12 Monkeys TV Series Ending Explained: Unraveling the Time Travel Mysteries
The 12 Monkeys TV series, a Syfy original, came to a close in 2018, leaving fans with a flurry of emotions and questions. Based on the 1995 film of the same name, the show explored the complex world of time travel, free will, and the consequences of altering the timeline. In this article, we'll delve into the ending of the series, exploring the explanations and theories circulating on Reddit.
Spoiler Alert!
If you haven't watched the entire series, proceed with caution. This article contains major spoilers for the finale and overall plot.
The Finale: "The Beginning Part 2"
The final episode wraps up the storylines of James Cole (Aaron Stanford), Cassie Railly (Amanda Schull), and the remaining characters. The episode takes place in multiple timelines, making it challenging to follow without a clear understanding of the show's convoluted narrative.
The Ending Explained:
The Primary Timeline
In the primary timeline, Cole succeeds in killing the Witness, the entity responsible for the apocalypse. However, this action creates a paradox, and the timeline begins to collapse. Cassie, now pregnant with Cole's child, is left alone, and the world appears to be restored to its original state.
The Red Forest Timeline
In the Red Forest timeline, which exists outside of the primary timeline, Cole and Cassie find each other once more. This timeline is a product of their love and the consequences of their actions. The Red Forest serves as a limbo, whereCharacters can coexist outside of the main timeline.
The Final Moments
The series concludes with Cole and Cassie standing together, holding hands, and walking towards the horizon. This scene is open to interpretation, with some viewers believing they're entering a new timeline, while others think they're accepting their fate and living out their lives in the Red Forest.
Reddit Theories and Discussions:
Fans on Reddit have been actively discussing and debating the ending. Some popular theories include:
The Bootstrap Paradox
One theory suggests that the cycle of events in the show is a bootstrap paradox, where the events are self-sustaining and have no clear beginning or end. This would mean that Cole's actions were always meant to happen, and the timeline was always destined to unfold in this manner.
The Multiverse Theory
Another theory proposes the existence of a multiverse, where every possible outcome of events creates a new universe. This would mean that the ending shows Cole and Cassie entering a new universe, where they can live out their lives free from the consequences of their actions in the primary timeline.
The Free Will Debate
The show's exploration of free will versus determinism has sparked intense discussions. Some fans believe that the ending supports the idea of free will, as Cole's actions ultimately led to the creation of a new timeline. Others argue that the events were always predetermined, and Cole's actions were part of the predetermined course of events.
Conclusion:
The 12 Monkeys TV series ending is intentionally cryptic, leaving viewers to interpret the events and consequences. While the finale provides closure for the characters, it also raises more questions about the nature of time travel, free will, and the consequences of altering the timeline. The discussions and debates on Reddit demonstrate the show's thought-provoking nature and its ability to spark complex conversations.
What's your take on the 12 Monkeys TV series ending? Do you have a favorite theory or interpretation? Share your thoughts in the comments!
