Well, the title of this review might be a bit exaggerated, but this show is by far the best one Germany has produced this millennium. With an outstanding plot, an outstanding production and good (especially in the later episodes) actors, this episode concludes an awesome season and leaves you with more questions than answers. Now, with S2 only a few weeks away, this is the perfect time for a first or even second/third... watch. You will detect so many details that you haven't seen on your first watch.
June 21st can't come soon enough!
22 Reviews
Season One
zkonedog5 July 2019
Since 1985, "Back to The Future" has been the standard of all time-travel film/television. By kind of inventing the formula of "interacting with family members to potentially change the past", that film franchise almost kind of put that topic "off limits" for some time. As such, "Dark" really had a lot of guts to go a similar route, and fortunately it turns out to be one of the most intriguing, well-thought-out series I've ever watched.
It's tough to describe "Dark" (especially without spoilers), so I'm really not going to delve into any of the details here. The closest I can get to describing this show is that it truly is "Back To The Future" mashed up with Steven Spielberg's generational epic miniseries "Taken". This is time-travel and character-driven science fiction at its absolute best.
I will give you the very basic premise of "Dark": In 2019, in the German town of Winden, children start disappearing (and coming back much worse for the wear, if at all). The disappearances seem to follow a similar pattern as happened 33 years ago in 1986. One of the returned missing boys in 2019 is found in 80s garb with a Walkman strapped to his belt. As the tagline of the show intimates, then, the question is not "how" or "why", but "When".
That is just scraping the surface of what this show is really about, as it relies so much on family dynamics to provide the drama (much like BTTF did as well). Because of this, one thing I will "warn" viewers about is to not get too confused by the massive influx of characters in the first few episodes. You WILL be a bit confused until episode 5 or 6, as it is a lot to wrap the brain around even for the most attentive of viewers. I found myself even referring to a chart I found online to keep everything straight in the early goings. The characters will crystalize eventually (as it is imperative to the show's success that they do) if you are paying attention, but just be warned that it will take some time.
Being a German show in origin, there is also a quasi-debate about the best way to watch "Dark" for English viewers. I listened to the English dubbing and had no problems with it (I didn't want my eyes/attention constantly drawn to the subtitles). I've heard others prefer the original German language w/subtitles. Find what is best for your personal tastes, and again know it will take a little time to adapt to it.
For the very, very best film/TV I consume, I often find it difficult to review those media because they are so full of depth and character. "Dark" is, without a doubt, one of those situations for me! Instead of dissecting its every twist and turn here, however, I think in this case I would rather just give it my utmost endorsement and let viewers experience it for themselves. If you are at all a fan of science fiction, fantasy, time-travel, or family-driven drama, you MUST give this one a try. Sometimes, based on the very nature of Netflix itself, programs like this slip through the cracks a bit due to the sheer volume of material on that streaming service. As such, I want to spread the word about "Dark" as much as possible, as it truly is a gem of a show that deserves every eyeball it can get. The show has been renewed for a Second Season already, so that is great news for fans of this very smart, yet still very dramatic, type of TV storytelling.
It's tough to describe "Dark" (especially without spoilers), so I'm really not going to delve into any of the details here. The closest I can get to describing this show is that it truly is "Back To The Future" mashed up with Steven Spielberg's generational epic miniseries "Taken". This is time-travel and character-driven science fiction at its absolute best.
I will give you the very basic premise of "Dark": In 2019, in the German town of Winden, children start disappearing (and coming back much worse for the wear, if at all). The disappearances seem to follow a similar pattern as happened 33 years ago in 1986. One of the returned missing boys in 2019 is found in 80s garb with a Walkman strapped to his belt. As the tagline of the show intimates, then, the question is not "how" or "why", but "When".
That is just scraping the surface of what this show is really about, as it relies so much on family dynamics to provide the drama (much like BTTF did as well). Because of this, one thing I will "warn" viewers about is to not get too confused by the massive influx of characters in the first few episodes. You WILL be a bit confused until episode 5 or 6, as it is a lot to wrap the brain around even for the most attentive of viewers. I found myself even referring to a chart I found online to keep everything straight in the early goings. The characters will crystalize eventually (as it is imperative to the show's success that they do) if you are paying attention, but just be warned that it will take some time.
