Dark Matter (2015 TV series)

The series begins with six individuals and one android waking up on the starship Raza with no memories of their identities. They adopt temporary names based on their positions or traits: One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, and the Android. As they explore the ship, they discover they are wanted criminals, and flashbacks gradually reveal their past misdeeds and connections. The crew must decide whether to embrace their former lives or forge a new path, while dealing with threats from the corrupt corporation Mikkei and the revolutionary group the Black Pits.¹

Central to the plot is the character Two (Melissa O'Neil), who emerges as the de facto leader, and the Android (Zoie Palmer), whose programming evolves to include human emotions. The show explores themes of identity, redemption, and the nature of consciousness, as the crew's past actions come back to haunt them.

Dark Matter was created by Joseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie, who had previously worked on Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis. The duo wrote a comic book series published by Dark Horse Comics in 2015, which served as a prequel to the TV show. The series was produced by Prodigy Pictures in association with Syfy, and was filmed in Toronto, Ontario.²

The show was known for its practical effects and use of real locations, which gave it a distinct visual style compared to other sci-fi series. Mallozzi and Mullie also engaged with fans through social media and podcasts, providing behind-the-scenes insights and answering questions about the show's mythology.

Dark Matter received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise for its ensemble cast, character development, and blend of action and mystery. On Rotten Tomatoes, the first season holds an 88% approval rating, with the consensus noting it as a "solid, entertaining sci-fi series."³ The show also developed a dedicated fanbase, who appreciated its serialized storytelling and cliffhanger endings.

Despite its popularity, Syfy canceled the series after three seasons in September 2017, citing a desire to focus on other projects. The cancellation was met with fan campaigns, including a petition to Netflix to pick up the show, but no revival has materialized. The series finale left several plot threads unresolved, which remains a point of frustration for fans.

One of the show's most distinctive elements is its use of "memory loss" as a narrative device, which allowed the writers to reveal character backstories in a non-linear fashion. The character of Five (Jodelle Ferland) was originally written as a teenage girl, but Ferland's performance added a layer of vulnerability and strength that influenced the character's arc.

The show also featured several notable guest stars, including David Hewlett and Torri Higginson, both of whom had worked with the creators on Stargate. Additionally, the series incorporated elements of the creators' earlier work, such as references to the Stargate universe, and included a crossover with another Syfy show, Killjoys, in a promotional campaign that had the two casts interacting on social media.

Another obscure fact: the ship's AI, the Android, was portrayed by Zoie Palmer, who won a Canadian Screen Award for her performance. The show's theme music was composed by Benjamin Pinkerton, and the opening sequence featured a unique visual style that changed slightly each season.

Although Dark Matter was canceled prematurely, it has remained a cult favorite among sci-fi fans. The show's exploration of moral ambiguity and its focus on character-driven storytelling have been cited as influences on later series such as The Expanse and Killjoys. The creators have expressed interest in continuing the story in other media, and a comic book series was released to provide additional backstory.

The show's cancellation also sparked discussions about the challenges of sustaining original sci-fi programming on cable networks, as opposed to streaming platforms. In 2021, Mallozzi revealed that he had pitched a revival to Netflix, but it was not picked up. Nevertheless, Dark Matter's three seasons remain available on streaming services, allowing new audiences to discover it.

Raza

The starship that serves as the primary setting for the series, a derelict vessel with advanced technology and a mysterious past.

Android

The ship's synthetic crew member, who gradually develops human-like emotions and a sense of self.

Mikkei Corporation

A powerful corporate entity that plays a central antagonistic role in the series, controlling much of the galaxy's resources.

Black Pits

A revolutionary group that opposes the Mikkei Corporation and seeks to overthrow the established order.