Dark Matter
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Thats also more or less the way the new Apple TV+ seriesDark Matterbegins, albeit with several caveats.
It should be you, Ryan tells him, suggesting it was Jason who was once poised for greatness.
(My friend Glen Weldon and Idid a whole podcastabout it.)
Choices hed now like to revise.
The pilot episode explores the duality of its premise in clever ways … and clumsy ones.
Charlie misses a red traffic light and almost plows into another car.
The dismissal bell (in college?)
Who are these physics students whove never heard of the most famous thought experiment in physics?
Who is this professor who chooses to begin a lesson on this in the last 45 seconds of class?
Maybe were meant to intuit that Jasons timing has always sucked.
Jasons phone blows up with texts from Ryan summoning him to the Village Tap.
Dont be a dick, Daniela advises her spouse.
Theres a montage of Ryans other, more science-famous guests, all registering unfamiliarity as Jason introduces himself.
The scotch wont be Ryans only offering tonight.
After the party quiets down a little, the two friends go to a booth.
Jason asks his buddy to quote the citation from his Pavia Prize.
So Ryan is a neuroscientist, which introduces some mystery when Ryan tells Jason, I owe you.
Those notes were essential.
Arent these guys in different disciplines?
Ryan is starting a neurotech firm and wants to bring Jason aboard.
The job is in San Francisco, and Jason is reluctant to uproot his family.
Ryan just asks that he talk it over with Daniela.
However, Jason is conflicted, declining to pick up a call from Daniela as he leaves the bar.
So divided is his attention that hes almost run over by a taxi.
The man then orders Jason to change into the clothing hes provided, warning him hell pass out soon.
A stoned Jason A asks what the box is.
Its, uh, possibility, the masked man growls.
As Jason As last embers of awareness fade, the masked figure leans over him.
Are you happy with your life?
Or have you ever wondered what else you couldve been?
For both of us.
You wouldnt believe me if I told you, the man replies.
When Jason A regains consciousness, hes staring up at the light array above an operating table.
Testeverything, someone says.
A woman Alice Braga knocks and enters, greeting him with a hug.
Shes taken aback that he doesnt know her, but introduces herself as Amanda.
She brings him to meet Leighton, whom Jason recognizes from long ago.
For the benefit of the camcorder in the room, she introduces herself as Amanda Lucas, staff psychiatrist.
She identifies the men as Leighton Vance, CEO, and Jason Dessen, chief science officer.
Youre the only one whos returned, Leighton tells him.
Amanda says hes been away for 14 months and ten days.
Leighton asks Jason what he remembers.
But Jason doesnt recognize his house when he arrives; the interior has changed.
But that doesnt explain why shes in his house or where his family and their belongings have gone.
Mint chocolate chip, she says.
When he kisses her, she asks him what the fuck is going on.
I stand by that today, he says, melting away the last of her anger.
Jason A hears a vehicle pull out outside, and he flees again.
Daniela notices the wound on her husbands arm and asks how he got it.
You wouldnt believe me if I told you, he says again.
Hey, try us.
She reacts with surprise and gratitude when Jason hands her a travel mug of coffee.
Apples and coffee are two great tastes that do not taste great together.
