TOK715
From Terminator Wiki
TOK715 is the only alpha-numeric designation that has, so far, been attributed to the terminator Cameron. A promotional poster for Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles states that Cameron is a "Terminator Class TOK715". This is the first time that the word class has been used to categorize a Terminator (usually identified by Series and/or Model number, although the TV series has yet to use the word "Series" on the show).
It is unknown what the prefix TOK stands for (or if it's TOK or T0K), but many fans speculate that 715 may actually be Cameron's Model number; that is, her human flesh sheath. This sheath is based on the appearance of Allison Young, a young member of the resistance whom Cameron interrogated and killed in the future. Thus, 715 would refer to the Allison Young sheath, just as Model 101 refers to the CMSgt William Candy/Dieter von Rossbach (Arnold Schwarzenegger) sheath.
Model number is, thus far, the only feasible explanation for 715. It would most probably not refer to Cameron's series (i.e. T-715), as only the 800s and higher used real human flesh coverings. Before the 800s, Terminators, most notably the 600 series, used rubber skin and were very easy to identify.
It is still unclear what Cameron's actual series is, but her endoskeleton is very similar to the T-888, albeit much smaller; perhaps the lower end of the available structural options for that Series. Either way, given her use of living tissue, it is likely that she is some variant of a Series 8xx. She may be related to Rosie, a terminator of similar size and movement manner. However, Cameron terminated Rosie with much more ease than with other terminators. We do know that Cameron is not designed for combat against other terminators unless necessary.
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Speculation
General Observations
- It is remotely possible that TOK715 may simply be her Resistance serial number, much like Skynet's similar ID technique (i.e. C850.Z).
- Another theory suggests that TOK is an acronym for "Template Of Kill", making the 715 number a designation for Allison. Put together, it would translate as: Template Of Kill - Allison Young.
- From dialogue in "Ourselves Alone" we can rule out Cameron being a Series 900 terminator. The Series 900 is partially designed for combat against other machines and John Connor specifically says Cameron isn't designed for combat against other terminators.
- Cameron's eyes were originally established as being red in promotional materials, but was later changed to blue for the actual episodes. Her eyes later switched back to red as producer Josh Friedman wanted to bring back a "classic Terminator feel" to her character. It could be said that the change in her eye colour was the result of damage suffered during the car bombing, which altered her LED preferences, and that Cameron saw no need to fix the error. Actress Summer Glau likewise speculated that Cameron was in "mission mode" at the time, hence the change in colour. This was later verified with the release of the Season 2 DVD Director's Commentary and Special Features that specify the previously seen "blue flash" was a software function associated with resistance reprogramming, but the physical eyes were standard terminator hardware and have always been "red".
- It is possible she was manufactured by a different entity than Skynet, and "Born to Run" confirms the existence of such a third party, but she still maintains the core directive to terminate John Connor.
- Dialogue in "Heavy Metal" suggests that Cameron was built by Skynet at Depot 37. Carter is believed to have been gathering coltan for Skynet in the past, unless Carter was in the employ of the third faction; which is entirely possible.
Variant of Series 888?
Another theory exists wherein Cameron is simply an enhanced/experimental or optional variant of the standard T-888 design. One speculation on this theory rests on the idea that Cameron was built solely to replace Allison Young, whom Skynet believed to be of great importance to John Connor. Knowing that John would be the hardest human to trick with an infiltrator, Skynet likely conducted certain modifications to Cameron's design. Another theory, supported by the episode, director's, and effects designer's commentaries on the T-888 design is that unlike previous Series, the 888s are manufactured from a variable and customizeable selection of limb, torso, and other chassis element sizes, allowing for a far wider range of physical forms and allowable infiltration sheaths, ranging from the petite chassis possessed by Cameron and Rosie, all the way up to the hulking forms of the Bedell terminator and Vick Chamberlain.
The majority of these modifications appear to be software-based, as Cameron has displayed very little external differences to other Triple-8s (the ability to eat and drink is likely shared by all Series 8xx). Changes to her chip, such as upgraded stealth-combat routines and impersonation capabilities, were likely added to increase her success in infiltrating John's inner circle.
It is also possible, either by choice or unforeseen consequence, that these upgrades resulted in an allowance for emotional capability and, by extension, possible self-awareness (which would explain her remarkable learning curve). Given that Cameron was probably the best chance to eliminate John, it is feasible that Skynet would create a potentially dangerous and treacherous model to ensure the completion of said mission (just as it created the controversial Series 1000 towards the war's end).
It is made clear on many occasions that Cameron is structurally similar to the T-888, as seen in early promotional materials that show parts of Cameron's endoskeleton, including her arm, leg, and skull. Promotional posters also show part of her endoskeleton from the shoulders and above. While it is certain that she is different to the Triple-8s, these discrepancies appear to be primarily software-based in nature. Also, in "Dungeons & Dragons" Cameron's endo skull is briefly seen when she sets fire to the Vick endoskeleton, revealing her skull to be identical to the Triple-8 design (the teeth, jaw, brow, etc).
- It should also be noted that Cameron seems to have a level of compatibility with the T-888, as parts from other Terminator endoskeletons can be used to repair her own.
While Vick Chamberlain was unable to identify her in his initial scan and merely identifies her as an unknown cyborg, endoskeletal characteristics aside, this may be attributed to lack of knowledge associating a petite 888 chassis with the Allison Young sheath, especially if his temporal deployment predates either the inclusion of Allison's template into his "known" Skynet database or the expansion of the 888 options line to include the petite chassis. Though it is obvious from looking at the various Terminators that, regardless of series, they all share similar basic structural characteristics (with the exception of newer models like the T-X and T-1000).
Notes
- Cameron displays behavior not used by other terminators - for example, eating and crying.
- Cameron also has abilities not present in other terminators - e.g. the ability to check vital signs by touch, etc.
- Cameron's HUD is in full color, unlike other Terminators whose HUDs are either in red or blue.
Deep-Scan of Cameron
Gallery
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