12 Monkeys: Can One Quote Per Episode Tell The Story? Not Quite!
![](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1661721234/user/modwild)
One of the things we try to do at TV Fanatic is capture some of the best moments of live television through quotes or snippets of dialogue.
Not every writer does it the same way, and multiple writers covered 12 Monkeys, so this was particularly challenging.
Take a ride through three seasons of time and memories in words and photos to see what we captured along the way.
12 Monkeys returns June 15 at 8/7c on Syfy, so if you're behind, you'd best catch up and watch 12 Monkeys online now!
1. About 4 years from now, most of the human race is gonna be wiped out by a plague; a virus....
![The beginning 12 monkeys season 1 episode 1](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--8Khh-hWr--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1528934795/the-beginning-12-monkeys-season-1-episode-1.jpg)
About four years from now, most of the human race is gonna be wiped out by a plague; a virus. All we know is that it's because of a man named Leland Frost. I have to find him.
Cole
2. Goines, you're Leland's daughter.
![Jennifer goines and the pallid man 12 monkeys s1e2](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--JTBU4ZHt--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1528934984/jennifer-goines-and-the-pallid-man-12-monkeys-s1e2.jpg)
Cole: Goines, you're Leland's daughter.
Jennifer: Yes and no. I am a Goines. I was a daughter. Daddy's feeding the worms. Did you know Dad?
Cole: We met.
Jennifer: Sorry for your loss.
3. I need you to tell me the location of the night room. They want to take what's in that room...
![Cole and henri 12 monkeys s1e3](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--XRebhspa--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1528935608/cole-and-henri-12-monkeys-s1e3.jpg)
I need you to tell me the location of the night room. They want to take what's in that room and they want to use it. They call themselves the Army of the 12 Monkeys and they're looking for you too.
Cole
4. Deacon's taking for power; okay. He's murdering 'cause he likes it. Whatever this world is...
![Deacon the killer 12 monkeys s1e4](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--bqQ2In7E--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1528935998/deacon-the-killer-12-monkeys-s1e4.jpg)
Deacon's taking for power; okay. He's murdering 'cause he likes it. Whatever this world is now, it shouldn't be this man.
Ramse
5. You know insanity and rationality might be on opposite sides of the animal, but lately,...
![Snake eating the tail 12 monkeys s1e5](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--5tejELG7--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1528936485/snake-eating-the-tail-12-monkeys-s1e5.jpg)
You know insanity and rationality might be on opposite sides of the animal, but lately, doctor, the snake is eating its own tail. And if you were to ask HIM, he would tell you that 99.9% of all species that have ever existed are now extinct; the natural order.
The Pallid Man
6. I buried Cole. I covered the grave myself.
![Cole isnt dead 12 monkeys s1e6](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--iF9KA125--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1528943709/cole-isnt-dead-12-monkeys-s1e6.jpg)
Ramse: Who the hell is this?
Cole: Hey it's me, it's Cole.
Ramse: I buried Cole. I covered the grave myself.
Cole: Wait a minute, I just came out of that machine.
Ramse: Nothing comes from there.
Cole: Alright, you and I, we left the West VII. Jones and her crew took us in.
Ramse: No.
Cole: Hey, only girl you've ever loved is Elena. Your mother's name is Roberta. You told me once she's pretty and that whenever I make jokes about banging her you laugh but I know secretly it pisses you off.
Ramse: Cole?
Cole: It's good to see you too.
7. Maybe a plague is precisely what the world needs. The liars die out, the living forget the...
![Wexler 12 monkeys s1e7](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s---Hr6Dl2e--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1528943941/wexler-12-monkeys-s1e7.jpg)
Maybe a plague is precisely what the world needs. The liars die out, the living forget the lies. Society's great reset switch.
Wexler
8. What choice do we have? We don't fix the core, mission is over.
![Jones at operation spearhead 12 monkeys](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--rsd3eXxt--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1425212766/jones-at-operation-spearhead-12-monkeys.jpg)
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.
9. No matter what I do, you always die.
![Cole and ramse argue 12 monkeys](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--ItryzZGk--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1425692320/cole-and-ramse-argue-12-monkeys.jpg)
Cassie: James, I don't want to be alone when I...
Cole: You're not alone, I'm right here with you.
Cassie: James?
Cole: Yeah?
Cassie: You're going to find the answers you're looking for; keep going.
Cole: I don't know if I can.
Cassie: You can, you will.
Cole: No matter what I do, you always die.
Cassie: See you soon.
10. There's only one who truly knows. Sees. Did see. Will see. The witness.
![The witness 12 monkeys s1e10](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--2qLu83sS--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1528945462/the-witness-12-monkeys-s1e10.jpg)
There's only one who truly knows. Sees. Did see. Will see. The witness.
