‘Timeless’ Season 2 Finale Advance Review: This Changes Everything

As I begin penning this, I am praying that NBC will pleasantly surprise us with an early renewal announcement by the time my article is published. Even if they don’t, I still have faith in our odds for Season 3. Judging by the very bold decisions made by Shawn Ryan and Eric Kripke (who is known for going balls-to-the-wall in his finales, right SPN Family?), I have a feeling they are hopeful about our chances too.

The two-hour Season 2 Finale (airing Sunday, May 13 from 9-11p.m.) doesn’t just leave us begging for another season, it straight-up demands more ‘Timeless.’ Honestly, I do not care how many episodes NBC gives us. We started off with a kick-ass 16 episode first season and the writers amped up a shorter second season by creating a mini-movie with each episode.

Within ten episodes, viewers are given deep and moving character development. We’ve learned a lot more about members of the Time Team and their foes, which only makes us more invested in their journey. Rittenhouse’s over-arching storyline has increased the stakes and magnified tension with every maniacal mission. Imagine how crazy bad Nicholas Keynes’ vision is if evil Emma disagrees with him. The weekly historical narratives have been remarkably enlightening and brilliantly compelling. They reach a new level of feels with Harriet Tubman’s twistory in “The General.” Her story and interaction with the team give me goosebumps. You are going to love it!

Now, take everything the season has made you feel so far and crank it up another ten notches. Whatever you think you’ve figured out from the spoiler-y promo materials, you will still find yourself slack-jawed by the end of the finale. Yes. It is that crazy and mind-blowingly amazing. Once again, ‘Timeless’ delivers game-changing twists that set us up for so many more fascinating adventures in the years to come. Did you hear that NBC? I say years because this series is in it for the long-haul.

Every burning question that is answered only ends up raising many more questions. When the screens fade to black you will be drunk on booze/feels/both. Here is the emotional roller coaster you will be on throughout the gripping two-hour wild ride (not in any particular order):

sighs, gasps, squees, cheers, fears, jeers, tears, cringes, winces, jumping out of your seat level of excitement and/or rage, speechless shock, shameless applause at writers/directors/actors who can’t hear you, irrational screams at the screen, and lastly, the feeling of utter desperation as we hang in limbo wondering if we even have the chance to get the answers we desperately long for.

Don’t worry, I’m keeping this review spoiler-free. Read on without fear…

In “The General,” Rittenhouse aims to change the outcome of the Civil War. Emma is sent back to give their sleeper agent orders on how to ensure that the Confederates win. While Emma is out of town, Carol tries to set her grandfather’s head straight. As she blatantly puts it, he needs to start thinking with his head instead of his crotch, which has fallen into Emma’s clutches. Basically, Rittenhouse is a bit rattled. We are really hoping that this house divided will fall. Unfortunately, they aren’t the only ones at odds with each other.

The original Time Team has a group huddle of sorts to address the elephant that’s been in the room (cough Jessica cough).  However, duty calls and the new Fab Four must jet back to save Harriet Tubman and her men from certain death at the hands of Rittenhouse. Things are left tense and awkward among the Time Teamers, but not enough to totally throw off their mojo.

Christine Horn is phenomenal as Harriet Tubman! The General is a legend and the writers do a brilliant job with her story. On a personal note, I loved writing reports on Tubman in school, so I’ve been extra excited for this one. She is easily one of my favorite historical representations on the show to date. Horn and Malcolm Barrett have wonderful chemistry as the two bond over a something special. She is truly inspiring and restores hope when times get tough.

Although things get heated, there are still plenty of laughs. Some are at Wyatt’s expense and Rufus quips classic pop-culture references. As usual, there is a perfect blend of humor and heart-pounding drama.

While the Time Team is on their mission, Jiya seeks to find answers about her visions and we learn some very interesting things about her full potential. I love seeing more of Jiya this season. She has always been an integral part of the team and it would awesome to learn even more about her life.

I will say that all shippers will be happy during both hours. There are good/bad/intense/sweet/monumental moments between everyone. There are even non-ship related throw-downs that we’ve been anticipating all season long. Like I keep saying, things get heated.

The first hour segues into “Chinatown” with a twist that many fans have seen coming. Thanks to Rittenhouse, Jiya gets trapped in the past and she leaves some pretty cool clues through history for Rufus to decipher. Wyatt, Lucy, Rufus, and Flynn travel back to 1800s Chinatown to find her and bring her home.

Once they get to the past, the Time Team faces off with Emma & Co. This is the most intense Rittenhouse v. Time Team showdown to date. ‘Batman v. Superman’ has nothing on this. Lucy is the fiercest we’ve seen her yet and she is ready to take Emma out for good. These ladies open up a can of whoop-ass on each other and it is about time. Major props to Abigail Spencer and Annie Wersching for nailing a killer fight scene.

However, Rittenhouse isn’t the only challenge the Time Team faces in the past. They also discover that Jiya is reluctant to go home because she’s afraid that leaving will ensure her vision of Rufus’ death. Suffice it to say that we are on pins and needles throughout the entire hour.

Side-note: Remember to breathe because you may just forget from being so enthralled with the story.

Lives are on the line as the Time Team tries to thwart Rittenhouse’s efforts and get everyone back home safely. Acting, writing, production values…pretty much everything we love about ‘Timeless’ is at its best in the finale. This show never pulls any punches. Kripke and Ryan have always been ambitious and brave in their storytelling. These two hours take things to a whole new level.

The cataclysmic events that transpire during the second half will leave viewers shaken. There is a crazy cliffhanger that changes everything going into Season 3. You will end up feeling distressed and hopeful, which is something Clockblockers are used to when it comes to ‘Timeless’ anyway.

So, spread the word. Make sure ‘Timeless’ fans tune in LIVE on Sunday, May 13 at 9 p.m. on NBC. It will be amazing to see ratings rise and hold steady all the way through to the wild end at 11 p.m.

If you long for spoilers, enjoy this preview full of sneak peeks and tasty teasers: ‘Timeless’ Season 2 Finale Spoilers: Lives are on the Line

Let’s keep up the good fight, Clockblockers. We can do this! Don’t lose faith. The numbers are already rising, so let’s bring this baby home on Sunday!

The ‘Timeless’ Season 2 Finale airs Sunday, May 13 at 9 p.m. on NBC.