Netflix’s original TV series, Dark, ranks among the best in science-fiction today. While the narrative of this series is utterly complex and mind-boggling, it is impressive how well the script unfolds because of the amount of time invested into its production and creation. The German series is an excellent companion for the wanderers in the darkness and the truth seekers.

Although science fiction may not be for everyone, Dark’s visual approach blends sci-fi with spiritual and metaphysical elements. In contrast to most sci-fi TV shows, Dark offers a philosophical perspective too. This series covers three worlds over three seasons with an interweaving of metaphysics, religious texts, and Nietzschean philosophy. Initially, it debuted in 2017 but became increasingly popular by late 2019. Dark has been “the best television series“ for me so far. It is thought-provoking and intensely compelling. Moreover, there are various reasons why this show is a great series. Perhaps the following points will convince you if you haven’t already watched it.

The Characters: the Heroes and the Villains

The best part of this show is that Dark has a lot of characters, and none of them are purely saints. The series portrays that good and evil reside in everyone. As a viewer, it is fascinating to witness how your initial prejudices and opinions about each character develop as the show progresses. Choosing a favorite actor will be difficult for you because the characters alternate in such a dynamic manner. You will be so conflicted that you won’t be sure who is right or wrong, and you will empathize with them all.

The Plotline: the End is the Beginning, the Beginning is the End

Dark’s plotline intrigues viewers by asking whether the chicken came first or the egg; funny, I grew up hearing my dad use this phrase often. However, the series is full of twists and turns that surprisingly flow smoothly. There is never a moment when you will feel bored or underwhelmed. It is full of suspense and thrills with hints of the supernatural and family drama. It will captivate you with its climax and mysterious plot, to the point where, after watching every episode, you will still be confused and scratching your head. The storylines are interconnected, and no episode will leave you without questions in your mind. You will definitely want more, and right when you think you have figured out the plot- the scriptwriters will surprise you with another secret, another stunt that will leave you speechless.

Family Dynamics: Alter Ego – Past, Present, and Future

The paths of four families between the past, present, and future become increasingly pivotal in the series. They are all connected in a big loop. As the show progresses, sacrifices, love, and betrayal become apparent; how far will you go to save your family, to retain the ones you love? Over and over, the question repeats itself and plays out as a significant theme. Each family faces its own set of humanly possible problems. At its core, Dark is predominantly about familial relationships over generations. Ultimately, everything and everyone is interconnected through a web of love and hurt shaped by betrayals and tragedies.

Time Travel: Like No Other Time Travel Movies

One of the setbacks of this show could have easily been its time-traveling story because it has to be a logical and reasonable storyline. Nonetheless, Dark certainly takes this time-traveling to the next level and delivers a complex show that viewers will eventually comprehend. As the show implies, time travel also serves as a metaphor for confronting the character’s past and future, paving the way for self-growth. It stays on track with its overlapping timelines, and the plot keeps a note of all the complexities, knitting everything together in a clean circle. At times, it may get difficult to understand and seem confusing, but things play out well inevitably.

Philosophical & Religious Aspects: Twin Flames, Vedic Hymns

Besides the family drama and the time travel, Dark offers a broad range of philosophical concepts that will keep you wondering about your faith, beliefs, and sanity long after the show has ended.

Rig Veda, an ancient collection of Hindu traditions, contains a fascinating hymn that questions and discusses cosmology and deities, such as How was the universe created? Who formed the universe? What is the origin of the universe? Does anyone know how this reality came to be? Can it be described? The series treats time similar to the concept of God, chiefly concentrating on time and human origin which the gods themselves do not know. A central running theme, which is prominent in the show, is to create a world without time enslaving us humans.

Similarly, the series represents a part of the biblical story of Adam and Eve, with Jonas as Adam and Hannah as Eve. They are the time machine creators of two parallel worlds who are oblivious of themselves. Faith, family, blood, and time come to life through fantasy. It questions fate, destiny, and choices; Is it possible to change your destiny? Can you escape the shackles of time? Can you change your future? Are we truly ever free of time?

To top it off, Jonas and Hannah represent a figurative twin flame journey. Although the modern era has many different concepts surrounding twin flames, the ancient Indian script of love origins is somewhat similar to the theory of twin flames. In Hinduism, it says that Lord Brahma, the creator, had split “Purusha,” a divine being, into two separate halves. Here is where the male and female concept originated, and since then, the two halves yearn to find another. A journey that demands spiritual growth to open up a world of possibilities.

Visual Delight: Cinematic Experience

The cinematography enhances the series, making it a definite 10/10, adjoining exclusively the suspenseful storyline. The creepy forest setting provides an excellent view, evoking a sense of fear and dread; the caves add an atmospheric essence to the story, a pioneer of time travel that connects everything. Its settings are eerie, unsettling, and ominously announce impending doom each step of the way. It complements the show well and makes it even more fascinating to watch.

If you have already watched the entire show, please share your thoughts by adding a comment below.