12 Monkeys: Cassie's Time Immune Fetus Explained

There's no test that tells you if your kid is
going to end the world... 

      After a week's worth of re-watching all of season 2 of 12 Monkeys I've decided now was a time to blog about the last few minutes of the season finale. Cole and Cassie stayed in the past and conceived a child. However, this only happened after they failed to stop a paradox. Cole went back in time (seeing that they weren't safe even in the past) and stopped said paradox thereby undoing his future with Cassie as parents. Reason and common science would suggest the child was unmade. Right? Nope!

We all know how the birds and the bees work...
They didn't count for the laws of Time

     If you think about it this makes total sense. At first you would think the biggest twist would have been that either Cole or Cassie were the Witness. Guess again! Turns out it was Cole and Cassie's future son who tries to destroy Time. But why was he spared? He should have been written out of existence. Cole and Cassie both have been taking Dr. Jones's injections mutating their DNA that made them something like immune to Time. Cole has been taking these injections long before Cassie (though he did reset himself once but he had to start taking them again, a stronger dose or a more sophisticated serum) but that still gives the child an equal chance of inheriting this Time Immune gene if one has a basic knowledge how genetics work. 

This house seems familiar... Deja vu!

     A mother's genes and a father's genes fight for dominance in the womb. For example: I am the first child. My mother has bipolar disorder with a hot temper while my father has depression and ADD having a mild disposition. Both drink (dad's the fun drunk while mom is the angry one). But my father's genes won the battle so now I have ADD with a case of mild depression though having a mild disposition like dad and I do drink however I only prefer vodka and even then I prefer a few sips. My father would say I have the "good" genes while my younger sister got the "bad" genes. Most likely it's the same for Cassie and Cole's son.

Welcome to our End of the World Party.
Our punch was made special for this occasion...

     One running theory I have is about Cole's mother. I think his mother was Primary. Marian may not have even been her real name. Or maybe she's not Primary. For all we know it could be some Sarah/John Connor situation where maybe even Hannah goes back in time, calls herself Marian and meets Cole's dad. But I'm sticking with my Cole's Mother is a Primary theory for now. But this makes me think that Cole's son is also Primary. Though it may not run in families, just be random, genes can be tricky. Genetic defects sometimes skip a few generations or affect few family members like when noble families would marry as close as first cousins or even niece and uncle (unless you're Ancient Egyptian royalty then you marry your brother, father, grandfather, nephew, etc.). The Witness could also be Primary not just having a knowledge of his parents' history because he was taught it but because he saw it all happen in his head. Ir would also explain that maybe he could be mentally and emotionally unbalanced. Combine that with his Time immune genes his powers and weird prophecies make sense.

The one time everyone would agree that abortion
would be the better option...

       Last part feels like a stretch, nevertheless because Time moves around Cassie and Cole their fetus would survive any change to the Time Line. Also it could explain why the Witness wants to get rid of Time seeing it as a cruel destructive force that ruined his parents' lives. Not sure Cassie will just bow down and have Rosemary's Baby perhaps she tries to have a miscarriage or abort the baby or perhaps she thinks that maybe if she raises the baby then he won't grow up evil. However as we've seen so far if Time wants something to happen then it'll happen no matter what you do.

Do you think Cole will be able to kill his own son
in order to save the universe?

Game of Thrones: Will Jon End Up Like Robb?

   People have made comparisons to Jon's King in the North scene with Robb's making them fear for his well being as it didn't turn out well for Robb in the end. But I feel like Jon will have a better time with it. Personality, upbringing, and psychology are factors for both Kings. Let's start with Robb.

Such a handsome face. If only there was a brain in there.
Or at least common sense...

Robb Stark: The Young Wolf

    Robb Stark was the eldest child and son of Ned and Catelyn Stark. He was raised to be the Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North. It was a job he took seriously. But he didn't think that made him better than anyone else. Robb was raised to treat every one he met with respect. Even if he disliked them Robb maintained a cool, stern politeness. Robb even cared for his half-brother Jon Snow despite his mother's hatred of the child. Robb didn't let Catelyn's animosity rub off on him. Nevertheless, underneath Robb's noble, cool exterior was a hot head prone to make decisions based off emotion. 

