'Dark Matter' Episode 4 Takeaway: Trauma of Jason Dessen's past may expose Jason 2
Contains spoilers for 'Dark Matter'
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: Jason Dessen's (Joel Edgerton) ordinary life took a dark turn when he was mysteriously kidnapped in 'Dark Matter' Episode 1. What followed was a series of mind-bending revelations and phenomena.
As the series progresses, we discover more about Jason's life and why Jason 2 was drawn to his reality.
Episode 4 delves deeper into their lives, disclosing a big trauma carried by Dessen family for years.
How did Max die in 'Dark Matter'?
It's Charlie Dessen's (Oakes Fegley) 16th birthday in 'Dark Matter' Episode 4. Instead of big celebrations, the mood of the house is rather somber.
In an emotional scene, Daniela Dessen (Jennifer Connelly) is seen sitting near a tree in her backyard. When Charlie comes to her, she reveals that she birthed twins. Max, who was older than Charlie, had certain abnormalities.
Max died after three surgeries, leaving Jason and Daniela heartbroken.
Daniela and Jason then planted a tree in their backyard and mixed Max's ashes in the soil. Every year, Daniela and Jason sit near the tree, grieving for their dead son.
Is Daniela Dessen suspicious of Jason 2 in 'Dark Matter'?
This year, on Charlie and Max's birthday, Daniela is left to grieve alone as Jason 2 is busy chasing his ambition.
After quitting his job as a professor, he goes to meet Leighton Vance (Dayo Okeniyi) and tells about the box. Jason aims to continue his work as a physicist that he left midway in his own reality. And for the same, he pursues Leighton for an investment.
After being unavailable the entire day, he returns home at night with a bottle of champagne and an expensive gift for Charlie.
Daniela and Charlie don't yet know that it isn't their Jason. However, they realise that something is off with him. They have been observing the change in Jason's behaviour ever since he met Ryan Holder (Jimmi Simpson) in the bar.
Upon returning home, Daniela offers to continue their ritual of sitting by the tree. However, Jason dismisses her by focusing on celebrating Charlie's birthday and the new opportunity with Leighton.
So far, Jason 2 has been managing to keep his identity a secret with the help of calendars, old videos, photos and social media posts.
However, what he truly lacks is the memories and traumas of Jason that he can't access unless someone tells him. It is only a matter of time before Daniela realises that something is terribly wrong with Jason.
It will be interesting to see for how long Jason 2 manages to stay afloat in this reality amid the growing suspicion.
'Dark Matter' is available to stream on Apple TV+.