Ep 5. Life and Death

As the penultimate episode of the final season of Dark, “Life and Death” delivers on the promises made before it. With only one episode left, every twist and turn feels consequential, adding layers of complexity to an already intricate web of stories. This episode is no exception.

The episode opens with a moment of relief, as we see Ulrich reunited with his wife and children. The journey he’s been on over the past three seasons has been gut-wrenching, so it’s satisfying to finally see him back where he belongs. But that relief is short-lived, as we quickly learn that Ulrich still has work to do.

Meanwhile, Martha is grappling with her own family dynamics. Her relationship with her father, Aleksander, has been strained for some time, and in “Life and Death,” we see them confront their issues head-on. It’s a powerful scene, as we see two people who genuinely care for each other trying to work through the damage that’s been done.

But of course, the heart of the show has always been the grander, intergenerational conflict between the Nielsen, Doppler, Tiedemann, and Kahnwald families. And there are plenty of developments on that front in this episode.

We finally get a better sense of Adam’s motivations, as he lays out his plan for breaking the time loop and ending the cycle of suffering that’s plagued Winden for generations. It’s an audacious plan, and one that requires sacrifices from all involved. But with the clock ticking down and the apocalypse fast approaching, there’s little time for hesitation.

As always, the show is expertly crafted, with every shot and line of dialogue serving a larger purpose. But what really sets this episode apart is the depth of emotion on display. After spending so much time with these characters, it’s impossible not to feel invested in their struggles and triumphs. Moments that might seem like melodrama in another show feel earned and genuine here.

The performances are uniformly excellent as well. In particular, Louis Hofmann as Jonas continues to impress, conveying his character’s weariness and determination with remarkable nuance. The younger cast members, most of whom have grown up on the show, are also impressive, imbuing their characters with a sense of history and gravity that belies their age.

One of the most impressive things about Dark has always been its ability to balance and interweave multiple storylines without losing sight of the bigger picture. “Life and Death” is a masterclass in that regard, deftly moving between characters and timelines while keeping the narrative coherent and engaging.

If there’s one criticism to be made, it’s that the episode can feel a bit exposition-heavy at times. There’s a lot of information to convey, and some of it is delivered in long-winded monologues that might test the patience of some viewers. But even when the dialogue gets dense, there’s always a sense of urgency and stakes that keep things compelling.

As the credits roll on “Life and Death,” it’s impossible not to feel a sense of anticipation for the final episode. With all the pieces now in place, the stage is set for what promises to be an unforgettable conclusion.