can also be melted into vapor by thermite, either by itself or in combination with burning tar.

Exotic munitions aside, the T-888 is shown to be remarkably resistant to all forms of damage. For example, Cromartie endured having his head blown off by a primitive plasma weapon with little effect, and was later able to guide his body to his head and reattach it; while the Greenway Terminator could only be destroyed by being thrown into two transformers, suffering severe electrical damage that burned out its circuitry; however, its endoskeleton was still more-or-less intact.

Thighblade detail

The endoskeleton's functions, including its CPU, are powered by a shielded nuclear power cell that is located within the "heart" of the chest cavity, behind the frontal armor plating.

T-888s appear to be notably light compared to previous models,^{[citation needed]} though their endoskeletons are still dense enough to prevent them from remaining afloat in water.

While the original Series 800 Terminator came with a variety of infiltrator models, most if not all were of a similar stock and size, such as muscular, large, tall body. Series 888 however, marks a breakthrough in model flexibility. The T-888 endoskeleton can be built to accommodate many sizes, from the stocky body builder to the petite schoolgirl.^{[citation needed]} This range of endoskeletal dimensions allows for a far more effective infiltration tool, as humans wouldn't suspect a small 16-year-old girl of being a machine.

CPU

T-888 CPU

The processors within the T-888 appear to be set with read/write functions when sent on infiltration missions, granting the units the ability to learn from their experiences. Aesthetically, the T-888 CPU is similar in shape and design to the T-800 version, though it is completely black with red stripes and is fixed to the shock dampener. Later models are upgraded with slimmer chips that were treated with a phosphorous compound that ignites once exposed to oxygen, effectively preventing them from being reprogrammed by the Resistance.

Amongst its standard combat files, the T-888 possesses detailed files on human behavior and psychology, granting them advanced interpersonal relations programming. One such T-888, which replaced Vick Chamberlain, is capable of maintaining a marriage for a time, fooling his "wife" into believing he was her real husband.

T-888s in training

The T-888 expands its database of human understanding by observing Grays. Charles Fischer, one of the Grays, taught the machine how humans "tick".

Another prominent feature of the T-888 is using wireless control over its body if the CPU and skull are separated from the torso. The head could effectively guide the body to its location, though how it does this is unexplained. It is feasible that the endoskeleton possesses an array of sensor equipment allowing it to navigate through its environment, as well as an independent power supply, enough to guide its body to it.

Software

T-888 HUD

It is unknown whether most of the Series 888 Terminators are able to show emotional potential besides that which they fabricate for infiltration purposes. Cromartie was by far the only unit seen to possess a genuine, albeit limited, range of emotions, including frustration, annoyance, fear, and sardonic humor.

In addition to various other software upgrades, including an upgraded head-up display, the T-888 is capable of powering down to standby mode, either to conserve power or upon successful completion of a mission. Sufficient disruption, such as a powerful mechanical or electrical shock, can render a unit offline, though it could reboot in approximately two minutes.

The T-888 HUD is more advanced than the ones of previous series and has an all-red display similar to the T-800, with black overlays at the sides.

Infiltration

Skynet production line of "Vick" Models

The T-888 is an infiltration model and comes equipped with a sheath of living flesh to blend in with other humans. The flesh has a remarkable regeneration rate and can last for decades without any sign of decay, whereas the T-800 skin seems prone to dying after extended periods of time or sufficient damage. It is unknown whether T-888 sustains its organic components through the same means as Cameron, who is able to eat and probably consume food, though this would be likely given that Vick was able to maintain his marriage for a certain period, which would have required him to eat and drink on a regular basis.

T-888s are also apparently anatomically correct and capable of sexual activity, again as suggested by Vick's prolonged impersonation as Barbara Chamberlain's husband. It is unknown whether the T-888 possess the same range of physical sensations as Cameron, who claims to enjoy the feel of wind through her toes and fingers. Cromartie did appear to be jarred by the devastating ballistic attacks to the side of his face, however.

Notes

• T-888's appear to use a different power source than the potentially explosive hydrogen fuel cells used by the T-850 in Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines. There is no reference to the danger of explosion even when Cameron dismantles Vick.

• The CPU of the T-888 might be similar to the T-882, which is able to execute flexible commands. For example, Cromartie is shown to deployed various tactics to achieve its mission.

• The Series 850 and Series 888 Terminators have appeared in different timelines, and have yet to be shown to co-exist in the same timeline.

