I’ve noticed a definite trend in the thought process of television execs for the past few years.  “What was an awesome/thought provoking film that was popular in the 1990s? Great, lets make a new series about that!” Those who know me well may predict a distinct attitude of cynicism regarding this subject.  After all, no one is a bigger advocate against the onslaught of Hollywood remakes, reboots, and  unnecessary sequels than me. Now it seems our most beloved films are not even safe from the dastardly influence of the ol’ boob tube….

But wait! Was not M.A.S.H. originally a film before it was a television series? Wasn’t also The Odd Couple a film first? It seems turning films into series is not only an old practice, but a very successful one as well. After all, how many could recall the original films of either M.A.S.H. or The Odd Couple as better than the series they inspired? In the more not-so-stoneage years, series such as From Dusk Till Dawn, Fargo, Bates Motel, and Hannibal have enjoyed critical and commercial success.  It seems there is something to be said about film inspired television series after all. Keeping all of this in mind, I watched the latest such series, Syfy Channel’s 12 Monkeys.

While many film inspired shows are sequels, prequels, or spinoffs from their source material, 12 Monkeys opts to follow the “story re-imagined” route. The plot still centers around James Cole, (Aaron Stanford) being sent to our present from a post apocalyptic future in order to learn the source of the deadly virus that caused a pandemic that killed a majority of the human race, sending the remaining few survivors to live underground. When he reaches the present, he enlists the help of  young virologist Cassandra Railly, (Amanda Schull), who was the only clue he was given to unlocking the past.

While the basic plot of the film remains intact, the series makes a definite effort to differentiate itself from its source material. Stanford brings his own spin on the James Cole character, previously portrayed in the film by Bruce Willis. Whereas Willis played Cole confused and a little frightened, Stanford plays the character self-assuredly with more focus on his overall goal.  I’m rather fond of the latter interpretation, as it leaves room for some interesting character development if Cole later discovers his goals may not be as streamlined as he hopes. Cassandra Railly is a somewhat different character from the original. Her film counterpart is alternatively named Kathryn Railly and is a psychiatrist who took half of the film to believe Cole was not insane, while virologist Cassandra Railly has already reached the point of fully believing him.

One of the other key differences between mediums is the overall tone and presentation.  The director of the original film, Terry Gilliam, lent his sense of dark whimsy and humor as well as a European arthouse sort of feel.  The series, from what I see so far, opts to tell a more straightforward and serious narrative. I don’t necessarily have a complaint for this, as this is probably a more effective way to tell a story in several parts.

The acting and visuals are pretty decent as far as Syfy fare goes. I will give credit when credit’s due; Syfy seems to be stepping up their game over the past few years in the quality of their original series.  Overall, 12 Monkeys shows promising potential, and although I’m not quite hooked on it yet, but will gladly give it a few more episodes in order to do so.  You can watch new episodes Fridays at 8/7c on the Syfy channel, or get caught up on old ones by streaming them for free on their website.