Sure ruin your chances in this war for a girl you JUST MET!

     Robb ignored his mother's advice on three key occasions: 1.) Letting Theon go back home not thinking that Baelon Greyjoy may see Theon as a complete stranger turning him against Robb (not all fathers can be as good and noble as Ned, Robb); 2.) He married a girl he just met because he was "in love" with her thereby alienating who would have been his greatest ally to help him win the war. I suppose seeing his parents so in love it's what Robb wanted and that's understandable but obviously he didn't pay close enough attention to their relationship to see that there were quite a few downs in their marriage; "Love didn't just happen with us." And 3.) Perhaps the most important event where Robb even ignored his wife's advice, Robb chopped off Lord Karstark's head when he should have just kept him as a hostage to keep the Karstarks army with them.

"The King Who LOST the North."

     I loved Robb's character. I cried when he was betrayed then murdered at the Red Wedding. Robb always tried to do the right thing but his heart always got in the way which was his biggest flaw. Robb did what he wanted instead of what he needed to do and that's what ultimately got him killed, ending his reign as well as his rebellion. 

Any last words, bitch?

Jon Snow: The White Wolf

    Jon Snow grew up with the stigma of being called a Snow; a bastard child of a high born lord. He bore the shame of what he was even though we now know that he was the opposite. Jon was possibly legitimate but he had to grow up socially scorned by many especially his foster father's wife. Even Ned had to keep a distance from him even though Jon was the last surviving part of his beloved sister. But Jon never held any resentment towards his legitimate siblings. His one desire was to be counted as a Stark yet he bowed his head and took the abuse. He wanted to hate Robb but found he couldn't. Jon seemed prone to loneliness and misery. I don't feel like he felt happiness was meant for him though he's not a cynic. Just used to disappointment or never expecting to be seen other than as a bastard of the North.

Season 6 is looking pretty gloomy

     Then Jon joined the Night's Watch. He was a virgin at the time but that was because he was afraid that if he had a child then that child would grow up hated and scorned like he was which is a life Jon would spare anyone if he could. However, we all know Jon was special. He kinda knew it too. He could fight better than all the recruits and didn't mind showing it thinking that he probably wouldn't have to try so hard to prove himself. This didn't make him many friends until Lord Tyrion advised him to be more "brotherly" and sympathetic to his comrades. Jon took this advise learning that he's not better than anyone. This humbleness earned him the love and respect of many Brothers. Jon became more modest but he still clashed with the higher ups (excluding Mormont). 

(Future) The King in the North vs The Night King's henchman!

       On multiple occasions Jon has displayed a knowledge of right and wrong but also of knowing he must serve a greater good. He has made the hardest choices that perhaps he'll regret later in life but he wouldn't have done them differently. He killed the Halfhand so he could infiltrate the Wildling army. Jon fell in love with a Wildling woman, breaking his vows of celibacy, however, he chose to return to the Night's Watch. Even though it would mean his life, Jon went out to kill the King Beyond the Wall. And then when Mance was sentenced to die by burning, instead of letting him suffer, Jon mercy killed him with an arrow earning the wrath of Stannis. Jon beheaded Janos Slynt because he wouldn't follow orders, consolidating his role as Lord Commander who wouldn't tolerate insubordination. And even when almost everyone in the Night's Watch was against his decision to help the Free Folk, Jon knowing that a greater evil was coming, saved many of their lives. 

"He's dead. He's not coming back."
Then they brought him back to no one's surprise

      Jon has gained the respect of the Free Folk and quite a few Brothers who avenged him when he was murdered. Jon can inspire this kind of devotion because he will always make the hard choice. It's what makes him a better leader than Robb. Jon slept with Ygritte sure but he gave her up because he made a vow to defend the realms of men (at the time this meant fighting Free Folk). That's the defining difference between Robb and Jon that I think will help our second King in the wars to come. 

Welcome back! Though we knew you would be...

      
     Jon will always give up his heart's desire to serve the greater good for the realms. Jon would have gone to help Robb but he was convinced to stay at Castle Black; Stannis offered to make him legitimate, give him the name Stark and take revenge for his family but Jon declined choosing to stay Lord Commander of the Night's Watch. Then Jon hung the men who stabbed him, including Olly even though he was just a kid because they betrayed their Lord Commander.

