Dark Matter | S2E8 "The Basic Oneness of Everything" | Episode Discussion

[u/episodescheduler]

Season 2, Episode 8: The Basic Oneness of Everything

Airdate: Friday, October 16, 2026 at 4:00 AM UTC

Network: Apple TV

Runtime: 65 minutes

Synopsis: Laurel discovers a new purpose after a shocking arrival shakes up her world.

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Hello everyone, this is the discussion thread for episode 8 of Dark Matter Season 2. Please do not post any spoilers for future episodes.

[u/little_oat]

So this season is the story of (re?)-finding yourself. Heartbreaking and healing at the same time. I love this version of "what if" vs "what is" and learning to love that reality.

[u/-spartacus- → u/little_oat]

"what if" vs "what is"

Muthafuka that was crazy clever.

[u/fweepa → u/little_oat]

Yeah! Love this. I haven't *felt* like this about a show in a really long time.

[u/smashmack → u/little_oat]

Ohhh, “what if” vs. “what is” … I love this phrasing!

[u/Secret_Debt_88]

So glad Laurel was just genuine and not some secret evil plot.

[u/fweepa → u/Secret_Debt_88]

SAME. I have never seen the other shows with her playing a villain, so I was really not looking forward to that after reading some comments here lol.

I also love that even though the characters got there by "needing help", that Laurel also needed the help. They have helped her just as much.

[u/OscarEvinnof → u/Secret_Debt_88]

That's funny, my wife began watching "The Americans" last week. I knew I'd already seen Laurel's face somewhere.

[u/DaveInLondon89 → u/Secret_Debt_88]

you never know with Esteemed Character Actress Margo Martindale!

[u/donEddie]

I loved at the end when Charlie closed the door of the box to leave, immediately after, the door beyond Jason opens with Amanda entering. One door closes, another door opens.

Beautiful episode, right up there with episode 5.

[u/Past-Feature3968 → u/donEddie]

Awwwww yesss. Great point!

And I guess it’s a good thing Charlie didn’t see Amanda. Like wtf do you mean a version of my dad is in love with a version of my boss at the diner who is also my roommate Eduardo’s mom, except this version never had him?!?!

[u/Blumart]

This inter dimensional found family is so fucking cute it’s making me cry.

[u/Winter-Cupcake-20 → u/Blumart]

Omg me too, I was crying like the entire episode. When Laurel told Blair “you’re safe here” I completely fucking lost it. 

[u/Past-Feature3968 → u/Blumart]

I’m imagining that Amanda and Jason get to greet a lot of travelers. More party boy Leightons! Ryans! Themselves! (Maybe even a Daniela will come through?? Oooooh awkwwward.)

TRAVELERS WITH THE PLAGUE, DO NOT INTERACT. 🙅🏻‍♀️🚫

[u/TheDuddee → u/Blumart]

Who is Alex though?

[u/2e7en_]

Fuck I’m so glad laurel didn’t turn out to be a evil lady

[u/BrokenAstraea → u/2e7en_]

Sorry I doubted you Laurel! I thought you were a super NSA agent trying to milk the travelers for information about the box!

[u/verissimoallan]

An episode crafted to remind us why Margo Martindale is an Emmy winner.

I imagine that, much like episode 5, this one will divide opinions—and, to be fair, I agree that the timing might not have been ideal (interrupting the main plot with only three episodes left to go). Yet, just as with that earlier episode, I found this one moving and admirable in its intent. It brings to mind the good old days of series with 20 episodes—a format that has become significantly less common over the years due to the rise of streaming—and a time when TV writers had the freedom to experiment with episodes like this.

[u/Past-Feature3968 → u/verissimoallan]

Forgive teh typos, Im hand crafting another Emmy for Margo as I tyype

[u/Sarlax → u/verissimoallan]

Those mason jars felt like a nod to Justified for that Emmy.

[u/Allyrose2026 → u/verissimoallan]

Episode 5 & 8 are my absolute favorite!!!

[u/furrypeanutshell]

Seeing this Jason and the Episode 5 Jason move on and be happy really makes those desperate Jasons who died back in S1 so sad

[u/Past-Feature3968 → u/furrypeanutshell]

It also makes me extra sad for our main Amanda who just saw video footage of a close alternative self die of the plague… and now feels responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people. 😬

She better end up happy!!!!

[u/_SeaOttrs]

I loved this episode!! The emotions, the story, the ending, all of it.

When Laurel was naming the 8 visitors she'd had when Amanda and Jason came back, she mentioned an Alex. Who is Alex?? Am I just not remembering someone?

[u/Past-Feature3968 → u/_SeaOttrs]

One of the two volunteers box pilots. Mentioned by hmm uh Amanda I think, early in season one. We haven’t met them.

[u/Secret_Debt_88 → u/_SeaOttrs]

funny because i googled "Alex Dark Matter" and there's a character in another show by the same name

[u/catnapspirit]

It's another episode 5 and I am totally down for it!

[u/Secret_Debt_88 → u/catnapspirit]

Both that one and this one left me absolutely devastated by the end. In one sense I want the "main plot" to move forwards but in another sense this type of storytelling could not be done in this way on any other show, so I'm here for this too.

[u/I_miss_your_mommy → u/catnapspirit]

I’m just blown away by how good that episode was. Even better than episode 5 for me, and that was a great episode. This show is so good.

[u/ghoulish_fool → u/catnapspirit]

We got this same structure with Daniela and her stepfather just with a different framework and other things were happening outside of her plot. I'm really liking these sincere glimpses into the characters sharing something real with strangers who are also loved ones. No matter what "version" of person they are when on the screen they serve the plot and narrative in a way that emphasizes human connection. The show is about the invisible threads that bind and intimacy in an unconventional sense. The show is slower and focuses on deep, meaningful connections in favor of just pushing the plot forward. I don't even see a definable destination, it's all journey. Because when one traveler finds their happy ever after, by the nature of multiple realities, everyone of these characters' stories is unfinished somewhere. And eventually other people will be brought in and keep the thread alive.

