Dark Matter season 2 has shifted its approach to multiverse travel, moving away from the strict rules established in the original novel and season 1. This change is driven by the need for new narrative possibilities now that the show has surpassed its source material.
Dark Matter Season 1: A Faithful Adaptation
Dark Matter season 1 closely mirrored the 2016 Blake Crouch novel of the same name, faithfully adapting Jason Dessen’s challenging journey across numerous realities. The primary focus of the first season was Jason’s persistent efforts to reunite with his family and expose Jason2 as an imposter.
This season embraced the original novel’s established rules for navigating the multiverse. The narrative centered on Jason’s arduous quest to find his way back home amidst a vast expanse of alternate worlds. His attempts to reach his family and reveal Jason2’s deception formed the core of the season’s plot.
The initial season presented the multiverse as an immense and unpredictable space. Traversing these realities was depicted as an incredibly difficult undertaking, emphasizing the scale of Jason’s personal struggle. The narrative successfully conveyed the feeling of an impossible, uphill battle for the protagonist.
The Evolving Multiverse Rules of Dark Matter Season 2
In Dark Matter season 2, the rules governing travel between alternate universes have undergone a notable shift. This evolution is largely due to the series moving beyond its original source material, necessitating new narrative frameworks. The show’s creators have introduced changes to how characters navigate the multiverse.
Despite these alterations, the show aims to maintain an authentic connection to the established lore. New characters and storylines exclusive to the Apple TV+ series have been integrated seamlessly. The core change revolves around how characters jump between the various alternate worlds they encounter.
Even with the introduction of more alternate realities in season 2, Dark Matter‘s multiverse now feels more contained and accessible. This is evident in instances where characters unexpectedly arrive in the same universe, even after taking different paths to get there.
In-Universe Explanations for Multiverse Accessibility
*SPOILERS for Dark Matter season 2 episode 2, “A Perfect World,” follow.*
Dark Matter has consistently emphasized the difficulty of mastering the use of the Box for interdimensional travel. Characters like Jason2 and Leighton Vance have demonstrated a particular aptitude for piloting the Box to specific universes in season 2. The majority of characters, however, rely on guesswork and have limited understanding of their destinations.
The increased accessibility of the multiverse in season 2 is partly explained by the growing experience of its pilots. With characters sharing similar objectives, their convergence in the same universes can be attributed to this developing skill. The Box’s responsiveness to a pilot’s emotional state and thoughts may also play a role.
The show suggests a potential telepathic element to the Box, where a shared mindset among multiple pilots influences their destinations. The drive of characters like Ryan and Amanda to find Jason2, who significantly impacted the Dessens’ lives, could be creating a cosmic connection that draws them closer together, hinting at deliberate narrative design.
Why Dark Matter Was Cancelled
Although Dark Matter was cancelled by Syfy after three seasons, its creator has expressed hope for at least one more season. The cancellation by the network, known for its science fiction programming, left many fans disappointed.
The reasons for the cancellation remain a point of discussion among fans and critics. While ratings had dipped, they were reportedly not a dramatic fall, especially when considering delayed viewership and the show’s performance relative to industry averages. Dark Matter was noted as one of Syfy’s most-watched shows in 2017.
A significant factor contributing to the cancellation may have been its status as an acquisition rather than a Syfy original. As an acquired series, the network did not own the rights, limiting its potential for international sales and streaming revenue. This contrasts with original series, which offer greater long-term monetization opportunities for the network.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the premise of Dark Matter season 1?
Dark Matter season 1 adapted the 2016 Blake Crouch novel, focusing on Jason Dessen’s journey through multiple realities. His primary goals were to find his way home and expose Jason2 as an imposter, with the multiverse presented as vast and difficult to traverse.
How did the rules of the multiverse change in Dark Matter season 2?
Season 2, lacking original source material, has modified the multiverse rules for narrative convenience. While characters like Jason2 and Leighton Vance show skill in piloting the Box, the multiverse feels smaller, with characters frequently and accidentally ending up in the same realities.
What in-universe reasons explain the changes to the multiverse in Dark Matter?
The increased accessibility may stem from pilots becoming more experienced with the Box. Additionally, the Box’s responsiveness to emotional states and a potential telepathic connection between characters with shared goals could be drawing them together across different universes.
Why was Dark Matter cancelled?
Syfy cancelled Dark Matter after three seasons. While ratings had dipped, the show was still among Syfy’s most-watched. Its status as an acquired series, rather than a network original, likely played a significant role in the decision due to limited revenue streams.
