It’s going to be a great summer for sci fi TV! Yesterday I previewed Killjoys, and today we have another Syfy space drama (which will air back to back with Killjoys), Dark Matter. Dark Matter was created by franchise writers Joseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie, who adapted the 13-episode series from their original graphic novel, published by Dark Horse Comics.
Dark Matter is a mystery – six people wake up on a spaceship, with no memory, no information about who they are, what their names are, what their background is. But they do remember how – how to fly the ship, how to use weapons, and in one big bit of stereotyping, how to be an Asian martial arts master. Who are they? Why are they together? What are they supposed to be doing? And what is this nameless android that has also woken up with them, and tries to kill them?
Meet the crew, named for the order in which they woke up:
One (Marc Bendavid, @marcbendavid): Charming but a bit of a goof, One (aka Pretty Boy) is the crew’s moral center, a guy who always tries to do the right thing, despite the odds stacked against him and no matter how unpopular the course of action. Sure, he screws up – but he means well.
Two (Melissa O’Neil, @Mel13Oneil): The group’s defacto leader, Two (aka Boss Lady) is a master fighter. Determined, tough and more than a little headstrong, she is not the type you want to mess with – or disappoint. She can be cool and inscrutable and yet, at the same time, can demonstrate surprising compassion – the mark of a true leader.
Three (Anthony Lemke, @ranthonylemke): A true bad-ass, Three (aka Sunshine) is the flip side to One’s principled coin – which is why the two are often at odds, developing a (grudging) like-hate relationship over the course of their journey. He is a mercenary through-and-through, a Han Solo type, always looking out for himself. But he must come to accept the fact that if he’s going to survive long enough to reach the outer colonies, he’s going to have to learn to get along.
DARK MATTER — Season:1 — Pictured: Anthony Lemke as Three — (Photo by: Dennys/Ilic/Syfy)
Four (Alex Mallari Jr., @AlexMallariJr): Ever-stoic and a master of the blade, Four’s (aka Slashy McStabberson) cool, calm demeanor belies a ruthlessness that gives even his fellow crewmembers pause. He’s a man of few words but, when he does speak – just like when he fights – it’s with precise efficiency. A fierce and relentless opponent, he is also an equally loyal and passionate friend.
Five (Jodelle Ferland, @jodellemicah): The mascot with a knack for mechanics, Five (aka Kid) also has some mysterious abilities. What first seem like telepathic powers turn out to be jumbled memories, but whose memories are they? She’s the kid with all the secrets and a propensity for getting into trouble. Easily bored, quick to mouth off, she is nevertheless a relative innocent amongst less savory company.
Six (Roger Cross, @therogercross): On the surface, Six (aka Tiny) is a low-key bruiser, an imposing figure amongst a group of intimidating individuals. Despite the company he keeps, he is a man of integrity with little patience for B.S. Cross him at your own risk. Beneath the rough and tumble exterior, however, is a heart of gold – 14k, the softest! A surprisingly simple guy, his quiet confidence belies a fierce intelligence and philosophical nature.
And the Android (Zoie Palmer, @zoiepalmer): In personality, The Android is more butler-like than your typical robot – concise, staid, yet surprisingly possessed of a subtly wry sense of humor. She is an indispensible member of the crew since she can exercise control over all the ship’s systems, an ability of which she isn’t shy about reminding everyone. An outsider among the ship’s human passengers, she is almost child-like in her earnest desire to fit in. Her character will grow and evolve through her interactions with her human charges as she’ll inevitably gain acceptance as a member of the crew.
The Dark Matter website has some extra videos, but also has a whole set of concept sketches that are pretty interesting to look through. You can find them all here.
One interesting note: Rob Stewart, who looks to have a recurring role on Killjoys, also makes an appearance in the pilot of Dark Matter.
Want to check out the original Dark Matter graphic novel series? You can find it on Amazon by clicking here.
Dark Matter Premieres Friday, June 12 on Syfy, 10 pm Eastern/9 pm Central
after the 2-hour season premiere of Defiance
Read our preview of Killjoys
and preview of Defiance, Season 3
Follow us on Twitter: @ErinConrad2 and @threeifbyspace.net
Follow Dark Matter on Twitter: @dark_matterTV and on Facebook
Like us on Facebook or subscribe for instant notice of new posts
Share this article by using our Social Share buttons above
