'Dark Matter': How emotional finale montage in Apple TV+ series sets up multiple plotlines for Season 2
Contains spoilers for 'Dark Matter'
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: Blake Crouch's treatment of the 'Dark Matter' finale episode has sparked a flurry of fan theories.
Focusing primarily on Jason Dessen's mission to return home, 'Dark Matter' introduced several intriguing side plots around Leighton Vance, Ryan Holder, and Amanda Lucas.
Despite no confirmation of the show's renewal, the open-ended climax offers multiple plotlines that could potentially be explored.
'Dark Matter' climax leaves scope for Season 2
Apple TV+'s 'Dark Matter' is based on Blake Crouch's novel of the same name. Since Crouch's novel doesn't have a second part, the chances of the television adaptation being renewed appear slim.
However, keeping in mind the show's positive reception, Apple TV+ might consider green lighting another season. If that happens, Season 2 will likely address the unresolved storylines from Season 1.
'Dark Matter' concluded with a quick montage showcasing glimpses of all the supporting characters who were lost midway through the narrative.
Ryan 1 (Jimmi Simpson) was seen working on a drug and later meeting Amanda 2 (Alice Braga) for unknown reasons. Leighton 1 (Dayo Okeniyi) was seen enjoying his multiverse travels.
Blair 2 (Amanda Brugel), who was briefly seen hiding in an apocalypse world, was gearing up to finally resume her multiverse adventure to return to her reality.
Dawn 2 (Aina Brei-Yon) sat in the hangar, possibly awaiting the return of Leighton 2 or Jason 2 (Joel Edgerton).
Not to mention the cliffhanger around Jason 1A, the protagonist who was seen in liminal space with his family and opening the door to an undisclosed world.
So there's a lot to explore ahead. We don't yet know why Ryan 1 was looking for Amanda 2, even though he doesn't know her at all.
The fates of Leighton 1 and Blair 2 in their multiverse travels also remain a point of intrigue.
Additionally, viewers are eager to discover which world Charlie has opened the door to, and whether the Dessen family will be able to fit into it without attracting any unwanted attention.
Fans speculate the multiple plotlines that Blake Crouch could explore in 'Dark Matter' Season 2
After the cliffhanger in the Season 1 finale, fans took to Reddit to speculate about what might unfold next in 'Dark Matter' if it receives a renewal for Season 2.
One fan wrote, "I absolutely think there's room for a second season. Hopefully it would be focused on Leighton, Ryan, and Amanda, and possibly alternative versions of the family rather than the prime family as their story has been told. I think there's a chance we could get more of the show since Blake Crouch is the showrunner."
Another fan added, "Do you think the montage at the end was setting up for a second season? I was glad to see Ryan making progress. It was also nice to see the excitement in Leighton's Face. I'd love to see those adventures."
Another fan wrote, "Yeah definitely. Especially the shot of Ryan meeting Amanda. That shot wasn't really a resolution since we don't know why those two would meet, it was definitely a tease of things to come. I have a guess that they might be setting up Ryan as an antagonist for season 2."
The fan added, "This Ryan is going to be pretty pissed at Jason since he was torn away from a world where he was really successful. And he's one of the few people smart enough to master the box as well as Jason did. Plus Jimmi Simpson plays an excellent villain."
Accepting that this could be the end of 'Dark Matter', a fan mentioned, "Since no 2nd season has been announced, and these shows were completed a while ago, the ending serves two purposes. 1. A quick nod to each character to give a sense of closure to their stories. 2. Open-ended enough to allow for the possibility of another season. Even the final shot of the family stepping into the unknown serves this same double purpose."
Speculating that Joel Edgerton may not be the star of Season 2, a fan wrote, "Absolutely - they're setting up multiple plotlines. And they don't need to depend on securing Edgerton/Connelly for a full season either as they will focus it on the other characters who are adrift in the multiverse."
"Yeah I really want to see Leighton on his Blade Runner arc,” wrote another excited fan.
How to stream 'Dark Matter'?
'Dark Matter' is available to stream on Apple TV+. The subscription to this streaming platform comes at $9.99/month.
'Dark Matter' Season 1 consists of nine episodes, with an average run time of 45 minutes. It features Joel Edgerton in the lead role of Jason Dessen. Supporting cast members include Jennifer Connelly, Alice Braga, and Jimmi Simpson.
'Dark Matter' trailer