If I had to make a list of MY Top 10 Favorite Dark Matter Episodes, season 2’s penultimate episode, “Sometimes In Life You Don’t Get To Choose” would undoubtedly make the list. It’s a great Ryo Ishida episode and Alex Mallari Jr. does some of his best work ever here, negotiating a minefield of memories in an attempt to take back his throne. Plenty of great character moments and, of course, those patented Dark Matter twists and turns that sees: 1) Oh, no! Even though all signs pointed to General Drago, it was our old friends, The Seers, who were working against Ryo’s interests all along, 2) Which leads to the truth about Milo’s death being laid bare, and Nyx realizing her lover was responsible for the death of her brother as the would-be usurper faces execution at the hands of the Commander of the Royal Guards, Han-Shireikan 3) But TWO has put actually put it together behind the scenes and enacted a carefully orchestrated plan that involves the Android bluffing and buying FIVE the time to rescue Hiro and seemingly save the day, 4) Allowing Ryo to retake his throne, order the execution of every potential threat in the court including that of his half-brother, and complete his turn to the dark side, setting him up as season 3’s Big Bad.
Damn. As far as WTF?! episode outs, this ranks right up there with TWO being blasted out the airlock at the end of Episode 210, the death of ONE at the end of Welcome To Your New Home, the big revelation at the end of the pilot, and the stasis pod reveal I had planned for season 4.
Anyway, this episode ranks in the Top 5 of the imdb fan ratings and I think really does a terrific job of showcasing many of the show’s strengths – from the terrific performances to the awesome visual effects.
And so, as part of my continuing Dark Matter fan appreciation campaign, I offer you a copy of the final shooting draft for your perusal:
xxx
The fan letters have started coming in. We’ve received about a dozen so far, half from Canada, others from as far away as Germany and Scotland. I’m ready to do some major reading!
“Do you really think you should be eating hot peppers the night before you fly?”asked Akemi.
No. Probably not. But we’re off to Montreal for a week and if I didn’t eat them tonight, they’d go to waste. An interesting mix including chocolate habanero, fatali, scotch bonnets, and ghost peppers. I ate them an hour ago and I’m still perspiring.
Which reminds me, I’ll have to go to the post office tomorrow.
Normally I’m in Phoenix awaiting the chocolate and chili festival coming up, but I’m in Burlington closest I’ll ever be to hanging out near Joe and Akumi. I’ll just pretend. In reality I’ll be staying here at an Airbnb working on my fan letter, trying to enjoy my anniversary and doing a college reunion focused on social justice in the modern era on the weekend. Love these blogs and appreciate the scripts so much. I’m hoping to have a chunk of time over the winter season to read carefully and break down structure and cadence and style of them. The insight is invaluable. Yes, Alex was phenomenal in this episode. I hope all these actors get many more chances to shine. Of course I’d much prefer they shone as these roles for at least a little longer, maybe the universe will let them return someday. Thanks again Joe for your candor.
Thanks for yet another script, Joe. I’m learning a lot about the craft of writing screenplays from reading and re-reading these … and yes; I fully plan on sending a letter, as well 🙂
All the best.
When you read my letter, keep in mind that I’m not good with words. 😉
Safe travels and a great time!
…. the stasis pod reveal … Whaa?
You can’t leave it like that! Please Joe! Say more, please!
No kidding! I literally said the exact same thing when I read that!
My bff started drooling when she read your blog yesterday lol. Have a safe flight hope you two have a great time
“I ate them an hour ago and I’m still perspiring.” Tomorrow should be interesting. I’m looking forward to the blog entry already!
That episode was for sure one of my favourites. That ending was one of the most shocking of the series. So well played.
Stasis pod what now?
Thank you .. it is really so nice of you to continue to share with us… and yes, what stasis pod reveal?? What? What?!!
Letter has been written.. it’s in its final spit and polish stage! – On that note – I am really glad the letters have started coming in – all other things aside, you need to know how much you and your words have touched countless people around the world. <3
What about migrating to a graphic novel, and then into a movie?
Every time a door closes, don’t look for a window opening, just breach the door like you own the place.
I loved the first two episodes. The development of the group was very interesting.
Safe flight to your moms tomorrow. Hope your tummy is settled by then, eh. Be sure to give your mom a big hug from all of us. Thanks for another wonderful script. You always spoil us so very well. XO
I’m with Akemi.
I’ve posted my letter express post so it should reach you Monday or Tuesday next week.