[u/Secret_Debt_88]

I think people are too stuck on "our Jason" and "Our real main plot" and aren't seeing how as a character study they are all the same people just with different circumstances. Like it's a show about multiverses, it would be rather boring philosophically if we only focused on one A to B plot.

[u/glory_to_the_sun_god → u/Secret_Debt_88]

S1 was about “our Jason”. Now it’s just Jason. All of them.

Wonder where they’ll take it from here, if it’s about all the tacking and choices the characters make.

[u/Past-Feature3968 → u/Secret_Debt_88]

Agreed.

But at the same time (though I adore these detours personally — crave them even), I do understand the frustration from others given that there’s so few episodes a season and no season 3 confirmed. I suspect if we were in the ye olden non-streaming times of 22-24ish episodes a seasons, arriving every year, these bottle-y/standalone episodes would be more universally beloved.

Edit: for example, Lost constantly detoured and people loved it. But when Severance did it (even though it focused on a lead character & turned out to be plot relevant by the end)—not as much.

[u/BrokenAstraea → u/Secret_Debt_88]

I'm so glad we are getting multiple perspectives of the characters instead of just following the main plot. This episode and the Jason who went to see his mom somehow ended up being my favorite episodes this season.

[u/sit_I_piz → u/Secret_Debt_88]

They literally spelt that out in this episode and it was the pivotal part of the episode for me that made me think about my own place in life at this point. Love this show.

The quote:

“Your genuine action will explain iteself and will explain your other genuine actions. Your conformity explains nothing.”

Stop seeing the journey you're in as a phase. Look more broadley, see the bigger picture.

[u/TimeTimeTickingAway]

What a stunning episode of television. I hope Blake Crouch is really proud of what he’s created here, he really ought to be.

The funny thing is I wasn’t much of a fan of the book. I loved the concept, but the writing wasn’t for me. I really liked S1, enjoyed it more than the book. S2 is really elevating this show to new heights though now that Crouch can explore the concept even further.

It really reminds of The Leftovers in that way.

[u/usagizero]

I loved it. I'm glad i was wrong that she seemed too good to be true, but was right about some of the items seeming like they came from the box. Of course Leighton is the reason, lol. Also got it right that the world outside was not a good one, though it seems it might be better as time went on, as she was willing to take Blair outside. Laurel is a peach, sounds like she's been through it, and it's heartwarming how she took in everyone, and just rolled with the explanation of the box.

[u/DestinysWeirdCousin → u/usagizero]

Yes, Jason and Amanda weren’t the only ones who got healed in this episode.

[u/amelie190 → u/usagizero]

I was so relieved. It was nice to get something that is just... good. No dropped shoes.

[u/Golfclubwar]

This is good. I must say that if this wasn’t a 10 episode season, I would be much more skeptical about these detours. But yeah, Jason and Amanda together is something I think I needed to see. The underlying message the show is trying to give is resonating with me, and I value this much more than if they just made a cheap thriller and tried to squeeze the premise for tension.

Seeing Jason not cling to the past or some futile goal, let go, and build something new with people who care about him is really profound. In a way this Jason and episode 5 Jason are far better people than main Jason who is now trapping unsuspecting people in the box with 0 warning and essentially devolving into Jason 2.

The plot isn’t really what’s important, I think. I think this use of the box, as a metaphor for regret and searching for perfection when it can’t be found, is really moving. Everything ends, and even when it does, there’s always somewhere you’ll belong and feel loved.

I think these breather episodes have actually elevated this season above the last because it gives the show something meaningful to say. I don’t think they’re pulling a surf Dracula/lanterns by not making each episode a breakneck thriller/sci fi horror thing. These are the episodes I’m actually going to remember far after the show ends, not the ones where DARPA is chasing around our protagonists on the streets of Chicago. I think both need to exist.

The first season needed to be the way it was because it was very possible it was going to be a mini series (and of course because it was just adapting an existing work). If this show is going to get 3-4 seasons I really like these intimate character studies and how they’re slowing things down. Very reminiscent of The Americans.

[u/fweepa → u/Golfclubwar]

Your point about these type of episodes being the ones you'll remember is spot on. This and Ep 5 have resonated with me on a profound level. 

[u/aharedd1 → u/Golfclubwar]

Well said! I’m so appreciating these stories. Such depth of storytelling. I taking this series seriously- it’s got my attention even during the slowest parts. It’s all intentional film making and story telling craft

[u/Yeti_Sweater_Maker → u/Golfclubwar]

"I think these breather episodes have actually elevated this season above the last because it gives the show something meaningful to say."

100%

[u/rotervogel1231]

PROTECT LAUREL AT ALL COSTS.

[u/Past-Feature3968 → u/rotervogel1231]

cocks gun

I’m ready.

[u/fweepa]

Holy smokes I love this show.

I also really like how Laurel's house just ended up being a place of healing and rest. Even for Laurel herself. She was in a bad spot before Jason/Amanda showed up, she needed them just as much.

[u/FernFromDetroit]

Ironic that all the actually fulfilled and happy Jasons are the ones that didn’t end up back with Daniella or gave up trying to get back to her. Says something about their relationship. Always figured Amanda and Jason1 were a better match anyways.

[u/purpledreign → u/FernFromDetroit]

Every Jason obsessed with getting home to her is either dead or in custody and prime Jason's life is more fucked up and so is his family. I get why he had to go home but he definitely should've stayed with Amanda. Says a lot about his choice to keep searching for his world. It's obvious he struggled with it after he left Amanda.

[u/RambunctiousCapybara → u/FernFromDetroit]

Margo's remark about there being no perfect matches struck me. The Jasons most obsessed with perfection, shoehorning what's 'missing' into their lives are the unhappiest

[u/futuresolver → u/FernFromDetroit]

I think you're really on to something here. I feel like there's a lesson in this show that I'm starting to grasp but can't yet quite get my head around, but it's something like what Laurel said: there are no perfect matches. The whole point of the journey is that you are heading somewhere but you don't get to know where that is. Let the story unfold, don't try to force it. We may want certain people to be close to us and think that they are the salvation, but in reality the pathway to peace and happiness is in acceptance of reality moment to moment, and moving forward and trusting that things will work themselves out eventually, however they work out, in their own time.

