One of the greatest sci-fi series ever created. You watch the first two episodes where the writers brilliantly sidestep every time travel cliche and you think "There's no way they can keep up this standard". You complete Season 1, full of breath-taking twists and turns and you think "There's no way they can keep up this standard". And they do.... all the way to the magnificent crescendo that is Season 4.
The plot/time travel mechanics and in-world logic are perfectly constructed like a Swiss watch, and the way it unfolds is perfectly balanced between revelation and more mystery. The attention to detail in the writing is incredible along the lines of prime Steven Moffatt Dr Who, with seeds planted episodes/seasons in advance and revelations that bring new meaning to what otherwise would have been throw away lines in past episodes. Even when it steps into humour, it's brilliant.
But if that wasn't enough, the characterisation is excellent - utterly convincing, following clear human motivation reflected by a sparkling script. The human condition is all there, put on screen by top-quality acting. I found the surrounding characters to be real triumphs - all fully fleshed out, fully involved, never treated poorly - Jennifer, Jones, Ramse, Olivia, Deacon. Jennifer Goines is one of the all time characters and performances.
The production never falls short of superb, and real artistry is on display throughout. In any time period, it never feels anything less than cinema quality. There's not enough positive attention given to the cinematic sound production either.
Another sci-fi great, Firefly, was unique in that each episode had the depth and quality of a movie. 12 Monkeys manages this across four seasons at far higher levels of achievement in every way.
Shockingly underrated.
The plot/time travel mechanics and in-world logic are perfectly constructed like a Swiss watch, and the way it unfolds is perfectly balanced between revelation and more mystery. The attention to detail in the writing is incredible along the lines of prime Steven Moffatt Dr Who, with seeds planted episodes/seasons in advance and revelations that bring new meaning to what otherwise would have been throw away lines in past episodes. Even when it steps into humour, it's brilliant.
But if that wasn't enough, the characterisation is excellent - utterly convincing, following clear human motivation reflected by a sparkling script. The human condition is all there, put on screen by top-quality acting. I found the surrounding characters to be real triumphs - all fully fleshed out, fully involved, never treated poorly - Jennifer, Jones, Ramse, Olivia, Deacon. Jennifer Goines is one of the all time characters and performances.
The production never falls short of superb, and real artistry is on display throughout. In any time period, it never feels anything less than cinema quality. There's not enough positive attention given to the cinematic sound production either.
Another sci-fi great, Firefly, was unique in that each episode had the depth and quality of a movie. 12 Monkeys manages this across four seasons at far higher levels of achievement in every way.
Shockingly underrated.