What I’m Watching: 12 Monkeys

12 Monkeys: Season 1, Episode 4 “Atari” (B)

I didn’t love this episode as much since it dealt with the aspect of the show that I’ve found to be least interesting up until now – the future as it relates not to governmental structures or anything like that but instead essentially to gang disputes. It’s interesting since there isn’t much consistency with dystopian futures, and often times whatever should be shown isn’t featured all that much. It’s clear that Cassandra is a dynamic character and Cole is at his best when he is with her, and also that Jennifer and the 12 Monkeys are the most exciting and worthwhile part of this universe. Giving some context to Cole and Ramsey’s friendship by spending some time in 2032 was useful since it revealed that Ramsey was the humanizing force for Cole, able to recognize that the work they were doing with Deacon and West 7 was truly abhorrent. Deacon is a perfect role for Todd Stashwick, who was previously despicable as the leader of another outlaw tribe on “The Riches.” When Cole got himself caught by Deacon and West 7 after traveling through time, I thought he had gone far into the future. Instead, this episode got saved by a great surprise – that he had actually been sent, however unintentionally, a few days back to be able to come dangerously close to his old self and save the day by turning the tables with some futuristic knowledge. Stranding him permanently in 2015 was one option, but now having him back and more willing to talk than ever with the ability to go back to the future is definitely a plus. Now it’s just a question of whether Cassandra’s latest discovery will indeed change everything.