12 Monkeys - Masks & Thief & Witness - Advance Previews

And so we come to the final three episodes of season three of 12 Monkeys. I haven’t watched it in quite the same condensed format as those watching on Syfy, but I have watched it all this week – and it still feels overwhelming! My knee jerk reaction is that there is just too much story, and too much good, intense acting to really absorb all of this so quickly. On the other hand the condensed format allows the resonances of the storyline to really stand out – and it’s just so fitting that the show itself should play with time in this way. I think the show wraps the season up brilliantly – but for more on exactly how, I hope you’ll return for my episode by episode reviews over the summer as the show airs conventionally on Showcase in Canada.

The teleplay for “Masks” was written by Tony Elliot and Sean Tretta, based on a story by Tony Elliot, and the episode was directed by David Grossman. Elliot’s other credits include Hunters, Orphan Black, and Almost Naked Animals. Cole (Aaron Stanford) and Cassie (Amanda Schull) begin the search for Athan – their son. There are some fun moments in the episode, but it starts to ramp up the tension heading to the finale.

The episode takes place primarily in London, England. In 1879, we see the beginning of the Witness’s document. We see two faces of the Witness in this episode – one younger and one older.

Deacon (Todd Stashwick) is in 1945 and has a new partner. They are hunting Cole and Cassie. Deacon is super unhappy about having been shot. Cole has a lot of fun with his new vest. Jennifer is not happy with the new dynamic.

Jones gets fresh eyes on the problem from an unexpected – and likely dangerous – source, while Jennifer gets inspiration from an unexpected source.

Early in the episode, Jennifer creates a major disturbance with a strawberry. And late in the episode, she creates a second, bigger – or maybe just more spectacular? – distraction. Jennifer recruits an ally.

Back in London, now 1899, The Mask of the Red Death is an important clue – we’re reminded that Cassie’s parents owned a bookstore. Cassie has a hard time teaching Cole a new skill, and he has a hard time teaching her one. In the end, they both prove good students.

There is a spectacular fancy dress ball! And there are some unexpected guests. Unfortunately, it turns out the ball is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Cassie does recognize someone.

And of course, some dialogue for you to stew over:

Scavs in every century.
No more voices, no more variables.
To be primary is beautiful.
I’m afraid patience is not my strong suit.
There are no straight lines.
Madness has picked a side.
From now on, apologies are issued in blood.
They’re returning to the places they’ve been.
Super-Nay.
Press against me. You’ll feel the weight of a .38.

“Thief” was written by Sean Tretta and was directed by David Grossman. While the episode begins in 1899 with Cole and Cassie looking for answers, our regular team members are in very little of this episode. However, James Callis joins the cast as Athan/the Witness, and he is an utterly fantastic addition.

We learn that freedom – of one kind or another – is the key to keeping a primary sane. The Witness must retrieve something that was stolen and has a houseguest. We see where Cassie’s pocket watch came from. The number 607 is significant for something other than just the hotel room at the Emerson.

Jennifer sees the end – and they all have a part to play. Jennifer gets help from some unexpected sources to decipher what she’s supposed to do. Deacon realizes there may be more than madness.

Some bits of dialogue:

These are all journal entries.
I don’t want to become it.
Can’t mourn what you’ve never had.
That’s not part of the cure.
You just need everything to stop.
You speak about time as if it’s an enemy.
God. I hate the way you talk.
What if you could see the puzzle from above.
Love knows nothing of time.
Well. That’s unfortunate.
You’re misplaced, sir.
You have a face Lazarus himself would rise to see.

Not surprisingly the season finale, “Witness,” was written by Terry Matalas, and the episode was directed by Grant Harvey. The episode really plays with the linear narrative and there are some great time loops to fill in the blanks and replay scenes. I really don’t want to spoil this episode, so just a few very small hints.

Jennifer buys herself a new home where she’s waiting for someone. There is a terrific game of tag through time. Cole must make several choices.

Somebody drinks the red forest tea and gets an unexpected answer. There’s a terrific shoot out and standoff. Jones’ (Barbara Sukowa) biggest mistake is revealed. Olivia (Alisen Down) makes the classic mistake.

        The episode ends with a huge confrontation – but that can’t be a surprise, right? Some of the story is finished, but we’re left with a clear indication of the villains and heroes for season four. There’s a final scene contains a huge clue that may explain a lot. And I can’t wait to review this episode and speculate!

A few final dialogue teasers:

You’re too late.
It’s complete shite.
We all have a purpose.
I’m begging you, mother to mother.
There’s nothing in morality or causality to stop me from killing you.
Heeere’s Johnny!
You’re a mother. Now think like one.
There’s only now.
Sit down, you little shit.
This is the part where we run.

Don’t forget to tune in tonight – May 21 at 8pm to Syfy for the final three episodes of this amazing season. And also don’t forget that I will be reviewing the season one episode at a time beginning after the season premiere on Showcase in Canada on May 24. I can’t wait to hear your reactions!