Being a German show in origin, there is also a quasi-debate about the best way to watch "Dark" for English viewers. I listened to the English dubbing and had no problems with it (I didn't want my eyes/attention constantly drawn to the subtitles). I've heard others prefer the original German language w/subtitles. Find what is best for your personal tastes, and again know it will take a little time to adapt to it.
For the very, very best film/TV I consume, I often find it difficult to review those media because they are so full of depth and character. "Dark" is, without a doubt, one of those situations for me! Instead of dissecting its every twist and turn here, however, I think in this case I would rather just give it my utmost endorsement and let viewers experience it for themselves. If you are at all a fan of science fiction, fantasy, time-travel, or family-driven drama, you MUST give this one a try. Sometimes, based on the very nature of Netflix itself, programs like this slip through the cracks a bit due to the sheer volume of material on that streaming service. As such, I want to spread the word about "Dark" as much as possible, as it truly is a gem of a show that deserves every eyeball it can get. The show has been renewed for a Second Season already, so that is great news for fans of this very smart, yet still very dramatic, type of TV storytelling.
Best of the season.
TheFirst0126 June 2020
What this finale made me feel certain was that the season is a slow burner and not at all fast paced which I was expecting it to get from something like Stranger Things. But the slow burn works, and although I don't like that reading subtitles doesn't me focus well on what's off screen I know for certainty that the show is good. I wouldn't know if it's better than Season 1 of Stranger Things, but to me although they are very much alike they are two completely different things in their own ways. Stranger Things is more pop culture and more suitable for kids, while Dark has a more detective feel to it and it's more for adults. I would compare Dark to Harry Potter in a way. Can't wait for the next season, and since this is the best episode of the season I give it a 9.4/10.
Incredible episode that poses many questions
TheDonaldofDoom6 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The second half of Season 1 got really good but this episode takes the cake, raising tension to the highest level from the start and not letting go until the end.
Right off the bat it opens with a fantastic scene when we see how Mads actually arrived in 2019. Through a portal, not a cave. And then, in a double whammy of a shocker, we see Claudia arrive. The whole scene makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end, and it's only the first scene of the episode. And for a show that hasn't always been the best in its characterisation, the portrayal of Mads' father grieving over the body while not understanding what's going on is brilliant.
Some great lines too from Jonas at just how strange the effects of time travel can be. I mean, it's messed up and funny at the same time.
There are so many weird twists. Ulrich's arrest in 1953 ironically is what leads Charlotte Doppler to discover that he went into the past, through his mug shot! A phone from the future is what allows Taunhaus to activate the time device. And Old Helge tries to stop his past self, even sacrificing his life in an attempt to kill him. But of course, the show's solution to the grandfather paradox is at play here, and Old Helge's attempt was doomed from the start: if he had killed his earlier self, he would never grow up to make killing himself possible. We get philosophical too, with Taunhaus discussing whether all the decisions we make are just a result of causal links that started with the Big Bang. When you consider the story of this episode, even all of Dark, in that light, you only get more from it.
And then there is Jonas's capture, which leads to him becoming the next victim of Noah's time machine. Whether or not you predicted the reveal that the Stranger is Jonas, it's amazingly executed with him being unable to let his past self out as he wouldn't become what he is now. And if that wasn't enough then there is Noah's reveal that in attempting to destroy the wormhole Older Jonas in fact creates it as well. Did Claudia lie to him about that? I don't believe Noah's claim that he is in the light and she is in the shadow but I oddly do believe him that Claudia lied to Jonas about the true effects of destroying the wormhole. And when Noah calls his opponents 'truly inhumane'... he is evil, but it does make you wonder whether there is a grain of truth in what he says about Claudia's side.
The detonation of the device for closing the wormhole leads to one of the most effective scenes of the whole season, a well-shot, well-scored collage of most of the characters as we ponder what the effects will be. But in case this episode hadn't given enough twists and turns, we see the wormhole transport both Young Helge and Young Jonas 33 years into the future. Meaning the detonation is responsible for Helge meeting Noah in the first place! Just when you thought this show couldn't get more incredible. Oh, and Jonas is in 2052. There's that too.
In short, as long as you don't expect this episode to answer all of your questions, it's an incredible ride that doesn't let up at any point.Some questions answered, others posed...
