Title: 12 Monkeys: “Die Glocke” Review
Air Date: June 22, 2018
Network: Syfy
Genre: Science Fiction, Drama
Warning: Full spoilers for the sixth episode of 12 Monkeys‘ fourth season!
My goodness, when will 12 Monkeys stop surprising us.
From Jennifer’s performance in front of a full Nazi crowd to the shocking ending, this episode delightfully ended this trilogy of episodes which have focused on extravagant adventures to the past. The episode manages to effortlessly balance the intended tone of every scene. Not only that but the inclusion of a superb editing made the scenes’ transitions effectively showcase the aforementioned. An instance the editing was on point was the beginning montage. The manner in which the scenes flipped back and forth during the assignment of each of our characters was reminiscent of a heist scene, which to be honest, it was.
Following the last episode’s clue, the gang readies themselves to enter World War 2 era and infiltrate a Nazi mansion. Each is assigned a specific role in for the mission. Cassie will pose as the American niece of Jones, while Jennifer infiltrates the mansion posing as a French maid. Last, but not least, Cole will be the French low-class worker only able to say “Oui.” Cole’s delivery of “Oui” was a nice light comedic moment. In fact, Jones accompanying the group, despite her deteriorating health, was one of the best decisions she could have taken. If they are to infiltrate a Nazi location successfully, then they needed a person fluent in German. Who else but Jones? Not only did Barbara Sukowa get a chance to speak her native language, but Emily Hampshire’s Jennifer also got to shine her moment to display her knowledge of speaking another language other than English.
Well, Jones is from Germany (as is the actress), so that explains her fluidity with the language, but what about Jennifer? How is she able to speak French? For any viewer that forgot how Jennifer is fluid in French, which, to be honest, who would? I mean since the hilarious and brilliant variation of “99 Red Ballons” back in season 3, it would be hard to forget that this would be Jennifer’s second encounter with the Nazis. She mentions she is understandably afraid and reluctant after spending five years alone having to learn French. Her song from 1922 also makes a comeback as she hears it play on the vinyl record. My face lit up with glee alongside Jennifer. However, the singer who was supposed to entertain Hitler when he came, broke it.
Rude.
Yet, little did she know karma was ready to bite her rudeness back. She was killed and Jennifer had to take her place or else Hitler would get his hands on the weapon and everything would be a failure. While not as memorable as her other musical numbers, it did give Jennifer a chance to subtlety flick the finger off to Hitler. What also didn’t convince me much was including Hitler in the episode. Him moving his head to Jennifer’s song and his death were not as convincing. However, it was nice that his face was not shown, as making him being portrayed by a famous actor would be just awkward.
After last episode’s focus on Cassie and Cole’s relationship, you would imagine that they would show signs of drifting apart or evading each other. However, the writers were able to avoid unnecessary drama. Nice. It was especially concerning when even Cole said before the mission began that none of them mattered, only the weapon. He then gave like an enormous obvious glance to Cassie. There were instances that placed their loyalty to each other. For instance when Cassie had to decide whether to get the weapon or look for Cole when Jennifer told her about the ticking bomb in the mansion.
We all knew they couldn’t be separated, so they found each other right before they went for the weapon. With the weapon heavily guarded by numerous armed Nazis, they looked like goners. However, the manner in which they distracted the soldiers was a hoot. These two are meant for each other, the show better not separate them. The soldiers no doubt became distracted and behold, both Cassie and Cole blazed their guns and killed them all.
Except for one, but it was of no importance.
The man who survived the lovers’ killing spree went to get the briefcase. He supposedly delivered the weapon successfully to the point when Deacon steals it in 1966. However, we see how Olivia finds out and we find out why Deacon is in 1944 too. At this point, we get a sort of family reunion between our gang. Deacon finally reveals to everyone that he is the mole inside Olivia’s Titan. He actually ends up saving Jones’ life at one point, the latter who was ironically sort of giving up her life willing to confront the men who found out about her cover.
By the end of the episode, while Jones’ was understandably mad at Deacon for killing Elliot, they end up having the same issues. Facing the inevitability of their deaths. Deacon is on might thin ice on Olivia’s radar and Jones is dying from splinter radiation. This results in Jones’ heartwarming speech and without our knowledge a kind of swan song. I say that because we then see Jones’ deal with Deacon was to turn herself in and enter the lion’s den. Well, Olivia’s den. Talking about Deacon, Jennifer imitating Deacon’s wink when she sees him was adorable.
You can read my review of the fourth season’s fourth episode right here. If you want to read my review “After,” 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: An entertaining episode, with a few mishaps along the way. The episode also showcases strong editing for scenes to deliver in an impactful way.
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