12 Monkeys Season 1 Episode 8 Review: Yesterday

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Nowhere was Cole surviving that blast mentioned in all the theories floating around on the interwebs. I admit, I never considered it for a second.

12 Monkeys Season 1 Episode 8 continued to flesh out the show's intricate mythology, and we learned a whole lot about Jones. Who, by the way, is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters on this show.

We now understand Jones' motivation better, but how far will she go to get Cole back?

When the light coming from the unstable core turned red, I knew Cole was in trouble. If you were assuming Jones managed to splinter him back before the blast, boy were you mistaken. Now, the question remains, how the hell did Cole survive that airstrike? Did Jones' injections and his increased strength play a part?

Back in 2015, Cassie struggled with the fact it was "all over." Aaron jumped at the opportunity to pull some strings and by the end of the installment she had made her way to Chechnya. The senator did mention that Cole's body was never found. So it's safe to assume he was already two years in the future; right? The question is how?

The real action this week took place in the future. Well, with a few flashbacks of Jones' time at Spearhead thrown in for good measure.

Lasky: We've blown the stabilizer.
Ramse: Lasky you better fix this quick.
Jones: It can't be repaired. The only way to stabilize the core is replace the manifold. Mr. Whitley, there's only one place we can find one.
Whitley: You're not serious.
Jones: What choice do we have? We don't fix the core, mission is over.

A Ramse/Whitley road trip was sure to prove interesting and they certainly had a few fun moments. I liked that Jones sent Ramse because he's as motivated as she is to bring Cole home. However, what he learned while at "Spearhead" will ultimately change his priorities; don't you think?

Interesting to learn that after the government's collapse all the top minds were transferred to Spearhead. The fact Colonel Foster staged a coup meant he was a pretty dangerous guy. That coup flashback was brutal wasn't it? Did Jones really expect him to cooperate?

Foster and Jones' opinions could not be more different. It was the old faith versus science debate. He was still fighting to find a cure, but she was convinced going back in time was the only real option. I had theorized that she had a daughter, so now we understand this mission is very personal to her. That makes her obsession way more clear; it's about Hannah.

We met Whitley's dad and it was nice to see Spearhead had a good thing going. Apparently, it was a still a safe haven for survivors. Foster was on to something with that place; wasn't he?

Colonel Foster: Sergeant Whitley, been a long time son. what brings you home?
Whitley: We need your help.
Colonel Foster: Is that so? What did she do now? Please tell me that she isn't still grinding scavengers into that machine.
Ramse: Project Splinter; it worked.
Colonel Foster: Katerina sent someone back in time?
Whitley: She did.
Colonel Foster: Well then, how are we still having this conversation; now?

Family was a major theme of this week's episode. I had seen Syfy's promo pictures early on and assumed that Elena (Ramse's true love) was not only alive, but the two had a son. Though Ramse has always looked out for Cole, this changes things quite a bit. By the way, I never realized his name was Jose. Had his first name been mentioned before?

Kirk Acevedo was fantastic in this installment. I mean, he's been great since day one, but he was finally given a chance to shine. I think it's safe to say, Ramse is going to become much more interesting from this point forward.

Watching Ramse interact with his son was really touching. Wouldn't your world change if you learned you had a son? I know my life would change, and I'd move heaven and earth for the little dude. You can't blame the guy for doing whatever it takes to protect his new family.

Jones had badass written all over her face when she arrived at Spearhead. You could just feel the tension and that this standoff will probably not end well.

Colonel Foster: Katerina, welcome home.
Jones: Where shall we talk? Your office?
Colonel Foster: I think over dinner would be more appropriate. I'd like to welcome all our guests.
Jones: Charming, but I'm hardly a guest here; and certainly not welcome.
Colonel Foster: Indulge me.

I thought for a second the attempt to bring Cole back halfway through the episode splintered him forward to 2017, but the little girl was still there. Therefore, I'm not clear when Cole jumped forward. If you have any ideas, please share them in the comments below.

The broken glass of milk flashes included a new image this week; a little boy. Did you catch that? Who is this little guy? Let the theorizing begin!

Ballsy of Jones to demand Foster give her his entire core; eh? I thought the guy was going to choke on his wine. Foster had a valid point of view, but Jones just laughed in his face; throwing the Spearhead coup back at him. It was definitely a dick measuring contest as Ramse said.

It seems Foster did find a cure, but to the virus of 2033. How long before his people might find a cure to the most current mutation? Will Jones actually take the core by force next week? Will Ramse get Elena and his son out in time?

Were you as excited as I was thinking Cole and Cassie were about to be reunited? Yeah not so much, that little dual time twist thing was rough.

What did you think of "Yesterday"? When did Cole splinter to 2017? Will Jones attack Spearheard to obtain the core? How will Ramse's new family affect him moving forward? Your turn 12 Monkeys fanatics, hit the comments and theorize with me!

As always, don't forget you can watch 12 Monkeys online via TV Fanatic at any time. I say it every week, this is a show that requires a rewatch.

NOTE: 12 Monkeys Season 1 Episode 9 is titled "Tomorrow" and airs on Friday, March 13.

Yesterday Review

Editor Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
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Rating: 4.9 / 5.0 (19 Votes)
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12 Monkeys Season 1 Episode 8 Quotes

Colonel Foster: Sergeant Whitley, been a long time son. what brings you home?
Whitley: We need your help.
Colonel Foster: Is that so? What did she do now? Please tell me that she isn't still grinding scavengers into that machine.
Ramse: Project Splinter; it worked.
Colonel Foster: Katerina sent someone back in time?
Whitley: She did.
Colonel Foster: Well then, how are we still having this conversation; now?

Lasky: We've blown the stabilizer.
Ramse: Lasky you better fix this quick.
Jones: It can't be repaired. The only way to stabilize the core is replace the manifold. Mr. Whitley, there's only one place we can find one.
Whitley: You're not serious.
Jones: What choice do we have? We don't fix the core, mission is over.