Not the greatest in animated series, but certainly on of the better ones. For a spin off, Zeta presented strong characters and good action. The plot lines fell a little short in comparison to Batman and Batman Beyond, but it was still a great show. The character of Ro was an especially good touch because it was interesting to see how Zeta, who went from dealing with an unusual teen in Batman Beyond, got to see the world through Ro's eyes presenting a little less violent view. Zee had a great deal of heat, like most shows about robots with personalities, but there was something else that is hard to pinpoint. Something that made me remember this show six years later. I think that if it had been allowed to last passed one season it would have reached it's full potential. In other words - I miss this show.
12 Reviews
This show could have been a great live action movie.
WeAreLive25 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I remember watching this show a few years back and I found it childish and uninteresting. I know this show was meant to be aimed at kids aged 1- 11 but it had a good plot and a wonderful story which didn't end properly.
As I said before I wound mind if DC picks this and Batman Beyond up for a live action movie with insane graphics because, in my opinion, this show would have been a hell of a good movie.
I mean you don't see anything DC where a Robot was made to destroy but ended up realizing his error picks up a fostered young teenager and she is protecting him from agents. But Zetta just wants peace and freedom.
As I said before I wound mind if DC picks this and Batman Beyond up for a live action movie with insane graphics because, in my opinion, this show would have been a hell of a good movie.
I mean you don't see anything DC where a Robot was made to destroy but ended up realizing his error picks up a fostered young teenager and she is protecting him from agents. But Zetta just wants peace and freedom.
Who's a threat? Robots or humans?
Animany947 April 2020
As a sci-fi series, The Zeta Project takes up the ever interesting question if robots will acquire emotions of their own. In here the government infiltration unit known as Zeta doesn't want to do what it was initially programmed to, search and destroy.
He's at a constant run from government agents Bennet, Raj and West, the former being hell-bent on capturing him because of his belief in the dangerous nature of such robots.
Zeta teams up with an orphan girl on his quest to find his maker to prove him not dangerous. This girl named Ro takes advantage of Zeta's abilities while she traches him to navigate among humans. They play off each other pretty well with Ro's snarky sarcasm and Zeta's shaky understanding of human behaviour giving us some good laughs.
As a spin-off of Batman Beyond the duo also comes across Neo-Gotham and Bruce Wayne and Terry McGinnis in one episode which is nice.
While the animation can be rather flat with little shadow on the characters and a cliff-hanger ending without a satifying conclusion to the overall goal of the series, it is a worthy entry to the DCAU.
He's at a constant run from government agents Bennet, Raj and West, the former being hell-bent on capturing him because of his belief in the dangerous nature of such robots.
Zeta teams up with an orphan girl on his quest to find his maker to prove him not dangerous. This girl named Ro takes advantage of Zeta's abilities while she traches him to navigate among humans. They play off each other pretty well with Ro's snarky sarcasm and Zeta's shaky understanding of human behaviour giving us some good laughs.
As a spin-off of Batman Beyond the duo also comes across Neo-Gotham and Bruce Wayne and Terry McGinnis in one episode which is nice.
While the animation can be rather flat with little shadow on the characters and a cliff-hanger ending without a satifying conclusion to the overall goal of the series, it is a worthy entry to the DCAU.
Remarkably good.
Jill_valentine31 January 2003
i've seen this show a few times by accident, and I have to say, I was well impressed. It's not deep by any means, but its more thoughtful than a lot of cartoons. Ro and Zeta have...chemistry? (Can you say that about a cartoon? Its almost what Roswell could have been. Very good.
definitely overlooked
born_naughty19 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I watch almost all of the DC animated series and movies. Selectively though. I mostly just watch the highest rated movies and episodes. Apparently this series is based on an episode of Batman Beyond that I didn't see.
Originally I skipped The Zeta Project because it's not very highly rated. Nor is it something that is talked about a lot. And seeing as it was seemingly cancelled after two seasons I naturally just skipped it.
For some reason that I don't really know myself I gave it a shot anyway and I'm glad I did.