"The King in the North! The King in the North!"

     Even when Jon finds out (and he will find out) that he's actually a Targaryen I don't think that will affect his standing in the North. Jon has proven himself a capable leader because he chooses duty over heart. Jon will do whatever he thinks is the right thing even if it's the hardest thing in the world. Both boys have tried to emulate their honorable father though I think they learned that being noble was more difficult in practice than it was ideal. However, I think Jon emulates Ned the most because for years Ned sacrificed his personal honor to keep Jon safe from Robert. Jon is willing to make similar sacrifices if it serves a greater purpose. Perhaps Jon Snow's reign as the King in the North will be longer than his predecessor's. Hopefully...

        

Game of Thrones: Favorite Scenes From Season 6

   Since hearing that the premiere date for Game of Thrones was pushed back (something about waiting for the snows to come so they can film) I've had a sudden urge to high light my top 10 favorite scenes from season 6. I've based my picks off of memorability, emotional resonance, and just WTF moments. 

"Long may she reign!"

10. Cersei is crowned Queen of the 7 Kingdoms.

               This was a WTF moment. Did not expect Cersei to become queen though it seemed inevitable. I knew Tommen would die this season along with Margery, Loras, and the Freys. It was still a shock though. Cersei doesn't have any blood ties to House Baratheon or House Targaryen and usually the line of succession goes by blood relative even if it's a distant cousin if someone is related to the king in any way then they are the heir. I suppose Cersei killed most of those who would oppose her in the Sept. 

           However, Jaime did not look happy to see Cersei as queen. It makes me feel like their relationship is going to be strained next season. Jaime may blame Cersei for Tommen's death which in fact she is responsible. She left an emotionally fragile boy alone who has shown signs of deep depression and was most likely a danger to himself. Of course Tommen would kill himself because his wife and other people he cared about were killed. This was one of the few moments that I was sorry for Cersei. The only humanizing thing about her was the love for her children but now that they're gone this coronation feels like the first step on her road to becoming the Mad Queen.

She's your only friend, dude

9. Jaime waving goodbye to Brienne as she and Pod escape down the river.

         I love the bond between Brienne and Jaime. She's his only friend in the world actually. She brings out something honorable in Jaime. A lot of people think may be Jaime has some romantic feeling for Brienne or at least Bronn pointed that out but I feel like it's more of an emotional bond. Jaime shared an intimacy with Brienne but it's an emotional intimacy because she was the first person he's told (besides Tyrion and maybe Cersei) about the day he killed the Mad King. Jaime allowed himself to be vulnerable with another person so that formed a strong bond between Jaime and Brienne and this was a very sad and touching scene where they don't need words to express their feelings. A simple wave good bye says it all. 

       This would be the second time that Jaime sort of defied Cersei. The first time was when Cersei demanded Jaime find Sansa and kill her. Instead Jaime gives Brienne a new sword, new armor, and even a squire charging her to find the Stark girls and protect them as he vowed he would to Catelyn. Brienne knows where Sansa is but instead of demanding or holding Brienne for further questioning or even telling someone that she was escaping Jaime let her go. I do hope they meet again though there was some finality to their wave good bye in the night.

8. Theon and Yara at the brothel.

"Drink the damn ale!"

          I feel like Theon redeemed himself this season by helping Sansa escape then supporting Yara's claim to the salt throne. This scene you could see the love Yara has for her little brother and her sympathy for his... condition. When someone has been through the sort of trauma that Theon had most would treat them with kid gloves. However Yara refuses to treat him gently. She knows she can get Theon back on the road to recovery. He may not be able to have sex but Yara's going to make sure he gets his dignity back.  

Reunited and it feels so good...

7. Jon and Sansa reunite.

            For so long the Starks have been scattered and separated with some dead. It was heartfelt to see Jon and Sansa reunite though they never really had any interaction before. I was scared that they would miss each other and we'd have to go through another heart break but thankfully our hearts caught some relief. My heart caught in my throat when I saw Jon and Sansa stare at each other in disbelief then suddenly embrace without a word. They didn't need to say anything. No words could justify the relief they both felt: Jon that his sister was alive and for Sansa to see a brother after spending years as a hostage in King's Landing. 

