THE DARK CRYSTAL: AGE OF RESISTANCE (2019) TV Review
SPOILER WARNING: THE DARK CRYSTAL (1982)
Netflix presents a refreshing blast from the past with a prequel series to icon 80s fantasy, The Dark Crystal.
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, set an unknown number of years before the events of The Dark Crystal, Before the war and the Gelfling genocide, the peaceful creatures live in blissful ignorance. They believe the Skeksis, lords of the Crystal, serve Thra. However, their only goal is to achieve immortality.
Three Gelfling heroes from rivaling clans join together to expose the Skeksis’ evil deeds for the first time:
Rian
- a royal guard and trained fighter
Brea
- a well-read and insightful princess
Deet
- a cave dweller and connected to the earth
The pioneers of truth for the good of their people and Thra. Their efforts result in criticism, false accusations, and exile. They also suffer tremendous loss. Their loved ones are murdered by Skeksis, oftentimes in front of them. They use their loss to give them strength and motivation. The more the Skeksis attack them, the harder they fight back. Gelfling prove themselves to be a resilient race.
What they must learn along the way is that traditional battle is the answer to defeating the evil Skeksis. The importance of their journey relies on what they discover instead of who they kill. In this beautiful series lies the first steps of Jen and Kira’s journey in the film.
The biggest challenge this series faces is the trouble most prequels. How is the audience supposed to connect with a world full of character who inevitably perish? How do we root for their success? According to The Dark Crystal film, Jen and Kira are the only surviving Gelfling in the entire world. It’s undeniable. Everyone is doomed.
Why bother? What’s the point?
Because that is life. We ALL inevitably perish. The point of life is not about how much time we have. What matters is what we do with the time we have. The Gelfling’s accomplishments are abundant. They are passionate, dynamic characters who devote their remaining days fighting for a divine cause. What could be more inspiring than that?
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance is a beautiful reminder to the world that none of us should waste our precious time on Earth. Let us never forget.