Even though I like watching animated series, it's mostly just easy entertainment. Something I watch while eating or just put on the background while doing household chores. I'm never really invested in the story much and I feel no connection to the characters. Definitely not superhero's as it's just not a believable concept. Since it's DC I expected Zeta to be kind of like a superhero as well. I was wrong.
It's almost an anti-superhero story as Zeta has actually removed his own weapons. We can all read the synopsis but Zeta Project is about a robot names Zeta, made to be a killing machine by the government, that doesn't want to kill or destroy anymore. Off course government agents are always on his, and his accomplice's, tail while they try to find a way of convincing the government that he's harmless.
Yes it's scifi and obviously there's always going to be suspension of disbelief. It is still a cartoon and it's aimed at kids, but I can somewhat believe in these characters. They are not just one dimensional characters. They could be real people. I find myself actually rooting for "Zee" and "Ro".
It still has moments of humor, action, drama etc... everything you'd want from a cartoon but with people you can actually care about putting this one a step above other animated shows.
A few plot-holes/goofs bring the show down. One in particular. Zeta can change appearance to basically any human being he wants. The flaw in the design being that he doesn't actually change shape. He creates a hologram. Meaning that if he touches anything he'd be exposed as solid matter would go through the hologram, exposing the illusion, right? That actually makes for an interesting dynamic as the government agents sometimes start poking people to see if they aren't a hologram.
This concept could create tension throughout because as constantly has to remain vigilant of not touching or grabbing anything while in disguise. Problem is that it's mostly ignored. Zeta constantly touches people, grabs stuff like normal without exposing the hologram. That's actually a huge goof as it's such an integral part of the whole presentation. Zeta constantly changes appearance. It's part of every single episode. I don't understand this oversight at all and I can only attribute it to laziness of the writers. I can't see any other reason.
The same laziness applies to another pet peeve. Somewhat related. In the first episodes whenever Zeta changes appearance he always has to change to robot form before changing to another human appearance. This also, could be an interesting dynamic. It could create difficulties for Zeta as he needs a second longer to change appearance. However, in some episodes this is also dropped. Suddenly he can change appearance from one human form to the next without hiccups.
Another example: Zeta says in one of the first episodes that he disabled his own weapons because he doesn't want to destroy/kill. That's why he doesn't use any weapons, not even to get out of a jam. In episode 9 he suddenly uses a some type of (laser)gun. Not only that but he drops a heavy bell on his opponents head. What happened to not wanting to hurt anyone? Just because it's a cartoon show doesn't mean the laws of physics and biology shouldn't exist. If you're telling the story of a killer robot who doesn't want to hurt anyone than stick to that story.
It is so frustrating for there to such huge gaps in continuity. It would have been an easy thing to do right.
Originally I skipped The Zeta Project because it's not very highly rated. Nor is it something that is talked about a lot. And seeing as it was seemingly cancelled after two seasons I naturally just skipped it.
For some reason that I don't really know myself I gave it a shot anyway and I'm glad I did.
Even though I like watching animated series, it's mostly just easy entertainment. Something I watch while eating or just put on the background while doing household chores. I'm never really invested in the story much and I feel no connection to the characters. Definitely not superhero's as it's just not a believable concept. Since it's DC I expected Zeta to be kind of like a superhero as well. I was wrong.
It's almost an anti-superhero story as Zeta has actually removed his own weapons. We can all read the synopsis but Zeta Project is about a robot names Zeta, made to be a killing machine by the government, that doesn't want to kill or destroy anymore. Off course government agents are always on his, and his accomplice's, tail while they try to find a way of convincing the government that he's harmless.
Yes it's scifi and obviously there's always going to be suspension of disbelief. It is still a cartoon and it's aimed at kids, but I can somewhat believe in these characters. They are not just one dimensional characters. They could be real people. I find myself actually rooting for "Zee" and "Ro".
It still has moments of humor, action, drama etc... everything you'd want from a cartoon but with people you can actually care about putting this one a step above other animated shows.