Cheers, Chev
Along with other repercussions, I’m sure…
Hey, speaking of spicy, how about you add this place to your list of places to true on your Southern Foodie Tour:
http://bayousavannah.com/
They make their own hot sauce and I hear the crawdads are good. If you don’t want to be that “hands on” with your food, there’s always the gumbo and etoufee.
*places to try* = autocorrect and all that nonsense…
One of my favorite episodes! Thanks for the script.
How exactly did you eat those peppers? Raw, or cooked with food? Not that it matters much. You still fucking crazy. 😁
It was interesting reading your take on the episodes. There is a Star Wars: Return of the Jedi on right now. The movie seemed to have some depth of what you discussed. I didn’t like to watch Ryo kill his half brother but I realized it was an old aristocratic solution to a age old problem. I did look at sci-fi channel to see if it had anything that would interest me. That is why I am typing this entry. I will have that letter in the mail by the end of this week. I have it half written.
This was absolutely a WTF episode. The last 10 minutes, seriously? Alex shined as Four No More Ishida Ryo. The slaughter of the Seers & the then court of Ishida was parallel to the Red Wedding. I agree this was a turning point as was One’s demise. No one was safe! Oh, what could have been….don’t even get me started!
Thanks for the new script! Weekend reading worked around traveling and baby showers. Also gotta sit down and write my letter. Oh, the Angels will weep! Really, I’m not much of a writer but my love of Dark Matter is borderline obsession so I will attempt some semblance of a letter.
Have a great weekend! Safe travels! Enjoy Montreal!
On a side note: how many have CBS All Access? I’m considering getting it for ST: Discovery. Any thoughts? And by the way, I’d purchase a subscription to any service that would allow DM to finish its last 2 seasons.
Working on my letter…
Thanks for the script!!
Question for next mailbag: what do all the script colors mean?
Any chance of scripts 1 to 5,?
What? Stasis pod? What? Oh, this is just cruel. Posted my letter yesterday, but according to the melancholy post office-person it will take “at least one week, or two, or longer”. German optimism.
Joseph, any luck with getting Netflix to pick up the last one or two seasons? If the show is turning a profit and considering you have a planned total series run length it would be perfect for Netflix binge watching.
I’m still choosing the stationery for my letter. I’m just afraid I’ll do the pull a mental blank thing like I do with mailbag questions once I begin. Eek.
Joseph, proposes to Netflix to invest in new seasons for Dark Matter!
The public want it !
LOVED THE SHOW
NOW WATCHING
ON NETFLEX.✌
Yummm, chocolate habanero,,,you’re a man after me own little pea pickin heart…
Stasis pod surprise planned for season 4 ? I hope its Nyx & an antidote to her poison has been found – writing her death at the end of season 2 was tragic waste of the only character in the show who not only played the perfect Girl Power Master Sargent sidekick to keep 2 on her toes as leader ( and chemistry wise as actors !) but also made 4/Ryo much more likeable & interesting 3 dimensional character rather than just a supporting character for obvious script focuses 2-3 & android.
This relationship between two repressed personalities offered the emotional twists to keep girls viewing DM season 3 even more than the awesome season 2. As an embryo Farscape sort of long distance romance between between Nyx & Ryo it would have allowed 4´s personality to dominate Ryo´s memories. And for a man of honour it was totally out of character not to either execute or duel with Misaki the second she admitted killing Nyx in such a cowardly way with poison………
Thankyou for another script – reading the first two without distraction of actors really shows how the more technobabble side of the script holds together well as well as showing how a well planned script is structured 🙂
Started writing a draft for my letter and didn’t make any spellings errors, so I decided to send it as is! When you receive it, apologies for the fact that it’s written on standard jotting pad paper, but I was on a roll and into my flow lol
Stasis pod reveal in Season 4 – I’m thinking Nyx.
Considering they already sir Stargate SG1 and Stargate Atlantis among other Scifi shows (Andromeda for example) did you consider trying to get Comet TV to pick up Dark Matter? While I understand theory are new and not widespread yet, they are over the air. on Roku and online. Dark Matter is just what they need to become large. Dark Matter would bring a huge audience to them. It is a win win for all, Comet TV, you, Prodigy, the cast and crew and the fans.
“Considering they already sir Stargate SG1 and Stargate Atlantis among other Scifi shows (Andromeda for example) did you consider trying to get Comet TV to pick up Dark Matter? While I understand theory are new and not widespread yet, they are over the air. on Roku and online. Dark Matter is just what they need to become large. Dark Matter would bring a huge audience to them. It is a win win for all, Comet TV, you, Prodigy, the cast and crew and the fans.”
They aren’t a first run broadcaster so the license fee to pick up DM would be much higher than they pay for their programming.