Blake Crouch’s mind-bending novel, Dark Matter, found a compelling home on Apple TV+, and its first season captivated audiences with its exploration of alternate universes and the lengths one man would go to for his family. Now, Season 2 dives even deeper into the multiverse, promising more ambitious storytelling and heartbreaking consequences. While not without its flaws, this new chapter continues to grapple with profound questions about identity, loss, and the very nature of happiness.
A Universe of Regret
Season 1 saw physicist Jason Dessen (Joel Edgerton) embark on a perilous journey through countless realities, desperately trying to reunite with his wife Daniela (Jennifer Connelly) and son Charlie (Oakes Fegley). The second season picks up where we left off, but the family’s escape from their own reality only marks the beginning of new challenges. Crouch himself returns as showrunner and head writer, attempting to balance the intimate drama that defined the first season with a broader narrative about the implications of multiversal travel.
A Tangled Web of Stories
The season kicks off with familiar struggles as the Dessen family grapples with the fallout from their actions. However, a multitude of intersecting plotlines quickly emerge, involving key supporting characters. Jason’s chemist friend Ryan Holder (Jimmi Simpson) and his former multiverse-traveling companion Amanda Lucas (Alice Braga) find themselves confronting apocalyptic versions of Chicago while pursuing their own paths back to their original realities. Meanwhile, tech entrepreneur Leighton Vance (Dayo Okeniyi), a twisted reflection of a benevolent Kang from the Marvel universe, seeks to acquire the most advanced technology across all dimensions.
The Heart of the Matter
Amidst the sprawling multiverse and complex schemes, Season 2 never loses sight of the core themes that made the first season so resonant. The show excels when it focuses on the personal struggles of its characters, exploring the profound impact of their choices and the weight of regret. Edgerton and Connelly deliver powerful performances, showcasing the strain and complexity in their relationship as they navigate a reality forever altered.
The Pursuit of Perfection
One particularly poignant episode delves into the emotional journey of a Jason left behind, showcasing Edgerton’s remarkable ability to convey a range of emotions through subtle body language. Margo Martindale shines in her role as a recluse who finds renewed purpose amidst the chaos brought by Jason, adding another layer of depth to the already compelling narrative.
A Cautionary Tale
While Season 1 celebrated the lengths one would go to for love, Season 2 offers a more nuanced perspective on what that love truly means. Like The Good Place’s eventual rejection of the soulmate concept, Dark Matter cautions against chasing an idealized version of life at the expense of achievable happiness. Ultimately, the show is a profound exploration of self-acceptance and the challenges of living with one’s own choices.
A Glimpse of Greatness
Crouch demonstrates his ability to craft exceptional television, but the show’s inconsistency prevents it from reaching its full potential. The pursuit of perfection may be a source of infinite regret in Dark Matter, but one can only hope that Crouch will have the opportunity to continue refining his vision in future seasons.
Dark Matter premieres on Apple TV on August 28, with new episodes released weekly until October 30.
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