Dark Matter (TV Series 2024– ) Poster

(2024– )

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8/10
Not A Bad Start-Let's See Where This Goes
TMAuthor238 May 2024
The current site rating (for the episodes available) feels about right. For me around a 7 as well.

It starts slow, which represents typical Apple TV filler or padding in a story that might be better served as a movie. This is frequently the case when a series is based on a single book.

But... Production values are good. The two leads, Edgerton and Connelly, are both strong actors. There have been other series (possibly ripping off the book on which this is based) that have used this premise and not done well. But without having seen all the series' episodes we can't tell at this point where Dark Matter will go.

Alice Braga, as Amanda, is a capable actress although not on the same level as the two leads. Her role looks to increase beginning in episode three. Jimi Simmons, still looking like a Christian Slater cousin or clone, is fine as well as Ryan, Jason's (Edgerton) best friend.

In episode one, as is the case in most series like this, it rips along pretty well. It's the later episodes where repetitive exposition bogs things down. This kind of "story bloat" can be a problem. The scripting, acting and intriguing plot may reveal a very good series though, so I'll reserve judgment.

Other reviewers want to take issue with the quantum theory (apparently all the rage in sci-fi, Marvel and Disney nowadays) angle and the Schrodinger's Cat reference in the beginning. Don't bother with any of that. It's mainly foreshadowing and merely puts forth the key premise: two things can be true at the same time; and if you could, would you change a key event in your past. The tech-speak dialogue about super position in quantum theory only serves to make us look too closely at the premise's central concept.

It's a flipped plot line of the old time travel trope of an older version of a person traveling back in time to change events in his or her past. Except here, in Dark Matter, it's much more complicated, and morally conflicted than that.

Time, and those extra episodes we haven't seen yet, will tell.

I'll keep watching.
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7/10
Do not watch the trailer....
patyttafg10 May 2024
I've just finished watching the first two episodes, so my review is based on that alone. Without having read the books or any similar material, I approached the TV show with a fresh perspective (although it could have been even fresher if the trailer hadn't spoiled some aspects for me). I only watch 30 sec of the trailer, and I really regret it; nowadays, trailers tend to summarize the entire story rather than just giving hints and teasing, which diminishes the excitement of watching the actual show or movie.

That being said, the first episode had a rather slow pace, and as someone who knew what was going to happen, it started to feel a bit boring. Despite the attempt to create a sense of mystery, the trailer spoiled the experience of discovering things along with the characters.

The second episode improved upon the pace, although it still remained slow. However, it reached a satisfying point that gives hope for improvement in future episodes. I appreciate the main characters and the actors portraying them, particularly Jennifer Connelly; there's a lot of potential there. I just hope the show picks up the pace a bit.

I've been craving a good sci-fi show for a while, and this one might just be it. It certainly has great potential."
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8/10
Only slow to start
tobydaway9 May 2024
Considering how close the first two episodes have stuck to the book, those of us who've read the book know what's coming and that should be enough to silence the haters. I'm personally excited to see the final act played out on screen.

And yes, the Dark Matter book came out over a year before the show, Counterpart.

For those looking for solid science, I would a) wager that they themselves don't know what the science actually should be and b) consider this is fun fiction. Blake Crouch is certainly closer to Dean Koontz than Stephen Hawkings. Just enjoy the fun and let's hope they stay true to the book in the final act because it's gonna be crazy.
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9/10
Great Adaptation by Blake Crouch
sales-681-5975179 May 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I never review something before a season is up, but the negative reviews were almost laughably unreasonable; and they failed to acknowledge that this is an adaptation of Blake Crouch's book, by Blake Crouch himself. So far, it is almost pitch perfect to the book. I have frankly never seen an adaptation so true to the source.

If you loved the book like I did, then so far so good. Solid acting from the leads. Edgerton and Connelly are superb. Simpson is great.

There's a real status-shift that each character has compared to their other-dimensional ones, and the show really brings this to life in a way I couldn't quite conjure in the book. Crouch is not terribly descriptive with his character development in the book, but he does a great job differentiating everyone on screen.