Right off the bat it opens with a fantastic scene when we see how Mads actually arrived in 2019. Through a portal, not a cave. And then, in a double whammy of a shocker, we see Claudia arrive. The whole scene makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end, and it's only the first scene of the episode. And for a show that hasn't always been the best in its characterisation, the portrayal of Mads' father grieving over the body while not understanding what's going on is brilliant.
Some great lines too from Jonas at just how strange the effects of time travel can be. I mean, it's messed up and funny at the same time.
There are so many weird twists. Ulrich's arrest in 1953 ironically is what leads Charlotte Doppler to discover that he went into the past, through his mug shot! A phone from the future is what allows Taunhaus to activate the time device. And Old Helge tries to stop his past self, even sacrificing his life in an attempt to kill him. But of course, the show's solution to the grandfather paradox is at play here, and Old Helge's attempt was doomed from the start: if he had killed his earlier self, he would never grow up to make killing himself possible. We get philosophical too, with Taunhaus discussing whether all the decisions we make are just a result of causal links that started with the Big Bang. When you consider the story of this episode, even all of Dark, in that light, you only get more from it.
And then there is Jonas's capture, which leads to him becoming the next victim of Noah's time machine. Whether or not you predicted the reveal that the Stranger is Jonas, it's amazingly executed with him being unable to let his past self out as he wouldn't become what he is now. And if that wasn't enough then there is Noah's reveal that in attempting to destroy the wormhole Older Jonas in fact creates it as well. Did Claudia lie to him about that? I don't believe Noah's claim that he is in the light and she is in the shadow but I oddly do believe him that Claudia lied to Jonas about the true effects of destroying the wormhole. And when Noah calls his opponents 'truly inhumane'... he is evil, but it does make you wonder whether there is a grain of truth in what he says about Claudia's side.
The detonation of the device for closing the wormhole leads to one of the most effective scenes of the whole season, a well-shot, well-scored collage of most of the characters as we ponder what the effects will be. But in case this episode hadn't given enough twists and turns, we see the wormhole transport both Young Helge and Young Jonas 33 years into the future. Meaning the detonation is responsible for Helge meeting Noah in the first place! Just when you thought this show couldn't get more incredible. Oh, and Jonas is in 2052. There's that too.
In short, as long as you don't expect this episode to answer all of your questions, it's an incredible ride that doesn't let up at any point.Some questions answered, others posed...
Outstanding
Littleman9515 March 2021
Plot: wow, outstanding! Maybe a little slowly, but in general it was extremely good and well managed.
Actors and Actress & Acting: I liked them all. There are some better than others, but in general everyone did a good job. I recommend to watch it in German with English titles because of the poor dubbing, in my opinion.
Soundtrack: perfect for this show, maybe there are some songs that do not fit flawlessly well but it's nothing really bothering.
Visual Effects: amazing.
Conclusion: if you like sci-fi and mystery this is literally a must. Well, I have to see if they will keep this quality also with the two next seasons, but this first one is highly recommended. If you don't like making your brain working in order to follow the story, well, this is not for you. You need to follow and concentrate while watching.
Actors and Actress & Acting: I liked them all. There are some better than others, but in general everyone did a good job. I recommend to watch it in German with English titles because of the poor dubbing, in my opinion.
Soundtrack: perfect for this show, maybe there are some songs that do not fit flawlessly well but it's nothing really bothering.
Visual Effects: amazing.
Conclusion: if you like sci-fi and mystery this is literally a must. Well, I have to see if they will keep this quality also with the two next seasons, but this first one is highly recommended. If you don't like making your brain working in order to follow the story, well, this is not for you. You need to follow and concentrate while watching.
Wow
lety-3017730 March 2021
Wow
Martyperry542 January 2021
What a high
Leofwine_draca28 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
And unsurprisingly the final episode of the first series of DARK ends on a real high, opening up the tableau nicely and throwing in a twist that I suspect many of us saw coming. The repositioning of the forces in terms of good and evil helps to make sense of what we've been watching, while the performances are exemplary throughout and the direction of an extremely high quality.
Waiting For Season 2
taraangel-4096019 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I just finished re-watching season 1, and there were things I missed. I also noticed something odd. Jonas has blue eyes, The Stranger has brown. I know who The Stranger is, so that was kind of weird. I can hardly wait for Friday! The timelines and relationships can be confusing but there is a wiki that helps a little :)
Great series! I was hoping that there'd be more.
Great series! I was hoping that there'd be more.
