12 Monkeys Ending Explained, Plot, Cast, and More
by Mathelene
Updated Apr 29, 2023
12 Monkeys (2015-2018)
12 Monkeys is a science fiction television series that aired on Syfy from 2015 to 2018. It is based on the 1995 film of the same name, which was directed by Terry Gilliam and starred Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt. The TV series follows the story of James Cole a time traveler from a post-apocalyptic future who is sent back in time to prevent a deadly virus from wiping out most of the human race.
Along the way, he meets Dr. Cassandra Railly and a group of allies who help him in his mission. The show received critical acclaim for its complex storytelling, strong performances, and innovative use of time travel as a narrative device.
12 Monkeys Ending Explained
The ending of 12 Monkeys is a complex and emotional conclusion to the series, wrapping up the intricate plot in a satisfying way. Here's a breakdown of what happens in the final episode. In the year 2043, Cole and Cassie team up with their allies to launch a mission to stop the final paradox and save humanity.
Cole and Cassie travel back in time to stop the paradox, but they are confronted by the Witness, who reveals that he is Cassie and Cole's son, Athan. Athan explains that he has been trying to bring about the end of time in order to prevent a worse future from coming to pass.
Cassie and Cole must decide whether to kill Athan and prevent the paradox or let him live and risk the destruction of time. In the end, Cole decides to sacrifice himself to stop the paradox, giving Cassie the chance to live a full life with their son. Cassie gives birth to their child, and the final scene shows her and their son, whom they named James, visiting Cole's grave.
The final shot shows a red leaf, symbolizing the changes that the characters have made to the timeline. The ending of 12 Monkeys is a bittersweet and emotional conclusion to the series, with the characters making difficult choices and confronting their mortality. It is a fitting end to the story, providing closure for the characters and a satisfying conclusion to the overarching plot.
12 Monkeys Series Plot
The plot of 12 Monkeys follows James Cole, a time traveler from a post-apocalyptic future, who is sent back in time to prevent a deadly virus from wiping out most of the human race. The virus, which is known as Kalavirus, was released in 2017 and killed billions of people, leaving the remaining survivors living in a bleak and dangerous world. Given below is the summary of the plot of each season of 12 Monkeys
12 Monkeys Series Season 1
The first season of 12 Monkeys premiered on Syfy on January 16, 2015, and consisted of 13 episodes. In season 1, we are introduced to James Cole, a time traveler from a post-apocalyptic future who is sent back in time to prevent a deadly virus from wiping out most of the human race. Along the way, he meets Dr. Cassandra Railly, a virologist who becomes his ally in his mission.
The season also introduces several other characters, including Jennifer Goines, a mentally unstable heiress whose father is connected to the outbreak of the virus, and Ramse, Cole's best friend from the future who joins him in the past.
Throughout the season, Cole and Railly travel to different periods and encounter various obstacles as they try to unravel the mystery behind the virus and stop its release. The season ends with a major revelation that sets the stage for the events of the following seasons.
12 Monkeys Series Season 2
The second season of 12 Monkeys premiered on Syfy on April 18, 2016, and consisted of 13 episodes. In season 2, the storyline becomes even more complex as Cole and Railly continue their mission to stop the release of the deadly virus.
The season explores the origins of the Army of the 12 Monkeys, the mysterious organization responsible for releasing the virus. We also learn more about the relationship between Cole and his friend Ramse, who have a complicated history that is revealed in flashbacks to their time in the future.
Throughout the season, Cole and Railly travel to different periods and encounter several new characters, including Athan, a man with a connection to both Cole and the 12 Monkeys, and Olivia, a powerful member of the 12 Monkeys who is determined to stop Cole and Railly from interfering with their plans.
As the season progresses, the plot becomes more intricate, with numerous twists and turns that keep viewers guessing. The season ends with a shocking revelation that sets up the events of the third season.
12 Monkeys Series Season 3
The third season of 12 Monkeys premiered on Syfy on May 19, 2017, and consisted of 10 episodes. In season 3, the story continues to explore the character's efforts to prevent the release of the virus and the complex consequences of their actions.
The season starts with Cole and Railly stranded in a future timeline, where they must work with the remaining members of the time-traveling group known as the Temporal Facility to stop the Army of the 12 Monkeys from changing the course of history.
The season also introduces a new character, the enigmatic Witness, who is revealed to be the mastermind behind the events of the series. Cole and Railly must work to uncover the Witness's identity and stop him from carrying out his plan, which threatens to destroy time itself.
As the season progresses, the characters are forced to make difficult choices that have far-reaching consequences, and they must confront the idea that their actions may not always have the outcomes they intended. The season ends with a dramatic cliffhanger that sets up the events of the fourth and final season. Season 3 of 12 Monkeys is a thrilling continuation of the series, filled with action, suspense, and unexpected twists.
12 Monkeys Series Season 4
The fourth and final season of 12 Monkeys premiered on Syfy on June 15, 2018, and consisted of 11 episodes. In season 4, the story comes to a dramatic and satisfying conclusion as Cole, Railly, and their allies continue their mission to save humanity from the deadly virus.
The season takes place across multiple timelines and features several new and returning characters. As the stakes become higher, the characters must make difficult decisions and confront their demons. Throughout the season, Cole and Railly work to uncover the identity of the enigmatic Witness and stop him from carrying out his plan, which threatens to unravel time itself.
As the season progresses, they discover the truth about the Witness's identity and the events that led to the release of the virus. The final season of 12 Monkeys is a thrilling and emotional conclusion to the series, with plenty of twists, turns, and surprises along the way.
It explores the consequences of the character’s actions and the idea that sometimes, the only way to save the future is to sacrifice the present. The series finale is a fitting end to the story, providing closure for the characters and a satisfying conclusion to the overarching plot.
12 Monkeys Series Cast
The main cast of 12 Monkeys includes:
Aaron Stanford
James Cole
Amanda Schull
Dr. Cassandra Railly
Kirk Acevedo
José Ramse
Emily Hampshire
Jennifer Goines
Barbara Sukowa
Katarina Jones
Todd Stashwick
Theodore Deacon
Tom Noonan
Pallid Man
Marcus Whitley
Cast
Character
Demore Barnes
In addition to the main cast, the series also features some recurring guest stars, including Zeljko Ivanek, Jay Karnes, Brooke Williams, Andrew Gillies, Murray Furrow, and Scottie Thompson.
12 Monkeys Where to Watch?
In today's digital age, there are more options than ever for watching movies and TV series. Some of the most popular platforms for watching series and TV shows are Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney+. In addition to these major platforms, there are also smaller platforms that cater to specific genres or interests.
12 Monkeys is available to watch on a variety of streaming platforms, including Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Syfy.com, NBC.com, Google Play, Vudu, iTunes.
12 Monkeys Ending Explained - FAQs
12 Monkeys is a science fiction television series based on the 1995 film of the same name. It follows the story of a time traveler named James Cole, who is sent back in time from the year 2043 to prevent a deadly virus from wiping out humanity.
12 Monkeys has four seasons.
12 Monkeys premiered on January 16, 2015, on Syfy network.
The main characters in 12 Monkeys are James Cole, a time traveler played by Aaron Stanford, Dr. Cassandra Railly, a virologist played by Amanda Schull, and Jennifer Goines, a mental patient and daughter of the virus's creator played by Emily Hampshire.
There is a total of 47 episodes. The first season has 13 episodes, the second and third seasons each have 10 episodes, and the fourth season has 11 episodes.