'Dark' season 3 may see Winden's citizens escaping the time loop bubble they are in by atoning for their sins, suggests fan theory
To say that 'Dark' is an exceptional show is underselling it because it goes beyond that point. The story takes time to unfold yet moves at a pace that requires rewatches (completely worth the time you invest in it).
A family saga at its heart, 'Dark ' begins in 2019 (which is technically the future because the show premiered in 2017). From there, the storylines refract to include incidents happening in 1986 and 1953 via time travel, as certain characters of the show's core families — Kahnwald, Nielsen, Doppler, and Tiedemann families — grow aware of the existence of a wormhole in the cave system beneath the local nuclear power plant, which is under the management of the influential Tiedemann family.
During season one, secrets begin to be revealed concerning the four families, and their lives start to crumble as the ties become evident between the missing children and the histories of the town and its citizens.
Season two pulls us deeper into the complex time-traveling universe of 'Dark'. It continues the intertwining families' attempts to reunite with their missing loved ones, several months after the season one finale, in the timelines of 2020, 1987 and 1954.
But there are other major factors in the show – additional storylines from the year 2053 and 1921 that add new aspects to the mysteries. The secret Sic Mundus fellowship (we believe the society has been working in Winden for years), a major force in an underlying battle for the ultimate fate of the people of Winden, is explored. As the season counts down towards the apocalypse – the supposed destruction of Winden and the death of many of its citizens seem inevitable.
One thing is certain — the citizens of Winden are stuck in a loop. In season two, it is revealed that Adam (played by Dietrich Hollinderbäumer) has finally figured a way out the loop. It is revealed that he knows what he must do differently this time so the time loop is broken and Winden is free from this curse.
At the same time, we have no knowledge of the beginnings of this loop. However, like us, there are many who have a theory – one that makes sense. "Personally, I think Winden is a purgatory model. It is a bubble that has spun off of regular time," says one Reddit user.
"Everyone in Winden is trapped in that bubble, being punished for their sins by reliving the same 99 (132?) years over and over. Each one of them engaged in catastrophically selfish/violent/lustful behavior that perpetuates the loop. If even one person acted out of love or compassion, the loop would break and they would all be free."
The first two seasons of 'Dark' are currently streaming on Netflix.