Pop Culturalist Chats with 12 Monkeys’ Todd Stashwick

12 Monkeys kicks off its fourth and final season tonight on Syfy. The epic time travel saga has put its unique stamp on a beloved genre and we had the opportunity to speak with series-favorite Todd Stashwick about what fans can expect this season, how his character has evolved since the beginning, and chatted about an exciting new project he’s working on.

PC: For readers who may not be familiar with 12 Monkeys, what should they know about the series and your character?
Todd: It’s based on the movie by Terry Gilliam, which was based on the experimental French film La Jetee’ by Chris Marker. Those films are the jumping-off point, but our show forges its own deep mythology. It’s a science fiction, time travel show about a post-apocalyptic survivor tasked with going back in time to stop a virus that decimates mankind. The virus is just phase one of a massive plan orchestrated by a time cult called the Army of the 12 Monkeys.

My character is Deacon, a ruthless leader of a band of survivors called the West VII. He’s cool, funny and dangerous.

PC: How has Deacon changed throughout the course of the series and what can you tease about his story arc in season four?
Todd: The character’s arc has been amazing. He goes from being an antagonist in season one to part of the team over the course of the series. As Terry Matalas—the show’s creator—said, he’s a sociopathic Han Solo. Basically, my wheelhouse. But within that, the depth and pathos of this man, whose outward demeanor has been all swagger, is rich and layered and heartbreaking. It’s been possibly my favorite role of my career to date.

In season four, Deacon has proven his loyalty to the team. His connection to the them has deepened through the life of the series. He’s gained the respect of Jones and has a singular bond with Jennifer. The trials of season four push all the relationships to the edge.

PC: Last year, it was announced that the show would return for its final chapter. Did that change any of your preparation heading into filming or the atmosphere on set?
Todd: Didn’t change the prep. The job is the same. It’s a lot of work and long hours. And I’m lucky because the work is a pleasure. There was a sense of sadness throughout, though. We all knew that it was coming to a finite finish so we had a lot of “Lasts.” The “last” time I worked at the facility, the “last” time I shoot with the crew in Toronto, my “last” scene with a particular actor, etc. We all, writers, producers, crew, directors and cast brought everything we had to this show. I love them and it was hard to say goodbye.

PC: If you had to describe season four in five words, what would they be?
Todd: Fasten your seat belts, baby!

PC: What’s been the biggest lesson that Deacon has taught you?
Todd: People aren’t one thing. Look deeper and see what hurt might be motivating them. Lead with compassion.

PC: What will you miss most about the experience?
Todd: Most? The people.

PC: You’re also co-writing Suicide Squad 2. What can you tease about that project and how did you get involved?
Todd: I can say with certainty that it’s Suicide Squad 2. Beyond that, I will tease nothing! I kid, but not really. I can say that playing in the DC Universe is a trip. I have a great passion for DC Comics and I’m pleased as puddin’ to be involved. I have been writing for a long time. I have my own comic that I write, Devil Inside. It’s a collaboration with comic artist Dennis Calero. I’ve developed television for the Syfy channel and most recently was co-writing a Star Wars video game with Amy Hennig. I love telling epic stories that have idiosyncratic characters. I was invited on board Suicide Squad 2 by the writer/director Gavin O’Connor. He was my director on several projects and we got on famously. He could see that I have a knack and passion for genre. So, we chatted casually about the project, sharing ideas together, and that grew into becoming part of the team. There are three of us on the writing team: Gavin, writer David Bar Katz and myself.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Todd: Mark Hamill’s Pop Culture Quest

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Todd: Joe Versus the Volcano

PC: Favorite book?
Todd: Lullaby, Fight Club, Choke? Aw hell, anything by Chuck Palahniuk.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Todd: The Dreamer Examines His Pillow by John Patrick Shanley

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Todd: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

PC: An artist or band that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Todd: Erasure

PC: Hidden talent?
Todd: I’m a pretty good cartoonist. I also have an uncanny sense of time. Without looking at a clock, I can tell what time it is within five minutes. Which helps when you are a time traveler.

Make sure to follow Todd on Twitter and Instagram, and catch 12 Monkeys every Friday at 8/7c on Syfy.

Photo Credit: Storm Santos