'Dark Matter': All the characters in Apple TV+'s show ranked and why Jason Dessen isn't #1
Contains spoilers for 'Dark Matter'
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: Joel Edgerton, Alice Braga and Jennifer Connelly starrer 'Dark Matter' has turned out to be an interesting offering by Apple TV+ this year.
The science-fiction show delivers not only a mind-bending plot but also emphasizes well-crafted characters supported by excellent casting choices.
'Dark Matter introduces Joel Edgerton in the lead role of Jason Dessen, trapped in another reality, struggling to return to his original life and fighting his alternate self. His performance is supported by notable actors such as Jennifer Connelly and Alice Braga.
As the series comes to an end, we've ranked the characters based on the quality of their arcs, their development, and the impact they have on the overall story.
1. Amanda Lucas
It isn't Jason but Amanda Lucas who has our hearts in the show. She is the most selfless character and contains all the qualities of a lovable protagonist.
Just when she realises that Leighton 2 isn't an ethical man, she dissociates herself from him and helps Jason 1 escape Reality 2. From there on, she constantly supports Jason 1 in his multiverse travels while neglecting her own future.
While all the other characters portray varied qualities in different realities, Amanda continues to be an adorable woman throughout.
What truly captured our hearts wasn't just Jason 1's long-awaited return home, but the moment when Amanda chose a reality for herself.
2. Blair Caplan
Blair Caplan (played by Amanda Brugel) has very limited appearance in the show. In Reality 2, she is an employee at Velocity who goes missing after she volunteers for multiverse travels.
In Reality 1, she is a lawyer, who occasionally works with Daniela Dessen. Despite her restricted role in the series, she comes out as one of the best characters.
She is a strong headed woman who knows exactly what she wants. She has a rare trait of being happy with the choices she makes.
Blair radiates positivity even when the world around her comes crashing down. She is not only the most lively woman in Reality 1 who's always smiling but also reflects the qualities of a warrior when she is trapped in an apocalypse world and refuses to go with Jason 1 and Amanda 2.
3. Jason Dessen
Joel Edgerton has brilliantly played different versions of Jason Dessen but it's the certain details of his character why he isn't on the top of our list today.
Jason 1 is a sweet, ordinary man who is happy with the choices he has made in his life. He is quite a loving husband and father. You would almost love him and sympathize with him until you realise that he is as selfish as Jason 2 at the core.
He is so blinded by his wants and needs that he completely overlooks Amanda 2. Not once during his multiverse travels he has assured her that he wouldn't abandon her once he reaches his reality.
Jason 1's silence prompts Amanda 2 to leave him midway as she chooses to stay in one of the realities.
It's the gray traits within Jason 1 which explains why Jason 2 is so evil and one of his versions is in jail.
4. Leighton Vance
Leighton Vance in Reality 2 is the head of Velocity who has invested billions in Jason 2's multiverse project. With the disappearance of three people and Jason's mysterious return, Leighton 2 has turned into a desperate man.
Actor Dayo Okeniyi has played his part with perfection. This character had all the characteristics to become another strong antagonist but the makers cut him out at Epiosde 4.
5. Ryan Holder
Ryan Holder (played by Jimmi Simpson) also has a limited role in the series. In the OG reality, he is more accomplished than Jason, while in Reality 2, things are quite the opposite.
Though Jason appeared to be jealous of his accomplishments, not even ready to join his celebrations at the bar, Ryan has always been a good friend to him.
He offers Jason a lucrative job in San Francisco in Episode 1. And later when Daniela suspects Jason's behavior in Episode 6, it is Ryan in whom she confides, and he, being a good friend of Jason, confronts him first before telling anything to Daniela (which sadly never happens).
5. Daniela Dessen
Despite being the female lead of the show, Daniela Dessen is our least favorite character. Even Academy award winner Jennifer Connelly's portrayal of this character couldn't make us like her at all.
Apart from being Jason's motivation to return home, she contributes nothing to the plot. Her character lacks any depth and at no point you could sympathize for her.
Daniela also appears to be a dominating woman who is hard to please and assets extra control over Jason's life.
More than being Jason's support, she appears to be the woman who brought him down in his life. She was the one who made Jason choose between her and his career. Moreover, even she didn't pursue her career as an artist either.
We can't help but wonder why they both gave up on their dreams and careers just to have a baby together. Why couldn't they balance both, like the rest of the world?
How to stream 'Dark Matter'?
'Dark Matter' is a nine-episodic series based on Blake Crouch's novel of the same name. It concludes its run on June 26, 2024.
All the episodes are currently available to stream on Apple TV+.
'Dark Matter' trailer