'Dark Matter' Episode 1 Takeaway: Jason Dessen's envy leads to his own abduction in mind-bending reality

Envy, betrayal, and abduction set the stage for a mind-bending journey in 'Dark Matter'
UPDATED MAY 9, 2024
A prestigious award for a friend and a tempting job offer turn Jason Dessen's world upside down (@AppleTV+)
A prestigious award for a friend and a tempting job offer turn Jason Dessen's world upside down (@AppleTV+)

Contains spoilers for Episode 1 of 'Dark Matter'

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: Apple TV+ has brought a mind-bending sci-fi adventure with a new series, 'Dark Matter'. Based on the novel by Blake Crouch, the show throws us into the life of Jason Dessen (Joel Edgerton), a seemingly ordinary physics professor. But Jason's world is about to be shattered.

Happily married with a son Charlie (Oakes Fegley) and supportive wife Daniela (Jennifer Connelly), a successful artist, Jason appears content. But a flicker of envy simmers beneath the surface when his friend Ryan announces winning the prestigious Pavia Award. Jason secretly believes he deserves it more.

However, as Jason steps outside his home, the familiar click of the door shutting behind him becomes the last sound of normalcy he'll hear for a while. Abducted by a masked assailant who bears an uncanny resemblance to himself, Jason's world is about to be twisted beyond recognition.

'Dark Matter' isn't just about alternate realities; it's a gripping mystery with high stakes. As Jason embarks on a perilous journey, he must unravel the secret behind his abduction and find his way back to his true life. 

Jason Dessen's friend's success leads to a shocking turn of events in 'Dark Matter' Episode 1

Joel Edgerton stars as the protagonist Jason Dessen in the sci-fi drama series 'Dark Matter' (@appletv+)
Professor Jason Dessen's hidden envy and financial woes surface in 'Dark Matter' (@AppleTV+)

In Episode 1, we learn that Jason, while happy for his friend Ryan's (Jimmi Simpson) prestigious award win, secretly harbors a desire for similar recognition.

A hint of financial strain surfaces as Ryan's colleagues seem surprised by their 'genius' friend having such an 'ordinary' companion. The celebration takes a turn towards opportunity when Ryan proposes Jason to join his new neurotech company.

The offer promises financial security, but Jason hesitates. Upending their comfortable life in Chicago for San Francisco is a big decision, especially for his family. Jason leans towards rejecting the offer, wanting to prioritize their happiness.

Jason Dessen's abduction causes chaos in 'Dark Matter' Episode 1

Friend's success takes a dark turn as physics professor is abducted by a mysterious figure (@AppleTV+)
Ryan's success takes a dark turn in 'Dark Matter' (@AppleTV+)

Suddenly, the episode takes a sharp turn. While walking home, Jason is abducted by a masked attacker with a chilling revelation: they know everything about his family. Forced at gunpoint, Jason drives to a mysterious warehouse.

The attacker could be linked to Ryan's company, seeking to eliminate Jason as a potential competitor or secure his knowledge for their own gain. Jason's future remains shrouded in mystery. He could be held captive by the attacker, forced to cooperate with their plans. Alternatively, he might find a way to escape, setting the stage for a thrilling chase.

We can expect Jason to use his intelligence and resourcefulness to unravel the mystery behind his abduction. Daniela, likely worried sick, might also play a crucial role in piecing together the puzzle.

The next episode will likely delve deeper into the reasons behind Jason's abduction.

'Dark Matter' Episode 1 is available for streaming on Apple TV+

RELATED TOPICS A JOURNEY (2024) DARK MATTER (2024)

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Kathleen Robertson and Mark Engelhardt have been cast in recurring roles for the third instalment
4 hours ago
Middle-earth is moving closer to its next chapter, and new signs suggest ‘The Rings of Power’ may return sooner than fans ever expected.
10 hours ago
‘Euphoria’ footage is finally out and the first glimpse of Season 3 suggests that growing up may be far more dangerous than staying young.
15 hours ago
A Reddit user recently shared a Google Earth image showing the words "Come Back" written on a pavement
1 day ago
'Pluribus' reunited Gilligan with his long-time collaborators, music supervisor Thomas Golubić and music composer Dave Porter
1 day ago
Viewers are left wondering whether 'Heated Rivalry' will follow the books closely or embrace the subtle changes hinted at by the cast.
1 day ago
‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ Season 2 dropped on December 10, 2025, and Rick Riordan has already teased something incredible for Season 3
1 day ago
In the latest 'Pluribus' episode, titled 'The Gap', Rhea Seehorn's Carol grapples with her longing for human interaction
1 day ago
After years in development, ‘Skinny Dip’ lands at Prime Video with Amanda Seyfried in the lead role of Joey Perrone
1 day ago
The six-episode thriller series starring Thompson and Bernthal releases on January 8, 2026
2 days ago