With episode #102 on deck (This Friday at 10 p.m. on SyFy and Space Channel), let’s finish up our overview of the Dark Matter pilot, episode #101… 1) That pendant you’re wearing…
So, the miners have a pendant exactly like the one ONE found in his room. They’re waiting for a shipment of arms – just like the one’s our crew is carrying after discovering a bunch of weapons in their cargo hold. Coincidence? To quote my girlfriend, Akemi: “Myyybe!” Or mybe not. Guess time will tell…
Above: the actual view out the entranceway. We smoked the hell out of it, had VFX paint out the utility pole, and generally blew out the shot so that we could tie it into the look out the back of the marauder – which was actually sitting on one of our standing sets.
2) Okay, I’ll admit…that part sounded bad.
One of my favorite deliveries of a line in the pilot comes compliments of Marc Bendavid (ONE): “Okay, I’ll admit…that part sounded bad.” It not only shows off some nice comic timing, but does a nice job of hinting at his character: that endearing earnest awkwardness.
As I said, our actual shuttle (the Phantom Class Marauder) was located on one of our standing sets. It was gimbaled to allow us to gently rock it during flight sequences. On the first go, the guys went a little overboard. It looked downright turbulent. I blame Akemi’s bourbon cookies. 3) I just carved out their and left them for my mother to find. The bitch! (beat) I hope they’re bringing back some real food. I’m starving!
Whenever I would ask first-time viewers which character they were drawn to most after watching the pilot, opinion varied – but the majority answered FIVE (played by Jodelle Ferland). She is compulsively watchable – and all sorts of intriguing. 4) The least we can do is nothing which, for the record, is what I’m suggesting we do.
Probably my favorite scene in the pilot. The debate offers flashes of insight into to all of our characters. My favorite subtle character moment comes when TWO (Melissa O’Neil) makes the decision for the group. Early on in the episode, she assumes the command position – and everyone else falls into line. Here, after a lengthy debate, the crew votes: 2 in favor of keeping the weapons; 3 in favor of giving them to the miners. She casts the deciding vote. Or does she? Upon closer scrutiny, you realize that she did no such thing. She doesn’t side with either, choosing instead her own 50/50 compromise – and, again, everyone falls into line. Don’t mess with #2Boss!
P.S. THREE’s “Clean up your tray, pretty boy!” was a terrific Anthony Lemke ad-lib. We get a lot of those. And, occasionally, they even find their way into an episode!
5) Make sure to lift with the back; takes pressure off the knees.
While re-watching the director’s cut of this scene, I immediately flagged the aforementioned line: “Make sure to lift with the back, takes pressure off the knees.” Wait a minute! That doesn’t make sense! And then realized: Of course. It’s not supposed to make sense. This was one of those rare occasions that I actually forgot the line I wrote and came back at it with fresh ears – and laughed. Yes. I actually laughed at my own joke.
6) The big reveal!
Dark Matter was inspired by many sources – comic books, novels, t.v. shows, and movies – but one of the bigger influences was a show called The Shield that had what was, in my opinion, one of the greatest punch-to-the-gut endings of a pilot…ever! It painted its “heroes” in the poorest light possible, then spent the rest of the series attempting to rehabilitate them in the eyes of the viewers. I’ve always been drawn to stories of redemption, whether it be Kurt Busiek’s Thunderbolts, Terry Nation’s Blake’s 7, or E.M. Nathanson’s The Dirty Dozen. Growing up, I always rooted for the bad guys. So, I suppose it’s only appropriate the “heroes” of Dark Matter are bad guys, the worst of the worst. When I was developing the series, I worked towards four HUGE WTF?! moments I knew I wanted to hit early. The first comes at the end of episode #101 with the reveal of their identities. The next two come over the course of this first season (I’ll flag them in time). And the last…well, the last comes in that final sequence that caps of season 1. It’s gonna blow your mind!
I won’t be surprised. It’s obvious this is all an Alien prequel.
I’d love to see that pendant as something that someone could win at some point. Maybe a reward for watching and being able to answer a sneaky question? Or…maybe just give it to one of your very loyal blog followers.
Loved the first episode!! But now I’m curious: You mentioned that you’re going to SDCC for the show, but there was no mention of DM in the SyFY media alert that went out today. Is that something that will be forthcoming shortly in an addendum?
I’m loving all the behind the scenes stuff. These last few posts. It’s like a delayed DVD commentary!
Finished moving all my stuff today and signed the sale papers. My old house is ne’er to be returned to! Oh well – onward and upward I guess.
Also – Pssst. It’s the 17th.
Wait. Don’t tell me…the big mind-blowing season ending thingy is when you reveal that TWO is really Bruce Jenner, right?
das
ONE is one of them. One of them miners. Maybe he had plastic surgery on his face so they don’t recognize him and he is taking weapons to help them?
Looking forward to Friday!
My mom is doing well in the skilled nursing rehabilitation facility. They keep her pretty busy all day long with various workers coming in and out, going to physical therapy, breakfast, lunch and dinner, etc. Her days are full. I was watching my dad take out his upper dentures. He was intently licking them… excuse me… “cleaning” them. He likes to use his electric shaver now when sitting in his chair watching TV. My mom would flip if she knew. I’ll have to tell her. 🙂 He thinks TV dinners are “too much trouble”. Too much trouble??!!
Thanks for all your incites Joe. I guess my questions were asking too much, lol. Can’t wait til Friday!
@Ponytail: Glad your Mom is doing well.
@sylvia & @2cats (I pity you!): Thanks for the help! I checked my *gag* Charter (worst company ever) On Demand tonight and the episode finally showed up. I think all the cable companies are the same these days, as in bad.
I love Marcus – he’s like a huffy little kid. Can’t wait to see how the other characters evolve. DM is like opening a present every Friday!
Have lost track after 7 the number of times watching epi 1. Basically, it does not yet get old…couple of places where I want to fast forward, but the rest – let it roll normal speed. Loving it.
NEED more episodes.
Need to get shirts, caps – WHEN, where, how, and how much?
Can’t wait!
@Ponytail: I’m glad your mom and dad are doing well. Your dad sounds like a hoot! 😆
You wrote:
“And the last…well, the last comes in that final sequence that caps of season 1. It’s gonna blow your mind!”
I am sure that you are wise enough not to do that: at the end of the season, all 13 episodes were only a bad dream of one of the crew member!
When I first heard that you were making this show, it piqued my interest so much that I devoured every bit of rumour, fact, promo video… I was completely sold.
then I got the comic, and I could.not.wait!
n.b never buy comics on kindle for iPhone, you spend more time playing hunt the speech-bubble than you do looking at the art, but I digress.
The first episode came out, I watched it 3 times. Verdict? Very, very pleased indeed. will watch and enjoy every week!
but something niggled:-
Six people, on a spaceship. Amnesia. An artificial intelligence.
Hmm…
Which ones Blake?
Joe, congratulations on getting the show to air. I just wondered;
1) how were viewing figures? Were they above/what you expected/hoped they’d be?
2) any news on season 2 being confirmed? I know it’s early doors but I doing see how this show can’t continue!
All the best!
Didja all see…this Dark Matter Facebook woooohoooo item?
Dark Matter’s ratings last week were through the roof! Let’s do even better this week. In case you need a refresher, Syfy is showing episode one tonight at 10 pm!
Which is Thursday 10 pm E and 9 pm Central….