Dark Matter Episode 2 Subtly Teases A Grim Alternate Universe From The Book

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Dark Matter episodes 1 & 2, as well as details from the source material that may spoil elements of the adaptation.

Dark Matter is a multiversal tale that rarely focuses on the positives of the protagonist’s situation, as proven by a brief shot from episode 2 that foreshadows Jason Dessen’s future adventures through alternate realities. Although Apple TV+ has made some additions and changes to Blake Crouch’s original Dark Matter book, the main story in the first two episodes remains the same. However, one of these alterations teases a specific universe from the 2016 sci-fi novel in a way that the source material does not.

As the leader of the Dark Matter cast, Joel Edgerton’s Jason Dessen has been torn from his reality by an alternate version of himself. In the book, Jason needs to find his way home, but the process of doing so isn’t easy. As a result of his inadvertent exploration, he finds himself in various universes that aren’t quite right, and one of them is downright nightmarish. Although Jason has only been in one universe other than his own by the time of Dark Matter episode 2, “Trip of a Lifetime,” the show is unlikely to omit the others.

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Amanda’s Art Installation In Dark Matter Teases The Deadly Virus Universe From The Book

Dark Matter’s virus universe is very macabre

Daniela’s art show in Dark Matter exists in the book and the Apple TV+ version of the story. Although the event spans the two mediums, they aren’t identical. The installation in the show is much more in keeping with Dark Matter‘s multiversal themes but in an unknowingly fitting way. One of the biggest changes is that the trippy labyrinth put together by Jennifer Connelly’s Danila Vargas features an image of a crowd of people in hazmat suits, shifting what look like body bags. The piece of art is representative of a parallel world from the source material.

“The front passenger door of the Humvee opens, and a figure in a black biohazard suit and gas mask steps out and sights me down with an assault rifle.”

In the Dark Matter book, there is an alternate universe later in the story that looks very much like this image. An unnamed virus has swept through Chicago, with seemingly every case becoming fatal after enough time has passed. Jason is stopped in the street by figures in hazmat suits, and he can do nothing but watch as that universe’s Daniela succumbs to the aggressive illness. For those who haven’t read the book, the reference in the art exhibition won’t mean much, and even for existing fans, it’s still easy to miss.

Dark Matter’s Virus Universe Is Too Important To Leave Out Of The Show

Jason’s time in the virus universe is pivotal to his understanding of the box

Jason’s journey takes him to different realities, many of which are vastly different from his own, whereas others are similar. The Dark Matter TV show may not include all of these different universes, but the one with the fatal virus needs to remain as part of the adaptation. Jason’s arrival in the virus universe is a key milestone in his discovery of how to pilot the box that takes him between realities, and witnessing Daniela’s death for a second time is one of the story’s darkest moments – which is always a key hallmark in a multiverse saga like Dark Matter.

Dark Matter (2024)

Based on his novel of the same name, Dark Matter is a sci-fi drama-thriller television series created for Apple TV+ by Blake Crouch. The series follows a physicist who is kidnapped and thrown into an alternate reality where he witnesses one potential path his life could have taken. However, he learns that the lives of his family are in jeopardy by an alternate version of himself.

Cast

Joel Edgerton , Jennifer Connelly , Alice Braga , Jimmi Simpson , Oakes Fegley , Dayo Okeniyi

Release Date

May 8, 2024

Seasons

1

Creator(s)

Blake Crouch

Where To Watch

Apple TV+