The fourth and final season of 12 Monkeys begins on June 15 and I’m here to tell you that you need to watch it. Just take my word for it. I’ll explain why in a sec.
First things first: the details. Season 4 of 12 Monkeys will be an eleven episode special event lasting 4 weeks. Starting Friday, June 15, SYFY will air three episodes for three Fridays in a row ending with the two-hour finale on July 6.
Am I telling you to stay home and watch three straight hours of television on a Friday night? Technically, no. I mean, I’m not your mom and you can do what you want. That said…
Yes, yes I am. For a few reasons.
- People are going to be talking about this show after it airs. It’s too mind-bending for them not to be talking about it. That means spoilers. You don’t want spoilers, do you?
- Every episode of 12 Monkeys is connected to other episodes of 12 Monkeys and the way each episode flows into the next informs the last if that makes sense. Basically, watching consecutive episodes results in an exponentially better mind blowage experience.
- It’s really great television. Well written, well directed. Extremely well acted. If the mystery/theory aspect of Westworld sucks you in, 12 Monkeys has been doing it longer and, in my opinion, better. Want action? Check. Drama? Check. History? Humor? Done. Trips to the ’80s? Oh yeah. It hits all the bases.
Those of you who watch the show already know what I’m talking about. So, for you, I’ll just say that this is, hands down, the best season yet. All the answers you’ve been waiting for? They’re coming. Things you didn’t realize you even needed to know? Addressed. I’ve seen the first five episodes and I’m still processing what the hell happened. It’s so great.
Now, for those of you who have not yet been initiated into the Order of the 12 Monkeys. 12 Monkeys is based on the film that starred Bruce Willis (James Cole), Brad Pitt (Jeffrey Goines), and Madeline Stowe (Dr. Kathryn Railly). However, it’s not a sequel or a prequel to the movie. The series is a new take on the themes and characters in the film.
In the series, a virus has wiped out a large percentage of the world’s population and James Cole (Aaron Stanford) is sent back in time to 2015 in an attempt to stop that from happening. His goal is to find prominent virologist and daughter of Kathryn Railly, Dr. Cassandra Railly (Amanda Schull) to elicit her help.
While in 2015 Cole crosses paths with mental patient Jennifer Goines (the phenomenal Emily Hampshire) who, somehow, holds clues to a much larger picture of who released the virus, what their plan is and how Cole and Cassie might save the future.
I hear you over there going, “Sell me on this.” or some variation of “Why should I watch?”. So I’m going to give it to you straight.
Because I said so. (Maybe I AM your mom.)
Okay, okay, you don’t know me yet so let me put it this way. One of the reasons I love writing for Hypable is the ability to write about the fandoms, movies, and TV shows I love. I don’t champion things I don’t love and I love 12 Monkeys with all my heart.
12 Monkeys is some of the smartest television I’ve ever watched. It doesn’t talk over you, but it also expects you to be able to keep up. It has a plan. Showrunner Terry Matalas mapped this whole thing out so, unlike some TV shows that start with a plan and sort of lose focus, 12 Monkeys knows exactly the story it wants to tell. There are things, people, and events in season 1 that reference seasons 2 and 3 because this has all been mapped out.
In other words, if you like figuring things out, you’ll love it.
But there’s so much more going on. Badass ladies, unlikely heroes, excellent villains, romance, chills, thrills, you name it.
I’ll also add this for you old school nerds. 12 Monkeys has the best use of a hotel location I’ve seen since Sliders. Tell me that’s not worth watching right there.
I mean, watch this trailer and tell me you’re not intrigued.
You are, right? I know you are.
My challenge/request for you.
Go watch two episodes of the first season of 12 Monkeys. If it doesn’t hook you, okay, I was wrong. But if it does, it’ll give you time to get caught up on all 36 episodes before season 4 premieres on June 15th.
I mean, let’s face it. The world is in turmoil right now and everyone’s feeling a little…stressed about the future. Maybe we can’t do anything about it, but the idea of James Cole and Cassie Railey out there fighting for the future of the human race makes me feel better.
Can’t we all stand to feel a little better?
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