"I'm friends with your mother. I'm here to help.
Don't eat the help..."

6. Tyrion makes connection with the dragons as he sets them free from their chains.

          I just felt so happy in this scene: 1. Because Tyrion is my favorite character; 2. It further pushes my theory that Tyrion will ride a dragon; 3. It was just sweet to hear Tyrion tell us a story from his childhood when he wanted a dragon for his name day. 

         "It doesn't have to be a big dragon... It can be little like me."

"My father told me all the dragons were dead. I cried myself
to sleep that night."

          If your heart doesn't ache just a little hearing that then your heart is made of stone. Tyrion has felt alone his entire life and this was one of the moments in his childhood where he felt he had to resign himself to that fact. He has had a life time of ridicule and torture because he was born a dwarf, a disappointment to his father and hated by his sister. And yet he never allowed it to make him bitter. Tyrion once said he had a sympathy for cripples and broken things. It's why he gave Bran sketches for a new saddle and why he didn't force himself on Sansa. He has a big heart and I feel like the dragons sensed that making them trust him to unchain them. 

Just when things looked dire the cavalry arrives!

5. Battle of the Bastards (fight sequence)

          Mostly I liked when Jon was in the middle of his small army as he was being crushed because Ramsay's army had surrounded them and killing them with their spears from behind shields. It perfectly parallels with Dany's scene at the end of season 3 "Mhsya" where she's being lifted up by the rejoicing slaves. This is a much darker parallel of course but it also makes me realize that Dany and Jon's stories are in fact kind of parallel. They both rose to greatness on their own. 

        Then there was the part where the Knights of the Vale came charging in wiping out Ramsay's army. The look on Ramsay's face was priceless! 

There's a reason she's called the Unburnt

4. Daenerys burns all of the Khals and walks out of the burning hut unharmed.

           Dany has come a long way. You would think her walking out of flames would get dull but NOPE! Watching her knock over those torches, calmly setting the mouthy misogynistic aflame then walking out of the fire (naked) proudly with fire in her eyes. It had me in awe. This moment she united all the khalasaars together expanding her army and bringing her one step closer to the Iron Throne. 

"HOLD THE DOOR!"

3. Hodor's death scene "Hold the door!"

         Now I almost cried at this part. In fact I remember my eyes getting a little watery as I watched Meera dragging Bran away on the sled while he worged into Hodor while Meera was yelling "Hold the door!" then seeing Bran's worg effect Hodor in the past as he had a seizure screaming "Hold the door!" over and over until it became one word that he would say for the rest of his life. 

        That's gotta be the saddest death in the series. Not just because Hodor was a beloved character (because we should be used to losing our favorites by now) but because his entire life he's been talking about the circumstances of his death. As Bran and Meera get away I love how the whole scene cut out the background sound leaving the music and young Willis crying out "Hold the door" but we kept seeing Hodor holding the door while getting ripped a part by zombies. You're forced to actually see it which makes it resonate more emotionally. It was a great way to say good bye to a beloved character who had a bigger role to play in the show than everybody thought.

Boom bitches!

     
2. Cersei blows up her enemies.

            I suppose you can call this a sequence from the beginning of episode 10 to when the whole church is blown up with wild fire killing Margery, Loras, Mace Tyrell, Uncle Kevan Lannister, Lancel, the High Sparrow, and the Faith Militant. The music was my favorite part it was so Godfather. We start with everyone getting dressed and ready for the trial as we hear a soft foreboding piano. Cersei is wearing some armor on her dress like she's preparing for battle. 

         Fanatics are just plain dumb aren't they. I never really believed Margery would go full on convert. She's way too smart. It was still rough to see her trying to tell the High Sparrow that they were all in danger, trying to make him realize that they were all going to die if they didn't leave immediately. Then the look on his face when he realized that Margery was right but he's too much in shock to make a decision then BOOM! Bye bye Birdie! Godfather! All of it!