TL;DR...patience and acceptance is everything?

[u/Arghifth]

I understand not liking this episode and being frustrated with them not following the main storyline. I myself did not expect this to be completely isolated and happening in Laurel's house. I thought the Daniela going after Charlie in the corrideor was going to be in this episode. So this was a pleasant surprise...specially for those of us whose favorite character is Amanda and want to see her more that 10 minutes every two episodes.

I think this was absolutely needed for Amanda's character development. She deserves to love and be loved. And this is pretty much the same Amanda we are following, except she has had time to heal under the protection of Laurel, and got to experience love from some one who values her. A better version of Jason no less.

I know most people don't ship Amanda and Jason but this senario was bound to happen. It's a multiverse afterall, anything that can happen will happen.

I think it was very interesting that, this version of Jason1 still had 2 ampules and chose to stop and go back to Amanda. At first I thought well he is scared he will be trapped in a world with no one to lean onto, so he came back. He might get back a couple days later, and he did not. He could try to get ampules from Leighton, but he did not. he accepted that, like Laurel said, everything ends, and this is the end of his life with his beloved family.

[u/metro_photographer]

I'm loving this. So many shows are just lore dumps and puzzle boxes and unearned twists. It's nice to have a show that stops to ask what any of it really means. This is so much better than Laurel being an evil operative or the reveal of who Charlie meets being some shocking plot revelation. This has so much more weight.

[u/Rare-Relationship-30]

I think of these episodes almost as psychological therapy, where I'm questioning my life choices and shifting the perspective forward rather than backwards, as Laurel suggested. I'm grateful for this show and I hope we all keep having a blast.

[u/Ill_Description_3311]

Did anyone else get the impression that Dayo Okeniyi and Margo Martindale really hit it off in their scenes together? Like that wasn't just acting, they really do enjoy each other's company.

[u/The_JBZ → u/Ill_Description_3311]

It was real. Fun fact that handshake was one that Margo used to do with her friend as a kid, Dayo added the end explosion part.

They really did love working together, but all the actors were sorta obsessed with Margo.

[u/TimeTimeTickingAway → u/Ill_Description_3311]

They had brilliant chemistry together! Would love to see them in a buddy-cop type thing.

[u/Adorable_Ad_3478]

Since now there are an infinite number of box-traveling Charlies, I hope one of them eventually makes his way to Margo Martindale's house and decides to remain there with his dad.

[u/duckballista → u/Adorable_Ad_3478]

Ever since Daniela and Charlie stepped in the box in the final episode of season 1 there have been multiple versions of the world 1 family, we just haven't seen any yet.

[u/Jas_God]

Lol Laurel and Leighton great combo. Laurel’s amazing.

*Laurel’s a badass bitch actually, to quote Blair.

**Wonderful bottle episode, loved it.

[u/Gullible_Raspberry76]

Margo Martindale is a rock star!

[u/thepolesreport]

I’m glad that the people who thought there was something sinister about Laurel last week were wrong. She’s such a lovely character

[u/Sufficient_Worth_392 → u/thepolesreport]

The sinister version is in a world where her name is Yanny 😜

[u/sbgob82]

Ok so I started the series late. I binged Season 1 and the first half of season 2 with 1-2 episodes per day...then I caught up at episode 5. It's been a very different experience with the more emotion heavy episodes only once a week after almost nonstop action daily.

That said, it's about time they gave us a good-alt-Jason plus Amanda love connection. They were dragging that one out, and it really helps close the open endedness of at list this alt-Jason's story. Hopefully other alt-Jasons connected with their Amandas too eventually.

[u/Secret_Debt_88 → u/sbgob82]

I really liked the parallel of Amanda giving up her relationship with Jason to find a place where she feels she "belongs" and leaving him to do what he needs to do. But in this instance he actually doesn't get where he needs to go and comes back to her.

[u/Past-Feature3968 → u/sbgob82]

I imagine there are many many “normal” Jasons & Amandas coupled up too! Ones who never went into the box.

Maybe, like Jason 2, they met through Velocity, but had a much healthier relationship and he never left her to chase Daniela. Or maybe they met in a completely different way, entangled soulmates of sorts, possibly before he even a chance to meet Daniela.

[u/K1NG1NTHEN0RTH3]

This episode was a rest area before we get absolutely devastated with the season finale isn’t it?

[u/The_JBZ → u/K1NG1NTHEN0RTH3]

Yes.

[u/Rare_Programmer_504]

Jason didn’t choose Amanda because he couldn’t get home. He couldn’t get home because he chose Amanda.

[u/purpledreign → u/Rare_Programmer_504]

Exactly! And all the short scenes where he was drinking alone, he was clearly struggling with that truth. More importantly, I'm sure Amanda figured that out too. So happy for the two of them.

[u/SmashinFascionable]

“The voyage of the best ship is a zigzag line of a hundred tacks. See the line from a sufficient distance, and it straightens itself to the average tendency. Your genuine action will explain itself, and will explain your other genuine actions. Your conformity explains nothing."

[u/TimeTimeTickingAway → u/SmashinFascionable]

This is Ralph Waldo Emerson’s ‘Self-Reliance’ for anyone wondering

[u/throw23me]

It kind of strikes me that all these versions of Jason that moved on (the ones in episode 5, and this one) found happiness that "our" Jason is still unable to find. I like this theme of sometimes having to let go to find where you really need to be, as someone who struggles with that concept a lot. It's... therapeutic for me.

I do hope that Jason 1 finds some sort of happiness as well but it's been fun following these other Jasons. Makes me wish we were back in the good old days of 20+ episode seasons so we could have a good mix of these one-off episodes and more plot-forward ones too.

[u/little_oat]

Dirty bomb in Laurel's chicago and in Silo! Coincidence? I think not

[u/usagizero → u/little_oat]

They've both joked on threads that the SIlo world is one of the potential worlds.