This season has been mindbending
goat-0405431 May 2021
Season one of Dark is one of the most well-crafted thing I've ever seen! It's so complex and I can feel the passion behind this show. Everything is worked out into the utmost details and it's mindblowing to watch it all.
Season One Review
southdavid20 December 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Firstly, I'm one more person who strongly advocates dumping the English dub and switching to German with subtitles - it's just a far more natural way to watch the show.
The plot revolves around the disappearance of a number of Children, from a small town in Germany that's main claim to fame is its Nuclear Power plant. The disappearances bear a striking resemblance to events that occurred in the town 33 years previously and open a number of wounds for the residents that have never found closure to those crimes.
Overall, I enjoyed the first season of "Dark". I like the three pronged aspect of the story, the repeating nature and the chances to see the outcome of events from 33 years hence play out. The cast are all excellent. Not being as familiar with the actors as I would be with an American or English ensemble perhaps helps me to invest in seeing them as these characters a little more than normal. Though initially a bit confusing, the series does a good job of reminding you who is who, as children become adults or adults become senior citizens. I like the aesthetic of the different time periods and the music and score choices - both the licenced music and the unsettling score.
My only trepidation is as to whether the show actually knows where it's going. Across the run it sets up a lot of mysteries of which the finale only answers a few, before a paradigm shift that doesn't particularly make a lot of sense within the internal show logic and what we've seen so far. If it sounds a little like "Lost" you wouldn't be the first person to make that comparison in these reviews - I'm not convinced the show will have that many white elephants as "Lost" did but until it's finished, we'll never really know.
A second season is due in 2019, I'm looking forward to it.
The plot revolves around the disappearance of a number of Children, from a small town in Germany that's main claim to fame is its Nuclear Power plant. The disappearances bear a striking resemblance to events that occurred in the town 33 years previously and open a number of wounds for the residents that have never found closure to those crimes.
Overall, I enjoyed the first season of "Dark". I like the three pronged aspect of the story, the repeating nature and the chances to see the outcome of events from 33 years hence play out. The cast are all excellent. Not being as familiar with the actors as I would be with an American or English ensemble perhaps helps me to invest in seeing them as these characters a little more than normal. Though initially a bit confusing, the series does a good job of reminding you who is who, as children become adults or adults become senior citizens. I like the aesthetic of the different time periods and the music and score choices - both the licenced music and the unsettling score.
My only trepidation is as to whether the show actually knows where it's going. Across the run it sets up a lot of mysteries of which the finale only answers a few, before a paradigm shift that doesn't particularly make a lot of sense within the internal show logic and what we've seen so far. If it sounds a little like "Lost" you wouldn't be the first person to make that comparison in these reviews - I'm not convinced the show will have that many white elephants as "Lost" did but until it's finished, we'll never really know.
A second season is due in 2019, I'm looking forward to it.
Mesmerizing end to season one!
and_mikkelsen5 June 2023
Wow.. this show is just.. wow!
After an entire season of events, some of the pieces are starting to fall into place, such as the identity of the stranger! Looking back at it it makes sense and there were hints to his identity as well!
Season one closes of with great drama, emotions and of course events that I could have never predicted! There are some great themes and elements such as the meaning of a paradox!
The ending was jaw dropping! I loved the song combined with the montage! Now I can only begin to grasp what will happen from here!
This show really surprised me with how good it is! Incredible storytelling! Its a story and concept presented to us in other media, but Dark manages to do it in a fresh and believable way that keeps you on the edge all the time!
After an entire season of events, some of the pieces are starting to fall into place, such as the identity of the stranger! Looking back at it it makes sense and there were hints to his identity as well!
Season one closes of with great drama, emotions and of course events that I could have never predicted! There are some great themes and elements such as the meaning of a paradox!
The ending was jaw dropping! I loved the song combined with the montage! Now I can only begin to grasp what will happen from here!
This show really surprised me with how good it is! Incredible storytelling! Its a story and concept presented to us in other media, but Dark manages to do it in a fresh and believable way that keeps you on the edge all the time!