Behind the Scenes

T-888 CPU locations

• The T-888 possesses two more additional backup CPUs with the same neural net architecture.
  • Yet the show never reflects the triple CPU port of a T-888, since removing "the chip" will always seem to completely shut down a T-888. Some fans argue that this idea was most likely dropped prior to filming.
  • Note that it is entirely possible to still have this kind of CPU setup, when arranged in a strict hierarchical organization. Cromartie's "body-bound" CPUs didn't activate till the "primary" CPU in the head activated and summoned it. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that removal of the primary "cranial" CPU would preempt the ability of the secondary CPUs from posing a threat and sustaining function.
    • If the CPUs were hooked up in series like a string of cheap Christmas lights, then removing one would also disable the others. This could be avoided by hooking them up in parallel, which is the way most multi-CPU computer systems are arranged nowadays.
    • The most recent releases from the producers and effects supervisors in a YouTube video highlighting the T-888, explicitly states and indicates that there are three separate CPUs located in the head under the round ports. Two are in line high over the right temple area and the third is to the left of the crown of the head. The arrangement is again described as a means to provide military level redundancy in the event of damage or compromise; however, as a practical matter, we have yet to see this actively applied in any way shape or form. The means and methodology of the remote control of a torso from a decapitated head is also something yet to be commented on or detailed.

See also: Mr. Ferguson is Ill Today

• In interviews, the creators of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles have indicated that there were legal reasons for the creation of the T-888.^{[citation needed]} It is hence fairly reasonable to assume that any Terminator seen in the show is a T-888, unless proven otherwise, such as the T-1001.

• Summer Glau, who portrayed Cameron, said she was the 888 during a fan's on-set visit.^{[citation needed]}

Known units

Confirmed units

Cromartie

John Henry

Vick Chamberlain

"Carl Greenway"

The Enforcer

The Bedell Terminator

Myron Stark

Queeg

Oil Rig Guards

Water Delivery Guy

Unconfirmed unit

Carter

TSCC S01E06

TSCC S01E06

The Rogue

Rosie

"James Ellison"

The Fields Terminator

Note:

• The T-888 is more-or-less the default machine of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. All the Terminators seen onscreen are presumed Series 888 Terminators except for several specific machines such as Catherine Weaver, or the Oil Rig Terminator.
• If Rosie is a T-888, she would be one the smaller models of the series.
• John Henry is an advanced sentient A.I mounted in Cromartie's endoskeleton and possesses all of its capabilities.

Appearances

Television series

• Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
  • Season 1
    • "Pilot" - (Cromartie)
    • "Gnothi Seauton" - (Cromartie & Vick Chamberlain)
    • "The Turk" - (Cromartie & Dream Scientists)
    • "Heavy Metal" - (Cromartie & Carter)
    • "Queen's Gambit" - (Vick Chamberlain)
    • "Dungeons & Dragons" - (Vick Chamberlain, Rogue, & T-888 soldiers)
    • "The Demon Hand" - (Cromartie)
    • "Vick's Chip" - (Cromartie, Vick Chamberlain, & Vick models)
    • "What He Beheld" - (Cromartie)
  • Season 2
    • "Samson & Delilah" - (Cromartie)
    • "Automatic for the People" - (Greenway)
    • "The Mousetrap" - (Cromartie)
    • "Allison from Palmdale" - (The enforcer)
    • "Goodbye to All That" - (Bedell Terminator)
    • "The Tower Is Tall But the Fall Is Short" - (Rosie)
    • "Brothers of Nablus" - (Cromartie)
    • "Mr. Ferguson is Ill Today" - (Cromartie)
    • "Complications" - (Cromartie)
    • "Strange Things Happen at the One Two Point" - (John Henry)
    • "Self Made Man" - (Myron Stark)
    • "Alpine Fields" - (Fields Terminator)
    • "Earthlings Welcome Here" - (John Henry)
    • "The Good Wound" - (John Henry)
    • "Desert Cantos" - (John Henry)
    • "Ourselves Alone" - (John Henry)
    • "Today Is The Day, Part 1" - (Queeg & the oil rig guards)
    • "Today Is The Day, Part 2" - (Queeg & John Henry)
    • "To the Lighthouse" - (John Henry)
    • "Adam Raised a Cain" - (John Henry & Water Delivery Guy)
    • "Born to Run" - (John Henry & Water Delivery Guy)

Series 888 Endoskeleton Visual Reference

360-degree view of head

Front closeup

Back closeup

Elbow-Back detail

Chest detail

Wireframe model

See also

• T-888 (video)

Main

T-800

Collectible Card Game

Salvation

Genisys

Resistance

T-800, the first of the Series 8xx Terminators.

The Series 8xx Terminator refers to a succession of Terminator series mass-produced by Skynet. There are three well-known lines of the Series 8xx: the Series 800, the Series 850, and the Series 888 Terminator. All three series are machine-based cybernetic organisms —living tissue over a hyperalloy endoskeleton. The T-800 is Skynet's first successful Infiltrator unit, capable of infiltrating the Resistance. The T-850 is an upgraded version, hardened against plasma attacks and with more powerful features. The T-888 is another upgraded version which is more advanced. Relative to the Series 1000 and Series X Terminators, Series 8xx Terminators have been considered to be an obsolete design.

Known variants

T-800

T-800

Main article: T-800

The T-800 Terminator uses a nuclear power cell as its power source. In the original timeline, the T-800 was activated in 2026, but in T2 Saga timeline, the Series 800 Terminator has been mass produced prior to 2015. While in Salvation timeline, a prototype T-800 was activated in 2018.

