12 Monkeys, “Shonin,” was written by Sean Tretta and was directed by Mark Tonderai, whose other credits include House at the End of the Street and Hush. This episode felt like it could have been the second last episode, so I can only imagine how much they are going to ramp up the action in the next episode.
This episode spans 1987 to 1943, and we get to see a different ordering of events and those events given a bit of a different focus. The show finds yet another really interesting way to treat time and the unfolding of events. We get to see Zeljko Ivanek back! And he delivers his usual terrific performance. I’m pretty sure he’s appearing in a way not many if any have seen before!
The episode fills in what happens primarily to Ramse (Kirk Acevedo). Acevedo delivers a terrific performance. Many allegiances change during this episode. Aaron (Noah Bean) gets a new boss. And Ramse finds himself in need of a social security number.
We get a bit of a dose of the 80s – though not a whole lot. There is a terrific fight in a Tokyo bar. There isn’t a lot of action in 2043. The big reveal in this episode is who the Witness is.
Here are just a few dialogue teasers:
“You people use too much laxative in your Coke!”
“How can you burden me with this and expect me to sit on my hands.”
“The period of interference has begun.”
“Do you think I have forgotten about you?”
“I was a thing in a box with instructions.”
“I thought my future was my own.”
“I am the clock.”
Things are definitely heating up going into the final two episodes of the season. Don’t forget to tune in to
12 Monkeys, March 27 on Syfy at 9/8c.
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.
