The plot of this science fiction television show, based on 2012 comic book, is set in relatively distant future and takes place in the interstellar ship. Protagonists are six people who awaken from suspended animation without memories. They name each other by numbers and, while fighting to survive, try to find their identities that appear to have been deliberately taken from them. It soon becomes apparent that all of them, with exception of teenage stowaway Number Five, were people whose great skill with guns and knives suggests violent past and life on the wrong side of the law. While they try to discover their true identities and roam the galaxy not knowing whether their old acquaintances are friends or enemies, they also must ponder possibility of the greatest danger being someone with their own ranks.
Produced by SyFy, network known for big hits and even bigger misses, Dark Matter had initially disappointing pilot episode. The rest of the first season improved things enough for the show to survive for next two seasons. It could be explained with the show’s relatively low budget and the plot that conveniently takes place on huge, but mostly dark, space ship. General premise isn’t particularly original, and the space opera plot featuring rag tag band of antiheroes was seen in shows like Firefly and Blake’s Seven. The mystery and its (partial) resolution at the cliff-hanging end of the season is also somewhat disappointing.
However, during the 13 episodes, the authors have used some talent to give interesting vision of a dystopian world that could be seen as distant reflection of present-day world with all-powerful and unaccountable corporations involved in all kinds of nefarious deeds. The greatest of the show is the cast, which is ethnically diverse and dominated by women. Melissa O’Neil, a singer known for winning Canadian Idol, excels in the starring role of Number Two, while Jodelle Ferland is true revelation as Number Five. The most impressive of them all is Zoie Palmer in the role of Android. Although it could be truly appreciated only by most dedicated fans of space opera genre, Dark Matter deserves much broader audience.
Starring: Marc Bendavid, Melissa O'Neil, Anthony Lemke, Alex Mallari Jr., Jodelle Ferland, Roger Cross, Zoie Palmer
Directed by: TJ Scott, Paolo Barzman, Amanda Tapping, Lee Rose, Ron Murphy, Bruce McDonald, TW Peacock, John Stead, Martin Wood, Andy Mikita
Created by: Joseph Mallozi, Paul Mulle
Running Time: 13 episodes (43 minutes each)
Pro: diverse and talented cast delivering superb perfomances, interesting glimpes of dark future world
Contra: dark setting, low budget, lack of originality in the plot
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RATING: 6/10
