Dark series on Netflix Provides Mind-bending, Time Slip Experience


This is a spoiler-free review.

After the juggernaut that is Stranger Things season 2 Netflix dropped in October of 2017, everyone binge-watched it within 24 hours, looked around in a daze, and wondered out-loud, what do I watch next?

One of the recommendations I heard repeated multiple times is the German language thriller, Dark. All I knew is that there were missing children, kids on bikes, monolithic power plants, and creepy vibes. I began to watch the show, muddling my way through it at first, but fell deeply into the storytelling. Season 1 premiered in December of 2017. Season 2 dropped in June 2019. Fans are more than ready to herald the coming of Dark, season 3, coming on June 27, 2020 -- the date of the fictional apocalypse in the Dark universe. 

Here's a snapshot. Our story takes place in a fictional small town of Winden, somewhere in Germany. The town is in a tizzy because there is a teenage boy missing, Erik Obendorf. The police have been unable to solve the crime, and everyone is understandably upset and on high-alert. We also learn that another boy went missing under similar circumstances back in 1986. A group of kids all meet at school and plan to meet that evening for some typical high school hijinks while their parents are at an emergency meeting about the missing boy. There are six kids who meet at the creepy cavern in the dark at night. By the end of the night, one of those kids will also go missing. So there's a mystery: where is Erik and where is the other missing boy?

By the end of episode 1, we will become aware of quite a bit of drama involving this group of kids and their parents, but at the same time, the story ends up expanding, and we learn it's not just a story of these kids and this incident, but it's the story of four families in one town, whose lives are intertwined in ways none of them fully realize. These families, this town, they are cursed, locked in a puzzle that changes as we go along. The mystery we try to solve isn't the mystery at all -- it's just one part of a bigger puzzle.

In the end, we will visit three different time periods of Winden during season 1. Season 2 goes even further. What makes this story so good?
  • It's intricately-plotted -- there are multiple parts and pieces to the story and it's challenging to keep track. 
  • It features a large of cast of complex and flawed characters, most of whom will surprise us by the end of the show. 
  • The acting is superb (just don't watch it with the English dubs).
  • It has a killer soundtrack.
  • The title credits alone are a work of art.
  • It's very difficult to define, with a few exceptions, who are the good guys or the bad guys. 
  • The show includes period-appropriate music and pop references to the German culture. 
Following the characters and their many connections can be difficult. Different individuals have created flowcharts. I had one linked here, but as the story as continued, the flowchart has changed. At this point, looking at the chart will give away many spoilers, so I'm removing the link. You may want to make your own Winden family tree as you learn more about the town history. 

I won't lie to you; it's a not a perfect match to Stranger Things. This show is much darker and has none of the funny quirkiness of Stranger Things. Because part of the story takes place in the 80s, it does have some nostalgia in the clothes and music on display. It's more of a match in tone to Twin Peaks, however. With true evil on full display -- not the paranormal kind, but the kind that originates inside the most depraved kind of human.

I watched this show during a dark period of my life, right after the death of my older sister. It would be fair to say it was a great fit. The show centers on families dealing with gut-wrenching grief and loss and the utter hopelessness of being able to do nothing to resolve that pain. At that time, it was healing to watch this show. As I'm watching it the second time, I'm in a different season, and it's still great television. I highly recommend it, if you enjoy dark and twisty thrillers that become ever more surprising as you go along.

Please not: As of 11/17/2022, I have switched gears towards making 1899 content and will come back to Dark after that's over. Apologize for the additional delay. I promise it will be worth it. But there are currently more people looking for 1899 recaps. Please keep leaving the comments though. I love the encouragement. 

Update 1/26/23: Big news everyone. After my 1899 coverage ends, another podcaster and I are going to be doing Dark recaps as a podcast and videos. I will update the recaps with links as these are completed!

Season 1, Episode 1 Recap Secrets
Season 1, Episode 2 Recap Lies
Season 1, Episode 3 Recap Past and Present
Season 1, Episode 4 Recap Double Lives
Season 1, Episode 5 Recap Truths
Season 1, Episode 6 Recap Sic Mundus Creatus Est
Season 1, Episode 7 Recap Crossroads
Season 1, Episode 8 Recap As You Sow, So You Shall Reap
Season 1, Episode 9 Recap Everything is Now
Season 1, Episode 10 Recap Alpha and Omega

Season 2, Episode 1 Recap Beginnings and Endings (recap updated on 10-2-21)
Season 2, Episode 2 Recap Dark Matter (recap updated on 10-17-21)
Season 2, Episode 3 Recap Ghosts (recap updated on 1-18-22)
Season 2, Episode 4 Recap The Travelers (recap updated on 10-8-22)
Season 2, Episode 5 Recap Lost and Found (recap updated 10-19-22)
Season 2, Episode 6 Recap An Endless Cycle (recap updated on 06-28-23)
Season 2, Episode 7 Recap The White Devil (recap updated on 7-25-23)
Season 2, Episode 8 Recap Endings and Beginnings (recap updated on 8-11-23)

Season 3, Episode 1 Recap Deja-vu (created on 8-30-23)
Season 3, Episode 2 Recap The Survivors (created on 9-6-23)
Season 3, Episode 3 Recap Adam and Eva (created on 9-13-23)
Season 3, Episode 4 Recap The Origin (created on 9-21-23)
Season 3, Episode 5 Recap Life and Death (created on 10-28-23)
Season 3, Episode 6 Recap Light and Shadow (created on 12-4-23)
Season 3, Episode 7 Recap Between the Time (created on 1-1-24)
Season 3, Episode 8 Recap The Paradise (created 1-15-2024)

Show Wrap Up episode. Only for those who have finished the entire show. 

