Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance: The premiere ignites the sparks of rebellion

The first episode of Netflix’s Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance sets viewers up for an epic fantasy story that will ignite a rebellion against the Skeksis.

Netflix’s prequel to Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal became available for streaming this past weekend, and the premiere of the series offers viewers a rich fantasy world with plenty of politics weaved into it. And as with any series that focuses on relations between those in power and those who are not, Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance promises those watching a rebellion to come, with the Gelfling slowly beginning to question the Skeksis and everything they stand for.

The first episode opens by setting up the world, enabling both fans of the 1982 film and newcomers to understand what’s happening. The series introduces its expansive cast of characters, the political setup of Thra, and the power of the Crystal — which, admittedly, causes a lenghthy and occasionally confusing information dump at the beginning of the episode, even if the world building is spectacularly intricate.

But things quickly pick up during the latter half of the premiere, which sets the stage for what’s to come the rest of the season. When the Skeksis reveal that the Crystal is no longer functioning the way it’s supposed to, one of their scientists suggests using the essence of the Gelfling to power the Crystal — something that will drain the other creatures of their life force (not that the Skeksis genuinely care about the subjects they’re ruling over).

And with the tithe scene showcasing just how little the Gelfling clans question their Skeksis leaders and their decisions, it’s easy to see why the Skeksis believe they’ll get away with sacrificing their subjects. Even All-Maudra isn’t willing to defend or protect her own people, something that upsets Princess Brea, forcing her to question the loyalty the clans have toward they’re leaders.

Brea isn’t the only one dismayed by the Skeksis and their corruption either. At the end of the episode, lovers and childhood friends Rian and Mira find themselves wrapped up in the schemes of the scientist skekTek. Specifically, Mira becomes the test subject for his plans to power the Crystal using the essence of the Gelfling — and poor Rian is forced to watch as the scientist and his comrades destroy her for the sake of their self-interested plots.

Sadly, Rian is caught spying on the Skeksis lords, and although he escapes, he’s likely going to have a difficult time rallying the other Gelfling to his cause — if his newfound enemies don’t kill him first. But even if the other Gelfling won’t hear him out, we know Brea will. After her warning from the Tree of Life, Deet is likely to become wrapped up in things as well.

Ultimately, the first episode of Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance plants the seeds of resistance and sets viewers up for an emotional and action-packed story. Hopefully, it’s one the series will deliver on going forward.

Have you watched Netflix’s Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance? Tell us what you thought in the comments below!