Summary
Warning: Spoilers forDark Matterahead!Dark Mattershowrunner Blake Crouch explains why there’s only ever one Jason2 in the show, despite there being multiple versions of Jason1. While the original Jason eventually makes it back to his world, the final episodes reveal he didn’t come back alone, as each decision he made during his journey to get home created another parallel self. Each of these new Jasons all shared having been abducted from their lives, meaning they all had the drive to return to their family. ByDark Matter’s ending, these alternate selves become an even bigger problem for the protagonist than his abductor.
But if the Box created multiple Jason1s, shouldn’t there also be multiple Jason2s arriving to try and swap lives? In an exclusive interview withSR, Crouch admits that “technically” there are others out there, but explains that including them in the show would’ve been a step too far. Check out his quote below:
Technically, yes, there are other Jason2s. I think when you’re dealing with infinities, though, you have to be a little bit more measured. What crazy high-level math tells us is some infinities are greater than other infinities. I don’t understand how that’s possible. And that was a little bit of our guiding principles in terms of the show. You can make this as crazy and turn your brain into as much of a pretzel as you want to. So we dialed it to what we felt was the appropriate mindf**k level, but not to such a level that it all just doesn’t make sense anymore.
The Alternate Jasons Twist Could Make Dark Matter Season 2 Tricky
Or, It Could Crack The Story Wide Open
On a dramatic level, introducing multiple Jason1s was a thrilling choice forDark Matter’s final act. Not only does it drastically raise the stakes for both Jason1 and Jason2, who now suddenly have a lot more competition for Daniela and Charlie than they expected, but it instantly blows up the possibility of the hero returning to his original life. But adding this wrinkle tohow the Box workscreates several complications, Jason2 being just the first.
Crouch’s explanation certainly makes sense. As interesting as it is to imagine an alternate Jason2 trying to abduct and replace the one thatjustswitched lives with Jason1, it would have been way too disruptive to the story to integrate that in so soon. While Jason2’s initial decision to pursue Daniela in another world inevitably impacted multiple parallel realities, not just Jason1’s, it’s much simpler to accept thatDark Mattertakes place in a world where only a single Jason2 ever appeared.
Every story avenue is in play. Consider, for example, that Daniela meets a version of her husband who, instead of returning, decided to stay with Amanda.
But, ifDark Matterseason 2 happens, it will have to contend with this now-open can of worms. Jason, Daniela, and Charlie arrive in a new world, but if their story is really to continue, it’s unlikely they’ll stay there. Could they run into more of his alternates, still lost in the multiverse? What if they encounter an alternate Jason2, still desperate to switch? What happens to the horde of Jasons who now must share the world they left behind? Crouch is certainly right in saying that this premise can be extrapolated out to maddening levels.
Apple TV+’s Dark Matter Cast & Character Guide
Apple TV+’s Dark Matter’s compelling drama is not only driven by intriguing sci-fi concepts but also by the brilliant performances of cast members.
It’s also, however, an exciting opportunity. Every story avenue is in play. Consider, for example, that Daniela meets a version of her husband who, instead of returning, decided to stay with Amanda. Or, Charlie goes rogue on their new life to find a world where his twin brother, Max, still lives, and creates a similar paradox. As much as the Box’s mechanics could be overwhelming,Dark Matterseason 2 can take the same “measured” approach and explore whatever would build on its central themes. As long as the story’s compelling, the audience will go right along with it.
Dark Matter
Cast
Dark Matter (2024): Jason Dessen is thrust into an alternate reality where he must confront an ominous version of himself. His quest to return to his original life leads him on a challenging journey to reunite with his family, navigating the complexities of parallel existences.
