Dark Matter: Sometimes In Life You Don't Get to Choose

September 12, 2016 6:56 AM - Season 2, Episode 12

Four's loyalty is put to the test when he attempts to reclaim the throne of Ishida.
posted by fimbulvetr (9 comments total)

This was a surprise and I don't know what they're going to do next.
posted by Ivan Fyodorovich at 2:03 AM on September 13, 2016

So, confirmation restoring your memories turns to evil?
posted by zinon at 12:37 PM on September 13, 2016

I'll admit, last episode really held no surprises for me (there was no way they were going to let Five die), but this one certainly didn't play by the rules. Well done. I like the fact they delivered a curve ball I didn't see coming. (I really thought the brother would be allowed to live.)

The one thing that has been bothering me over the past few episodes is the Android's reactions. I'm not sure if it's the actress consciously making the Android appear a bit off as she adjusts to the the emotion simulation abilities, or if the actress herself is still trying to figure out how to play the part given the character development that has happened. I've just felt that somehow the Android's verbal and physical responses seemed more "natural" (or less awkward) shortly after she received the upgrade. I understand that the writers are trying to show she is doubting herself and seeing herself as fallible now, but something is still feeling off to me.

I'm really, really curious as to where they shot those palace scenes.

This really felt like a season finale to me, but I just checked and it seems like there are two episodes to go. So there's another surprise. Again, very nice.
posted by sardonyx at 10:11 PM on September 15, 2016

I can't quite recall -- either she removed it after that one mission, or she decided that she preferred an affect that was closer to her un-upgraded self. There was something about her choosing her old appearance, at least.

I've been assuming that she's not using the upgrade. Remember that she's different anyway -- her programming had been deliberately altered by Portia.

I think there's only one episode to go, isn't there?
posted by Ivan Fyodorovich at 1:51 AM on September 16, 2016

IMDB says two.

She definitely chose a modified version of her old appearance (new leather suit). Either way (whether she kept the emotional simulator or not) the performance seems different. Maybe it's a hint to what is coming (with regards to her hidden memories).
posted by sardonyx at 8:12 AM on September 16, 2016

She stated that she was keeping the chip, but turned off for the moment.

I like that the development of Four with his memories back isn't a black or white sort of thing. I'm not even sure I think he's all that evil, at least as a change from before. Even without those memories he has always been the most ruthlessly practical of the bunch. Five is a hothead but Four - and I think it's no coincidence we got the callback & reveal of this here - even without his memories, gave Nyx's brother the idea and the tool to take his own life.
posted by phearlez at 2:32 PM on September 16, 2016 [1 favorite]

And yeah, I sort of expected the brother to live, even though everything else was pretty expected. On the other hand, there may be some dynastic issues with having the Emperor-in-exile sitting right next to the current Emperor? But what's this going to do to the rest of the crew of the Raza? In the alternate universe it was clear that Four wasn't a regular member any more because hey! Emperor!
posted by Kyol at 5:39 PM on September 16, 2016

Four flat-out murdered his former mentor in an earlier episode without his memories. Killing his brother surprised me, but it was totally consistent with his character prior to regaining his memories. IOW, I don't think him getting his memories back is what made him OK with killing his brother.
posted by under_petticoat_rule at 7:03 PM on September 17, 2016

Getting his memories back, plus the information from the parallel universe that letting his allies live led to trouble for that Four, led to the decision, I think. And I'd like to shake Four's hand for ridding us of Nyx's horrible know-it-all stalkers.

I liked the little detail that Four with memories is more demonstrative to his Raza friends (at least the Android and Two) than Four without.
posted by Squeak Attack at 9:45 PM on September 18, 2016 [3 favorites]