Dark Crystal Age of Resistance Review - Dark Puppety Glory!

[@CouncilofGeeks]

The video freezes for about 75 seconds around the 6 minute mark. Power through. It gets going again. I don’t know why this happens. I really need to change my editing software... again.

[@deadpoolshitlist8510]

That frozen stare, though.... 😳😉

[@NerdtotheThirdPower]

What software are you using? I swear by Sony vegas myself. It's pretty expensive on its own, BUT if you keep an eye on the Humble Bundle, it's usually available as one of the donation bundles every few months or so. I got 17 on the last round for a $25 donation.

[@devkergirl2025]

i still can't believe it had canonically queer characters. i love it. but it's still funny to consider puppetry as a reliable source of representation.

[@themastrelmatadordelmar544]

You talked about a certain documentary from the series, Any idea where I can find that documentary?

[@CouncilofGeeks]

themastr el matador del mar it’s on Netflix.

[@HouseholdWheel]

"I will not be dust" -Skeksis Emperor (dust)

[@danielsleeper2307]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THAT

[@wreckitremy]

This is known as, dramatic irony. Very satisfying

[@kirstyshadowdancer5095]

"He's dead." "Could be anywhere then"

[@roguechevelle]

omg! I loved this line from the movie. I also like when Aughra got accidentally kidnapped by the garthim 'Moldy mildew, mother of mouthmuck" haha.

[@rebeccatomlin3121]

I have never seen the original but DAMN. I have not seen such strong worldbuilding in Fantasy since maybe ATLA. Amazing effort, cast, and story, I so hope there's a second season.

[@Rmlohner]

I actually think the movie now works better watched after this show. You actually have attachments to many of the characters and the world, which is seriously lacking watched on its own.

[@atourist9135]

Ryan Lohner just finished the show and I will now watch the movie since I never watched it before. To bad that I know what will happen to the characters

[@beckybertish7841]

They could write a book on the dark crystal. I need to rewatch the original again.

[@kilimenjiro3753]

It's funny you mention that, apparently they used ATLA as an inspiration for worldbuilding.

[@GEMINIEARTHWALKER]

Shout out to the Baby from Labyrinth, Toby Froud, who was the Design Supervisor for this series. His parents, Brian and Wendy Froud met on the first film, and all 3 got to work on this.

[@Galvion1980]

OMG I never knew that, that's awesome!

[@IceNixie0102]

Aughra was my and my husband's favourite character in the series. "What? You dare try to control Aughra? Aughra can barely control Aughra!"

[@simonorourke4465]

With regards to the whole mother Oghra situation, it is actualy canon with the expanded series. Despite there being only the one film from the 80s there is actualy a whole expanded lore in the form of graphic novels and other books which have been released over the years since the films release. The idea of Oghra as the ancient guardian of the crystal who is nearly as old as the world was established in the expanded lore.

[@Chocobear555]

Exactly. That's the very reason why I gave this video a thumbs down: he's complaining about something that is actually canon. Makes me think that he didn't do his research.

[@TheDawnofVanlife]

@@Chocobear555 I'm with you, cause I was thinking the same thing. But at the same time it is a valid complaint as far as his perspective as someone who hasn't read the expanded lore. I feel like "If you read the companion" (book/comic/Exclusive Whatever) then you would totally understand blah blah blah is becoming a bit of a crutch for fandoms. Some people will never read that material and the movie/series connection should hold as enjoyable and fluid with or without knowledge of expanded lore. It should just flow for non "expanded aware" viewers. I became aware of the expanded Dark Crystal lore after Age of Resistance. I disagree with his feelings or Oghra, but I think it's a valid personal evaluation.

[@EmeralBookwise]

@@Chocobear555: It might be "canon", but I'm not sure that would change his opinion all that much. I know it certainly doesn't change mine. Just because it's based on older supplementary material doesn't make it feel any less overly indulgent, needlessly shrinking the world by over inflating the importance of a character in ways that were never even so much as hinted at in the original source movie. Also, I'm not sure "canon" alone can be used as an excuse either, because Age of Resistance plays fast and loose with various other elements of all that old supplementary lore.

[@artstalker7706]

The chamberlain has some great writing. I personally loved his speech to the emperor at the end of episode 1 about the gelfling not believing Rian with the music and the cut scenes....so emotional. What a way to end the first episode👏👏👏💕 I really hope there’s more to come🤞

[@derrickbracy6930]

Dark Crystal is so good. So enticing with fantasy lore, political intrigue, epic like scale, and characters that you never knew that you care for. This is 80s nostalgia done right.

[@Johnlindsey289]

This and Blade Runner 2049 are the only film revivals of older stuff done right where stuff like Ghostbusters, Elm Street, Robocop etc. failed

[@mikelomez9313]

The writers of the new Disney star wars movies could learn a thing or two from this show.

[@Johnlindsey289]

@@mikelomez9313 You glad this show didn't bastardnized Skeksis and Aughra and respected them unlike what happened with Luke in Last Jedi? and this has more soul/heart/respect to the source than Last Straw eh?

[@mikelomez9313]

@@Johnlindsey289 I felt like the writing was lazy in episodes 7 and 8. I mean I don't want to get into all of the problems with it but at the end of episode 6 (rotj) the rebels won, yet at the start of episode 7 the first order or new empire is in charge, with millions of troops, a new death star etc. Not one explanation of how the hell tons of events unfolded

[@Johnlindsey289]

@@mikelomez9313 You also agree Ghostbusters, Robocop, Elm Street etc. were failed attempts to bring retro films back?

[@tristanmilner9511]

This series also confirms that Fizzgig's love belly rubs.

