12 Monkeys Review: “Causality”

“You’ve got our money, pal. Have your existential crisis somewhere else.”
–Leland Goines

12 Monkeys follows its serious developments with a heist episode that tries for a lighter tone.

Title: “Causality”

Written by Kristen Reidel
Directed by David Greene

Aaron Stanford as James Cole
Emily Hampshire as Jennifer Goines
Amanda Schull as Dr. Cassandra Railly
Todd Stashwick as Deacon
Barbara Sukowa as Dr. Katarina Jones
Brooke Williams as Hannah Jones
Alisen Down as Olivia
Zeljko Ivanek as Leland Goines
Joe Gatto as Abbott Security Officer Larry
Sal Vulcano as Costello Security Officer Sal
Rosemay Lefebvre as Lil’ Jennifer
Jackie Geary as Auction House Manager
Demore Barnes as Whitley
Chantria Tram as Auction Clerk
Clive Walton as Auctioneer
Tom Noonan as Pallid Man
Linda Carter as Ring Lady

Premise

Cole, Goines, Railly, and Dean travel to 1989 to steal the Monkeys’ “Bible” from an auction house.

High Points

They found a talented little Jennifer, who plays effectively off her adult self.

Low Point

The lighter tone works in places, but the comedy feels forced at times, with the dialogue and situations playing as more contrived than usual. Jennifer Goines is funnier when the writers aren’t trying quite so hard to make her funny.

The Scores:

Originality: 3/6 They take a different approach for this series, though the episode’s heist-movie conventions are familiar.

Effects: 5/6

Acting: 5/6

Story: 5/6

Emotional Response: 5/6

Production: 6/6

Overall: 4/6

In total, “Causality” receives 33/42