Jennifer
11. Of course, this is where you get the virus.
![Dead leland 12 monkeys s1e11](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--zlyYCfCK--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1528945756/dead-leland-12-monkeys-s1e11.jpg)
Cole: Of course, this is where you get the virus.
Leland: Virus? There's a virus in that thing?
Cole: Yeah and you're going to help me destroy it.
12. There is no time. If you don't help me Cole will die, and I won't let that happen.
![Young jones 12 monkeys s1e12](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--Wt6qsMmb--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1528946050/young-jones-12-monkeys-s1e12.jpg)
Cassie: Katerina Jones?
Jones: Do I know you?
Cassie: My name is Dr. Cassandra Railly. I need your help. We have a mutual friend who is very sick, maybe dying.
Jones: Who?
Cassie: Cole, James Cole.
Jones: You are probably looking for my mother. I am not this kind of a doctor, I'm a physicist.
Cassie: Please listen to me, we need to talk.
Jones: Maybe you call my office in the morning.
Cassie: There is no time. If you don't help me Cole will die, and I won't let that happen.
13. It took time travel, to create time travel. That’s how it works.
![Deacon returns 12 monkeys](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--u_vYpG4O--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1428146580/deacon-returns-12-monkeys.jpg)
Ramse: It took time travel, to create time travel. That’s how it works. There are no straight lines brother.
Cole: And now you want to destroy it.
Ramsey: I want to go home to my son. I’m done here.
14. Let me ask you, why is the Army of the 12 Monkeys trying to kill me?
![Ramse wonders why 12 monkeys s2e1](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--MckYAHD_--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1528946684/ramse-wonders-why-12-monkeys-s2e1.jpg)
Ramse: Let me ask you, why is the Army of the 12 Monkeys trying to kill me?
Olivia: Because your death is preordained. You served your purpose. Now the plague is imminent. It was your guidance that led us to the virus and for this we're grateful, but now your cycle is complete. So long traveler.
15. It's the only thing that's ever made any difference.
![Saving a life 12 monkeys s2e2](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--2cyUdd38--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1528948763/saving-a-life-12-monkeys-s2e2.jpg)
I was sent back in time to kill a man. It was supposed to fix everything, it didn't. So I killed more people, nothing changed. And then I save someone. Someone who should have died and that is what changed things. It's the only thing that's ever made any difference.
Cole
16. You have no idea how exhausting it is being crazy.
![Exhaustion 12 monkeys s2e5](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--HvKcvFzS--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1528949925/exhaustion-12-monkeys-s2e5.jpg)
You have no idea how exhausting it is being crazy.
Jennifer
17. I don't have the time to break on through to the other side with you.
![Break on through 12 monkeys s2e4](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--ycXpFeDl--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1528949658/break-on-through-12-monkeys-s2e4.jpg)
Jones: Mr. Cole and doctor Railly are lost in time. This anomaly is threatening to kill us all. I don't have the time to break on through to the other side with you.
Jennifer: Jim Morrison. Primary.
18. They're connected to time somehow. They're not just crazy.
![Another primary 12 monkeys s2e3](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s---jJOeOHB--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1528949184/another-primary-12-monkeys-s2e3.jpg)
Cassie: How is any of this possible? How can he know?
Cole: Jennifer calls it being primary.
Cassie: Primary?
Cole: They're connected to time somehow. They're not just crazy. The delusions. The voices in their head. They're real.
19. Don't you understand? The red forest is the only way to beat death.
![Aaron lies 12 monkeys s2e6](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--5p-ImObv--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1528950186/aaron-lies-12-monkeys-s2e6.jpg)
Aaron: It's beautiful. A place where time no longer exists. A place where you can be with the one you love forever. What could be more important than that?
Cassie: No. No, it can't be that way.
Aaron: It's the only way. Don't you understand? The red forest is the only way to beat death.
20. If it's the same hallucinogenic Ms. Goines consumes, it is possible. Could be a method of...
![Mental time travel 12 monkeys s2e7](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--vinxgVJU--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1528950895/mental-time-travel-12-monkeys-s2e7.jpg)
If it's the same hallucinogenic Ms. Goines consumes, it is possible. Could be a method of communication. Its properties allow your consciousness to drift outside time. Mental time travel.
Jones
21. Well, Hannah was dead before. Now she has a chance to know her.
![Saving hannah 12 monkeys s2e8](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--OsqDhvCY--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1528951091/saving-hannah-12-monkeys-s2e8.jpg)
Cassie: I'm surprised she doesn't hate us. She lost 24 years with Hannah because of what we did.
Cole: Well, Hannah was dead before. Now she has a chance to know her. It's not perfect, but it's something.
22. I freed them. I feed them, and now I lead them.
![Freed and led 12 monkeys s2e9](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--YeLSG_Zi--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1528951569/freed-and-led-12-monkeys-s2e9.jpg)
They're like me. They're just misunderstood. I freed them. I feed them, and now I lead them.