[@AnGawain]

No one is gonna mention that Deet has two fathers and nooooobody in that world is surprised? The most natural way to present it

[@monkeybash3000]

It could be Father and Grandfather because one of them looked way older than the other.

[@AnGawain]

@@monkeybash3000 She said my fathers, and also when she hugs them said father to both of them

[@evanskan6326]

Holy crap I didn't notice that! I mean, I thought I heard her say "father" twice but... Ok! P.S. The look on her face in the final episode literally destroyed my soul.... Deet is an amazingly designed/written character!

[@AnGawain]

@@evanskan6326 She is, my favorite character. Poor thing. She was nothing but sweet, kind and brave.

[@redskeletonart238]

It raises questions about their reproduction methods, are they kinda like humans? The gay dads make me wanna know more about how their whole species works, it’s pretty cool

[@fnglert]

Deet best Gelfling. Chamberlain best character. Age of Resistance best show 2019.

[@rmvdhaak]

Hup best paladin.

[@fnglert]

@@rmvdhaak Trufax.

[@SuperWorldJumper]

Morgan Freeman: “He’s right, you know.”

[@wyattsolheim60]

that's facts tho

[@cinnamongrader6608]

Best series ever made. Final.

[@benw4409]

I haven't finished the series yet but all I will say is that Simon Pegg is completely unrecognisable as the Chamberlain. If I didn't know it was him I wouldn't have guessed in a million years..

[@WhiteWolf496]

Yeah its crazy different to his normal voice.

[@simonorourke4465]

I know what you mean, I was most of the way through before I even realised it was him. He really nailed the voice, he sounds exactly like the original voice actor.

[@Jackylification]

The only voice actor I immediately twigged was a Mark Hamill. Jason Issacs and Andy Samburg were also unrecognizable

[@dubbingsync]

Guess you can tell he’s really a huge fan of the movie. Because that voice is spot on.

[@dubbingsync]

Pokemon Maniac Jak well Hamill is always the most recognisable voice when it comes to stuff like this. Especially when he’s a villain character.

[@RallyCheetah]

I agree the Chamberlain was one of the strongest characters. I love how they finally explained his ability to manipulate others with his words. We see in the movie it has an almost hypnotic effect on Jen, and my guess is as long as the subject has any doubt he can distort the truth to fit his needs. And that's what I love about him, he rarely lies when he tries to convince others. He instead twists the truth so it sounds like his point of view is in the right. In many ways he's the perfect example of what the Skeksis are doing to the Crystal of truth. They are twisting it, corrupting it, and taking out parts they don't like.

[@mythme01]

As you cover, I was very impressed that they gave us three different story threads with Rian, Brea and Deet, all which are fully realized and converge very nicely. Its quite a departure from the straightforward, simplistic film plot. You barely get a SINGLE substantial plot line in films today. Kudos to the Hensen writers

[@AnimaMandala]

I really loved the characterizations of the Skeksis for this series. In the film they were one-dimensional, but here they are fully realized. It doesn't seem like they have to be evil by nature, and we know that from the Heretic, but they just need the right trigger to start down that path. Look at the Scientist (Mark Hamill is GOD): He's just doing what his emperor orders, and discovers how to drain essence by accident. He keeps insisting on taking it slow, and even shows concern for the Darkening, but the other Skeksis are just too greedy to listen. In the end, he's just been bullied and pressured into becoming the "Mad" Scientist we know from the film. That makes him more of a sympathetic villain, and I love that.

[@voltairinekropotkin5581]

Deet was my favourite too. Wonderful little cinnamon roll that’s too good for this cruel world. I have a sense things are sadly only going to get worse for her if the series continues, given what happens to her at the end of season one.

[@volknot9831]

Omg i knew you'd love this! It was so fantastic!! Chamberlain hup and deet are my favorites too. It was great to hear your thoughts. Love u and Liz and this channel - thanks for all u do!!

[@Adventuregirl1985]

Somebody else has probably mentioned this already- but the reason behind Aughra's characterization in the show is based on the prequel comics & lore books. If they do do a 2nd season I hope that they bring in or at least mention Aughra's son Raunip.

[@helpme2719]

There is a location in the series called Raunip's Pass. I'm also pretty sure the writers said they wanted to put him in the series, but there wasn't enough time (or something like that).

[@redskeletonart238]

Petition for Odd1sOut to voice Raunip since he technically called dibs on the part

[@jillpigott7959]

One reason I enjoy Augrah so much in this show is because she is one who had the control, had the responsibility to Thra and the crystal. She gave it up after the Skeksis (who crash-landed from another planet) offered her a chance to explore outer space. To give up your post and then see what happens in your absence -- that is a frustrating level of impotency. I think her comment "I am Thra!" is informative, but not to be taken at face value. There is much to be said about titles and epithets as a running theme in the series. "Lords of the Crystal" and "Maudra"... what does it mean to hold such a title? Is it power or responsibility; do you sacrifice for others, or are others expected to make sacrifices for you? There are a few brief scenes where they mention the "highest" and the "lowest" of the Gelfling clans... am I the only one who noticed that the "highest" lived in the mountains and the "lowest" lived underground? What extra baggage do certain epithets take on over hundreds of trine?

[@thatuberrican8745]

Hup...want...DIE! (vomits uncontrollably). Seriously, one of those random hilarious scenes of the show, and makes you further love his character :).

[@reizak8966]

Thank you for covering this! I devoured the show and I can't wait to see more! Deet is also my favorite. Every time she's on screen I just want to paint, her design is so beautiful.

[@WiloPolis03]

Haven't seen this yet but I'm so glad that they're using puppets and not CGI. I love those Jim Henson-esque puppets.

