Ep 3. A New Star Shines in the Dawn Sky, Part 1

In Darker Than Black season 1 episode 3, titled "A New Star Shines in the Dawn Sky, Part 1," the show continues to explore its dystopian universe filled with mysterious superpowers and organizations that will stop at nothing to exploit them. The episode opens with Hei, the stoic protagonist known as the "Black Reaper," taking on a new mission from his enigmatic handlers at the Syndicate. Hei's new objective is to infiltrate a high-security research facility on behalf of the Syndicate and secure a sample of a top-secret new material called "Meteor Fragments" that is rumored to enhance superpowers beyond human comprehension.

As Hei prepares for his mission, we see some glimpses into his past as a member of the Metropolitan Police Department's Foreign Affairs Division, where he worked alongside his team to track down and eliminate "Contractors" – individuals who gained extraordinary powers in exchange for strange and specific conditions, such as "having to eat flower petals every day" or "having to crush someone's bones." We learn more about Hei's backstory and his motivation for becoming a Contractor himself, as well as his tragic connection to a young girl named Bai who may have been involved in the experimentation that led to his powers.

Meanwhile, another set of characters is introduced in the form of Misaki Kirihara, a skilled detective who is assigned to investigate a series of violent murders in Tokyo that may have been perpetrated by Contractors. Misaki is presented as a stark contrast to Hei, as she relies on her instincts, empathy, and human intuition to solve crimes rather than any superpower or advanced technology. Misaki is accompanied by her team, including her loyal subordinate Yūsuke Saitō and her superior officer Gai Kurosawa, who are skeptical of her hunches about the true nature of the killings.

As Hei enters the research facility, he encounters a number of obstacles and enemies, including armed guards, security systems, and even other Contractors with their own unique abilities. Hei demonstrates his resourcefulness and ruthlessness as he uses his electric-based powers to disable cameras and take out his foes, all while keeping a low profile and avoiding detection. Meanwhile, Misaki and her team struggle to make progress in their investigation, as they are stonewalled by uncooperative witnesses, bureaucratic red tape, and the skepticism of their colleagues.

The episode gradually builds towards its climactic finale as Hei makes his way closer to the sample of Meteor Fragments and Misaki and her team finally connect some of the dots between the murders and the Contractors. Without giving anything away, "A New Star Shines in the Dawn Sky, Part 1" sets the stage for an explosive conclusion that promises to reveal more about the dark and complex world of Darker Than Black. Fans of science fiction, action, and suspense will find plenty to enjoy in this episode's mix of intriguing world-building, memorable characters, and breathtaking set pieces.