A few plot-holes/goofs bring the show down. One in particular. Zeta can change appearance to basically any human being he wants. The flaw in the design being that he doesn't actually change shape. He creates a hologram. Meaning that if he touches anything he'd be exposed as solid matter would go through the hologram, exposing the illusion, right? That actually makes for an interesting dynamic as the government agents sometimes start poking people to see if they aren't a hologram.
This concept could create tension throughout because as constantly has to remain vigilant of not touching or grabbing anything while in disguise. Problem is that it's mostly ignored. Zeta constantly touches people, grabs stuff like normal without exposing the hologram. That's actually a huge goof as it's such an integral part of the whole presentation. Zeta constantly changes appearance. It's part of every single episode. I don't understand this oversight at all and I can only attribute it to laziness of the writers. I can't see any other reason.
The same laziness applies to another pet peeve. Somewhat related. In the first episodes whenever Zeta changes appearance he always has to change to robot form before changing to another human appearance. This also, could be an interesting dynamic. It could create difficulties for Zeta as he needs a second longer to change appearance. However, in some episodes this is also dropped. Suddenly he can change appearance from one human form to the next without hiccups.
Another example: Zeta says in one of the first episodes that he disabled his own weapons because he doesn't want to destroy/kill. That's why he doesn't use any weapons, not even to get out of a jam. In episode 9 he suddenly uses a some type of (laser)gun. Not only that but he drops a heavy bell on his opponents head. What happened to not wanting to hurt anyone? Just because it's a cartoon show doesn't mean the laws of physics and biology shouldn't exist. If you're telling the story of a killer robot who doesn't want to hurt anyone than stick to that story.
It is so frustrating for there to such huge gaps in continuity. It would have been an easy thing to do right.
The Zeta Project
raghu-nightcrawler6 July 2008
I love this show a lot. It is one of the best shows in the DC animated Universe. I like the idea of how a robot realizes that he doesn't want to kill anymore. Also I like the plot line where the authorities think that he has been reprogrammed by the enemies but he wasn't and the surprising twist was that he chose not to kill anymore. I like the idea of Zeta being aware and knowing what is right and wrong in the process. Another aspect also for Zeta alongside his sidekick Ro was to find the his creator as they are again pursued by the authorities. My favorite model of Zeta was the one they used in Batman Beyond where his head is shaped as a the letter U rather than the typical head he has in his own spin off show. They should have used the u shaped head in the show because it looked lot more distinguishing. The only thing I was disappointed with the show was that it didn't end properly since there was a lot of unresolved plots that weren't finished. Pretty much the story ended in a cliffhanger. I also like how they made the connection in Justice League Unlimited where the Justice league members actually use the the Zeta Prototype for there practice simulation in the battle.
Thoroughly enjoyable
eltoca212 November 2022
This is such a great watch. This still holds up today with the tech representation and visions of the future. Loved the overarching story. Good scripts drove it along nicely. The characters were original authentic rich and full of depth. They were great. The animation still looks and feels detailed and fantastic. Really enjoyed every single episode. Scandalous that there were only 2 seasons. This had legs to go on for a lot longer and it is a real shame it did not as I would like to have seen more. I can definitely see myself watching it all over again at some point in the not to distant future.
About as trailblazing as it's unwatchable. The good news is, it's far from unwatchable...
Victor Field5 February 2002
A spinoff from "Batman Beyond" (or "Batman Of The Future" as it's known outside North America for some reason - happily, it's not necessary to be familiar with the show to watch this), "The Zeta Project" follows a sentient robot on the run from the NSA (National Security Agency), because he wishes to not be a robotic assassin any more (he's discovered that one of the victims he was assigned to kill was innocent, and that meant any of them could have been innocent). Using holographic disguises - mostly as a Brendan Fraser lookalike - he's joined in the search for the man who played the biggest role in his creation by another runaway, a teenage girl called Rosalie (Zeta calls her Ro, she calls him Zee)...