Jennifer
23. Nefarious characters seem to coalesce around you like bum hairs in a drain.
![Agent gale 12 monkeys s2e10](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--Km9qFkBd--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1528951821/agent-gale-12-monkeys-s2e10.jpg)
Agent Gale: Nefarious characters seem to coalesce around you like bum hairs in a drain.
Cole: That's colorful.
24. Are you willing to let someone you love die for your mission?
![No idea 12 monkeys s2e11](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--ZgE6DnKW--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1528952244/no-idea-12-monkeys-s2e11.jpg)
Jennifer: Are you willing to let someone you love die for your mission? For the good of the world? Say it.
Cole: I am.
Jennifer: And when you do, never look back.
25. The house? It's mine. I bought it.
![Why this house 12 monkeys s2e12](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--b3fWGs74--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1528952454/why-this-house-12-monkeys-s2e12.jpg)
Cole: What are you doing here?
Cassie: What are you doing here?
Cole: The house? It's mine. I bought it.
Cassie: Why this house?
Cole: I was driving by, saw the for sale sign.
26. Wouldn't you rather live in your son's adoration than his scorn for this selfish act?
![Wouldnt you rather 12 monkeys s3e8](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--Y2VONwpO--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1528955377/wouldnt-you-rather-12-monkeys-s3e8.jpg)
Wouldn't you rather live in your son's adoration than his scorn for this selfish act?
Magdelena
27. Why on earth did you use a stage name?
![Angry 1900s jennifer 12 monkeys s3e2](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--3PjNlxHJ--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1528955541/angry-1900s-jennifer-12-monkeys-s3e2.jpg)
Jennifer: Five years!! I've been here, alone, by myself for five years and your asking about Cassie? About Ramse?! What about me? What about, 'hey Jennifer, how did you survive WWI?' Hey, I'm really glad you asked because I was a prisoner of WAR!
Cole: Jennifer...
Jennifer: And YOU, Grandma Time!
Jones: 'Scuse me?
Jennifer: Check your mail? I've been sending you messages, leaving you clues? I even wrote an album...I'm Still In France...It's 1921...And my favorite, Jones, Send Help.
Jones: Why on earth did you use a stage name?
28. I gave you the enemy of your enemy gift wrapped in a bow. Can I see my friend now?
![Enemies 12 monkeys s3e3](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--rhMRZepy--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1528955628/enemies-12-monkeys-s3e3.jpg)
I gave you the enemy of your enemy gift wrapped in a bow. Can I see my friend now?
Ramse
29. Hey, hey, hey. Brother?
![Hey brother 12 monkeys s3e4](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--1wBAMkuh--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1528955795/hey-brother-12-monkeys-s3e4.jpg)
Cole: Goddammit, why couldn't you just trust me? I always trusted you. Oh, Jesus Christ.
Ramse: We always try to do the right thing. We just end up doing it the wrong way, right?
Cole: I'm going to fix this.
Ramse: Don't undo it. Promise me. Don't undo this. Please. You're on your own, brother. I'll see you soon.
Cole: Hey, hey, hey. Brother?
30. Nineteen eighty-nine. What a trip. Do you know they're playing Genesis in the lobby? You...
![Nineteen eighty nine 12 monkeys s3e4](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--oSQceORT--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1528955702/nineteen-eighty-nine-12-monkeys-s3e4.jpg)
Nineteen eighty-nine. What a trip. Do you know they're playing Genesis in the lobby? You really should let Jennifer dress you. I will have a scotch, neat, with a beer back.
Deacon
31. They made him. That's nurture, not nature.
![They made him 12 monkeys s3e6](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--ccrhlfwN--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1528956154/they-made-him-12-monkeys-s3e6.jpg)
Cassie: James?
Cole: There's nothing to say.
Cassie: They made him. That's nurture, not nature.
Cole: That's not what I saw, neither did you.
Cassie: I know what we're supposed to do, but I can't.
Cole: I can.
32. May God have mercy.
![May god have mercy 12 monkeys s3e7](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--S6CM32zX--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1528956068/may-god-have-mercy-12-monkeys-s3e7.jpg)
Jones: This whole time. This entire mission. All of it. It's been about them.
Deacon: You do know what we have to do, right?
Jones: Yes.
Deacon: May God have mercy.
33. I've learned that love knows nothing of time. I've consumed my days with a woman who defies...
![Love knows nothing of time 12 monkeys s3e9](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--B6wuN9G6--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1528956393/love-knows-nothing-of-time-12-monkeys-s3e9.jpg)
I've learned that love knows nothing of time. I've consumed my days with a woman who defies destiny. What better way to defy my own?
Athan
34. That's where you're wrong. But I witnessed.
![You are the witness 12 monkeys s3e10](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--AW6eBYop--/t_slideshow/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1528956466/you-are-the-witness-12-monkeys-s3e10.jpg)
Olivia: You are the witness!
Athan: That's where you're wrong. But I witnessed.