"I don't care that he's a bastard. He's my King from
this day until his last day. The King in the North!"

1. Jon is declared the King in the North.

          I was tearing up at this scene. This topped every moment in the season for me. Since season 1 Jon has belittled himself saying "I'm a bastard." He was a stigma on his father's honor, suffering Catelyn's enmity and scorn because he felt that he deserved it because he wasn't born with the name Stark. It was actually his one desire in life for Ned to legitimize him and make him a Stark. Jon had the chance to become Jon Stark, no longer being stigmatized with the name Snow but said no because he had a duty to the Night's Watch.  But now... 

         We love Jon because he's a noble guy. He has a good heart. He tries to be true to his vows but has weaknesses and flaws like everyone else. He fell in love but gave that up for duty because Jon felt it was the right thing to do. Jon has always tried to do the right thing and that's what endeared him to many of his brothers in the Night's Watch. His bravery and courage earned him the respect of the Free Folk who came to avenge him when he was stabbed to death. They helped Jon win back Winterfell. Ser Davos chose to follow Jon even though he had no reason to. Stannis was dead, Davos could have gone home but instead he stuck by Jon, encouraged him to live again when Jon was just brought back and in shock. 

         To have the recognition from low borns is one thing. But to suddenly gain that respect from high borns, to have them choose him as not only their leader but as their legitimate King was a huge surprise for Jon. They didn't care that his last name was Snow, he had the blood of a Stark as well as the heart of one. Jon is a Stark in all but name. I suppose you can say he's unofficially a Stark having the support of the North and even the Knights of the Vale who joined the chant. 

         Now this scene sort of reflects Rob's scene when he was declared the King in the North but I feel like it's going to go a bit better for Jon. True Jon is really the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark however he is still more or less a Stark. Whether this knowledge when it becomes known would effect his standing with the North remains a toss up but I feel like they'll follow Jon. He has proven himself time and again. Like Rhaegar who had the love of his people I feel that Jon has more than earned the same love and respect as any true born prince or lord. 

Game of Thrones: Will Jon Marry Sansa?

       This is a theory that has been thrown around a while now. Some fans suggest that Jon upon learning of his true parentage discovering that he and Sansa are actually first cousins that he will marry her. There are pros and cons to that theory.

At some point I don't even blink when this show
does incest anymore. 

   Sound Political Sense

           Being that Jon is technically a Targaryen and Sansa is a Stark it would be great to bring these two great houses together to help heal old wounds started by Rhaegar's abduction of Lyanna and Robert's Rebellion. Also it would keep the North close to the Iron Throne as it did with Dorne. The alliance/ friendship of Robert Baratheon and Ned Stark helped to hold the kingdom together so there is no reason why it shouldn't work the same way between Daenerys and Jon. Though one may also argue it would make more political sense for Jon to marry Daenerys since he has a legitimate claim to the Iron Throne; stronger since he is a boy. She's his aunt and incestuous marriages were a practice of the Targaryens.

Maybe there's potential here...

  Jon and Sansa's Relationship

         One assumes that even when Jon does discover that he and Sansa are actually cousins that he'll be open to marriage with her in the first place. Despite their estranged relationship in their childhood that doesn't mean Jon never stopped seeing Sansa as his little sister. Another thing is that Sansa was raped and abused by Ramsay so it's also unlikely she'd be open to any sort of marriage at the moment. True her wounds will heal and she may be open to let herself love someone but I don't see her running to Jon. It would feel more awkward. (Not everyone wants to have sex with their siblings you know.)

I feel weird shipping them

       Someone pointed out Jon likes red heads (Ros and Ygritte). So? A guy can date blonds but that doesn't mean he's not going to fall in love with a brunette. 

       Another point was made that Sansa dreamed of marrying a prince and ruling beside him. It's what she's wanted so it feels like foreshadowing. And? If there's one thing this series has taught us is just because we want something to happen doesn't mean we're going to get it. No one wanted Hodor, Rob Stark, Khal Drogo, etc to die but they did. Arya wanted to see her brother and mother again but they were murdered. Yes it could be a foreshadowing but I'll believe that when I see it. 

