*Review based off the first five episodes of 12 Monkeys Season 4*
Season four of 12 Monkeys is upon us and every moment of the first five episodes is everything you could want from the series’ final season.
12 Monkeys has followed Cole and Cassie through time as they raced to stop the mysterious organization known as the Army of the 12 Monkeys from releasing a deadly virus that wipes out nearly all of humanity – and that was just the beginning. Showrunner Terry Matalas, along with a fantastic team of writers, have headed into the final season with a sense of clear direction that many shows in the sci-fi television landscape fail to have planned for (I’m looking at you Battlestar Galactica and Lost). No time is being wasted and every moment of screen time is a valuable reward for the viewers who have stuck with the show. Yes, even the crazy trips through the mind of Jennifer Goines.
Especially those.
The narrative in 12 Monkeys continues to weave in and out of its mysteries with natural cohesion. Questions are being answered and characters are given moments to reflect allowing for much more emotional moments as the series gets ready to say goodbye. There have been unexpected events and multiple reveals that left my jaw agape at a character’s decision. You’re definitely in for a ride. It’s safe to say, you’ll experience a wide range of emotions in the first five episodes of season four.
It’s not just the answers to the series’ overall mythos that makes the final season standout. It’s the small moments with old and new faces. It’s Emily Hampshire delivering even more memorable moments as Jennifer Goines, Todd Stashwick’s Deacon reaching his breaking point and questioning everything to this point, Barbara Sukowa’s amazing performance as Jones reflects on her violent journey to this point, and Aaron Stanford and Amanda Schull’s dealing with the aftermath of the loss of their son, who lived fleetingly in front of their eyes. In a journey riddled with ups and downs, with highs and lows, 12 Monkeys character development never takes a back seat to the story or an unwarranted turn.
As 12 Monkeys winds down with its final eleven episodes, there is next to no doubt in my mind the series can stick its landing. With top-notch action, sublime writing, one of the best ensemble casts on TV, and a strong emotional core, 12 Monkeys kicks off its final season ready to claim its seat amongst the pantheon of television’s best sci-fi shows.
Grade: A
12 Monkeys Season 4 premieres June 15, 2018 on Syfy with three episodes from 8 PM to 11 PM. Editor Nicole C’s recap/reviews will run after air each Friday on TheWorkprint.com
