Dark Matter Review: Being Better Is So Much Harder; It Doesn’t Have To Be Like This (Season 3 Episode 1 and 2)
Talk about coming back with a bang! Dark Matter Episodes 1 “Being Better Is So Much Harder,” and 2 “It Doesn’t Have To Be Like This” pack a lot in the premiere back to back episodes, so let’s begin.
The show picks up right where the Season 2 finale left us, in the middle of the corporate war starting and the station getting blown up. Thankfully we find out pretty quickly that our favorite crew are all still alive, and we get to see their stories play out before reuniting the team at the end of Episode 1.
The biggest self journey in this episode belongs to Two. Her story line is very emotionally driven as she figures out how to process the impacts of her leadership decisions, including Nyx’s death. Two’s entire story arc is the most vulnerable we have seen her character as the oxygen depletes from the escape pod while she talks with Six and then hallucinates a conversation with Nyx.
It is a captivating scene to see Two dealing with her issues in that way, because this death seems to have a profound impact- whether it is because this death was in direct correlation with a mission she led or because she believes Nyx died by the hands of Ryo, which would intensify the betrayal they are all still coming to terms with.
Melissa O’Neil blows us away with her exceptional moments this episode that stole the show, especially her inner breakdown while hallucinating a conversation with Nyx. This explains why Two is now full speed ahead in seeking revenge on Ryo, which we see in Episode 2.
Two is quick to react instead of playing it cool while they focus on getting the blink drive back, even shooting the scientists in the back to finish the job while Three looks on surprised by her actions. Revenge can be a powerful driver, but how long can Two sustain that anger for?
Three and Six both have a back seat these two episodes, but their stories help pace the well-written premiere episodes. Three ends up making a surprising ally in Agent Anders and we hope we get to see more more of Jeff Teravainen as this story line progresses.
Could Three and Six be making a big enough impression on him that he turns his back on the G.A? Meanwhile, Six works through his own over protectiveness of Five while he and Two are in the Marauder trying to get back to the Raza.
Two: Don’t do that. Don’t make her a damsel in distress. She’s a hell of a lot better than that.
Speaking of Five, Episode 2 is where we get a lot of information about Five’s backstory but also where we start to see the crew come together as a family. This seems it could be the foundation of this seasons underlining theme.
Not only is Five dealing with some health issues, we find out that she has a long lost sister! Five’s memory flashbacks give us a look at her past – which is a nice change given we have mainly only seen her flash into her crew’s past. Jodelle Ferland has grown this character from the kid we knew in the first season to a more complex lead, even if the crew all look at her like the kid sister during one of the last scenes. Two, Three, Six and the Android all have a unique connection to Five, so it will be interesting to see how these relationships develop over this season.
This includes Ryo’s weakness when it comes to his relationships with the crew as Misaki reminds him in the final moments of Episode 2. Misaki’s ruthlessness comes out in full stride as we get to hear a little bit about her background and see just how much of a fierce character she is. Meanwhile Ryo has been adamant about keeping his old crew within arm’s reach, and it could prove to be a fun season of cat and mouse between him and Two.
These first two episodes had a well-balanced arc of action, drama, and even some comedy, which is what we have to come expect of the cast and crew. Looks like this season is going to be one hell of a ride for our favorite crew, so buckle up!
Stray thoughts:
- Zoie Palmer gets to play with some big guns and wear a red apron in the same episode, how amazing is that?
- Misaki is one to watch out for as her devotion to the throne has already crossed a line
- Is anyone else curious why Two would hallucinate a kiss with Nyx?
- Speaking of, we are going to miss the lovely Melanie Liburb
- Is Sarah a flashback or part of whatever Five was working on in secret?
What did you think of these episodes of Dark Matter? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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Dark Matter airs Fridays at 9/8c on SYFY.
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Hillary Esquina
Hillary is television fanatic and spends most of her free time talking about all things television and pop culture, even if it’s just with baby padawan (her son) and her wife. Her current day job is working within the nonprofit sector, and she is pretty much in love with any show that has strong female characters. Never one to be boxed into any sort of genre, her show preferences range from Wynonna Earp and Dark Matter to One Day At a Time and Modern Family.