There’s no denying thatDark Matterseason 1 was incredibly well-made, but the confirmed second run of episodes will likely be more enjoyable for one interesting reason. While it’s currently unclear who will return to form theDark Matterseason 2 cast, several established characters could reappear to have their stories continued. When the Apple TV+ returns,it will be uncharted territory for the Blake Crouch saga, but in the best possible way.

Dark Matterseason 1 made many changes to Crouch’s 2016 sci-fi novel, but the fact that the original author doubled as the showrunner served the adaptation well. All alterations and new additions either came from or were approved by Crouch, and that greatly benefitedDark Matterseason 1. As the story continues withDark Matterseason 2, the same creative formula would be the most fulfilling approach, but there’s a compelling and avoidable twist that will separate the two runs.

Joel Edgerton as Jason Dessen in Dark Matter with the imagery from the theme song as the background

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Not Knowing What Happens In Dark Matter Season 2 Is Very Exciting

There is only 1 Dark Matter book (& it was used to create season 1)

Dark Matterseason 2 has no source material on which to base its narrative, as the Apple TV+ show’s inaugural run exhausted the events of the lone book by Blake Crouch. As such, the next batch of episodes will be completely original. This meansfans of theDark Matterbook won’t have an upper hand on those who haven’t read it. In other words, every twist and turn will be truly unpredictable for all viewers.

ForDark Matterseason 2, the lack of source material to work with removes the ability to accurately predict what’s coming.

A custom Dark Matter image of Jimmi Simpson as Ryan Holder, Kate Eastman as Detective Mason, and Joel Edgerton as Jason2

AlthoughDark Matterseason 1’s changes and additions to the source material did allow for an element of universal surprise, the narrative in both versions remains practically identical. So, most of the enjoyment for fans of the book came from seeing the story come to life, as well as noticing how the adaptation is different. ForDark Matterseason 2, the lack of source material to work with removes the ability to accurately predict what’s coming, which is a thoroughly exciting prospect for a multiverse saga likeDark Matter.

Dark Matter Season 2’s Showrunner Is A Great Sign For The Continuation

Blake Crouch’s return ensures consistency as Dark Matter continues beyond the events of the original book

Blake Crouch was at the helm forDark Matterseason 1, and the same is true for season 2. Crouch announcedDark Matterseason 2 on social media, which would arguably be a peculiar thing to do if he wasn’t going to be back as showrunner. Blake’s return is excellent forDark Matterseason 2. The next set of episodes will essentially pick up not only afterDark Matterseason 1’s ending, but also after the events of the book.

Crouch has already proven he’s brilliantly capable of expanding upon his own work by giving book characters like Leighton Vance and Ryan Holder much more significant arcs in the adaptation.

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As a result, completely new storylines will need to be written for all characters rather than just translating them from the pages of a novel. Having the same man who penned the original arcs in the book and inDark Matterseason 1 promises a level of authenticity and consistency.Crouch has already proven he’s brilliantly capable of expanding upon his own workby giving book characters like Leighton Vance and Ryan Holder much more significant arcs in the adaptation. As further proof, exciting new characters like Blair Caplan and Max Dessen are completely original to the Apple TV+ show.

Interestingly, there is already an example of Crouch’s literary work being adapted beyond the source material.Wayward Pinesseason 1 addressed the entire book trilogyof the same name, so there were no remaining novels to adapt forWayward Pinesseason 2. Unfortunately, the follow-up season wasn’t nearly as good as the first, but this is likely because Crouch was barely involved with the adaptation as a whole.

He co-wrote one episode inWayward Pinesseason 1alongside the Duffer Brothers. Other than that, Crouch served only as a producer, with legendary filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan overshadowing him in that particular group of people.Dark Matterseason 2 will invariably be a much better attempt at continuing the story beyond the events of a Blake Crouch book, due to the simple fact that the original author has remained a huge part of the creative endeavor.

The Book Leaves Unanswered Questions Dark Matter Season 2 Can Answer

Blake Crouch’s original novel has an open-ended conclusion

TheDark Matterseason 1 finale, “Entanglement,” ends the Dessens' story in a vague way that’s left open to interpretation. It’s incredibly similar, if not identical, to how the book ends as well. It’s never revealedwhich universe the Dessen family chooses to call their new home. Finally,Dark Matterseason 2 can address the mystery. That being said,Joel Edgerton’s Jason Dessenand his onscreen family may not be planned to be part of the Apple TV+ continuation. Hopefully, they are, andDark Matterseason 2 can show them in their new reality.

Dark Matter Season 1’s Ending Forgets To Resolve 1 Of The Adaptation’s Original Storylines

Dark Matter season 1 introduces several elements that aren’t in the original book, and the finale forgets to wrap up one of the best new storylines.

While the otherteases at the end ofDark Matterseason 1- such as Ryan meeting Amanda in the Futuristic Chicago - are unique to the show, the fact remains that all the various Jasons left behind in the story’s “main” reality is a plot hole that exists in both versions ofDark Matter. As such, season 2 can’t leave this unaddressed, as there are still other incomplete storylines introduced in the show that need to conclude in that world. So,Dark Matterseason 2 has very little choice but to wrap up this loose end as well.

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.