This premise will be familiar to anyone who remembers "Short Circuit" (and its sequel), Gene Roddenberry's pilot "The Questor Tapes" and "The Iron Giant," among others (and fans of "Robocop" and "Futurama" (home of Bender) note the respective voices of Kurtwood Smith and Lauren "Amy Wong of the Mars Wongs" Tom as two of the agents in pursuit); but fortunately that means it's pretty interesting when we're not dealing with the "Fugitive"-type aspects of the plot. Even more fortunately, we're in WB-cartoon territory - they're usually reliable when it comes to above-average animation for TV, and "The Zeta Project" is no exception, being often exciting stuff and with some good characters on both sides of the fence (particularly the likeable heroes and the eager but often hotheaded Agent West).
Sky One started showing this around the same time "Alias," "Enterprise" (both also on Sky) and "Smallville" (on Channel 4) began in the UK. Though the least hyped, this is the only one I really watch. (Incidentally, my little sister's called Zeta, though pronounced Zee-ta not Zay-ta. As far as I know, she isn't a robot, nor can she change appearance.)
This premise will be familiar to anyone who remembers "Short Circuit" (and its sequel), Gene Roddenberry's pilot "The Questor Tapes" and "The Iron Giant," among others (and fans of "Robocop" and "Futurama" (home of Bender) note the respective voices of Kurtwood Smith and Lauren "Amy Wong of the Mars Wongs" Tom as two of the agents in pursuit); but fortunately that means it's pretty interesting when we're not dealing with the "Fugitive"-type aspects of the plot. Even more fortunately, we're in WB-cartoon territory - they're usually reliable when it comes to above-average animation for TV, and "The Zeta Project" is no exception, being often exciting stuff and with some good characters on both sides of the fence (particularly the likeable heroes and the eager but often hotheaded Agent West).
Sky One started showing this around the same time "Alias," "Enterprise" (both also on Sky) and "Smallville" (on Channel 4) began in the UK. Though the least hyped, this is the only one I really watch. (Incidentally, my little sister's called Zeta, though pronounced Zee-ta not Zay-ta. As far as I know, she isn't a robot, nor can she change appearance.)
What a fun series!
Figaro-831 May 2001
"The Zeta Project" is one of my favorite TV shows--animated or otherwise--on the air right now, and is further proof that WB produces the best animated series of any other studio right now. Zeta has been featured in "Batman Beyond" before, but this series is a bit lighter in tone. But don't be deceived; action, humor and even a truly sincere moment here and there abound in "Zeta". As with all the WB's shows, there is nice animation, cool music, and a voice cast that is right on the money. "Zeta" is the most fun you can have watching a cartoon these days.
A Great Animated Cartoon!
ConMG86 July 2001
"The Zeta Project" is a wonderful cartoon show that I believe is very good for children of all ages. I have to admit that I'm probably a little partial because I love stories like the ones that are covered in this cartoon. The stories always keep me interested and I definitely care about what happens to the main characters. I give a high recommendation for "The Zeta Project" to anyone who likes this type of show or any of the other shows on Kids WB. It does a great job of combining action, humor, and a few sweet moments that keep the show exciting and interesting.
'Zeta' rocks!
jellyneckr25 June 2001
I always thought that Zeta was the best character on BATMAN BEYOND so I was extremely excited when I heard that there was going to be a Zeta animated series. What I got was basically what I was expecting which was fast-paced action sequences, great animation, and a little bit of humor. The show lived up to all of my expectations and I hope that THE ZETA PROJECT stays on the air for a while.
I love it!! Watch it!!
BadAngel_1826 July 2001
I love this show!! I really want a romance to develop with Zee and Ro. But it is a wonderful story about morals, Zee refuses to kill and learns to love, he also learns to protect his one, true friend, Ro, a runaway orphan. Ro and Zee are basically on the same path, looking for their families, Ro looking for her lost brother, and Zee, looking for his creators. I recomend the movie A.I., starring Haley Joel Osment and Jude Law, it is also about a robot that can love, and is tooken on a whirlwind journey. I recomend this show! I love it! And you will too!
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