12 monkeys

Beware of the red forest.

Let me begin by saying this: I loved the movie “12 Monkeys”. I can easily say that I have rewatched it many times, have referenced and quoted it just as many. Now, in the early 2010s when I heard the they were making that beloved cult movie into a television show I was very much against it. For one, I couldn’t fathom how they could take from the existing property and create a series from it. I am ashamed that it took me a few years later to begin the journey.

It takes a great series to make you emotional invested in not just the characters, but the relationships. Characters you hate become some of the most beloved in the series. This shows concept of time travel, the dangers and the repercussions from the decisions each character makes feels genuine.

Left to right: Barbara Sukowa as Katarina Jones, Todd Stashwick as Theodore Deacon, Amanda Schull as Cassandra "Cassie" Railly, Aaron Stanford as James Cole, Emily Hampshire as Jennifer Goines, Kirk Acevedo as José Ramse

One of the best changes (and best characters) introduced is Jennifer Goines, played by Emily Hampshire. She is a wonderful re-imagining of Brad Pitt’s Jeffrey Goines from the 1995 Terry Gilliam movie. I suggest you watch the movie just to appreciate what was done with this show. It begins with the same premise, but is expanded upon to the 9th degree. In 2015 a virus was released, killing 7 billion people by the year 2017. The “Army or the 12 Monkeys” is thought to be behind this. In a ravaged 2043, James Cole is sent back to 2015 by a team called “Project Splinter” to stop this deadly virus from ever being released.

In the past, present and future, alliances are made, enemies as well. And from actions and decisions that have already been made and laid, an even deadlier enemy is revealed. This show is not only exciting, but it is funny as well. In my opinion one of the best, fun and exciting scifi shows of this generation. But I will let you be the judge.

• In Retrospect ★★★★★