P.S. I also recapped 1899. Here's the landing page for that.  

Comments

Gal 2:20 said…
Why have you not provided recaps on Dark Series 3? As you know you are only 1 of 2 English language External reviewers linked to IMDB...
Lindsey said…
Thank you for your comments. I do hope to complete all the episodes. The recaps take a lot of time. After I finished season 2, I went back and started with season 1, After that happened, I had to take a break, and I got busier as a film critic. I do have it on my to do list. I actually plan to redo season 2 because I don't think they were written as good as my recaps of season 1. And I actually didn't know that I was one of the written in English. There are many recaps you can find on google. I know I probably shouldn't suggest that but I want you to find what you want. I won't be able to get to it right away. Thanks again for your comment, and I hope you will come back again.
Gal 2:20 said…
Well The third season picked up a bunch of English reviewer’s but seasons one and two were only reviewed in English by you and father son and holy gore. But yours were much better than his because I love the questions you added at the end. And his had profanity and yours didn’t. I would watch the episodes and then read your recaps on each one of the episodes seasons one and two. I thought it was so interesting since series was rated so highly an 8.8 overall and yet there were only two English external reviews inked on IMDb for seasons one and two. Thanks for your reviews now there’s a bunch of them for season three so I have my pic I’m reading ready steady cut. Take care Lindsey and thanks for answering me.
Anonymous said…
Please do season 3. You are very talented and help with your great insites
Lindsey said…
I'm glad you find them helpful. I'm sorry it has taken me so long to get it done.
Unknown said…
Please post 3rd season
Unknown said…
Hello, I agree. I truly enjoyed your seasons 1&2. Wish you season 3 ready.
Lindsey said…
I plan to finish in October.
Unknown said…
Yes please do it by October. I am watching season 2 now. By the time I complete season 2, hopefully season 3 will be posted by you. Thanks in advance
Lindsey said…
Just to clarify, I will probably start it in October. I may not finish until end of October. Hoping to finish this before the creator's new series drops, 1899.
yk said…
Your recaps are great and very helpful. Thank you so much!!!
Unknown said…
You offered sooo much insight and clarification. You have a talent. I would’ve given up had it not been for your helpful guides acting as a mental roadmap to understanding the plot lines.
Mike said…
I have just recently started watching Dark. I love it but I've found it hard going, trying to keep track of whos who (and whens who) but your recaps have really helped me - i read them after each episode. I am halfway through Season 2 now so hopefully by the time I get to Season 3 you might have found time to do those recaps. Here's hoping! Thanks again for your efforts.
Anonymous said…


I see alot of people complaining that season 3 recap is not done yet . I say you shoould do it when you feel it . I think people waiting for good ccontent is better than rushed but not as good content. Lastly no one has a right to demand anything from you
Lindsey said…
Well that's very kind of you. I will do it when I can do it right. I do feel guilty about it though, especially since their new show is coming out.
Unknown said…
Their new show? Its mean season 4?

Btw i'll waiting for your review of s3
Lindsey said…
By new show I mean 1899. No season 4 of Dark.
Anonymous said…
Hi, I just watched 1899 and I wanted to watch something from the same creators which lead me to start watching Dark. Just want to let you know that I truly appreciate your recaps, they're very in depth and have been a great guide as I go through the episodes(still in season 1). Thank you so much for doing them!
Nancy M said…
Your recaps are extremely helpful. Just started watching season 1 yesterday and could not figure out who belonged to who, and what their relationships were. SO much more clear after reading your recaps. I watch an episode, and then come to your recap to make sure I got it right and didn't miss anything. And I ALWAYS miss something. So thanks, and hope you get to season 3 before I get to season 3!!
Janice said…
Thank you! I had given up on Dark after 3 episodes, found your recaps and have so enjoyed continuing the series!! Looking forward to your Season 3 recaps!
Anonymous said…
Is the recap for season 3 ever coming?
Lindsey said…
Yes for sure. I finally finished season 2 finale just last week. I have a few things to accomplish by the end of August, but I will start in September. Thank you for your patience. I am just as anxious as you to finish this project well on all dimensions.
Anonymous said…
I just got through episode 5 only to find that the rest of the episodes haven't been recapped. What a bummer!
Lindsey said…
Working on it. I got bogged down with movie reviews I needed to publish as payment for attending screenings. Hopefully soon!
Brett said…
I just started Dark this weekend and just finished season 2. I also stumbled upon your recaps and they are wonderful. Thank you for taking the time to do that!!!!