This episode of
Dark Matter is one of the best alternate universe episodes I’ve ever had the pleasure to watch. In a usual AU story the characters are basically caricatures of themselves and the episodes rarely play into the overall arc of the series.
Dark Matter on the other hand, takes the definition of an alternate universe seriously and delivers the characters we know and love to an actual parallel universe to meet up with alternate versions of themselves. And these alternate versions are just as prone to trouble and danger as their counterparts.
With Devon murdered at the end of the last episode and Nyx still on the space station that allows this episode to get back to basics and focus on the original crew of the Raza. The wonderful thing about being in an alternate universe is that the show can bring back some characters we long thought were gone. There are a lot of familiar faces in this episode and surprisingly they aren't all that different from how we have seen them before in the canon universe of the show. This episode has some fun exploring a couple interesting relationship combinations that may or may not work in the real universe of the series. It provides an interesting insight into some what if and what could be scenarios. Those unusual dynamics make for some really fun scenes.
Even though this episode is set in an alternate universe it is firmly set in the cannon storyline of the series. Some interesting seeds are sewn in this alternate universe that seem destined to be dealt with in future episodes. The ending is likely to leave most viewers extremely nervous for one of the crew. Thankfully this scary ending is set up throughout the episode, so by the end, it shouldn’t really surprise anyone that it happens. Though I doubt that will do anything to help fans be less nervous. Given the track record of this season, I think it’s safe to say that absolutely no one in this crew is safe. I think many fans will be left extremely anxious for the next episode.
Every part of this episode is basically one fantastically fun moment after another, but the stakes are extremely high. Trying to get back to their reality won’t be easy and won’t come without its price. Several of the cast get to play dual versions of their characters and it’s fun to watch the little nuances that the performers use to differentiate the characters. This episode also contains what I believe to be the longest hand-to-hand combat scene we’ve seen in the series so far and it's epic. But this fight scene is very similar to one from last season and even contains the same characters with some very intriguing new twists. It is my new favorite fight scene in the series so far. A potentially big tidbit of information is dropped about the Android, but you have to pay close attention because it is passed over very quickly during a casual conversation. It is our first solid bit of information regarding the Android’s origins, but whether that will translate to the real universe of the show is yet to be seen.
The guest cast in this episode is phenomenal, but I can’t tease a single one of them because I don’t want to ruin the surprise of seeing their characters reappear. I'm sure if you dig hard enough through the vast expanse of the internet you may be able to find out who in is in this episode, but I personally think it's more fun to be surprised when it comes to this episode. I think this one is destined to be a fan favorite, especially since its focus is on the original crew. While I love Nyx, and Melanie Liburd has done a phenomenal job this season, there just wasn't room for any additional characters in this episode. This out of this universe episode was written by Co-Creator/Executive Producer Joseph Mallozzi (aka the AU episode writing King) and directed by Andy Mikita.
Be sure to tune into this outrageously brilliant episode on
Friday, August 19th at 10/9C on Syfy in the US and Space Channel in Canada.
Here are some quotes to tide you over until Friday:
“We may have inadvertently traveled to a parallel universe.”
“For starters, I’ll take that coat.”
"Can't belive you still fall for that. Later loser."
"I would best describe your crew's situation as dire."
“Do we really have to do this…again?!”
Hit the comments with what you hope to see in this episode. Who do hope the mystery guest stars are? What characters from the past would you like to see return? Are you interested in learning a tiny bit more about the Android? Which fight scene do you think this episode is reimagining?
About the Author - Aimee Hicks
Aimee works for a newspaper in North Carolina and has a BA in Broadcasting and Cinema. She has been a TV lover since before she really understood what TV was. She has a long list of shows that she loves to watch and can be found on twitter (@ahicks83) live tweeting about each new episode whenever she can. If the show is sci-fi, fantasy, comic book based, drama, or action the odds are good she watches it or has at least watched a few episodes of it. She also has a love for comedies 2 Broke Girls and Mom. She was the original creator and co-founder of LOST Video Island (lostvideo.net) which is still operating under the management of the very capable and skilled group she turned it over to.
You can email her at aimee@spoilertv.com.
