Dark (Season 1)

⭐ 8.0/10

(Originally written by Tim)

This show is like a darker version of Stranger Things with time travel. A kid goes missing, a small town is in an uproar, and all of a sudden events and people from the past show up in the present.

It becomes a bit of a puzzle box, with multiple timelines you are constantly trying to remember who is who at different ages, what their relationships to others are, and what is motivating them in each timeline. It can be difficult at times, but I found it all pretty exciting, and was totally locked in every episode.

It's also a German show, so you are reading subtitles at the same time. I feel like this might actually help keep track of all the threads, since the names are constantly in your face. The show also does a great job of mirroring events/people in different timelines, sometimes in split screen. This not only shows some cool narrative parallels, but makes me go, oh ya, this person is that person's dad, got it.

I sometimes find shows that are overly connected annoying (mainly Westworld), where it feels like they are trying to make every frame a piece of some elaborate puzzle. This show, however, feels finely tuned, each scene a cog in the cyclical story. The reveals are not meant to be shocking, and almost have a sense of inevitability, which is a constant theme when characters are jumping between timelines and trying to change the future.

This is a show that is completely about time travel, so it can be frustrating and hard to follow. But I find that when the characters are aware of what is happening and actively discuss the paradoxes and contradictions (and are also frustrated by them) it is easier to accept what is happening and be more engaged.

The show also looks amazing, like all shows with Netflix's huge backing do. Takes place in this small German town which is basically in a forest. Each timeline shows takes place at the same location but at different distinct times, so the clothes and cars are unique and help anchor you. It is always foggy and constantly raining. Seriously, characters are always walking through the rain and always look soaked. Not sure why they try to make this look normal, but it does really set the mood.

The finale was pretty satisfying, but also left tons of room to grow in season 2. Can't wait.