Sansa's Still Married

       Probably the one thing people are forgetting is that consummated or not, Sansa and Tyrion are STILL married. Making her previous marriage to Ramsay unlawful! Even though it was (brutally and violently) consummated that doesn't mean it was legal. I don't think Westeros does divorce in any case. Maybe annulments but we'll see if Tyrion and Sansa want to get an annulment. Most likely yeah. Though that doesn't mean Sansa will jump to marry Jon. Someone else said that Sansa was okay with marrying her other first cousin Robyn Arryn. Again. So? It would have been another sexless marriage probably. Marrying a simpleton like Robyn would have been a walk in the park for Sansa. 

       Perhaps the writers will experiment with this idea and have Sansa develop confusing romantic feelings for her "brother" and maybe Jon for her. Though I'll wait for season 7 to see if they do.


      

Game of Thrones: Daenerys Targaryen: Savior or Destroyer?

             A few similarities have been made between beloved heroine Dany and her mad ancestors (mostly her insane pyro dad). This prompts some fears from me that she may turn out to be a villain instead of a hero which would be the show's biggest misdirect.

Savior or Destroyer?

Side Note:

         Since George R.R. Martin loves basing his story on history I can't help but feel he based the Targaryen tradition of wedding brother and sister off of the Ancient Egyptians. The Royal Family of Ancient Egypt would practice the tradition of incest (brother and sister, father and daughter, grandfather and grand-daughter, mother and son, nephew and aunt, etc.) to keep their blood "pure" as well as to keep the fortune in the family. However with in-breeding comes disease such as deformities, madness, and other genetic disorders. Though it's also true that Pharaohs could make the sons of their many concubines his heir (if no other heirs from his marriage survive) adding some new blood to the pool it still turns out to be a pretty shallow gene pool. 

Yep, I'm alive. I'm the Unburnt duh!

Savior?

        Dany has shown from the beginning that she has a tender heart drawing people and bonding them to her. Dany is devoted to the people who serve her treating them like family because, well, they're the only family she has. She abhors violence unless it's necessary to show strength. She despises blood sports as well. Dany freed the slaves, abolishing the practice altogether. She inspires people. 

      Daenerys had a rough childhood and she could have grown up bitter but she still has a gentle heart though it may also be her greatest weakness as well as her greatest strength.

Burn it all down

       
Destroyer?

      The reason why I say her gentle heart could be her greatest weakness isn't because she trusts easily. It's that she has a hard time forgiving people even though it would make more political sense and that's perhaps some of the Mad King in her that could go against her. 

Dany's got her "bitch" death stare on

  
       Yes, Dany burned and massacred slavers in Astapor but not all masters who own slaves are evil. Some were probably very kind and fair but we didn't see that. Dany told the Unsullied to kill every man holding a whip and every soldier and even though she commanded no child be harmed that hardly excuses her from such violence. Dany assumed that anyone who owned slaves was evil but as Jorah had said, "There is good and evil on every side." 

Yes, Precious...

        I actually felt more sorry for Hizdhar zo Loraq. He was a nice guy who was trying to keep the peace, displaying himself a loyal citizen and subject; even though Dany openly showed her dislike of him, Hizdhar took it like a beaten dog. But you would say, "Dany made Hizdhar her ambassador and put him on her council." So? She still ignored half his advice. He knew Mereen and the people better than Dany who was basically an invader. He was right to open the fighting pits. Both former slaves and free citizens cheered at the blood shed. Dany may not have liked blood sports but the citizens did. Tyrion also decried the violence but again the crowd spoke for itself. 

Mama's coming to take back the Iron Throne

        Dany may have a gentle heart but she also has violent tendencies. Tyrion, Jorah, and Ser Barristan had to talk her down quite a few times. Sometimes to no effect. Thankfully I think Tyrion will be a good influence on Dany to help stay her hand. Depending on who's telling the story Dany could be seen as a villain or a hero. Her army burns a farm to that farmer she is a villain. Given she has Dothraki who aren't known for their mercy I see whole towns and innocent people getting raped, murdered and enslaved. Dany may try to stop it but it's kind of what she promised them. Too early to tell if her foreign army will help or hurt Westeros. Here's hoping she's a savior...