12 Monkeys, S02E05: Bodies of Water
Dec. 28th, 2022 09:33 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
annavereThere is no combination of these characters that I do not find inherently fascinating, and I now get to include Jennifer in that category. This episode split the group along gender lines, so in 2044 Extreme Male Bonding took place, and in 2016 it was a pure rush of Women Being Awesome. Katarina mostly sat everything out.
Jennifer's opening montage was marvelous, and something I found eminently relatable. Her horror movie memories of being drowned in the bathtub were disturbing, as was Cassie getting placed in one while drugged and helpless - thank god Jennifer got her out of there. The two women, having disliked each other so much heretofore, finally becoming mutually protective was a wonderful development.
There was a really extraordinary moment during Jennifer's explanation of her trauma when Cassie's face transformed into an expression from back in season one, a pre-despair Cassandra Railly. It's incredibly well acted and not something the episode draws major attention to with the score or the camerawork, so it feels very natural. Cassie becoming vulnerable and human, drawn into acknowledgement of Jennifer's humanity after a season of snide remarks, and empathizing to the extent of discussing her own dead mother made for a keenly felt character moment (for both of them).
Also, Cassie learning from her mistakes, and turning her gun on Jennifer when the Tall Man came calling. Since she now knows Jennifer, it's perfectly understandable that she can't bring herself to go through with it - although she's been on the receiving end of the same scenario and was ready to die, she, like Katarina did with her, hesitates. Other awesome moments for Cassie this episode were taking apart Jennifer's false friend (oh, for those eight months of training when she learned to do things like this!) and goading the hell out of Olivia while tied to a chair. I was clapping by the end of her little speech.
Jennifer meanwhile, got to confront her demons, break free of Olivia's brainwashing and save Cassie, using nothing but her considerable wits. So it was a great episode for both of them.
Meanwhile, with the guys, it all began with a helpful reminder that Deacon is a brutal bastard after a few episodes of seemingly domesticated status. He, of course, would see his hallway execution as entirely justified -reminiscent of Cole and Ramse, who both instantly start judging him. Deacon gives as good as he gets in this situation, and it is hysterical to watch these three jockey for the moral high ground while up to their elbows in mud and blood.
This led to Shakespeare discussion in a car (I didn't see that coming) and Cole and Ramse giving Deacon over to his enemies. Then they coldly walk away and go home to justify themselves to Katarina, who compares them to Deacon, because the boot's always on the other foot in this story.
Deacon's reaction to the betrayal forms an excellent payoff to his role as rejected mentor. It's a minor character detail that pays huge dividends, as at that moment, his lessons win out, as does his cynical view of the world. Ramse and Time Jesus get off their high horse and reveal themselves to be what he already considers: No better than him. "It's what I would do." So he wins the ethical debate by getting them to lose. This, I think, is why he's not more upset when he gets back from his Mad Maxathon. Also, wow. The makeup department did an exceptional job there.
Jennifer's opening montage was marvelous, and something I found eminently relatable. Her horror movie memories of being drowned in the bathtub were disturbing, as was Cassie getting placed in one while drugged and helpless - thank god Jennifer got her out of there. The two women, having disliked each other so much heretofore, finally becoming mutually protective was a wonderful development.
There was a really extraordinary moment during Jennifer's explanation of her trauma when Cassie's face transformed into an expression from back in season one, a pre-despair Cassandra Railly. It's incredibly well acted and not something the episode draws major attention to with the score or the camerawork, so it feels very natural. Cassie becoming vulnerable and human, drawn into acknowledgement of Jennifer's humanity after a season of snide remarks, and empathizing to the extent of discussing her own dead mother made for a keenly felt character moment (for both of them).
Also, Cassie learning from her mistakes, and turning her gun on Jennifer when the Tall Man came calling. Since she now knows Jennifer, it's perfectly understandable that she can't bring herself to go through with it - although she's been on the receiving end of the same scenario and was ready to die, she, like Katarina did with her, hesitates. Other awesome moments for Cassie this episode were taking apart Jennifer's false friend (oh, for those eight months of training when she learned to do things like this!) and goading the hell out of Olivia while tied to a chair. I was clapping by the end of her little speech.
Jennifer meanwhile, got to confront her demons, break free of Olivia's brainwashing and save Cassie, using nothing but her considerable wits. So it was a great episode for both of them.
Meanwhile, with the guys, it all began with a helpful reminder that Deacon is a brutal bastard after a few episodes of seemingly domesticated status. He, of course, would see his hallway execution as entirely justified -reminiscent of Cole and Ramse, who both instantly start judging him. Deacon gives as good as he gets in this situation, and it is hysterical to watch these three jockey for the moral high ground while up to their elbows in mud and blood.
This led to Shakespeare discussion in a car (I didn't see that coming) and Cole and Ramse giving Deacon over to his enemies. Then they coldly walk away and go home to justify themselves to Katarina, who compares them to Deacon, because the boot's always on the other foot in this story.
Deacon's reaction to the betrayal forms an excellent payoff to his role as rejected mentor. It's a minor character detail that pays huge dividends, as at that moment, his lessons win out, as does his cynical view of the world. Ramse and Time Jesus get off their high horse and reveal themselves to be what he already considers: No better than him. "It's what I would do." So he wins the ethical debate by getting them to lose. This, I think, is why he's not more upset when he gets back from his Mad Maxathon. Also, wow. The makeup department did an exceptional job there.
