12 Monkeys - Yesterday - Advance Preview

12 Monkeys, “Yesterday,” is directed by Michael Waxman with a teleplay by Oliver Grigsby and the story by the team of Grigsby and Natalie Chaidez. Grigsby has also written for Nikita and Heroes. I have to say that I never watched Nikita, but based on the huge connection to this show and how much I’m loving this one, I think I see some catching up in my future!

Unlike last week’s episode, this one takes place primarily in 2043. Things – like the core – are continuing to degenerate. This prompts Jones (Barbara Sukowa) to send Ramse (Kirk Acevedo) and Whitley (Demore Barnes) on a road trip to Spearhead. We get to see yet another pocket of what’s left of civilization. I think this one may have some interesting connections to the Army of the 12 Monkeys – though that isn’t hinted at in the episode – you’ll have to come back for my review to learn my theory!

The group at Spearhead is lead by General Foster (Xander Berkeley). Berkeley, of course, was also on Nikita. Both Whitley and Ramse run into people from their past at Spearhead. We get to see a bit of a different side to Whitley (Demore Barnes), and I’ve been waiting for more Demore Barnes. In the end, however, I was disappointed that we didn’t get more background on Whitley – hopefully next episode. We do learn quite a bit about both Ramse and Jones, however.

We learn that things are getting critical in 2043. The belief is that not even the immune can survive another mutation of the virus. We get just a flash more insight into what that broken glass of milk might mean. There is an uncomfortable dinner party in the episode. Cassie (Amanda Schull) is having trouble coming to terms with everything being over and Aaron (Noah Bean) tries to help her cope.

Just for fun, here are some random lines from the episode:

“Don’t you ever shut up?”
“You need to do this on your own.”
“48 hours at best.”
“It wasn’t me I was worried about.”
“A lot of lives at stake, and you guys have a dick measuring contest.”
“It does require a certain faith.”
“Hey. Get ready. Things are about to get real interesting.”
“I get a lot of things now.”

Both Sukowa and Acevedo deliver terrific performances in this episode. As always, this was another fast paced episode with a couple of really interesting surprises. There’s at least one very cringe-inducing scene in the episode. Be ready for another big surprise towards the end of the episode. Don’t forget to tune in Friday, March 6 at 9/8c on Syfy.

About the Author - Lisa Macklem

I do interviews and write articles for the site in addition to reviewing a number of shows, including Supernatural, Arrow, Agents of Shield, The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, Forever, Defiance, Bitten, Glee, and a few others! Highlights of this past year include covering San Diego Comic Con as press and a set visit to Bitten. When I'm not writing about television shows, I'm often writing about entertainment and media law in my capacity as a legal scholar. I also work in theatre when the opportunity arises. I'm an avid runner and rider, currently training in dressage.