Summary
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Season 1, Episode 1, “End. Begin. All the Same” opens the series with impressive puppetry animation and an impactful ending.
There’s a lot to take from the opening episode of The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. Episode 1, “End. Begin. All the Same” sets the scene in 60-minutes, providing a brilliant opener.
Once the narration passes, and we learn about Thra and how it came to be ruled by the Skeksis overlords, we learn that the Crystal of Truth is providing less life to the planet. The Skeksis, who deceived mother Aughra to take over the land, believe the crystal is dying, and the Emperor (Jason Isaacs) wants The Scientist (Mark Hamill) to find a solution. Without the Crystal giving them power, they cannot rule.
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Episode 1 then introduces us to Castle Guard Rian (Taron Egerton), joyfully conversing with his partner Mira (Alicia Vikander). “End. Begin. All the Same” sells an amazing connection between the two, as they partake in dreamfast so they can relive when they first met. An Arathim soldier enters the castle which alerts them and they wonder why its come to the surface.
Meanwhile, Princess Tavra tells Brea (Alice Dinnean) she can attend the Tithing Ceremony where all Lords and the All-Maudra (Helena Bonham Carter) will be in attendance. Brea is a cynical character, and rightfully so, questioning why the Skeksis want to take the tithe of the poor Gelfling. After the ceremony, she accidentally opens a book that reveals a vision, and she persuades her mother to dreamfast with her so she can share it. But before she does, she notices her mother has the pendant that the Skeksis took from the poor farmer.
“End. Begin. All the Same” shows that the Skeksis still have a problem; they cannot power up the Crystal using electricity; as The Scientist tries, the Crystal tries to draw the life force out of him. The Lords opt to try to use other creatures to give the Crystal a life force to draw out the essence.
While the Skeksis try and find a solution to their power-fuelled problem, Deet finds herself at the Tree of Sanctuary after being attacked by a Nurloc by surprise. The tree tells her that the Nurloc was consumed by The Darkening and asks her to rally the Gelfling and tell All-Maudra.
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Season 1, Episode 1, “End. Begin. All the Same” closes with tragedy; Rian, Mira, and Gurjin go Spitter Hunting, and Mira follows one of the Spitters down the catacombs. She is kidnapped by the Skeksis, and Rian has to watch her partner have her life force sucked out of her by the Crystal. Her entire life form is turned into the essence, and the Skeksis celebrate their victory of finding an alternative solution. This was surprisingly an emotional start to the Netflix series. Unfortunately, the Skeksis catch Rian spying on the event, and he runs away; the Lords do not believe the Gelfling will believe him.
Magical Forgotten Scrolls
- One of the Lords — the Scroll Keeper — escorts Brea to the Citadel.
- Captain Ordon (Mark Strong), Rian’s father, leaves the castle, putting Tolin in charge. Rian didn’t tell Ordon about the Arathim soldier.
You can read the recap of Episode 2 by clicking these words.
