Netflix’sDark aired its third and final season with excitement from both fans and new watchers. The show itself is a labyrinth of complex ideas, storylines, and character developments that can, at times, make it difficult for audiences to keep up with.
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While there are tons of Netflix Dark season recaps, a spoiler-free “Dark” guide is needed to highlight some of the unique aspects of the show. Even though the series has concluded, for new audiences and for those rewatching, here are 10 things to know before you start watching Netflix’s Dark.
First German Language Netflix Series
Premiering in Dec of 2017, Dark is Netflix’s first German-language seriesand remains one of Netflix’s most-watched non-English shows.
Dark’s popularity comes after the overwhelming success of other science fiction thrillers, like Stranger Things and The OA, with a fresher and complex storyline of time travel. As the first German-language series, Dark has set the tone for the quality of Netflix shows to come from Germany.
Clues In The Intro
The series intro, accompanied by the song “Goodbye” by German band Apparat, is one of the most exciting and exclusive aspects of Dark, as it is a goldmine of clues for events occurring in the show.
The split-screen image and multicolor format can, at first, be confusing to look at and analyze, butit reveals many hidden gems and clues about where each season might go. Focusing on the intros and the imagery is worthwhile for any Dark viewer, as itwillhelp them get a clearer understanding of the show.
Each Character Has A Unique Story To Tell
In most shows, writers tend to focus on the main protagonist. Although Dark centers around Jonas and Martha’s story, each character introduced in the series plays a significant part in setting the show’s timeline of events.
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Dark also has the motif of “everything is connected,” which often involves looking deeper into the supporting characters' stories and backgrounds. Hence, while audiences may be swayed to root for the show's protagonists, it is worthwhile to take into account that each character plays a significant role in having a unique story to tell.
The Consequence Of Past Actions
Dark also delves into the difficulties of living with the consequences of past mistakes. One of the ways in which the characters are connected in this series is through lies and deceit. All major characters in the show have at one point betrayed each other. Hence, the show greatly focuses on the consequences of these actions and what they mean for those involved, regardless of the timeline.
As characters continuously grapple with some of the inexplicable things they experience, they are also faced with the mistakes of their past and how this affects theirs and their loved ones' futures.
Time Travel Can Get Confusing
Dark takes the concept of time travel to a whole new height. The series’ blatant and complex exploration of time travel is so unique and bold that viewers of the show should expect nothing but to be delightfully confused after watching each episode.
The 33-year time travel loop established in the show means that audiences will be thrown into new worlds with every changing scene and should be ready to further dive into the concepts of alternative worlds. Although audiences should be prepared to face confusion, they should also bear in mind that this intertwining of time and space is what makes the show so unique and emboldens its philosophical ideal of “everything is connected.”
Everyone Has Died At Some Point
Now this one may sound like a spoiler, but it actually is not. Dark’s complex exploration of time travel means that every main character has died and been revived some point.
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Although this is a concept more thoroughly explored in season 3, characters have lived and died simultaneously in different dimensions. This means that even if a beloved character passes away in one dimension, they may be alive in a parallel world, which is good news for those rooting hard for their favorite characters.
The Show Requires A Lot Of Thinking
Time travel, family history, the impacts of nuclear energy, grief, and loss - these are just some of the themes explored in Dark, which also aims to answer the meaning of life. As a result, audiences can expect to critically think about some of the more underlying themes presented in the show.
This is one of the most exciting aspects of the show, as it encourages the broadening of viewers’ understanding of concepts ranging from time travel and science to love and pain. Dark even tackles the old age question of “deja vu” and what it may truly mean in real life - a glitch in the matrix or an encounter with a traveler?
Expect To Rewatch Episodes
The depth of this series means that in order to grasp all the intricate ideas presented, audiences must be open to rewatching some of the episodes. As previously mentioned, the intro holds many clues, however, by rewatching episodes, fans can further explore and find easter eggs, as every single shot and choice of cinematography harbors significance to the storyline.
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Reddit users have emphasized that Dark is a show that will require viewers to put their phone away and focus on what is happening. However, rest assured, rewatching such a beautifully crafted series should not be too laborious, as audiences fall in love with both the characters and the storylines.
There Is An End
While it may feel like Dark is a neverending time loop when watching, there is an end to all of it. The series finale, which premiered on June 27, 2020, left fans all over the world in shock and brought a fantastical conclusion to this time-traveling saga. This is mostly because the third season finally addresses the origins of time travel, therefore solidifying the significance of each character’s journey in facilitating this time traveling and alternating world.
Without giving too much away, Dark’s ending will also cement the importance of living life to the fullest and choosing to love, value, and care for our loved ones.
Everything Is Connected
One of the most complicated aspects of Dark is the complex genealogy of each character. There are countless and hilarious memes that encapsulate the degree of confusion fans of the show have experienced while figuring out who is related to who. The sometimes uncanny and often incestual nature of the characters' family history can lead viewers to question the fundamental ideas presented in the show.However, it is integral to always remember that “everything is connected.”
This line is plastered on the show’s season promos, showing its significance. In fact, it truly encapsulates the message behind Dark in that while family trees and town fellowship can be complicated, everything is connected and intertwined in the grand scheme of things. This aspect is what elevates Dark's time travel storyline into a more deeply philosophical and organic exploration of life.
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