[@thomaskirkness-little5809]

Puppets age so much better than CGI, and have much more soul.

[@qnebra]

But this is puppetry-CGI hybride. Of course a lot subtle, but CGI was in nearly every frame of new show.

[@Johnlindsey289]

@Sui Dark Crystal was 1982, Labryinth was 1986

[@Johnlindsey289]

@Sui Oh i see, on 35MM projections? how cool

[@TheDawnofVanlife]

@@qnebra it was still essentially puppetry. Calling it a hybrid implies more CGI then I personally think is fair. Like "Into the Spiderverse" was a true hybrid of 2D and 3D animation as there is an active effort to use both simultaneously with no favor to either style. With "Age of Resistance" Puppetry is like the main meal with like sprinkles of CGI for flavor. Like actual puppetry was always the goal if it could be accomplished and occasionally CGI was used as a brush stroke. Which I adore. As the Dark Crystal world has no humans, too much CGI would put it way way in the uncanny valley. The puppets ground it in something real and active.

[@vlonewolfv]

So happy you loved this. I completely agree, I had a few small issues, but nothing that really detracted from the amazingness of the show. My favorite character is actually Brea. I think her puppeteering is actually the best of the Gelflings. She nails every emotion she tries to convey. It's spectacular. I think they used the Skesis names to help signal the General change. Because the General in the movie is skekUng, and here it's skekVar. They actually mention skekUng when they are asking if they should call the rest of the Skeksis back.

[@realar]

I love Brea too. I love her discoveries. Her finding of Lore was absolutely amazing.

[@casualcallie7195]

THANK YOU for pointing out the waggling tongues! Watching 10 episodes of these things waggling about like they got places to go.

[@WhiteWolf496]

Best new show I've watched all year... I'd never seen or heard of the original until this came out... I'm still yet to watch the movie but the show is excellent and I'm so glad Netflix stuck the making of documentary on there as well because I love that kind of stuff and its especially relevant with something as practically made as this. 9.9/10 show for me. Some emotional scenes didn't quite work due to the lack of dynamic facial expressions but I know its because puppets, so its really a non issue, that being said I did actually cry at one point soooo. Yeah, definitely recommend

[@emadinah]

Watch the movie!!

[@WhiteWolf496]

@@emadinah i will, i just haven't had the time yet.

[@natbarmore]

Where’s the making-of? When I look at the show in Netflix, I see 10 season 1 episodes, and then 4 trailers/teasers under “trailers and more”. I want to watch the making-of even more than the series!

[@natbarmore]

Nevermind: did a search and found it-for some bizarre reason they’re listing it as it’s own show instead of an extra for the show.

[@Johnlindsey289]

@@WhiteWolf496 Have you seen Henson's more well known film Labyrinth?

[@nathanhaycraft216]

Dark Crystal is honestly a top-ten movie for me, and I think Age of Resistance managed to outdo it. I watched it in a day and loved every second of it.

[@kayosiiii]

The tongue animations were some of my favorite touches. They were stylised enough to make the whole thing feel even more puppety if that makes sense. I think that the way to make sense of ogra is that she is currently overcompensating for being absent for centuries, by the time we get to the film she is too heartbroken about what happens in the prequels to want to get involved. I think Deet is my favourite protagonist, but breya is my favourite puppet / performance and I freeking loved the Heretic / Wanderer.

[@zombiemom7378]

I can't even articulate how much I love this series. It's everything I loved about the original movie dialed up to 11. Just glorious!

[@wrek1ent]

This is my FAVORITE SHOW right now. Titans is 2nd. Oh the the Podlings remind me of the Fraggles. Thanks for the video sir.

[@gcooper642]

Do you mean the Doozers?

[@breem2999]

So I'm probably one of the rarities that hadn't seen the original movie before watching it. But I binged it in one day and then watched the movie. One of the things that stood out to me was the differences in the protagonist, as you pointed out.Instead of "Me, Myself, and I all Alone" type of hero we see in so many stories, I LOVE that there's more of an emphasis on Cooperation and a balance of roles and strengths among the 3 equal protagonists.

[@JL0ndon]

It’s so funny my favorite character is probably one of the least important but i love Hup so much! He’s so sweet and kind and good natured. I’m so happy he’s survived the season 😂

[@shadowseer07]

I feel like it was such a masterful artistic achievement, and an homage to Jim Henson’s life’s work. He would have been delighted! You are so right that they didn’t recreate the wheel, but they brought fresh life to the world, and fleshed out so much. Chamberlain is also my fave villain, and slytherin, and tbh I don’t mind his Skeksi name, Skeksil kind of suits him. I agree about Auhgra, but I feel like they needed someone to fill that mentory role, while also needing to expand her character. I saw her in the original as a mostly benevolent force, but also mostly indifferent...so it seems a little out of place for how they expanded her role in this. Still loved her though. I think they we’re able so very subtlety and successfully integrate some actual sociopolitical ideas and relevant issues into the plot that definitely gave the story weight and depth. I think the Gelfling very much represent us and the state we’re in right now, and that makes the story all the more poignant. Even knowing their fate there’s still an element of hope, tinged with sorrow. Its almost the feeling you get about the Elves in LOTR, their time is over, and that’s bittersweet, but you still want to see how everything plays out. It’s stunning storytelling and I really want to see more of the world of Thra.

[@thefragrantwookiee]

I'm so keen for a second season. Or at the very least, I want 'Hup: The Movie'.

[@anthonyweber1759]

How about an anthology series where each episode is a day in the life type of thing for different characters. Like Hup, Aughra, The Heretic and The Wanderer, the Gruenaks.

[@rmvdhaak]

I think Aughra is more active here because she's younger. The movie presents a more jaded Aughra who has essentially given up hope.