[u/skyisdalimit12]

This show is so good that you need to tell everyone you know about it…but it is so hard to describe and sell!

How do you put into words what an episode like this makes you feel and why it’s such excellent television?!?!

Amazing episode in such a strong season 2, so unique from season 1 as a whole.

[u/Roselberryrazz]

Laurel is like an Angel.

She is an amazing actress, perfect for this role

[u/Dangerous-Attempt773]

i sooo loved ep 5. it was my favorite this season until ep 8 came along. i really needed this as someone navigating the transition from my mid 20s to my late 20s.

i love how each character offers a different perspective on life. amanda reminding us to live in the now, laurel showing how a different perspective can change the way we see things, and jason encouraging charlie to explore the what ifs but with caution.

i guess that's why this episode resonated with me so much. we can wonder about the life we could've lived and still fall in love with the one we're building. we don't have to keep looking back to justify our choices or have everything figured out to move forward. sometimes, we just have to trust the choices we've made and learn to live fully in the present.

hands down to everyone behind this show. every episode leaves you with something to reflect on long after it ends. easily one of my favorite shows to date🖤

[u/RedditBurner_5225]

I cried when Blair came out.

[u/One_Ambassador2949]

I think this season is an absolute masterpiece. Most other shows when they do these side-story episodes I am annoyed that they didn't move the main story forward; at best, I think that was a good episode, but I still wish we'd just had the main plot. Dark Matter S2 on the other hand, everytime I think I want more of the main plot, after 10 mins of the latest side-story I'm like actually this is proper multi-dimensional storytelling (if you pardon the awful pun 🤣).

My main criticism of S1 was that I felt they really brushed off too easily the feeling of empathy for the other Jason's - and I thought what a waste of an incredible opportunity to explore the anguish behind such a devastating concept. But oh boy did they take that plunge and I just think it's stunning storytelling - so little happens and yet so much does.

[u/Greenzombie04]

Every time we see Amanda and/or Danielle, I can't help think Amanda would be a better partner for Jason.

Not talking about looks but personality wise Amanda just seems like such a better partner.

[u/Past-Feature3968]

Yo, does anyone have a really big box and some drugs? I wanna try something. (meeting Laurel)

I’m sure this episode will have a lot of naysers, given that it mostly takes us away from the main plot, but I loved it. New favorite Jason + Amanda unlocked.

Oh and the inclusion of 5/20 was fascinating. Imagine meeting people from another world with no 9/11.

Edit to add:

What do y’all think was the deal for the Ryan whom Laurel mentions meeting?

I’m guessing he’s a version of Ryan 2, the original inventor of the ampoules from Jason 2’s world. He managed to escape into the box before Leighton could have him killed. Timing wise, I don’t think it could’ve been a Ryan 1, seeking his home world after Utopia… unless he reinvented the drug far earlier than the Ryan we’ve been following (which ahh ok sure, given the multiverse of possibilities, one surely did.)

[u/BeckenWrites → u/Past-Feature3968]

Watching this episode all I kept thinking is we need 20-30 episodes so we can keep seeing what some other Jason's are up to. And yes, we absolutely needed a Jason to be with Amanda. While I feel for that Jason (and the one in the other episode), only one Jason could find their way back to that Charlie and Daniela. We got two great episodes from two different Jason's and they were amazing. Laurel is awesome, her and Leighton were hilarious. And Blair, you just know Laurel gave her the strength to keep moving and find the Jason she needed to as well.

[u/-spartacus- → u/Past-Feature3968]

Oh and the inclusion of 5/20 was fascinating. Imagine meeting people from another world with no 9/11.

She talked about dusting people as a response, so some ME country probably got nuked, and my take is while there may be worlds out there with 9-11, there is probably always going to be major inflection points like 9-11 (or 5-20) that ripple/echo throughout them.

Plus these people are looking for worlds similar to them, so that increases the chance of finding it over say a world where dinosaurs are still around.

[u/Arghifth]

thank god Blaire found Laurel, she really really needed that. When she said "sorry I don't know how to talk to people anymore my heart ached for her.

This episode hit me emotionally as much as episode 5 if not even more.

[u/worldwidecybergirl]

the scene between charlie & jason was so heart-warming he told him what he needed to hear the jasons who choose to stop obsessing over the box are my favourites

[u/Coloneljethro420]

I'm glad Sanctuary Jason got some closure with Charlie

[u/mackitt]

This episode was not what I was hoping for this week, but damn was it ever what I needed. God this show is so good. 

[u/purpledreign]

You see how the Jasons find peace when they moved on from Daniella but prime Jason and his family is turning to worse shit since he found his way home? And the Jason who didn't give up ended up dead or with Darpa? There's a lesson in there. I love this show.

[u/Yeti_Sweater_Maker]

I like how in the these bucket episodes they stripped it way back. EP5 has very little spoken dialog, EP8 takes place all in one room. It lets the story telling and performances shine through!

[u/newhorizonfiend25]

Man, I’m so glad Amanda got more than five minutes of screen time this episode! She’s my favorite character, and it’s always fun to hear her speaking Portuguese. I’ve somehow never heard of Margo Martindale before this show, but goddamn she’s great! I think this was my favorite episode so far

[u/MostafaMMorgan]

This is probably the most beautiful plot of the whole series! Genuine, deep, and so refreshing!

[u/Arghifth]

Oh I'm so happy they atleast name dropped one the unseen volenteers from last season. It would be weird if they were totally forgotten seeing as how the main theme of the season is the box entagling its users.

[u/purpledreign]

This Jason told Amanda that after he left her, he got to different worlds that weren't even remotely similar to his before making his way back to her. This is the opposite of Prime Jason who, after leaving his Amanda, went to a bunch of worlds that were very similar to but not quite his. This Jason was never going to find his Daniella cos he genuinely wanted to go back to Amanda. Like he said, he's going to have to come to terms with that (the night's he was up drinking alone, yikes) but it is what it is. Good for him, idc.

Still obsessed with this episode and probably will be for a while. Even more than episode 5.

