Dark Season 1 Episode 3 Past and Present
- December 1, 2017
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8.5 (14,237)
In the third episode of Dark season 1, titled "Past and Present," the story takes a closer look at the locals of Winden, Germany, and the personal lives that drive their respective story arcs.
The beginning of the episode revolves around police officer Charlotte Doppler and her family. She is shown questioning Ulrich Nielsen, a man who appears to be involved with different girls in Winden. Ulrich's son Mikkel goes missing, which leads to a search party being formed. However, at the same time, Ulrich also starts his investigation into the mysterious and disturbing disappearances occurring in the town.
Meanwhile, the Stranger - a new character who has been hanging around Winden - is shown making preparations for something important. He is seen trying to connect with a mysterious individual who seems to know more than they should about the town. The Stranger's device is shown, and it seems to be a time-machine of sorts.
Throughout the episode, viewers are given a glimpse into the lives of Winden's inhabitants. The storylines of different characters intertwine and bring some clarity to the larger web of events. The story of Mikkel Nielsen, Ulrich's missing son, is seen through the perspective of his family members. Charlotte's husband Peter becomes a point of interest in the case surrounding Helge, a boy who disappeared in the 1980s.
The interpersonal dynamics between different characters in the town are explored, as well as their connections to the disappearance of children. Whereas the first few episodes set the stage and introduced the important players, "Past and Present" begins to flesh out the characters and introduce the conflicts and motivations that will drive the narrative forward.
Without giving too much away, the episode leaves several questions unanswered while still managing to intrigue and captivate the audience. Additionally, it helps to shift the focus on the missing children from the vague supernatural elements and onto the characters themselves. The story's focus shifts more towards the individuals at the center of the mysterious disappearances than on the unexplained events that are unfolding around them.
Overall, the third episode of Dark's first season effectively brings forward some of the more complex elements introduced in the previous two episodes and begins to connect them in meaningful ways. The stakes continue to rise, and viewers are left with a sense of thrilling anticipation as they eagerly wait for the series to unfold.