[@williamoverton7775]

I want to see more fantasy puppet shows.

[@carlotta4th]

You're not wrong that Jen is useless, but that's actually kind of one thing I do like about him. *FILM SPOILERS* He's the one that puts the crystal in but HE isn't really the "hero," the hero is Kira (who is awesome in every way). In fact, Jen is so atypical for a protagonist that when the Skeksis try to trade their lives for the shard Jen agrees! Kira says no, but Jen says "Yes, just don't harm her!" and I love that. It's so unusual, so strange to have the protagonist literally willing to throw away everything to save the person he loves. And that makes it all the more sad when Kira is the one who makes the decision to save the planet at her own expense... he's heartbroken, and his tears as he cradles her lifeless body are just so sad to me because the world was saved but now he's entirely alone.

[@roguechevelle]

The part when Kira dies always made me cry, I hadn't seen it in years but decided to watch it before I started the show and still teared up. I always equated Jen to someone who was extremely sheltered and someone who has never had to be independent or think for himself really. The mystics where so concerned about keeping him safe that he didn't really grow and his master neglected to tell him anything until he was on his death bed so that was a huge disadvantage. I think Kira actually lucked out being raised by the Podlings as they seem to give her more of a sense of her own self and independence. She seemed to know way more being told so by the Podlings yet she didn't know of the prophecy only because the Podlings didn't know and she didn't know anyone who read until Jen. I liked Jen but of course I liked Kira a lot more. I really loved what they did with the show though. I really like the 3 main gelflings. Deet and Hup are my favorites.

[@anthonyweber1759]

The Skesis names(at least the ones that were in the movie) were taken from the movie novelization. Aughra's characterization and her relationship with the Skesis seems like they were taken from Dark Crystal: Creation Myths.

[@CouncilofGeeks]

I get this was all established elsewhere. I still don’t like it.

[@williamhiers1280]

@@CouncilofGeeks Author A.C.H. Smith wrote the novelization using detailed notes from Henson himself. The recent reprint of the book actually reveals Henson rejected Smith's initial draft and sent him a scene by scene breakdown of every problem he had with it, and suggestions of what to change. He was extremely hands-on with the book in contrast to most directors who don't seem to care much about adaptations of their films. He was the same way with Smith's novelization of the later Labyrinth as well.

[@williamhiers1280]

The seeds of Aughra's relationship with the Skeksis were actually first sown in the Smith novelization, the same one which reveals the individual Skeksis' and Mystics' names. However, in it, I do not believe she is revealed to have been the Crystal's original guardian, nor do I remember the business about the Skeksis giving her the observatory she uses. Rather, they are said to rely on her for her intimate knowledge about the Great Conjunction(s) and when they happen. It seems that there, the observatory was entirely Aughra's invention and using it is how she predicted when the Conjunction was coming for the Skeksis. Exactly why I don't know. I just know that after the Garthim nab her instead of Jen, General Shouty McLoudmouth--I mean skekUng has her simply locked away in the Chamber of Life (the essence-draining place) rather than killed because until the Conjunction happens, he's leery of harming her. SkekTek is off a different mind, however; not only does he consider draining her confiscated eye of its essence, but when the animals all attack him, his death occurs not because he backs into the Shaft but because he lunges at Aughra in an attempt to kill her for giving Kira the idea to call the animals, missing her and flying right down the fiery furnace.

[@anthonyweber1759]

@@williamhiers1280 I'll be totally honest, while I have a first edition of the novelization from 1982, I've only ever skimmed through it.

[@williamhiers1280]

@@anthonyweber1759 In any event, regardless of when and where the Skeksis and Mystic names originated from, this, being a prequel, is about expanding on the universe the movie took place in. So we're going to learn more about the characters, including their names as well as the name of the planet it takes place on. I fail to see the problem with this.

I loved the film so was pretty sure is be into the show but MY GOD! Blown away with his great it was, one of the best shows I've seen in a long long time. Perfect storytelling and perfect fantasy, just dreamy.

[@theshadowdirector]

Looking forward to all the Gelfling cosplay. I'd like wings but not sure I can pull off the look!

[@johnginardi8107]

I love that the show went with the puppetry. And the sets on the show is gorgeous.

[@magus104]

im on episode 4 now and im like do i watch this cause of potential spoilers? well i have 0 memory of ever watching the original in my childhood though the characters are very familiar to me. I watched the original a few months ago however so basically didnt that already spoil this show for me? I would think for those who have never seen it this might actually be an avoid the original until this series is over so you dont spoil it? cause i can imagine theres only 1 possible outcome of the events in this series. and as i havent finished watching this i imagine they set it up for multiple seasons rather than season ends movie starts

[@fivecentfather]

As someone else pointed out, the reason that Augrha is more "detached" in the movie is because she's all but given up hope of the prophecy EVER being fulfilled. Even when Jen arrives she's almost DISCOURAGING him from continuing the quest. Makes me wonder if he was the first to try. Maybe there were/are more Gelflings hanging around than the movie leads us to believe. Remember the movie's ending is only ONE of many possible outcomes. Different choices can lead to subtly different outcomes. I'm hoping at least part of the 3rd season (assuming we get one) parallels or jumps between events of the prequel with events of or in the same time period as the movie. Can you imagine how that could be an amazing adventure? Kind of a Back to the Future Part 2 experience.

[@nandotnt5678]

Jen was indeed useless which was not here. I'm glad the main characters had shit to do and do them well. Rian my dude, I hope for a happy ending. Not going to happened.

