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(SeaPRwire) –   One of the most enduring sci-fi time travel themes involves observing a single location transformed across vastly different eras. H.G. Wells first explored this concept in The Time Machine, where the time traveler remains stationary while centuries rapidly unfold around him. The television adaptation of 12 Monkeys effectively used this device in its inaugural season, depicting the Project Splinter facility both at its origin and as a futuristic hub for time travelers in the 2040s. However, a decade ago—on May 4, 2016—the show’s second season, episode three, titled “One Hundred Years,” introduced a new strategic base for the protagonists. This pivotal episode not only shaped the narrative trajectory of 12 Monkeys but also subtly foreshadowed a major twist that would later appear in the Star Trek universe nearly ten years hence.

“One Hundred Years” marks a turning point during the acclaimed second season of 12 Monkeys. After the season finale redefined the story’s central conflict, the series evolved beyond merely preventing a global pandemic to becoming an epic struggle against the Army of the 12 Monkeys, whose goal is to disrupt the fabric of time itself. This shift was crystallized in “One Hundred Years,” particularly when Cole (Aaron Stanford) and Cassie (Amanda Schull) suspect that the Army’s attacks on individuals known as “Primaries”—those who can sense temporal flow—extend far beyond the plague’s origins. During their investigation, Cole remarks, “Maybe the plague is only part of their plan.”

Though seemingly minor, this line carries profound weight, especially after the Season 2 premiere featured a narration by Madeleine Stowe, star of the original film. From then on, the series adopted a more layered premise: the Army seeks to collapse time into a static state called the “Red Forest.” As a direct result, Cole and Cassie are dispatched to track down assassins in 1944—a mission that fundamentally alters the show’s scope.

To support their operations, Cole secures a long-term room at the fictional Hotel Emerson, a decision with far-reaching consequences. Earlier in the season, viewers learned that Cole and Jennifer had already encountered this hotel in 2016. In “One Hundred Years,” that connection is retroactively clarified, revealing that the Emerson has served as Team Splinter’s operational headquarters across multiple decades. At the time, however, its true significance remains unknown.

Set against the backdrop of the 1940s, “One Hundred Years” channels the adventurous spirit of Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), offering a fresh energy to the series and revitalizing the romantic tension between Cole and Cassie. The developers—Terry Matalas and Travis Fickett—alongside episode writer Michael Sussman (known for his work on Star Trek: Voyager and Enterprise) crafted a narrative brimming with the nostalgic charm reminiscent of Back to the Future. This episode also pushed the characters further back in time than ever before, expanding the series’ historical reach.

The Emerson Hotel also brought FBI agent Robert Gale into the fold, portrayed by the talented Jay Karnes. Over subsequent decades—spanning the 1950s and 1960s—Gale emerges as one of the heroes’ most trusted allies. His journey includes encounters with alternate versions of Cole and Cassie from different timelines, adding complexity to the show’s intricate plotting. Much like a Doctor Who companion left behind in another era, Gale provides a grounded, relatable perspective rooted in the 20th century. Initially reluctant to assist the travelers, he eventually becomes a key supporter, enriching the emotional depth of the series.

Jay Karnes returned to Terry Matalas’ sci-fi universe in Picard Season 2 (2022), portraying a character named Wells who closely mirrors Gale’s role in 12 Monkeys. Just as the show retconned the iconic bar “Ten Forward” as a real-world location in Los Angeles existing in both the 24th and 21st centuries, Picard expanded the concept even further by featuring a holographic recreation of Ten Forward aboard the Titan-A in Season 3.

It’s difficult to imagine these developments occurring without the creative groundwork laid by 12 Monkeys. With “One Hundred Years,” the series embraced a Back to the Future-inspired tone while simultaneously establishing enduring traditions that strengthened its narrative foundation throughout its entire run.

All four seasons of 12 Monkeys are now streaming on Prime Video.