T-801

T-801

Main article: T-801

T-808

T-808 Model 101A

Main article: T-808/RPG

The T-808 Probationary Test Unit is an experimental type of Terminator.

T-850

Main article: T-850

In Rise of the Machines timeline, Skynet decided to harden the Series 800 Terminator against plasma attacks and add new features to aid in the destruction of mankind. The Series 850 Terminator was created after 2029.

In The Redemption timeline, the T-900 Terminator is structurally developed from the T-850, with the addition of a plasma reactor and extra armor plates.

The T-850 endoskeleton from Terminator 3: The Redemption

The T-900 endoskeleton, as noted above, features more Subdermal Armors than the T-850

T-888

Main article: T-888

The Series 888 Terminator is a successor to the Series 800 Terminator in The Sarah Connor Chronicles timeline and deployed as Skynet's main infantry unit before 2027. It was made to be faster, stronger and more resistant to damage. When knocked offline, it could reboot in two minutes. The Series 888 Terminator also possesses a flexible endoskeleton and is capable of activating even if the head is separated from the torso.

The T-900 Infiltrator is structually compatible with the T-888, as parts from other Terminator endoskeletons can be used for self repairing.

T-888

T-900 (Endoskull)

Variants in Deviated Timelines

• T-8xx in Collectible Card Game timeline
• T-8xx in Genisys timeline
• T-8xx in Resistance timeline

Notes

• The phrase 8xx has never actually been used in the Terminator franchise. It is a coined word meant to encapsulate the Series 800, 850, and 888 lines of Terminators. This is similar to the phrase "x86", coined to encapsulate Intel 286, 386, 486 and Pentium line of compatible chips into a single phrase.

• The Series 850 and Series 888 Terminators have appeared in different timelines, and have yet to be shown to co-exist in the same timeline.

• Despite being redundant by comparison to the Series 1000 and Series X Terminators, the Series 8xx Terminators are shown to be remarkably adaptable and persistent, traits that have allowed them to defeat their superiors despite the odds.
  • In Terminator 2: Judgment Day, the T-800 assigned to protect John Connor was able to hold its own against a T-1000 in hand-to-hand combat, but due to its mechanical nature, it suffered several instances of structural damage. Regardless, the T-800 restarted itself by using its alternative power cell, which in turn allowed it the chance to launch a surprise grenade attack on the T-1000, subsequently causing its demise in molten steel.
  • In Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, a T-850 that was likewise reprogrammed to protect John Connor proved to be a moderate threat to the T-X. It held its own in hand-to-hand combat, dominating the fight at first, though this was relative as the T-X was never in any real danger of being disabled by the T-850. That said; once the T-X escalated its aggression, the T-850 was swiftly defeated. However, like the T-800 before it, the T-850 was able to overcome its first defeat and use its last unstable hydrogen fuel cell to obliterate the T-X (and itself along with it).
  • In Terminator Genisys, Guardian, a T-800 programmed to protect Sarah Connor, with knowledge of the events that originally lead to Judgment Day, is able to destroy a T-1000 with hydrochloric acid with the only noticeable damage to it being the loss of the outer shealth over its right hand, and would later devise a way to defeat the T-3000, which involved disrupting its magnetic field and restraining it with magnetic gloves and trapping it inside an unfinished time displacement machine, despite damage dealt by the T-3000 to Guardian, including the removal of Guardian's left arm.
  • However, a T-1001 terminated a T-888 with ease.
  • In Dark Fate, Carl, a T-800 unit operating for decades, was able to physically dominate a battle against the advanced Rev-9 as Carl constantly pinned the Rev-9 and sent it flying with ease. However, it was not able to inflict any permanent damage until he and Grace forced it into a turbine.

References

<< Series 8xx Terminator >> 800 - 801 - 803 - 804 - 806 - 808 - 810 - 820 - 825 - 831 - 833 - 835 - 850 - 860 - 882 - 883 - 888 - 897 Terminator Series Standard 000 - 1 (1-5 - 1-7) - 4 - 7 - H (U-5000) - 20 - 47 - 70 - 72 - 300 - 400 - 500 - 600 (650 - 660) - 700 (720 - 750 - 770 - 790 - 799) - 800 (8xx) - 900 (950) - X - 1000 (1001 - 1002 - XA - Meg) - Infinity - 2018 - 3000 - 4800 - 5000 - 8000 Human Infiltrator I825.M - I-950 - T-H (Ultra-5000) - T-3000 Other types Sky-1 - T-90 / T-101 - I-950 - TS-300 - T-900 (TOK715) - New Terminator - Rev-7 - Rev-9 - T-K90 - Dire Wolf - Moto-Terminator (Snowminator) Outer sheath Rubber skin - Living tissue - Duroplast - Mimetic polyalloy - Machine phase matter Related topics Terminator (Series) - Model - Replacement - Impersonation - Hunter-Killer - Technology