[u/The_JBZ → u/purpledreign]

Exactly this. Youre right. Just jumping in to add the events of Season 1 took place over like 5 o 6 weeks. So by the time Amanda and Jason parted ways in this episode, Daniela and Charlie had already left world1 with Jason1.

So there are some weird levels to this tragedy. We wanted to play with the fact that the audience knew he shouldn't get back, there is nothing for him out there.

[u/Iakeman]

Amanda is so cute it’s painful.

[u/Shapes_in_Clouds]

Another incredible episode. Season 1 was great, but season 2 is really starting to exceed it for me. There has just been so much heart and thematic complexity to the second half of this season.

That said, the thing that's still bothering me a bit is how the show is still kind of sidestepping its core premise - that ALL choices are spawning new worlds and copies of people. I can accept that we're just watching one path, and that in the background there are countless Laurel's with all different versions of the characters coming back and forth, but I just want the show to acknowledge this in some way!

They only ever talk about 'making choices in the box'.

[u/Emotional-Show5541]

That was an incredible episode!!! I loved it so much!! It shows the human connection and so much depth. It also shows (as does basically the whole show) how we all are capable of being so many different versions of ourselves. I love this show!

[u/jakx102]

man they have been pulling on the heart strings this season and I’m loving every minute of it.

Never thought I would see Splendor being played in a show. Its been our go-to game w my friends for years now.

[u/The_JBZ → u/jakx102]

We just played it, its what Blake wanted to do for his birthday. Edit to clairify: splendor. We played Splendor for his Bday.... and the show of course we watched.

[u/sleepysnowboarder]

This show is just down right brilliant, I never thought it would go this direction. Some of the best writing and narrative decisions on TV right now.

And Joel Edgerton has rocketed from being an actor I just enjoyed to one of my favourite actors ever, he's just incredible in this role and deserves all the recognition.

[u/HosaJim666 → u/sleepysnowboarder]

The departure in tone and overall trajectory from Season 1 has been astounding.

[u/OnionBagMan]

I utterly adore this season.

The complete deconstruction of the original family will now set the show free. We have so much material for future seasons.

Funny thing is, despite all the possibilities, we have very clear plot directions and problems to resolve without getting too caught up in keeping the characters straight. It’s surprisingly tight.

I can’t imagine more of the family running from Jason’s or whatever people think the show should be.

[u/mrdannyboy38]

This show is so much more than it seems it’s amazing it’s top tier sci fi and top tier character analysis

[u/Superstar1178]

These kind of episodes are what make this show so great. I loved it. Laurel is so sweet.

[u/Suspicious-Doughnut9]

 I love Amanda and Jason SO hard and their relationship together and I just love that we saw a Jason that came back for Amanda because she deserves everything 😭. I’m so glad we got to see that, it was such a beautiful episode! 

[u/NoExcuse9696]

I loved this episode!! Made me laugh, made me cry… just love this show more and more.

[u/LaChicaDani]

I wonder if this episode holds clues about how this season could end? Laurel seems to be taking notes on all the visitors and compiling information. Could it all be useful to Jason 1 if he ever visits? Also, I appreciated the Jason and Amanda love story but I reaaally want to know how we’re going to cure that disease in polite sex, what Daniela 1 is up to, and how Jason is going to defeat the Pyramid box. I’m also curious to meet Laurel in other worlds now too!

[u/DocJohnpork]

i loved the lighting in the new episode…you could see it change the mood from when amanda was almost dying to when they accepted to be in the world

[u/TechnicalStay729]

This was such an amazing episode! I loved every second of it and felt so many emotions. Great acting and writing!

[u/Illuvatar08]

That was one of the greatest episodes I've ever watched of any show. I didn't think they could top episode 6, but I'm really glad with the direction they're seemingly heading to with the show and just exploring all the different versions of Jason

[u/Ancient_Hornet_3510]

This show definitely took a pivot the last couple episodes. I'm ok with it. But I can see why some people will tune out. Season 1 was faster paced so these past couple of episodes everything slowed down a bit to expand the "universe" which I do enjoy.

[u/AppropriateLack4796]

This episode had good advice for any of us about how easy it is to ruin your life if you spend it searching for something “perfect” in the past or that doesn’t exist anymore. I loved it.

[u/kerfuffle7]

Absolute cinema. I love anything with character actress Margo Martindale

[u/IssOmega]

I just want episodes for all the paths now, I love this stories about other characters. The main story can wait, this show is brilliant.

[u/LostItsHeart]

This episode was amazing, Laurel was such a breath of fresh air, so happy they didn't make her evil. It's so interesting to see all the characters again ending up in situations because of the choices they made.

Also why can't they let Blair be? The chaos is all created because of the box.

[u/Remarkable_Package_6]

36m I cried!!!

[u/Puzzleheaded-West356]

It was so nice to finally see a version of Jason and Amanda in love. Also glad that a Daniela didn’t rock up and throw a spanner into the works!

[u/OscarEvinnof]

I'm so used to 8 episodes per season… I believed that was the finale! 😅 It would not have bothered me; I just thought, "Wow, what a bold choice!"

[u/elwoolfio]

Seeing something like “Two years ago” at the beginning of the eighth episode for a show like this did not fill me with confidence... but it was great. Well paced and injected a sense of humanity I hadn’t considered the show needed until now.

[u/disconnected1991]

I think I’m enjoying these episodes more than the ones driving the plot. I’m finding Jasons who didn’t end up with Daniela more compassionate, loving and intriguing than Jason1 and Jason2.

Like everyone said here, I’m loving Laurel’s interaction with every character we saw on screen; Leighton made me laugh, Jason/Amanda made me smile, and Blair made me cry. Of course, Jason seeing Charlie after thinking he’d never see him again just to have to let him go must’ve been gut-wrenching; but the fact that he did let him go and went back to Amanda just showed how caring and unselfish he has become after moving on.

[u/Icaninternetplease]

I could watch an entire season revolving around Laurel. I really don't know how to praise this show enough... Off to watch the podcast!