[@toonguy7739]

"Sometimes good! Sometimes bad!" *holds breath* "....We got the good version!" *Cheers*

[@hjsimmer1742]

I like that you touched on the melancholy that comes with a prequel like this. I plowed through the first 7-8 episodes. Then I took a break because I became so sad at the notion that all of these sweet little gelflings are doomed! Made it hard for me to finish the series. I did eventually finish and it definitely got me excited for a potential second season. I’m hoping there is possibly a loophole where not every single character will just end up dead. Oh, and I freakin’ love Hup. 💜

[@RobbnCO]

i'm a Hup fan ...

[@MOOGLEDREAMER]

me too

[@langleymneely]

5:41 will live on in my nightmares! lol I just imagine you burrowing into my soul from beyond! Great video as usual!😜👍🏾

[@MyrtleNyx]

oh my goodness Deet is my favorite character and the entire season through I was desperately hoping her name was not foreshadowing, and it was, and it makes me sad. I never normally go for the fish out of water character, but the rest of everything of her made her amazing. That really sums up the show for me. It is beautiful, well rounded, great character connections with this undercurrent of doom, and they did the whole thing as a lobar of love and it shows. The talent involved is amazing for the whole project, and they even had youtubers as part of it! Recognizing talent in a tiny dedicated community and bringing everyone together for something fantastical.

[@emadinah]

Jim Henson would be sooooo proud!!

[@derekroberts6654]

It would be very interesting to meet Chamberlain’s Mystic counterpart, they way I would imagine him, he would have the gift of understanding when others do not, whenever he thinks he would give a low humming sound while possibly even rubbing his chin while contemplating.

[@danielsleeper2307]

I wanted to get through the series to watch this video (I watched it goes I loved the movie, but I couldn't wait for this vid), and I expected *everything* here. I was so happy. Deet being your favorite, Hup being your second Chamberlain being your favorite The "You. Took. My. Seat." callback Getting to know the General (looooove Jason Isaacs) The mood and foreknowledge The tongues

[@HanzosHart]

Thank god someone mentioned the wagging tongue of the Skeksis. They freaked me out too. Unnecessary.

[@vampirewolfgirl513]

I heard there is a second season in progress. I love the Chamberlain. I like to compare him to Varas from GOT, the Master of Whispers ... Who would have thought of him setting the whole thing in motion and leading the Scientist (Mark Hamill is the greatest voice actor, heard a little of the Joker once I knew it was him) to start the Garthim.

[@SailorVickymoon]

Immediately subscribed!!!! great review!!! Deet, the chamberlain and Hup are also my favourite characters !!!! AGE OF RESISTANCE IS A MASTERPIECE !!!.... But we definitively need more Fizgigs in our lives, tho !!

[@TearfulMoon]

I love the show so much. I hope they'll make a second season.

[@miguedro]

you do amazing voices standing in for the characters!

[@milorca4412]

Yes, I love Hup.

[@Abby-km6vr]

You have such a good chamberlain voice impression

[@AyaMBayomi]

I loved the series so much, the practical effects were amazing, the whole image was a wonder to behold, and yeah they did bring Mark freaking Hamill to do the voice of the Scientist and of course he was amazing at being a crazy evil scientist, Hup was the most energetic characters I've seen in this last TV season, he's like a puppet version of Stiles from teen wolf but I disagree with you in one thing, I don't want to see the Gilfling society slowly getting massacred, I just don't need that.

[@brutusjudas5842]

Aya M Bayomi , I’m hoping some gelfling go into hiding at the end of the series, implying Jen & Kira find out they’re not alone after The Two are made One.

[@LastMinWin]

This series hit me hard in a way the original felt lacking. You know what's coming but you still sit at the edge of your seat and hope and hope and hope and hope. there's a LOT of heartache in this series and I feel that this world was just opened so much wider in such a beautiful way. I absolutely LOVE Hup's enthusiasm for sassing. LIKE the original, I was quite happy to see all kinds "flavor creatures" Creatures put in the foreground or the background for no reason other than to add something to the world. There are critters E V R Y W H E R E. I giggled at the Gobblers. Then I saw them eat and stopped laughing at the name. QAQ my goodness!!! Arguing Fizgig=

[@NitroIndigo]

Kester Jaynes from The Last Wild is just Jen in book form. I had trouble articulating why I thought he was boring until I saw The Dark Crystal.

[@Johnlindsey289]