For example, Jason the burnt out professor vs. Jason the famous scientist; Daniela the mom and gallery owner vs. Daniela the famous artist; Ryan the prestigious up-and-coming scientist vs. Ryan the overweight, insecure underling.

Read the book, it's great. And so far the show is, too.

Will update when S1 wraps.
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8/10
Not a rip off of Constellation
JWR429 May 2024
If you don't like Dark Matter, that is of course, your opinion. But to call it a copy cat of Constellation is wrong.

The book "Dark Matter" by Blake Crouch came out in 2016 (it was great!) and as far as I can tell by searching online, Constellation was written specifically as a tv show.

As flr the storyline being slow, it gets better and has to set everything up (per many good series). At least watch some more episodes before completely giving up.

Finally, the complaints about the science/physical being wrong get so tiresome. This is supposed to be fun, entertaining, etc.

Someone always has to show off their knowledge by pointing out everything wrong in a sci-fi movie/series. It's even more than just sci-fi.

Well my review turned into a rant, but I've enjoyed this so far, and if they stay even vaguely close to the book, it gets better and better. Or not, depending how much you want to tell everyone how this or that is not possible.
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7/10
Reasonable approach to fictionalized work on quantum world
rander-881239 May 2024
I think that for what it is, is pretty good. While I'd like to see more science in shows like this, to give the audience a grounding into what the multi-verse is, sans nancy-boy superheroes. In this case, the concept is dealt with in a superficial way (to ep. 3) but hopefully it clarifies as we go on. As for the people... It rarely ceases to amaze. Why is it things play out in these type of TV shows as they never would in real-life? I'm not talking about the scifi concept, that's usually very basically dealt with, sometimes it's interesting, but the actions of humans in these things rarely if ever ring true. Ask yourself, would YOU behave the way people did here? A true scientist would more than anything be fascinated by what had transpired, they would be elated that something had happened. Instead, the reactions are fear, overwrought emotion, it just does not ring true. Do you fly off the handle at the least confusing conflict? Even in a traumatic situation you would probably have the presence of MIND to ask people to explain before you went haywire. But supposed IQ's of the protagonists aside, they act like lab-rats with just as little intelligence. Dialog makes little sense, doesn't lead anywhere as quickly as it could, just facilitates dragging out and laying the groundwork for the implausible situations we always see. At the very beginning, rather than ask the guy questions about his experience, they start peppering a clearly disoriented person with questions! They should have let HIM ask the questions and patiently answered them and explained what was done. If they are going to tackle some of the concepts in quantum mechanics, they need to stop catering solely to the mouth-breathers in the audience.
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9/10
Haven't read the book but great so far
critic-97-4176578 May 2024
While I haven't read the book, I will say that the first two episodes were very well done. It's also nice to know that the author of the book adapted the script, So it is authentic to his vision.

Joel Egerton and Jennifer Connelly's chemistry is great so far. At this point, there are a few different directions it can go (considering haven't read the book) I am very intrigued and want to know how the story unfolds.

As for the other reviewer saying this series is HEAVILY inspired by a different series, clearly he doesn't know that this is based on a book. It would be really nice if people knew what they were talking about before writing reviews. LOL!
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6/10
Fighting my fanboy tendencies
rotten-potatoes23 May 2024
I have read the book several times. I am at a lost writing this because I do not know how to critic the series. I am totally conflicted.

As a series, it's boring. I am on episode 2 and bored out of my mind. I think the only reason I will persist in watching is based on my appreciation of the intellectual property. However, I love edgerton's conviction that he displays while dealing with this heavy existential crisis. Lastly, as a series and fan of the book, I hate hate hate the back and forth between the two characters!!

As a fan of the book, my critique is not much different. It's slow. What was covered in episode one of the series took what, a chapter or two in the book. However, in the book it was much more touching, and engaging than the first episode. I think this series is a travesty so far. And did I mention that I hate the back and forth between the characters.
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5/10
Don't listen to the 10/10 reviews
eddyhate-4533822 May 2024
The reviews that give it a 10/10 are ridiculous This is not a 10 at all.

I hate when they do this in tv shows.

Starts kinda good but at the fourth episode it gets dumb.