Too confused story about time and lot of characters !
saptesh7864 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I just finished first season. I found it mixed feelings. Ep 01 to Ep 06 are full of complexity and confusion of many characters. Many episodes taking lot of time to establish various character one by one. Putting scene piece by piece from different families one after antoher made more confusions. Only Ep 07 and 08 are good and they are giving light on main object of such confused story. In those episodes story is reaching its peak. Again some part of Ep09 is good and some part start making confusion again. In last episode there are much confusion created to make another rubbish seasons. Firstly I did not understand why so many characters involvement in a story, second time line is too confused that who is from what period ?, third, one also could not get moto or aim of such time travel and who is actual behind it ? Information about time travel and paradox is very short and complicated to understand. It should be in clear word ands concept for common user. Director and story writer knows all story but common viewer get much confused and at least me I had to see old episodes again and again to connect the link of story, but unfortunately most of time I failed. There are three rounds theory like three periods 1953, 1986 and 2019 then what is about 'welcome to future'? Will there be fourth circle i.e. 2052 ? Let me see in season 2. High ratings for such confused series is beyond my understandings. I only give 5 or 6 stars for stupid series.
Time for a Season 1 review !
nicofreezer18 October 2021
S1 of dark was solid tv, no one should doubt about it. Very solid in fact, the story is captivating, the mystery the characters, the atmosphère, everything is Hugh quality.
Im giving a 8/10 for Season and not 9 because of the huge confusion between characters, there is way too Many and their name are rarely mention, especialy family name. So for the whole season, my wife and I were trying to understand who is who on every scene, and After 10 épisodes i would have trouble to tell you who is the wife/husband/Father/mother/sister/brother/Friend of someone else They should have right their names in the screen at least at few times, not all the time but a few time.
Im giving a 8/10 for Season and not 9 because of the huge confusion between characters, there is way too Many and their name are rarely mention, especialy family name. So for the whole season, my wife and I were trying to understand who is who on every scene, and After 10 épisodes i would have trouble to tell you who is the wife/husband/Father/mother/sister/brother/Friend of someone else They should have right their names in the screen at least at few times, not all the time but a few time.
Do not be afraid! This is one series that - believe it or not
Neptune1656 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Well, Helge's suicide was both successful and unsuccessful at the same time. And it happened simultaneously at one moment and at different moments of his time. Wow. This is written/directed by a husband/wife team that grew up together in Germany. It is a trilogy, a planned trilogy from the beginning. Well, the deal is that Young Jonas (needs to) believe that he can change events/everything (because he wants everything back to normal) and therefore also the possibility that he can die. If he can change the past, then subsequently his subjective future is not certain. And the other idea we see in Middle-Aged Jonas is, that you CANT change anything that already happened because if you do then it would alter your past thus you wouldn't have the opportunity to change your future later. Those mindsets is what drive Jonas forward. In general, I find it interesting how different each time traveler's mindset towards time travel and their place in it is. Jonas, Noah, Claudia, Even Tannhaus explains his whole take on it. It is actually very interesting and a very realistic depiction of time travel. And also a great look inside the human psyche of how we perceive reality. The beginning is the end...Everything in this series is kind of circular. I think that's why the town is called Winden. As a verb it means "to twist", "to curl" or "to wind".
Welcome to the future!
AvionPrince168 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Events of the episode:
On the night of Mikkel's disappearance, Peter is visiting Helge's cabin when Mads' body suddenly appears. He calls Tronte to the cabin, and Claudia arrives, telling them to move the corpse.
In 1986, the elderly Helge is killed while attempting to stop his younger self by driving a car into him. Jonas has also returned to 1986 to bring Mikkel back to 2019, but Noah and Helge kidnap him. Jonas wakes in the bunker, accompanied by the Stranger, who reveals himself to be the adult Jonas. The Stranger leaves to destroy the wormhole using the brass machine, which Tannhaus has completed from the broken version brought by the adult Jonas and Ulrich's smartphone.
In 2019, Charlotte uncovers a 1953 article on Helge's kidnapping, including a photo of Ulrich. Noah tells Bartosz that Claudia is their main adversary, and that the adult Jonas, unwittingly, is about to create the wormhole.
In 1953, Helge regains consciousness as the wormhole appears, connecting him to Jonas in 1986. As they reach out to each other, Helge is transported to 1986, while Jonas awakens in a post-apocalyptic Winden in 2052. He is accosted by a gang of bandits and knocked out by an armed woman
Review:
Now i can say that i found this TV Show very good. I loved it. Eachh part. It have some very good mysteries. Some suspensfull moments and the plot with the past and present was pretty good even if can be confusing sometimes. And some questions that we asked for us want to watch the next episodes every time to have the answers of previous episodes. Definitely worth to watch. Now im prepared for season 2 and i can t wait what they reserved us for the new season.