Excellent series and i've been a fan of the original for 33 years since i was 4 and this didn't disappoint. I love the use of puppetry, animatronics, CGI, practical effects and all balanced out with good storytelling too. this series and Blade Runner 2049 were made by fine people who are skilled and has passion for the original source materials and projects they were working on, and that's why they succeeded in capturing the spirit of the originals while at the same time be their own animal as BR 2049 is a sequel and AOR is a prequel series. This show and BR 2049 are examples Hollywood should see of how to properly revive stuff from films from the past and i'm glad AOR is Netflix's number one show now as a hit and season 2 coming. Both are definitely not cashgrabs done for the sake of a quick buck only to mess up things but have actual passion care and respect for the worlds and source. Unlike failed attempts at reviving nostalgic film properties like Ghostbusters, Elm Street and all that. Stuff like the Ghostbusters reboot for example aka Ballbusters 2016 (it's a term used by KZbin reviewer Ocpcommunications in his rant/review of Ghostbusters 2016 because it doesn't deserve to be called Ghostbusters because it shoots the logo of the franchise in the dick within the movie and it's no joke there is actually a scene where the logo of the franchise is shot in the crotch) was a soulless corporation cash in with a gimmick and Paul Feig was never a fan of Ghostbusters or the franchise and he only did it for a paycheck and i can tell he was outside his comfort zone doing a PG-13 tentpole film than a smaller R rated film which he's better at than PG-13 and not to mention a horrible unfunny script with no sarcasm/intelligent humor that lacks the brilliance of the original's script, no chemistry between characters, unlikable characters, lousy CGI, sexism towards males even making all male characters assholes or dicks or idiots as the movie was a manbashing parade and all that. My worst film of 2016. Robocop 2014 remake was another one made for a paycheck by someone who was a gun for fire and made by inexperienced writers who had to turn Robocop into Robocrap and into another PG-13 watered down Robocop when they should had learned from the mistakes of Robocop 3 which that filmed killed the franchise and now they killed Robocop again by taking away his balls and his edge of the first 2 movies. Robocop is never meant to be a family friendly franchise as since 3 they keep watering him down with the tv show, miniseries and now remake which turning him into a joke and no respect for the character. Plus misses the point of the character. My worst film of 2014. Alien hasn't had a great movie since Aliens, i felt Alien 3 was a joyless cold sequel that killed the franchise for me since i saw it in theaters at age 10 as i enjoyed the first 2 but saw they had no passion for the first 2 films when the original Alien 3 script was much better and it turned Ripley into a hollow drained out by essence shell of her former self and all that as every Alien sequel/spinoff keeps being screwed up by Fox and i'm tired of it, to me Aliens was when the franchise rose into the sun with the ending and i will ignore all hollow alien films like 3, Resurrection, AVP 1 and 2, Prometehus and Alien Covenenant's existence. The Predaturd 2018 was a horrible horrible sequel that was done for a paycheck and turned the character into a complete joke, while Predators was disappointing but it tired but The Predator was a godawful insult to the franchise. Predator 2 which i find underrated is the last worthwhile predator film. Critters a New Binge was purely garbage that turned the franchise into a joke, just when i thought Critters 4 was bad and Critters Attack was mediocre Binge was horrid as hell and Critters 2 was the last good Critters movie. Elm Street remake was a piece of shit made by inexperienced writers and an inexperienced director who showed he was never a fan of the original film or franchise and it proved with a shitty script, unlikable characters, poor direction, lousy attempts to be scary and all. While Jackie is a good actor, his Freddy sucked ass as soulless, vacuous imitation, devoid of all charisma. robert englund IS freddy krueger, accept no substitutes. Last Jedi aka Last Straw was a sequel void of soul and heart with no respect for the original characters and only to insult them even Luke Skywalker who was turned from a likable farmboy turned hero into an emo sadsack hermit failure who resents the jedi and died like a fart in the wind. Plus the writers don't give a damn about the original characters plus the director was just a gun for hire who only did smaller films but not big tentpole films as he was not really a fan of SW to began with and it's my worst film of 2017 as it killed the franchise for me as i refused to pay to see any other Disney SW film since. But i do hope they release the untampered with original versions of the classic trilogy on UltraHD 4K BDs since i have bootleg blu-ray set of the original trilogy in it's despecialized editions. All hollow soulless crappy failed bastardnization garbage attempts made by people who don't care about the movies or franchises they were hired for, or inexperienced writers or piss poor writers and executives who greenlighted shitty scripts only to get money and not care about properties. Blade Runner 2049 and AOR are examples how you properly revive an older manner. Take Denise Villanue who is an excellent director and he made some quality films and is a passionate fan of Blade Runner since the beginning and influenced him to make movies, so he made the film because he was passionate about the project even hired some good writers being one of them one of the writers for the original and expand upon the classic film and unlike Last Jedi, it respects the character of Deckard as Ford didn't just do it for the sake of a paycheck but because he's passionate about it. Louis Linterrier is a servicable director despite he's no Luc Besson but still servicable as he did well on the first 2 Transporter films and Incredible Hulk 2008 and he has been a fan of Dark Crystal since he saw it in 1983 in his country as a kid at the movies and one of the films that influenced him to become a filmmaker. Plus he heard about a prequel series project he was in and even the writers and some of the stars are fans of the original film even the guy who played Elton John in Rocketman grew up with Henson's works and so was Simon Pegg who saw it at the movies growing up when he was 12. The key ingredient is fine directors who are fans of originals even writers who are fans of the properties and actual passion, love and care for both the movies and projects they are doing even giving a damn.

[@Teatime7771]

Mark Hamill was great as the scientist Skesis. I liked how he loses his eye in this series. I wish they made the lose of the Fury's eye just as good in Capt Marvel.

[@damiendelorme4164]

This serie is wonderful ! I love it !! Thank you for your video :)

[@blinkspacestudio8892]

I loved that scene with Chamberlain with ...you know who lol. It was so smart I loved it and I was really engaged with the converstation. The way they wrote the Chamberlain was amazing he is a major player in this. Agreed with the tongue waggle it bugged me a bit too it wasnt needed at all I think. As far as Augra is concerned this was before all the crap happened so she probably took off like the mystics when shit got real dark in the original movie. I loved her character in this seires but kind of miss her smack talk toward the skeksies.

[@ItsTheRealMusicMan]

Do I need to have watched the movie to see the series? I am a Jim Henson fan, just never delved into the Dark Crystal

[@CouncilofGeeks]

No. It works on its own.

[@suedoughnim6665]

If every prequel/sequel was done with this degree of faithfulness to the original we would be living in a far less disappointing entertainment world. I was impressed from episode 1. This series is so freaking good I can’t get over it. In many ways it’s actually better than the original and it takes on a life of its own. I think I could rewatch it from beginning to end at least 5 more times without getting bored. Also I found myself not only getting invested in the story but also in the characters. There is a real sense of loss when people die. The show resonated with me not just out of nostalgia but also on an emotional level. And technically this is a spoiler but hearing Chamberlain say ‘public micturation’ had me DYING. That in and of itself was worth the price of admission.