Why???? Because they are supposed to be highly intelligent people but they make stupid decisions and they are all mentally unstable.

Like an intelligent psychiatrist that just panics and just does the stupidest thing a person can do.

If you do a multiverse show make sure you don't make a genius do really really stupid things over and over again without him thinking of the consequences.

The characters that WORK in multiverse should know about all theories about multiverse travel and not be confused about everything

Bad writing the subject is to complicated for the writer to pull it off.
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9/10
Can't wait for more
randallstralen8 May 2024
I mean... based off the advertising I knew this show was going to be decent but wow. I haven't had a first episode knock my socks off like that in a long time.

Beautifully constructed. It's the type of confusing that builds curiosity rather than making you feel completely lost.

This episode starts with a slow burn and ends with a wildfire. I'm absolutely hooked just off one episode. I'm positive this will be wildly popular.

What an exciting plot twist as well. The audience is given hints before the characters which makes things a little more fun. There is still so much to learn and things to figure out but based off the first episode it's clear all the information will be laid out very well.

EPIC first episode of television.
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6/10
Always welcome Sci Fi stories done well.
aaranc11 May 2024
This is a slow burn but lots to think about and great cast and some big ideas. It can be a challenge to take the essence of a good book and bring it to the big or small screen. A lot of stories explore the idea behind a multiverse or a parallel universe. If this idea tickles your imagination then watch Dark Matter. I think we all wonder what it would be like to see ourselves in a different life. Maybe you don't but I do. This is a thriller so expect some twist and turns. Joel Edgerton is the right guy for this role. I enjoyed the book and will look forward to seeing how the televised version will unfold. No spoilers here just make up your own mind.
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3/10
Another sloooow paced apple TV show
jesper_vang8 May 2024
It's not that the show is terrible - well, I have no clue, as only two episodes were released. But my problem with these Apple TV shows is that they are extremely slow-paced and only have one episode per week. It feels similar to Constellation and the invasion show they made. It just ends up losing my interest and is one of the reasons I don't pay for Apple TV.

These types of shows, which follow the typical streaming model ending with a cliffhanger at the end of each and every episode and never reveal too much per episode, are just annoying to get invested in.

Make something that has an actual story moving along in each episode instead of just character building and then in the very last five minutes "something happens" or is "revealed" or just release all episodes on your streaming platform - and buy some content to make Apple TV worth the subscription. You get 10 stars for sci-fi effort and I will subtract 7 for running the show with the typical slow-drip season to keep subscriptions.
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8/10
Counterpart was a ripoff of this book
terrylarosa8 May 2024
I'm going to use the same inane illogic of some of these ignorant reviewers. The book Dark Matter came out before so Counterpart ( an immensely boring series where nothing happened ) must definitely be a ripoff of the book. BOOM!!! Anyway I actually read some of the book and unlike some of Crouch's other books I didn't like this one but of course shows and movies can sometimes be better than the source material. So far thats the case here. While slow paced the first two eps were not boring and somewhat engaging; mostly because of the two leads. As others have pointed out Apple shows tend to start meandering about with their stories. Essentially they're good movies turned into long winded shows. Although the book came first it is reminiscent of Constellation, Counterpart and the one with Josh Brolin on Amazon. None of those amounted to much. We shall see here if it goes the same route.
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8/10
Not slow at all. Don't listen to the reviews.
johndstock12 May 2024
So far the majority of the reviews call this a "slow start", but it's couldn't be further from the truth. The show has great character development and the pace feels right. The "mystery" portion of the show doesn't leave you feeling frustrated, as subtle hints are dropped at just the right interval.

My only criticism is the dialogue for Jason #1 could have been given a little more thought to. There are a few points where he completely forgets to mention something or someone in his recent experience, leading to a slightly confusing interaction with another character. Given the circumstances he's in, this is easily forgivable as he's experiencing something so profound.
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9/10
Great entertainment
avmor15 May 2024
Apple's shows can be hit or miss but this has hit the sci fi sweet spot with a really great plot. Would recommend this to all sci fi lovers and although the first episode is a bit slow the show appears to slowly crank up the heat and is getting better and better. This may be a show worth waiting for all episodes to come out and binging on to appreciate the crecendo a bit better. Great acting from cast and little to be missed from a directing point of view as transitions are smooth and the plot can easily be followed. Although I have not read the book the show can be appreciated as an adaptation really well.
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Theft? Piracy?
john-smith-usa177615 May 2024
This is NOT Dark Matter, just a stolen name.

