Shadows of Time: Decoding the Temporal Poses in the Terminator Universe

The enigma of time travel has always intrigued the human race. The possibility to travel back and forth in time; perhaps to correct a past mistake, or to catch a glimpse of future evolution, provides fascinating fodder to our never-ending imagination. One franchise that has brilliantly woven this concept of time travel into its narrative is the "Terminator" series.

Throughout the "Terminator" franchise, there are numerous moments where characters display what we'll now refer to as "temporal poses"- positions, actions or decisions that dramatically affect the current time and future events. These "temporal poses" connect the dots of time in the Terminator universe, generating a complex web of events that affect one another.

The core dynamic of the franchise lies in its relentless exploration of time, not as an ordered flow but a chaotic, often paradoxical, chain of scenarios. The franchise’s linchpin character, the 'Terminator' – a cybernetic life-form from the future - embodies a 'temporal pose' with every time jump, every mission, and every change it brings about in the timeline.

The franchise’s first movie, "The Terminator", released in 1984, introduced this concept. The terminator, a T-800 model, with its specific mission to assassinate Sarah Connor before she could give birth to John Connor, sparked a loop. A loop that, even with numerous terminators sent back and forth in time, could never quite close. The 'temporal pose' here is a life-form from a dystopian future reaching out into the past, a stark assertion that actions in the present have massive repercussions on the future.

"Terminator 2: Judgement Day", throws a curveball into this narrative. Here, a reprogrammed T-800 is situated as the protector, not the assailant. The 'temporal pose' drastically shifts. It's not just about future trying to annihilate the past, but also warding off an approach from the future, signifying an attempt to correct its own trajectory.

By the third instalment, "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines", the idea is no longer about preventing Judgement Day, but surviving it. The "temporal pose" is one of acceptance, a closed time loop where events that were meant to happen will, pushing the characters to prepare for the inevitable.

Further on, "Terminator Genisys", pulls the strings of the franchises' timeline tighter. It propounds on the idea of an alternate timeline, presenting multiple 'temporal poses'. The characters now have the power to change the course of events, suggesting entire new possibilities of the future, not restricted to the set time path.

In "Terminator Dark Fate", the 'temporal pose' is one of reimagining. With the introduction of Rev-9, a new Terminator model, and Dani Ramos, as the new saviour, the franchise takes a fresh 'temporal pose' - past lessons used to shape an alternative future vision, instead of preventing or altering the future as done previously.

The temporal poses portrayed in the Terminator movies offer a fascinating exploration into the concept of time, causality, and the repercussions of actions taken. Under the surface of action-packed sequences and breathtaking CGI, is a layered, philosophical commentary on time and destiny. The study of these 'temporal poses' not only provides fans of the franchise with a richer understanding of the on-screen events but also triggers thought-provoking discussions on the concept of time itself, proving once again why "Terminator" remains a relevant and intriguing franchise today.