Ep 7. Crossroads

In "Crossroads," the seventh episode of "Dark" season 1, the dual plotlines of 1953 and 1986 continue to converge as Jonas, Ulrich, and Hannah attempt to navigate the dangerous secrets of their shared past. The episode begins with a startling revelation about a key character that promises to upend everything the audience thought they knew about the series thus far.

In 1953, young Helge wakes up in the aftermath of his latest abduction at the hands of his future self, now sporting a gruesome scar across his face. Meanwhile, Egon Tiedemann, the dogged police investigator, continues his hunt for the missing children, driven by what seems like some deep personal trauma. As Egon tries to piece together the strange happenings in the small town of Winden, he bumps up against bureaucratic obstacles and internal resistance.

In 1986, it's even more tense, as Ulrich confronts Helge at the construction site for the nearby nuclear power plant. The exchange is cryptic, with each man seemingly speaking in half-truths and veiled references to the past. We also get some insight into how the series' time-travel mechanics work, as Ulrich discovers that his meddling has unforeseen consequences that stretch far beyond his own timeline.

As always, the series is anchored by its deeply empathetic characterizations, and "Crossroads" is no exception. Despite their tough exteriors and often cruel actions, the characters in "Dark" keep us invested in their fates by showing us their vulnerabilities and flaws. Hannah, for example, struggles to come to terms with the fact that her husband is cheating on her, while young Helge is revealed to be a victim as well as a perpetrator -- trapped in a cycle of violence and abuse from which there seems to be no escape.

The episode also introduces some new wrinkles into the series' labyrinthine mystery, as we learn about a secret society of time travelers (known as Sic Mundus) that may be behind the strange goings-on in Winden. One character in particular, a mysterious figure known only as the Wanderer, seems to hold the key to everything -- and his eventual reveal promises to be a major plot point going forward.

As always, the show's attention to detail and tightly-woven storytelling make it a joy to watch, even as it pushes the viewer to the brink of their understanding. Whether you're a fan of science fiction, mystery, or just expertly-crafted television, "Dark" season 1 episode 7 is a must-see entry in one of the decade's most gripping series.