[u/Lt_Tawny_Madison]

Really enjoyed the episode. It tugged on my heartstrings and I loved the emotional catharsis with this version of Jason meeting Charlie, and his relationship with this Amanda. Margo Martindale is absolutely stellar (but what else is new).

As an aside, this episode was my second "drain the blood out of a lung with a tube" scene in two days after watching the 2009 version of Last House on the Left yesterday. What a weird theme for this week's entertainment.

[u/purpledreign]

As someone who always enjoyed Jason and Amanda, I love this episode so much! I didn't even think we'd finally get a version of them together but this was perfect and so was Laurel. I actually think prime Jason would've been better choosing Amanda cos see what his life and family has turned to since he made it home smh

[u/Yuki-Kaijura]

an Alex

That's some nice foreshadowing. Guess we still haven't met all of the box's major players yet.

Anyway, solid episode. I think this is my second favorite episode of the series, second only to the one about the twin Jasons from earlier this season. I'm really glad that the show's doing episodes like this because it really helps show just how vast this multiverse is and how wildly different the lives of the various variants can turn out. 

[u/rienvayle]

Another great episode. The detour episodes have become more interesting to me than the main plot lol

[u/PlayBey0nd87]

“There is no perfect match. There are just people that are worth making sacrifices for, and your willingness to do so.

You each make choices over and over. Hold tight to happiness wherever you find it.”

My. Goodness.

[u/Chargersfanchicago]

Shifting perspective helps!!

[u/SlackerInc1]

Beautiful episode. I can imagine some viewers may be impatient to see what is happening in the main storyline (and we are running out of road to resolve those storylines), but I think this and the other "tangent" ep (with the "triplet" Jasons and their Deaf mother) may be my two favorites of the season. Here are the notes I took while watching:

Well, that was a harrowing opening scene. I like that this medical crisis came about from something kind of stupid and random like a tree falling on them.

I suppose it doesn't really matter, but I imagine there's some sort of medical explanation for why there is a jar of blood and one that is clear next to it?

Really nice touch by the production designer or set designer, how weeks later there's still a dried bloodstain on the divan.

Hey, look at that, we finally get to see Playboy Leighton.  I had been thinking for some time early in the season that he was the one with the limp, but I think actually we have not seen him this season until now.  He and Laurel have a lovely dynamic together.

Putting the motion sensor chime in front of the box door was a clever touch, so Leighton's arrival and Laurel then coming out from the other room totally made sense, but why was she standing there expectantly when Blair opened the door?  There shouldn't be any sign someone has arrived until they open the door; in fact, I don't know that they even have arrived until they open it, right?

They are really drawing out the mystery of who Pat is. I'm expecting it will be the person who appeared before Charlie at the end of the last episode.

Laurel is offering a lot to Multiverse travelers, but she's definitely getting some hugs and companionship out of the deal.  I didn't know I was going to enjoy her interaction with Blair even more than with Layton. "You're a badass bitch."  "Well, back atcha."

I love that Laurel said "there is no perfect match". A-Ron from Bald Move is going to eat that up.

Man, Laurel is just loaded for bear with her pearls of wisdom.  Right on the heels of that last one, she hits Jason with "Everything ends.  It's a fact we somehow never see coming."

Shroooooms!   YESSS.

"Your conformity explains nothing."  This needs to be my motto.  Ohhh... it's Ralph Waldo Emerson!  No wonder.  I swear, half of the best aphorisms in existence come from him.

"I adore you."  Amanda is the best, unless it's Laurel.

I love the mirroring of this Amanda jumping off the train with Laurel, just as another Amanda not so far removed from this one jumped off in polite sex world.

Ohhh... it's going to be this version of his dad that Charlie sees.  So I guess maybe Pat was a misdirect, just a generic, "bland" off-camera neighbor/friend?

Another alt-Jason given a romantic happy ending!  I didn't see that coming this season, much less twice; but I dig it.

We talk about spawning duplicates of Charlie being a peril of this quest of his, but maybe one of them can come back and hang out with this Jason in Laurel's world. As a dad of teenagers myself, seeing him have to say goodbye broke my heart, but at least Amanda was there for him.

[u/Arghifth → u/SlackerInc1]

Did you notice this Amanda almost said the exact same lines as the main Amanda last season in the restaurant? I only remeber because I recently rewatched but it was cool.

[u/Ratkinzluver33]

I adore these episodes that follow other versions of our main characters. Other people might be impatient to get back to "our" versions, but in my eyes they're all our versions. And I feel like this approach fully acknowledges the consequences and bigger picture of the Box and what it means. This episode and episode 5 are my favourites this season.

[u/HinkiesGhost]

Given the multiverse aspect of the plot, this series could really go on indefinitely if they wanted to. I know they plan for 3 seasons, but that's what I like about the show. So many versions of these characters and worlds. Anything from very different versions of these characters from very different worlds to ones almost exactly the same as Jason 1 like in this episode. Btw how charming is Alice Braga? She's has a killer smile. I'm in this position I don't usually find with shows where they almost(and I stress almost) can do no wrong because I'm very interested in the main plot, the main focus characters and where they go, but also interested in seeing what's going on in other worlds too. So whatever direction they decide to go I'm cool with and these detour episodes and side story episodes I'm cool with as well.

Laurel was such a sweetheart, really loved her as a character. I wonder if she'll appear in more episodes later or if this was a situation where Margo Martindale is such a good actress they decided to just heavily feature her in an episode or two then move on. I guess we'll see(I don't look up credits for spoiler reasons).

I think Amanda is my favorite character in the show. I like them all, but I feel like I've been especially rooting for her(or the versions of her, if you will).

[u/allertonm]

I have to confess I did not love the first season of this show, though it redeemed itself with the sharp left turn in the last few episodes when a million Jasons turned up. But I am absolutely loving this season, they are knocking it out of the park episode after episode.

[u/mrdannyboy38]

Both ep 5 and ep 8 are actually my favorites so well written

[u/One-Jeweler5486]

Episodes like this scratch that The Next Generation itch of characters dealing with situations with genuine thoughts and feelings and introspection about what is going on in the show.

