Warning: MAJOR SPOILERS ahead for the Dark Matter season 1 finale!
Summary
Dark Matterstar Joel Edgerton has explained why the show’s ending makes one major change to Jason’s fate as compared to Blake Crouch’s original novel. DuringDark Matter’s ending, Jason is assisted by Jason2 when multiple versions of themselves converge in an attempt to take Daniela and Charlie for themselves. The alternate version ends up helping the original, giving him an escape vehicle alongside dozens of vials of the drug used to travel inside the box, helping him to escape.
Speaking withScreen Rant, Edgerton explained whyDark Matterended with Jason2 helping the original Jason, unlike in the book where the duo fight one another inside the house. The actor explained how the new ending between the two is more human and complex, giving it a more satisfying resolution than if they fought one another. Check out what Edgerton had to say about the moment below:
It came out of conversations we had as the screenplays were being developed. Not to say that it was like I was saying, it should be one thing. And he was, he was saying the opposite. I think we just got really excited about the idea that there was a more complicated resolution between the two of them, that while we don’t necessarily ever love Jason2 because his shift comes maybe a bit too late to truly make amends for what he’s done. But at least if he tries in some way to help restore Jason with his family, then we could at least say that there’s still a humanity in him. We’ll know the whole time that what we want is for Jason1 to come find him and beat the living out of him or kill him. But I think that’s all too easy and I think it’s also reflective of the world we live in right now — we just don’t see each other. We don’t consider each other. And it’s interesting that the show deals with one guy making assumptions about himself, to think if I give you my life, you’ll think it’s a gift. And I’m going to take what’s the best part of your life, but I’m giving you a career, which you never had so you’ll probably you’ll probably be happy. And of course, none of that is true. Good stories always reflect things that are going on in the real world. And I think on an individual human level, it does, but on a bigger level of our assumption about other people, and our presumption to do unto them things that we wouldn’t want done unto ourselves resonates here as well.
Why Dark Matter’s New Ending For Jason Is Better For The Series
The Ending Reflects The Show’s Theme Of Decisions & Their Consequences
Although the new ending means a memorable scene from Crouch’s original novel got cut from the adaptation, the final scene between both Jasons ended up better reflecting what the show was trying to accomplish. Earlier in the episode, another version of himself told Jason2 everything that happened to him in the Box, including how his version of Amanda was killed. Realizing the far-reaching consequences of his actions,the second version decided it was better for him to help the one with Daniela and Charlieinstead of trying to control a situation that had gotten out of hand.
This helps to further push the themes of the show, withDark Matter’s charactersoften reflecting the idea of choice and how one’s decisions cannot be altered.For Jason2, he truly believed his decision to switch places with the original would be a good idea, thinking they would enjoy one another’s lives better. However, upon being proven wrong, he decides to finally step up and make a decision for the good of Daniela and Charlie instead of his selfish desires. By saving them, he’s able to finally make a choice he doesn’t regret.
While it would have been interesting to see thecut moment fromDark Matter’s bookshow up in the adaptation, the change makes sense within the context of the series. Without it,the ending between the two Jasons may not have been as satisfying, and would have squandered the themes set up in the show. Thanks to this ending, it also gave the Dessen family’s escape a more hopeful conclusion, as they set their sights on a future in another world.
Dark Matter
Cast
Dark Matter (2024): Jason Dessen is thrust into an alternate reality where he must confront an ominous version of himself. His quest to return to his original life leads him on a challenging journey to reunite with his family, navigating the complexities of parallel existences.
