Ep 9. Everything is Now

In Dark season 1 episode 9, titled "Everything is Now," the intricate web of relationships and events in the small German town of Winden comes into focus as we learn more about the characters' pasts and how they're connected. The episode opens with a flashback to 1986, when the nuclear power plant was starting up and the town was buzzing with excitement and anticipation. We see a young Helge Doppler (Tom Philipp) in the woods, where he encounters the stranger (Andreas Pietschmann) who has been popping up throughout the series. The stranger tells Helge that everything is connected, and that he has an important role to play in the future.

In the present day, we see Ulrich Nielsen (Oliver Masucci) in 1953, locked up in a mental institution and being interrogated about his true identity. He's desperate to find a way back to his own time and save his son Mikkel (Daan Lennard Liebrenz), who is still stranded in the past. Meanwhile, his wife Katharina (Jördis Triebel) is dealing with her own demons as she tries to understand why her son went missing and what role her father-in-law Helge (Peter Schneider) may have played in it.

As the episode progresses, we see more and more connections between the characters and their respective timelines. It becomes clear that events in the past are affecting the present, and vice versa. The stranger proves to be a key player as he manipulates events to ensure that certain things happen in different timelines. We also learn more about Noah (Mark Waschke), the mysterious figure who seems to be pulling the strings behind the scenes. He has a plan that involves certain individuals being in certain places at certain times, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen.

One of the most compelling parts of this episode is the exploration of the characters' motivations and desires. We see characters grappling with guilt, regret, and the weight of past traumas. For some, the chance to travel back in time and right wrongs is too tempting to resist, while others are hesitant to interfere with the course of history. The stakes are high as characters struggle to find meaning and purpose in a world where everything seems predetermined.

As we approach the season finale, the tension and suspense continue to build. The intricate plot is starting to come together, and we're left with more questions than answers. Who is the stranger, and what is his ultimate goal? What is Noah's plan, and how does it tie into the events of the past and present? And most importantly, will any of the characters be able to save themselves and each other from the dark forces that seem to be closing in?

"Everything is Now" is a compelling episode that masterfully weaves together multiple timelines and characters to create a complex and engaging drama. With its stunning cinematography, rich character development, and thought-provoking themes, Dark proves to be one of the most exciting and ambitious shows of recent years.