Dark Matter is a science fiction television series that premiered in 2015, developed by Prodigy Pictures in association with the Space channel and the Syfy channel. The concept was created by Joseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie while they were working on the Stargate franchise, and was originally published as a comic book series in 2012.

An order for 13 episodes was placed for the first season of the series, which premiered on June 12, 2015, on both Space and Syfy. On September 5, 2015, the series was renewed for a second season. Dark Matter was renewed for a third season in September 2016, which premiered on June 9, 2017. On September 1, 2017, Syfy canceled the series.

Premise A group of people in stasis pods awaken aboard the starship Raza. They have no memories of who they are or their lives before awakening, so they assume the names One through Six in the order in which they left stasis and set about trying to uncover their identities and what happened to them. Also onboard is a female-looking android who has a wireless neural link to the ship.

At the end of the pilot episode, the crew discover that they are a band of mercenaries who are among the worst criminals in the galaxy, leaving them with the dilemma of continuing their original selves' violent path or seeking redemption. Their lives are frequently complicated by secrets from their forgotten pasts.
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7/10
They should have casted Jerry O'Connell
marotastic20 May 2024
It's very close to the book (so far, I only watched the first 3 episodes), excited to see where they take it. Well acted but still feels absolutely like 'Sliders'. It's pretty much the same concept, always wondered how the writer got away with this - however you cannot reinvent everything. The quality obviously is what you would expect from an apple TV show, they should have opted for an all-episode-release, as I cannot imagine people commit to stay tuned for several weeks anymore, hopefully I am wrong. It's definitely worth to give it a go if you like Sci-Fi & the idea of the multiverse. Don't get lost!
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8/10
Top class Sci-Fi !
YOVOxx9 May 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Verry promesing start. Quite strange and deep at the same time. I hope it doesn't become like all similar series ending in nothing and then no sequel. It makes you think about decisions that you may have made and at the same moment hang in the air. Sometimes the characters try to tell you that everything you want, everything you dream about is right in front of you, but there is always a price. The main character is trying to do just that. He wants to correct himself in both places for now, but he doesn't succeed. I recommend the series to all lovers of the genre. I hope as I said at the beginning it lasts for a long time because it looks very promising.
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2/10
1% sci-fi, 99% drama
luttapy8 May 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Another science fiction which is filled with drama about relationship between the characters. The main character gets stuck in an alternate reality. Rest of the drama in about what mistakes he made in this reality, how that shaped the universe, finding all his friends from the other reality and catching up with them etc. The series has a lot of potential but opportunity has been missed. Like in every thriller, there is also an assassin walking around killing every person the main character tells his story too without telling is why. Overall, apart from the main "shell" where the characters have interchanged their realities, it is all about their survival.
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9/10
The Swamp Man Thought experiment
yada-6744711 May 2024
Donald Davidson proposed the theory of the Swamp Man in 1987. A man walking through a swamp is struck by lightning and disintegrated into oblivion. At the very same time another bolt of lightning strikes the same place the man was walking, causing a bunch of molecules to rearrange themselves into an exact same shape as the disintegrated man. This new man is the exact same person, a copy of the disintegrated man's body including his behavior patterns and memories. This old thought experiment seems to be very relevant to the story of this series. And is also a consideration of the complications of replicant technologies such as the Star Trek transporter device.

Although I haven't started watching it yet, I am now inspired to watch it. Also, Jennifer Connelly has been my most favorite actor since I first saw her in Career Opportunities in 1991.
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3/10
Boring
ptropf16 May 2024
I only made it through episode one and about 3/4 of episode two. So far it is uninteresting to the point of being as boring as it is predictable. The characters have no personality and even the 'action' scenes are bland. To me, the cat isn't both dead and alive. It's really a dog, and it is dead. I gave it Three stars because Jennifer Connelly. Minus seven stars for everyone else associated with this series. Lots of other reviews say how great the book is, intertwining quantum physics into the story line, but in the show, that aspect is just used as a foretelling of the story line. Maybe it will get better, but I'm bailing on it now. Might give the book a go.
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8/10
Good start
dwarol9 May 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Based on the first two episodes and the preview, this series is off to a good start. But it's worth seeing more about the characters than the story.

