Dark Matter: The Raza family reunion

Dark Matter

took a dark and surprising turn during last week’s instalment, setting up what promises to be one heck of a season finale. By the time the dust had settled in “The Dwarf Star Conspiracy,” we’d learned Rook was merely a pawn in an alien plot, creating host bodies for the scary, black liquidy beings. I had totally forgotten about the black goo that took over Three last season. Admittedly, a LOT has happened since then.

By episode’s end, a nuclear device destroyed the facility—and perhaps the alien portal—and alternate Boone had captured Two.

Which leads us to this week’s penultimate instalment, “My Final Gift to You,” written by co-creators Joseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie and directed by Bruce McDonald. Take a look at the top image and you’ll see the crew of the Raza has reunited, and we’re not sure it’s going to be a happy one. Here is Space’s episode synopsis:

Ryo invites his former crew to Zairon in a final attempt to secure the Blink Drive and his victory over Pyr.

And we’ve got some tidbits of info after indulging in a screener.

Reunited and it feels so … awkward
It’s no surprise where alternate Three was taking Two. Friday’s opening scene delivers her to Ryo in what has a Han Solo-Jabba the Hutt vibe. He wants the Blink Drive and thinks she’ll be the bait to bring the rest of the team to him to make a swap. Ryo is right, of course, but he’s not all-powerful. It seems someone would like to see him unseated as Emperor … but who? And, if you’ve been paying attention, you know alternate Boone was working for someone else, meaning Ryo owes someone.

Misaki is memorable
Kudos to Ellen Wong for making such an impression playing Misaki. What could have been a one-note character is deeply layered and it’s always hard to figure out whether she’s in full support of Ryo or not. Misaki and Six share a great scene in Friday’s episode; he may be bigger than her in stature, but she doesn’t back down from a verbal or physical fight.

The Android makes a decision
Victor gave the Android an upgrade and she’s been ruminating on whether to use it or not. Guess what she decides to do? Read Joseph Mallozzi’s blog entry for Aug. 15 to get a hint, if you dare.

Ryo and Three’s fireside chat
Perhaps the most compelling, fascinating dialogue in the episode is reserved for this pair. Secrets, desires, betrayals and a surprising death are uncovered over a very, very old bottle of booze. I’ve missed Four/Ryo’s interactions with his old crewmates and it’s good to see Alex Mallari Jr. back in their sandbox, laying bare their shocking histories.

Dark Matter airs Fridays at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on Space.

Images courtesy of Bell Media.

 

 

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