Title: 12 Monkeys: “Demons” Review
Air Date: June 29, 2018
Network: Syfy
Genre: Science Fiction, Drama
Warning: Full spoilers for the eighth episode of 12 Monkeys‘ fourth season!
Farewell, my fellow scavking. Where is an extra box of kleenex when I need one?!
While this episode might have started out as a merry jolly adventure like Night 2’s episodes, it ended it the most brutal and heartbreaking twist. Even we did not expect this dark turn in the story, it’s establishment was done in the very beginning of the episode. We see blood splashing against the confined walls of an unknown room. The man whips his back repeatedly, loathing himself for listening to the Witness. It is then when Olivia shows herself and he agrees to help her. This medieval trip was not going to be as lighthearted as Night 2’s adventures.
Jennifer’s haunting scream after being splintering back to medieval times was followed up by a carefree Jennifer unaware of the superstitious people surrounding her. The people are certainly not as welcoming the villagers of Kakariko. No Legend of Zelda reference would save her from Andrus’ witch trap. Even I was foolish enough to think that the villagers would be her new allies. Although it makes me wonder if Future Jennifer had the same experience as our Jennifer. In “Daughters,” the former was describing to Cole how it was a horrible place as if she had been staying longer. Although in this timeline, Cole and Cassie arrive just in time to save her. This is one of the few hints that history is beginning to change. When Adler is fixing the Athan’s time-traveling vest, Future Jennifer’s nose starts to bleed again, right before Deacon’s heroic choice. Was he meant to die?
Not only did Cole and Cassie save Jennifer, but they also were able to save a girl named Chorus. A Primary believed to be a witch by the villagers. Chorus and her father’s inclusion add a welcome depth to the backstory of the Primaries as well as the mysterious weapon. It was adorable when Jennifer went running towards both Cassie and Cole after they saved her. Even more so, when she saw Deacon. The latter who did not even care about Jennifer’s smell of poop.
Deacon and Jennifer’s strong friendship has been one of the best relationship highlights that I have rooted for since Season 2. Their friendship is odd but at the same time so sweet and genuine. At first, I thought that Deacon giving Jennifer his trusting blade and speech to Cole was a sign of appreciation towards them after escaping Olivia’s hands. The fact that it came right after his survival was a clever way to also subtly give his dying farewell. Even Cole noticed his sudden wistful mood, which also makes me wonder if Deacon had seen a glimpse of his death.
This episode also sees the comeback of the 12 Primaries who made their debut in season 4’s premiere episode. Their confident demeanor is enough to allow us to see Olivia’s desperation to destroy the weapon. It showcases the fear that Jones had seen in her in “Daughters.” They even knew Olivia’s intention to burn them all, Killmonger style. Although the “I already covered myself in oil” moment was a metaphor for their knowledge of their impending deaths, it was a badass moment. Especially, for a character, we barely saw.
Talking about badassness, let’s delve into Deacon’s sacrifice. It was gut-wrenching and badass. Why badass? Well, he had the guts to tell Olivia all her faults fully knowing he was going to die. Deacon could have been a one-note evil character in the hands of anyone else. However, both the spectacular writing and largely Todd Stashwick’s portrayal of the character made Deacon an endearing character to become attached to. What made his death impactful and not feel a cliche sacrifice was also the lack of music during the scene.
Most often, shows try to levitate the impact of a character’s death by playing an over the top, cliche song on the background that bogs down the sacrifice. Here, however, the lack of music raises the tension and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Hoping that something will prevent his death. His final words were genuine and we see that he was sacrificing himself for the family that he became part of. For a show that often time travels to undo deaths, the writers made sure to make us feel utterly hopeless to see him again. His absence was even more agonizing when his signature song was playing in the background at the end. We definitely won’t forget you.
What I won’t also forget was Cassie and Andrus’ streak of white hair appearing upon trying to save the weapon. What does that white streak of hair mean? Although the episode does not address it, we could already know what it possibly means for Cassie. If you remember back in Season 1 of 12 Monkeys, we saw Cole encountering Cassie in 2017 at the CDC in “Tomorrow.” Cassie bears the same white streak of hair! One might have thought at the moment season 1 was airing, that it was a sign of Cassie aging. Even then it didn’t make sense as per the year and her face not showing any sign of old age. So, what if the show’s ending leads to this moment?!
Damn it show. Stop breaking my heart, please.
You can read my review of the fourth season’s sixth episode right here. If you want to read my review “Daughters,” which is the previous episode of 12 Monkeys, click right here. For more episode reviews of the final season of 12 Monkeys and other popular shows and movies, check back to our website!
Verdict: A heart-rending episode that raises the stakes for our remaining characters. It manages to sprinkle a few more mysteries before its inevitable end.
[review]