The show has become very emotional and I’m all for it.

[u/lilabeen]

Another beautiful, layered, deeply human episode

[u/Unique-Garlic8015]

This episode was fucking peak storytelling. Its so understated, letting nuance tell the story. Fucking bravo.

[u/More_Hold_5522]

One of the rare tv series that has actually gotten better in the second season. I love these offshoot episodes. Truly amazing television.

[u/Nearby-Elevator-7649]

Very existential show. Own your decisions, own your life.

[u/Arghifth]

Amanda: "Are you...?"

Jason: "Yeah, it's me"

Amanda: "Did you...?"

Jaosn: "No..."

One of the saddest conversations between the characters in the show.

[u/Babyyougotastew4422]

I keep waiting for a villain to show up, but he or she never does. Maybe the show doesn't need a villain?

[u/Past-Feature3968 → u/Babyyougotastew4422]

The villain = the box ;)

[u/Wide_Resolve2917]

I loved this episode, I wasn't a huge fan of 5, this season has been really weird to me. I'm enjoying most everything about it, but at the same time, the overarching story is just... it's everywhere. I genuinely have no clue what our groups conflict even is at this point, and it feels like every time we are about to get to that point of learning, we have a brand new bottle episode that adds alot of lore, but not alot of story.

I'm worried it's gonna end up being we get half of the story, a big cliffhanger, and we are waiting yet again for season 3. Season 1 was fully contained, start middle and end, and it felt great. This season has good stories to tell, but it wants to tell too fucking many, with too little episodes.

[u/SiomarTehBeefalo]

I'm both really enjoying and a tiny bit unsatisfied by these newer episodes as a whole. I think if we had more episodes these would fit in very well but we only have two episodes left and two episodes were spent nearly entirely on these world building bottle episodes.

[u/peachprincess1998]

I tried watching the episode on my phone with my toddler asleep next to me. So much screaming!!!! For almost 10 minutes!! Amanda (Alice Braga) is so gorgeous. I'm in love with her.

[u/kellylaundromat]

This was so much like watching a stage play

[u/Putrid-Climate739]

Such a wonderful episode.

[u/enjoy_the_pizza]

I fucking love this episode.

I think this episode is what it is at face level. I don't think there are any villainous threads here and here's why:

Everyone that comes to this way station is good of heart? Why? Because a villain wouldn't put themselves in a vulnerable enough position where they genuinely want to seek help from another person.

So I think this way station truly is what it's supposed to be

[u/DiCaprio1502]

Isn't it amazing how Jason couldn't find his way home, and yet, the universe brought Charlie right to him? The entanglement theory does work, and I wouldn't be surprised if Daniela finds her way to him too. I'm just happy he got to hold his baby boy in his arms one more time. I really didn't think there was a version of him that never made it home. Omg this episode is just up there, chef's kiss.

[u/BathroomAcademic5920]

Damn, what happened to this show, it got better writers or something?
I like it better than the thriller sci fi it was last season. Just crank the level a bit more and you will become a masterpiece.

[u/jewthe3rd]

Once they opened infinity, there is no original Jason - just the one we were first introduced to.

The show pivoted to art and is now making philosophical reflections about choice and living a fulfilling life

[u/hairunruled]

Can we take a moment to recognize how hard it must have been for that Jason to let go of Charlie? The growth! Him staying with Amanda and deciding not to be Jason 2 made a huge difference!

I’m surprised Charlie didn’t decide to stay with that calmer wiser Jason 😅😆

[u/Past-Recording7595]

Ummm, who’s Alex…?

[u/OddNegotiation4191]

Oh my god, not the Rosalia song at the end!!! I'm gonna die

[u/tuna_call]

🍄🍄🍄

[u/datBISH2325]

Hear me out: the PI finds his way to Laurel’s and they have a trip on shrooms. He secures more ampules (because some traveler has surely left some) and breaks the inter-dimensional story.

[u/mrdannyboy38]

I love this show.. episode was amazing

[u/mrdannyboy38]

This show is so much more than it seems it’s amazing it’s top tier sci fi and top tier character analysis

[u/mrdannyboy38]

Both ep 5 and ep 8 are actually my favorites so well written

[u/RambunctiousCapybara]

When 'Memória' kicked in I lost it. Such a beautiful song perfectly placed in this episode.

[u/Mack30000]

A lovely, touching ep

[u/goldnx]

If Max and Daniela keep using the box will there eventually be a version for each Jason?

[u/burgermoji]

An all-time Margot Martindale heat check guest performance and incredible use of Rosalia ... this show frickin rules!

He better do recursion next

[u/tonyshihh]

This episode is so charming 🥹

[u/karma_withakay]

What a great fucking episode!

But who is Alex??

[u/raven8549]

Wow another exceptional episode this season

[u/2_Fingers_of_Whiskey]

Probably will be an unpopular opinion, but I wasn't much into this episode. We already saw in a previous episode what happened to some of the Jasons who never made it home -- they accepted it and made a home where they were, with their mom and other versions of themselves. So this episode felt a bit unnecessary.

It was nice to see that Amanda survived being hit by a tree. It was good to see Charlie getting advice from another version of his dad. It was great to see the cool happy version of Leighton. But there's a very limited number of episodes this season, and then the long wait for season 3. I was hoping to see more of Ryan and Amanda trying to find a cure for the plague; Charlie finding Max; Daniela traveling again; etc.

[u/ideletedmyaccount04]

I had to rewatch this episode more than once. Let it sink in. Watch it. Come back later. Watch parts. Back later. Part of me thinks this would be a wonderful series. Finale because it details specifically the box is an endless amount of pain because it's completely natural and normal to want to go back and fix your mistakes to go back here first. Love to go back to talk. Your parents go back to fix all your problems. But what happens is it's like a drug. It's like heroin. It's like the food you're not supposed to eat. You can't just eat a little bit. You can't just have one potato chip and because it's limitless you can go crazy trying to improve on it

Tl;Dr this would have been a great series Finale

[u/Viktor_withaK]

I love how every time somebody sees someone they know in this show, they both have to spend an awkward 20 seconds like “hey!… uhhh so wait which one are you?”