On the night of Mikkel's disappearance, Peter is visiting Helge's cabin when Mads' body suddenly appears. He calls Tronte to the cabin, and Claudia arrives, telling them to move the corpse.
In 1986, the elderly Helge is killed while attempting to stop his younger self by driving a car into him. Jonas has also returned to 1986 to bring Mikkel back to 2019, but Noah and Helge kidnap him. Jonas wakes in the bunker, accompanied by the Stranger, who reveals himself to be the adult Jonas. The Stranger leaves to destroy the wormhole using the brass machine, which Tannhaus has completed from the broken version brought by the adult Jonas and Ulrich's smartphone.
In 2019, Charlotte uncovers a 1953 article on Helge's kidnapping, including a photo of Ulrich. Noah tells Bartosz that Claudia is their main adversary, and that the adult Jonas, unwittingly, is about to create the wormhole.
In 1953, Helge regains consciousness as the wormhole appears, connecting him to Jonas in 1986. As they reach out to each other, Helge is transported to 1986, while Jonas awakens in a post-apocalyptic Winden in 2052. He is accosted by a gang of bandits and knocked out by an armed woman
Review:
Now i can say that i found this TV Show very good. I loved it. Eachh part. It have some very good mysteries. Some suspensfull moments and the plot with the past and present was pretty good even if can be confusing sometimes. And some questions that we asked for us want to watch the next episodes every time to have the answers of previous episodes. Definitely worth to watch. Now im prepared for season 2 and i can t wait what they reserved us for the new season.
Deeply dark and complex
anselmdaniel21 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This review contains spoilers.
Dark's tenth episode in the first season is titled Alpha and Omega. The episode is the finale of the first season. Across different times, the inhabitants of Winden try to uncover the mystery behind the time traveling tunnel.
Dark's season one finale does not solve all of the mysteries in the series. However this episode has enough reveals to make the finale satisfying. The finale shows how the bodies are appearing across Winden. In addition, the townspeople of Winden are realizing the scope of the problem at Winden. The finale feels more like a continuation of the series which speaks to the quality of the show. There are no definitive answers in this episode but the episode continues to present the drama and conflict.
I would recommend "Alpha and Omega", the season one finale of Dark.
Grade: A
Dark Season One
Dark's first season is a complex story. Dark's narrative heavily features time travel and parallel narratives. These narrative devices are used astoundingly in this series. The narrative uses the families in Winden with deep roots in such an effective way that I am astounded with the writing in this series. Characters that initially appeared to have very little impact have deep implications because of the time travel. An example of this is Mikkel's initial disappearance leading to Jonah's birth. The casting in this television series is perfect with how the younger and older aged characters behave similarly and look alike. The television series brought its A-game in pushing this concept all the way.
The series does have its faults mainly with approachability and complexity. The series does not hold the viewer's hand in presentation. Many of the events require the viewer to be paying attention and are deliberately kept vague and open to interpretation. It is imperative that viewing Dark occurs in a consecutive manner or the context can be lost. This lack of exposition can be a problem for some but it can be a positive aspect for viewers wanting characters to behave rationally.
Dark is a beautifully shot series. I was impressed with the German series' production values and with the direction. This is a grim thematic series and the direction brought forth great performances by the cast.
The first season does not resolve many of the threads that were started. The season does an impressive job at presenting them. The mystery generated by the show feels magical.
I would recommend Dark season one.
Grade: B.
Dark's tenth episode in the first season is titled Alpha and Omega. The episode is the finale of the first season. Across different times, the inhabitants of Winden try to uncover the mystery behind the time traveling tunnel.
Dark's season one finale does not solve all of the mysteries in the series. However this episode has enough reveals to make the finale satisfying. The finale shows how the bodies are appearing across Winden. In addition, the townspeople of Winden are realizing the scope of the problem at Winden. The finale feels more like a continuation of the series which speaks to the quality of the show. There are no definitive answers in this episode but the episode continues to present the drama and conflict.
I would recommend "Alpha and Omega", the season one finale of Dark.
