Dark Matter: Bad business

Is celebration in order? The crew had their first big victory after Ferrous made their move, though calling them reluctant heroes would be a bit of an understatement. All of this went down as they grappled with the fact that they’re actually dangerous criminals. So dangerous, in fact, that their memories may have been wiped on purpose. While we definitely saw that bombshell coming, we still have no idea of who did it or why it happened.

Dark Matter‘s second episode amped up the action from last week, as the crew found themselves in conflict with the Ferrous Corporation on the ground and in the sky. Heads literally rolled as Four showed off his impressive sword skills, while Two ended up saving the day with some solid business savvy, pitting one corporation against the other. Colour me impressed.

The episode wasn’t all about slicing, dicing and business deals, of course. The Raza plot twist from the premiere’s final moments sent a real shockwave through the group. While Four and Three were on the side of accepting it and moving on, the others were incredibly shaken up by it, including fearless leader Two. So much, in fact, that they rejected their old identities altogether, opting to keep the new ones they made for themselves.

Five, on the other hand, was left feeling lost and maybe even disappointed to realize she’s not a member of the crew. It must be strange to know so much about the world and have zero clue about yourself. In fact, it seems like she always seems to know far more than she lets on about their situation, thanks to those dreams. If these memories she keeps talking about really aren’t hers, then whose are they and how did she get them? Five described herself as one big question mark, and I’d have to say I agree with that 100 per cent.

My favourite exchange of the episode has to go to One and Two’s argument about her role as the leader. The way she defended her “boss lady” status, saying that they all made her the leader when no one else stepped up, was so fantastic. It really highlighted how the show has challenged some of the stereotypical gender roles in sci-fi with One and Two. Usually the lead female character is the “conscience” of the crew, while the male protagonist in the natural leader. The moment Two knocked One onto the ground in the premiere was a good twist on an old convention and I hope they keep it coming. Not to mention Two definitely has had all the power in their mutual flirting.

The winner for comic relief of the night went to Three, once again, largely thanks to the fact that he named his gun Bubba (terrific choice, by the way). I’m still holding out hope that we’ll get to see beyond the cocky exterior and the impenetrable humour wall to see the real Three. Coming in at a strong second is the Android with her pheromone-smelling and terrible social skills. I just wish we could have seen more of her.

One of the most unexpected moments of the episode was Six’s decision to sacrifice himself to stop Ferrous. Thankfully the traitor miners stopped him before he had a chance, but it really surprised me how he was willing to give it all up for a group of people that he barely knew. To be honest, I feel like it may have had more to do with his guilt about what he may have done in the past. But is it fair to punish yourself for crimes you can’t remember committing?

Another big surprise? Four’s interrogation skills. For a guy who likes his silence, he sure has a way with words. While he was taking care of business on the ground, Five took the opportunity to help him get that mysterious puzzle box to open. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but it sure wasn’t a ring. Is there some sort of code among the markings, or could it be part of his past? He seemed to know where to find it, so I feel like it must be for him.

My one criticism of the episode is that I just couldn’t bring myself to care that much about the mining community. While I sat at the edge of my seat throughout the Ferrous attack, it was far more out of worry about the crew than the miners themselves. Even when their leader was killed, I just wasn’t moved. Still, the fact is that the main priority of these episodes is for us to fall in love with the main cast, not the guest stars. As a whole, the second episode did a great job at keeping us invested with their story and their fight to regain a sense of identity.

A few Dark thoughts:

• Raise your hand if you recognized Stargate: Atlantis actress Torri Higginson as Commander Truffault. How cool was she?
• It was good of Five to help Four out with the box, but isn’t that kind of like finishing off a crossword someone was already working on? Not cool.
• Three’s ranking of their “badassery” was hilarious, but I think a little biased. “Slashy McStabberson” should be way higher. Though I agree Five is a total wild card.
• The Android is definitely a special case, but I think her social awkwardness is strangely relatable for some of us. Small talk is hard.
• I know One is the resident pretty boy, but he’s not going to kiss every cute girl they meet, right?

Are you loving the season so far? Share your thoughts in the comments below. I, for one, am excited at the prospect of former mercenaries using their skills to become a force for good in the universe. Okay, that may be a little cheesy, but I am looking forward to seeing what they do next. Will they run into some old enemies? Or maybe One will find some stray kittens to adopt? We’ll just have to tune in next week to find out.

Dark Matter airs Fridays at 10 p.m. ET on Space Channel and Syfy.