Ten years ago a story about alternate universes might have been novel for the general public, but now it's old hat. As a result, it does take too long to set up the basic premise. We get it. There are actually several theories in physics as to how alternate or multiple universes could exist, so the particulars while plausible aren't all that important. What it does do is set the ground rules for switching between universes.

What does matter is that the two leads are smart actors playing smart people. They don't do dumb things. I have always been impressed with the roles Ms. Connelly has chosen throughout her career. While some of her projects have misfired, she always plays complex characters. Mr. Edgerton has one of those "I've seen him somewhere before" faces, but he carries off the lead character, even the science part.

It's clear that the author and scriptwriter Blake Crouch is equating alternate universes with roads not taken in life. We see it in lots of ways throughout both episodes. This provides the drama to what otherwise could be a rather dry subject. It's the real reason to keep watching.

What we are left after the first two episodes is more of a promise. From the preview at the end of episode 2, it looks like the pace is about to pick up. I never read the book, but hopefully Blake Crouch will have some new twists in store for the alternate universe meme. From a brief scene at the beginning of episode 1, there's even a suggestion of how it will end. Maybe you can always go home again, as long as you accept the fact that it might not be quite the same.
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10/10
Faithfully adapted from the novel
kojak-1626915 May 2024
This is one of, if not the best adaption of a book I have ever seen. Not sure if that's because the author is listed as the creator of the TV series or not, but wow! When I heard they were making one of my favorite science fiction books into a series on Apple tv plus I was excited, and also worried it would be a disappointment. I am more than pleasantly surprised by this series. When I read the book years ago I instantly loved it. It's a page turner until the very end. I can't wait to read it again. Most of the time series or movies don't line up with the books they are based on, but this is the exception to that rule. Every episode (only 3 so far) are brilliantly produced, written, and executed with great acting. The episodes are true to the book. The pacing is perfect. Some have said it starts slow, but I don't feel like that's a problem. The book begins that way too, and it's for a reason, because once things kick off it isn't going to let up. I can't wait to see the rest of the season, and see this brilliant book come to life on the screen. So much more to come from this story, that people who haven't read the book won't see coming. I really hope this series gets the audience it needs to be as successful as some of the other series on this platform. I'm thinking of 'For All Mankind' right now, which is getting a 5th season along with a spinoff series. Apple TV plus does it right again, by picking interesting stories, and providing the funding needed to make them shine. Even if you haven't read this book, you will love the series. 10 out of 10 for me.
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10/10
Don't listen to low reviews
bpross-4811917 May 2024
I have not read the book. The show is great. Yes it may not be for some people but for the three episodes out now, the story is progressing very well. I am captivated and after the show is over I will read the book. Books are always better so I watch the show first.

First episode was a tad slow but enough to get me hooked. It is sci-fi drama and for those who say it's not , do not understand what science fiction is...... Give it a whirl. Apple has been stepping it up lately.

Remember everyone has an opinion and just because one or two don't like it doesn't mean it's a bad show.

Can't wait for the next episode already!
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8/10
A solid series & premise but Joel is WAY overcast.
foxed999 May 2024
The series is solid so far. Initial 2 episodes are somewhat slowly paced, so you have to be patient & let the narrative build + play out.

My challenge is that the casting of the main lead character is woefully weak!

Joel Egerton is punching way above his actual weight with the material and it shows. Counterpart had JK Simmons and he is a titan of his craft. In multiple ways.

Am not interested in the cross-over or book squabbles between the shows. Its irrelevant. Enjoy each series for its own unique angle.

This is a solid watch, for Sci-Fi fans that has depth, the critique of Joel does not extent to Jennifer C and the rest of the cast who deliver solid performances.
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