Grade: A
Dark Season One
Dark's first season is a complex story. Dark's narrative heavily features time travel and parallel narratives. These narrative devices are used astoundingly in this series. The narrative uses the families in Winden with deep roots in such an effective way that I am astounded with the writing in this series. Characters that initially appeared to have very little impact have deep implications because of the time travel. An example of this is Mikkel's initial disappearance leading to Jonah's birth. The casting in this television series is perfect with how the younger and older aged characters behave similarly and look alike. The television series brought its A-game in pushing this concept all the way.
The series does have its faults mainly with approachability and complexity. The series does not hold the viewer's hand in presentation. Many of the events require the viewer to be paying attention and are deliberately kept vague and open to interpretation. It is imperative that viewing Dark occurs in a consecutive manner or the context can be lost. This lack of exposition can be a problem for some but it can be a positive aspect for viewers wanting characters to behave rationally.
Dark is a beautifully shot series. I was impressed with the German series' production values and with the direction. This is a grim thematic series and the direction brought forth great performances by the cast.
The first season does not resolve many of the threads that were started. The season does an impressive job at presenting them. The mystery generated by the show feels magical.
I would recommend Dark season one.
Grade: B.
It does get better
benjaminchristopher22 February 2022
So I reviewed the first episode With a solid 8 and I'm going to end it on a solid 9. The slow burn storytelling paid off with this maelstrom of a season.
Dark doesn't hold back on it's shock twists and plot devices. These won't pay off if you're not paying attention and in a way I'm glad it's German and I'm reading the subtitles. It helped me follow the story to an inch as I actually read it along with watching.
The production values here are out this world, especially now, having to dress up the same sets but with the relevant time period, that's the sets, characters, music, well everything! It's still not up there as one of my favourite shows yet, but there's still 2 more seasons to get through.
I fear it's going to get very confusing with character families and remembering who's actually related to who. But I guess that's part of our work as the audience and the team/creator working on the show trusts us as the audience to be smart. Welcome to the future!
Dark doesn't hold back on it's shock twists and plot devices. These won't pay off if you're not paying attention and in a way I'm glad it's German and I'm reading the subtitles. It helped me follow the story to an inch as I actually read it along with watching.
The production values here are out this world, especially now, having to dress up the same sets but with the relevant time period, that's the sets, characters, music, well everything! It's still not up there as one of my favourite shows yet, but there's still 2 more seasons to get through.
I fear it's going to get very confusing with character families and remembering who's actually related to who. But I guess that's part of our work as the audience and the team/creator working on the show trusts us as the audience to be smart. Welcome to the future!
Many unanswered questions
nawinnduke31 December 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Spoilers
the series was soo good . i would've given it a 10 but there were many questions unansered at the end ? who is noah? why is he doing this? where was claudia?
otherwise it was a 9/10 series with a gripping story and time travel more like predestination .. the music was fantastic , acting was great .. waiting for s02
I'm Waiting
Hitchcoc29 November 2023
This has been a fantastic experience. The business with time travel is really hard to do in fiction. The people who did the scripts were supremely aware of the implications and allowed for every nuance. Others have covered the events themselves as we try to sort out the motivations of the individual characters. At times, it seems that they are so obsessed, despite the passage of years. This may slip into the realm of pure mental illness. I think of Ulrich, for example. If one gives away a soul for knowledge he or she has diminished their existence. Granted, we want answers, but the Captain Ahab type characters have divorced themselves from the prospect of happiness. They also exact hurt on those around them.
Very strong finish to the first series and makes you want to see the next
snoozejonc23 April 2024
More information is revealed about the night Mikkel disappeared and Jonas makes a big discovery.
This episode includes more compelling plot development and character moments. Again the writers cleverly weave threads of story through multiple timelines. This includes revealing information we need to know whilst keeping certain aspects hidden. The way it ends is a great hook for the second season, particularly how it expands the scope of storytelling and raises stakes considerably.
All actors are excellent, particularly Louis Hofmann who I think is outstanding in some of the emotional moments.
Visually it is wonderfully designed, filmed, scored, and edited, with the addition of some good effects where necessary.
This episode includes more compelling plot development and character moments. Again the writers cleverly weave threads of story through multiple timelines. This includes revealing information we need to know whilst keeping certain aspects hidden. The way it ends is a great hook for the second season, particularly how it expands the scope of storytelling and raises stakes considerably.
All actors are excellent, particularly Louis Hofmann who I think is outstanding in some of the emotional moments.
Visually it is wonderfully designed, filmed, scored, and edited, with the addition of some good effects where necessary.
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