[@alejandromolina7270]

I'm watching it for a second time and what surprised me the most about the show is how dark it is. Even as an adult I could not sit still or look away from all the horrible things that were happening to the characters, especially the draining scene. The first time I saw that happen it down right disturbed me, especially when the Skeksis were gobbling down the essence without disregard or regret of what they done. I have to agree about Deet, she is my favorite Gelfling character in the show. But my favorite Skeksis has to be the Hunter. Mark Hamill did an amazing job as the role of the Scientist.

[@andyreacts]

Mother Augra was always meant to be the way, she is portrayed in this series, though ... this is all based on Jim Hensons vision. His ideas and all of that have been written down by him. They just used very little stuff of it in the movie. You find more infos also in the novels, comics and books about the movie

[@TheJadedJames]

I watched the show without having seen the movie, and then I went and watched the movie right after. With no specific knowledge of the movie's plot, I was actually pretty fully invested in the Skeksis/Gelfling conflict in a way I don't think I could have been otherwise if I knew the direction it had to go in. Even when I finished the season, my guesses as to what the plot of the movie would were wrong. Given how invested I got in these characters and this world, you can imagine how devastating just the opening narration of The Dark Crystal movie was for me. The second season is going to be really tough

[@plcthelegacy4131]

Considering they shown us Deet's visions of the future that contain scenes we haven't seen yet, I'm almost certain they are making a sequel. But yeah this was great.

[@fredjones2170]

Actually, there was a sequel comic series called “The Power of the Dark Crystal” that did a genuinely great job following up on the original story. I’d recommend checking it out!

[@TimdeVisser86]

I just watched the entire show and I did NOT know the resistance was doomed to fail, because I haven't seen the movie. I didn't even know it was a prequel; I thought it was a reboot. I wonder if the show directly leads into the movie or is there a possibility for a second season?

[@melanierhianna]

The Dark Crystal is probably my favourite film ever. Seeing it as a child was such an experience and it’s impact stayed with me. I have seen it so many times since then and it has never lost any of its impact. I still cry at the end. Watching the Dark Crystal is my happy place.Age of Resistance was amazing. It wasn’t perfect but it was almost bloody perfect. The introduction of the first episode just sucked me right back in again and I was in tears. I laughed. I cried. I booed. I cheered. It takes me back to my happy place.

[@Johnlindsey289]

You grew up with it? me too! and you think this show is epic?

[@KeepOffTheBorderlands]

I think the biggest problem with Aughra is that she's now responsible for the Skeksis having the crystal. So now, when you watch the movie, she's someone who has turned her back on a situation that she created.

[@wyattsolheim60]

you are legit the first person ive seen review this show that pronounces rian's name correctly instead of something like 'ryan' or 'rain' and take that as a high compliment

[@CouncilofGeeks]

That’s really weird to hear because that’s the kind of mistake you make when you read a name... but it’s said out loud.... repeatedly.

[@stianthomassen6693]

But will they all die? Does not the movie take place a 1000 years after the plot in the Age of Resistance? The reason I bring it up is that the massacre of the gelflings seem to have taken place about 15-20 years before the movie as we see Jen and Kira being saved when they are young and their tribes seems to be taken down at the same time. To me it seem a little like Lord of the Rings, the second age where Sauron/The skeksis withdraw but don't die and then comes forward again in the third age/15-20 years before the movie.

[@Johnlindsey289]

23 years before the movie and many years after the graphic novels Creation myths

[@stianthomassen6693]

Johnlindsey289 Ok 👌 👍 then I have gotten the details wrong.

[@HerrBenedikt]

Did anyone notice the SAD - SO SAD quote, that the impossible leadership of the skeksis used a few times? Its amazing what they created here on several levels and it felt like an eye opener every now and then. I ve always been a fan of the film and got the art book to realize, how huge and complex the designs for this film were. It had the potential to be huge all these years and I m thrilled that they finally use its power to give us more of the world of Thra. Interesting was the fact, that they built the characters in CGI before but found out, that the real deal, puppetry works much much better. So many CGI movies today show u the most exiting effects but nothing stays in ur mind, cause none of it felt real. Deets poisened skin and her leaving sad and alone into the woods was so intense, that it makes me think of her every day ... I really hope they continue this most amazing show

[@raknasemcensura]

I would say that the age of resistance is for the dark Cristal, what we wanted for the Star Wars Prequels.

[@jillpigott7959]

So, years ago I learned that Dark Crystal (the movie) was created so that EVERYTHING on screen was made by human hands. Not even the grasses and trees were of this world. The world and all its creatures were imagined and designed first, then the story was written so as to explore and show off this world. I am so happy that this world and all its creatures are being revisited. My favorite character is Augrah. I was also very shaken by what happened to Seladon - all of that was hard for me to watch.

[@EmeralBookwise]

Just finished watching the show today, and find myself agreeing on just about every point... and just so you know you aren't I'm more less in total agreement about some of the more overly indulgent lore elements on display. I don't entirely mind the notion of Augra as the original guardian of the crystal, but I feel like in trying to play to that idea the show lost some of her enigmatic charm. She's just a little too connected to events now, too much of a major player instead of the outside observer she seemed to be in the original movie. Likewise I don't mind her inclusion the show, and even find they get her eccentric mannerisms spot on, but again she's just a bit too directly involved now, and I can't help but feel she sort of robs the focus and even a bit of agency from the lead gelfling characters. I'm also entirely in agreement about the Skeksis. They will always be their titles to me, and I even feel like a lack of individual names sort of adds to their alien creepyness. I don't mind that they ostensibly have names, but I feel like the show uses them way too much, especially when the original movie never used them at all. It also doesn't help that sins all of their names start with "Skek" followed by a nondescript syllable, that they all just sort of start to blend together making it harder to keep track of who is supposed to be who.

