The journey to true greatness does not lie within the past, nor can it be found in the future. True greatness happens in the here and now. How do we find it though? Where does it reside? Is it plainly hidden or too conspicuous to be well received. On my journey into the unknown, I’ve uncovered many scenes that have changed my understanding of what is, rather than what could be.
I’ve often had the conversation, what makes a great movie or show? There are so many to choose from nowadays, how do you weed out the ones that aren’t worth watching? In truth, there are too many B rated films on A budgets. Multi-million dollar remakes that pale in comparison to the original. Vice versa there are fewer still A rated films on B budgets. Even if the B really means “the none normal.” Movies are one thing because if they fail, there is still a good chance someone down the line will think it's a good idea to remake them. For shows, however, it is often a one a and done. Shows do not have the same luxury as a film, as very often the characters that played in the show will not be the same 10 years later when the studio tries to reinvent some way of bringing them back together again. Think about trying to remake Cheers or Friends again or even Seinfeld. Or shows that ended too soon like Firefly. After a good run, why bother going back for thirds. Cheers and Seinfeld are among many shows that also choose semi-easy storylines. Like the famous four chords ( songs that sound the same and otherwise still become famous because of their four chords check out Axis of Awesome 4 chord song on youtube). Every episode is partially the same, a centralized storyline, friends or foes, and routines, you can catch one episode of these shows and get what's happening pretty quickly. That is neither good or bad, but there's not much guesswork. It's more thrilling to know there are characters out there that are just as wacky or straight-zipped as you are. There aren’t many shows that fall outside the lines. The ones that do however are beyond captivating as they allow the viewer to think more, question more, and reaction is better than inaction.
As you are well aware I love sci-fi and fantasy films and although not all take the cake, fewer are shows that allow me to explore. However recently on my search through trailers on YouTube and the endless tree of movie knowledge, I stumbled upon a branch of that of the German show Dark. Produced for Netflix, it did a three year stint on the platform. I found it only this past year and finally got a chance to watch it. Believe me, I was hooked immediately. Following the well-written lines of many sci-fi shows, such as Stranger Things, Electric Dreams, and Black Mirror, although none of these are partially the same, they are all very well done. Honoring the make of a show is just as good as its impact on other shows of the future. Dark is the a-typical show where every episode might have centralized characters such as Cheers but, its normal path of routine is disrupted. Disruption keeps you guessing. There’s no home base coffee shop around the corner because reality is misinformed. Dark is a thriller drama based around time travel and the real theory of what if. It is brighter and in a way that only dark can penetrate the light. Many episodes felt unfinished but were resolved midway through if you just took a gander at the clues strewn around. More so it only lasted three seasons which allowed an unattainable amount of information to be displayed in a short time.
the first season introduced the dilemma and the characters. Allowing the viewer to become accustomed to reality, that in many ways could be changed. However, the change would have irreparable damages that seemed less desirable as time passed. The second season allowed for the further onslaught of information while creating gaps between characters, allowing them to change sides, and seek new futures and pasts while maintaining the rigor of each individual travel plan. The third season was a rollercoaster of information, both starting new storylines and ending them. Creating the loop of time and many other philosophical medians. It completely annexed the first season by creating the possibility of a future completely unbridled by the past.
Dark is controlled by themes that are braided together. Themes often present themselves as places and objects. Plato’s cave is used to both announce well, a cave which is used to bring people in and out of a loop. It's also used to create an aspect where the loop and journey begin. However in Dark the cave creates both questions and answers. It is a place and a thought. There is some religion strewn in the show and I was worried this would be a prime chapter overtaking the realities of theory. Often religion makes you walk paths you rather not. The golden spiked crown is less penetrable when you have an army of followers preaching your every word. Paradise seemed less like a storyline and more so the rantings of pastoral thoughts. However luckily by the near end, the references to the Bible became fewer and fewer, and instead, the thread loosened a little. Strands of storylines are woven together to create other endings and beginnings. There was a love story as a central theme as well, which held the first two seasons together, but barely held the last, which made it easier to believe it was more about teamwork than just merely saving one another.
Besides the complexity of this show. The story, script, and directing are outstanding. To my amazement, the cast is also a bonus plus, not just in their actions, but more so in appearance and the candidness of their reactions to the unimaginable are very believable truths. The thought behind every thought seemed to be as endless as looking through a hallway of mirrors. Without giving away the gist of the show or the nuances of every character's hidden agenda. I urge you find some time in your future to watch Dark. Maybe it will show you the glitch in your Matrix.
Characters 5, scenery 5, script 4.5, story 5, music 5
Misting 99.1, Raincoat switches 8/10, conflict 91%
Timer travelers ⏲⏲⏲⏲⏲⏲⏲⏲⏲⏲ (10)
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