Warning: Spoilers ahead forDark Matterseason 1.
Summary
Dark Matterseason 1 ended largely in a way that I expected, but it also made additions to the original novel that I absolutely did not expect. 2016’sDark Matterby Blake Crouch is one of my favorite books of all time. Generally, I don’t tend to read a book more than once, but when Apple TV+’s show was about to begin, I decided to revisit the source material. This way, I could monitor any divergences, which is something I find really interesting. TheDark MatterTV show made changes to the book, but the story remained intact.
However, the adaptation added several new storylines and even original characters along the way, all of which sat perfectly alongside the pre-existing lore. What caught me off-guard was that I expected all of these fresh components to wrap up at the same time as those taken from directly from the book. Instead, what happened was thecast ofDark Matterended season 1 by leaving me staring at the screen, mouth agape.
How Does Dark Matter’s Interdimensional Travel Work? The Science Behind The Box Explained
Apple TV+’s Dark Matter uses real scientific concepts to craft its interdimensional travel, but how does Jason’s “Box” work in the show?
Dark Matter Season 1’s Ending Surprised Me With Its Season 2 Tease
Apple TV+ has marketed Dark Matter as a limited series
Theending ofDark Matterseason 1focuses largely on the Dessens' plan to escape all the other versions of Jason claiming to be the original. This wasn’t anything new to me, as I knew how the book ends as I was watching the live-action version unfold.What had me rubbing my eyes was the closing montage of all the otherDark Mattercharacterswhose stories weren’t over.
Apple TV+‘sDark Matterpays far more attention to Ryan Holderthan in the book, and Amanda Lucas also has a much more pronounced role. Blair Caplan is a completely original character for the adaptation, and her two variants each have their own mini-arcs. So, the live-action version ofDark Matteris still largely about Jason Dessen, but it also folds in stories that could easily carry on without him there. I loved the fleshed out world of the TV show, but I just didn’t realize it was quietly setting itself up for life without its protagonist.
Interestingly, Apple TV+ seems to have been trying to fool everyone, as the tease of a second season during “Entanglement” is an obvious signifier that their eventual plan is to continue the story.
Dark Matterseason 2 hasn’t been confirmed. In fact, the show has been marketed as a limited series throughout its run. As such, I understandably believed that the adaptation would only be a single season long. Interestingly, Apple TV+ seems to have been trying to fool everyone, as the tease of a second season during “Entanglement” is an obvious signifier that their eventual plan is to continue the story.
Dark Matter Season 2 Makes Me Nervous After Reading The Book
WithDark Matterseason 1 ending at the same point as in the book, everything from the page has now made the leap to the screen. In other words, there’s no more source material to work with. This means that ifDark Matterseason 2 does happen, it’ll have to add more to the story.Live-action adaptations have taken their stories beyond the source materialmany times, but I’ve seen this fail more times than I’ve seen it succeed.
If Crouch remains at the center of theDark Mattershow, then I’ll feel better about it continuing - if not still a little apprehensive.
Original authorBlake Crouch was luckily the lead writer and showrunner ofDark Matterseason 1. So, any new ideas would have gone through him. Hopefully, he’ll return ifDark Matterseason 2 happens. I’m of the opinion that making fresh additions to such a complex fictional universe should be done by involving a very small group of people. If Crouch remains at the center of theDark Mattershow, then I’ll feel better about it continuing - if not still a little apprehensive.
What Dark Matter Season 2 Could Be About
Apple TV+ has already teased how the story could continue
With the source material exhausted,Dark Matter’s future will be in the position of being an original story while having to keep one foot in the lore established in the book.The most obvious direction forDark Matterseason 2 would be to focus on Ryan and Amanda’s livesin the futuristic Chicago. The season 1 finale all but confirms by having the two characters meet that this would be the main story, with both Ryan and Amanda now residing in a reality that’s not their own. I have to say, for all my apprehension, I’d love to see this.
This Dark Matter Easter Egg Could Mean Another Blake Crouch Adaptation Is Coming
Dark Matter episode 7, “In the Fires of Dead Stars,” includes a moment that suggests the show won’t be the only adaptation of Blake Crouch’s work.
I’d be very surprised if the Dessen family showed up again inDark Matterseason 2. Their story is essentially over, as Charlie opens the door to what’s implied to be a glorious new reality for him and his parents to call home. However, I was shocked at the revelation thatJason2 doesn’t die in the show as he does in the book, so Joel Edgerton could still return to play the role of the story’s now-redeemed villain. Blair Caplan and Leighton Vance would likely feature heavily too, as the finale shows them continuing their travels throughDark Matter’s multiverse.
Dark Matter
Cast
Dark Matter (2024): Jason Dessen is thrust into an alternate reality where he must confront an ominous version of himself. His quest to return to his original life leads him on a challenging journey to reunite with his family, navigating the complexities of parallel existences.