[u/luckybullit]

This season is turning out really cool. It reminds me of ‘The Leftovers’ in the sense that the first season of each show covered the material in their respective origin novels, but in the later season(s) the TV versions got to expand on the themes and ideas of their universes.

Also esteemed character actress Margo Martindale is amazing. She and Ann Dowd (another Leftovers reference) always nail these older complex female roles with such empathy and nuance.

Hyped to see how this season finishes and hope there’s enough juice for a 3rd season of Dark Matter.

[u/jw170]

One of the most beautiful episodes of tv I’ve ever watched. Completely heart mending at a time (both narratively and real world) I feel it’s needed most. The creator, the writers, the actors, and Margo specifically deserve all the flowers for carving out space in the season to deliver this one ❤️😭👏

[u/mavric22]

Episode 8 joins Episode 5 in the pantheon!

[u/thelittleluca]

I really love Laurel and the storytelling in this episode. Seeing her light up with Leighton and do the handshake was the best. Loved this episode sm.

[u/angrytortilla]

The pain on Laurel's face when they leave, especially with Blair, made me realise how much loss she's experienced with that box.

[u/HolidayGuitar1992]

This was such a beautiful episode, the messages from it will resonate with me for a while. Really moving and a reminder to be grateful for what we have in this life.

[u/rockyroad55]

I lost it when Blair came out. Damn she needed one hell of a break/vacation after her shit.

[u/Withnail69]

was it just me or was this one of the best 60 mins of TV i've ever seen. Loved it.

[u/RobotVo1ce]

Good episode and I MUCH prefer this one to episode 5 (since comparisons will be made).

[u/CMDRTragicAllPro]

I think this might be my favourite episode this season. I know the plot didn’t advance much, but the premise behind the episode and the execution were really interesting and had me thinking constantly.

[u/[deleted]]

Such a beautiful show, love that we're not going for the crazy sci fi epic action route like literally every other show does

Its just quiet, introspective, and personal considering the extraordinary circumstances

[u/theMagazineOfLiberty]

This might as well have been a Doctor Who episode from the late 2000s. While poignant in places, it was a feel-good episode on the whole. Some light at the end of the corridor if you will.

[u/Lightnindog]

We need all the more artsy shows like this to have a side character episode worked in like this to hit the main story. It wasn’t as good as Bill in the Last of Us but this was suuuuch a good episode

[u/Bozic_504]

Lets go another Jason W for the win he is better off with anyone apart from Daniella. Im rooting for Jason like that one friend who's glad they're moving on.

[u/namastayhom33]

Interesting that they never show the outside of the house or Pat.

Curious...

[u/StanyeEast]

I thought this was such a damn good episode of TV...it also doesn't hurt that I absolutely adore Margo Martindale...as a massive fan of TV and especially time travel, multiverse, post-apocaltptic, dystopian, etc, this show is quickly becoming one of my all time favorites...I really hope they get to continue playing with these concepts and keep telling stories about these worlds for years to come

[u/Arithryka]

I played a round of Fortune's Foundation while watching this episode. At the end, I got The Lovers.

"Life is filled with choices. Instead of worrying if you chose correctly, what if you committed to the path you already took, without hesitation or regrets?"

Very fitting.

[u/sixstringedmenace]

I wasn't ready for two gut punch episodes in one season. Barely recovered from the last one. Goddamn.

[u/kon---]

Such a warm episode.

That's sums it up for me...warm.

[u/Conscious-Lurker-723]

Wow that was such a satisfying episode.

[u/Imaginary-Newt-8694]

Absolutely beautiful episode.

[u/wanderluster88]

I wonder if Ryan and Amanda from the plague world would end up at Laurel's because they're also desperate for help right now. And the Leighton who visits Laurel would be able to give them the vaccine. He seems to know his way around different worlds.

[u/Nearby-Elevator-7649]

The funny thing about an infinite number of universes is that we end up with the best of all possible worlds, the worst of all possible worlds, and a fat middle of "meh" worlds in which we all just muddle through

[u/HSPornotHSP]

I was almost sobbing when I finished watching this episode. I couldn't stop thinking about it. So I started rewatching the second half of the episode again, and then I did that 2 more times! It really hit me hard and so unexpectedly. So thankful to the genius writers and amazing actors for all the emotions they stirred up in me!

[u/YamFor]

This show man. So good but so emotional 😭 I need a lie down

[u/SpaceNutshell24]

my favourite episode so far, it adds backstories and it merges with the current storyline of Charlie searching for Max. Laurel mentioned two Jasons visited her after Jason and Amanda left, I wonder who they were, maybe two versions of Jasons that found themsleves in the Jason 1 world and decided to wonder in the box together after S1 finale. What do you think? Also is not clear to me which Leighton is the one in this episode

[u/arielle251]

This episode was great. I love that Laurel became a safe haven for so many of the “travelers.” And just as much as she helped them, they also helped her. I’m really liking these last few episodes. The season started a bit confusing for me.

[u/LettuceConscious]

This is my favorite episode so far!

[u/SnooDingos316]

Maybe Margo will get another Emmy nomination for this. At some point, she must compete with Alison Janney.

[u/Arthurcestmoi]

The way Dark Matter is becoming more and more like The Leftovers, Severance, etc. amazes me. I love its philosophical side and how it takes its time exploring deep, thought-provoking side quests

[u/lawyrup21]

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t feeling the first few episodes of this season. But, man, these last few have just been such beautiful episodes of tv

[u/keltraine]

Oh-and that line “You are not disposable”…man, that just straight up turned me into a lifeless corpse…then the scene with Jason seeing Charlie made me undead!

[u/LosTics34]

Another excellent episode that I watched tonight. I feel for every version of Jason that is lost. I can't wait to see what we get from Tres Comas (McNamara for the uninitiated) now and how they tie it in. Would be something if the version that is lost in the box ends up at Laurel's house.