[@andrewmize823]

I was afraid Age of Resistance was going to be a trainwreck like pretty much every other prequel I've ever seen. I was elated to see the amount of care they took to do it right--I loved it from the start.

[@BatSnakegirl]

All the stuff with Aughra's role is canon best on other materials predating AOR - I think starting with "World of the Dark Crystal" and the comics written by Brian Froud (which are narrated by her son Raunip)

[@danielsleeper2307]

The knowledge of the Skeksis victory added so much *weight* and atmosphere to the series. It's like what the Star Wars prequels failed to do (in my opinion). You know the Empire rules with an iron fist, this is their rise, you *know* the heroes will buy-and-large *fail* which this show did fantastically.

[@LaughingMan2GIG]

Never got around to seeing the original movie. Watched this series and then the movie and it works very well. Also the flow is well maintained. On top of it the look is very well maintained from the movie into the series. The series has LOTR levels of talent and love put into it.

[@marilucs]

As someone who didn't watch the movie before watching the series, I was heartbroken to know what happened to the gelflins... make the end of the serie very bittersweet.

[@anyjen]

The Dark Crystal is one of my favourite movies from childhood. I must have watched it dozens of times, precisely because the world it takes place in is so rich. Aughra was my favourite character (with Fizzgig a close second), and remains so in this amazing prequel. Sure, her role is different, but she feels the same to me. Perhaps a bit less old (not younger, because she was born old, after all. XD). Also, for reals squealed in joy when we were told that Deet had two dads like it was no big deal.

[@Dirtfire]

The tongues made them more realistic than was possible in the movie, so that was a good change.

[@toddsperling2047]

The production and the visuals are amazing but the dialogue and pacing seems a bit slow and off.

[@anaiglesias9972]

I love this series, it's a espectacular fantasy series. I have read that there are a few books out there and some comic so I am going to try find them. I know that I am probably going to end crying by the end of this series, I tried not get attached to the characters but I failed. I hope it gets a second season.

[@evanskan6326]

I absolutely fell in love with the show! The story, the characters, the visuals and the enchanting music! Amazing work from a group of talented people who obviously adored the lore and the legacy of Jim Henson. For me the show is almost flawless. It has a few minor issues. In one or two moments you can tell the CGI doesn't match the "live-action" matte plate. Two events in the story progressed a bit fast and there is a possible plot hole regarding the General. Although I might know how they will explain it. My favourite characters were Rian, Brea, Hup and Deet (the main group that is). Deet though has the top spot in my heart. Amazing design and perfectly written character. But the character that made me laugh and I didn't see that coming was the Heretic. The "observe my wonder" moment was hilarious!

[@Johnlindsey289]

You glad this show was true to the lore of Dark Crystal and did Henson justice by his offspring and talented people and writers and all that? it did Henson proud. This and Blade Runner 2049 are the only 80s movie revivals done right unlike soulless moneygrab attempts like Ghostbusters, Robocop, Elm Street etc.

[@brutusjudas5842]

Johnlindsey289 , add Cobra Kai to that list.

[@Johnlindsey289]

@@brutusjudas5842 Yup Cobra Kai, this show and Blade Runner 2049 are the only 80s retro movie revivals done right unlike halfassed attempts like Ballbusters 2016, Robocock 2014 and all

[@mcihay246]

One has to wonder how the characters changed from the prequel to the film? I would say that seeing characters being portrayed slightly differently than what they were in the film wouldn't really be a fair gripe, since it should really provide intrigue in what made such a change.

[@CouncilofGeeks]

If you're talking about my issues with Augrah, the thing is her character hasn't changed but my understanding of what her relationship to the world around her is has. That's not a character change, that's a world change, and not a "the world evolved" way but a "oh this wasn't what I thought it was, and never has been" way.

[@mcihay246]

@@CouncilofGeeks Nice for the response. Maybe I'm just optimistic that her character wasn't changed for reasons other than that I've stated above (In which I hope was the case). I however understand though. I don't think it's really a problem to be disappointed regardless. Just attempting to make plausible reasons for the disappointment.

[@LumeanTV]

I watched the making of immediately after. It made me appreciate their work so very much more. I Adore the dark crystal. This was just.. A pandora's box of everything good for me. Also, loved the tongue waggle. Felt very bird-ish, or serpenty and unsettling.

[@christophertracy4377]

I also binged it during a weekend because it was so GOOD! Can't wait 4 the 2nd season!

[@Teatime7771]

Just because Jen needed help does not make him useless. He was the one that can read not Kira. He showed much bravery in the movie. There were times when Kira was too scared to go further into the journey.

[@grimr.599]

I'm so predictable: Favorite clan: Dousan. Favorite (which is debatable on some accounts for Skektek, I know) evil skeksis: A tie between the scientist(Skektek) and the Chamberlain(Skeksil). Favorite gelfling: Brea. Favorite character(s) overall: ........predictably....The Heretic(Skekgra) and The Wanderer(Urgoh). Favorite mystic (other than Urgoh): The Archer(Urva). Favorite creature: Another tie between Sidtic and FIzzgigs. sound off below if you're willing your answers!

[@Mangacide]

tbh I loved the entire series but I also think it would have worked so much better as a reboot or reimagining, so they wouldn't have been so beholden to what happens in the original movie (which I also loved). The dynamic between the Heretic and Wanderer was great too I think they were utilized just the right amount to be entertaining without wearing out their welcome.

[@awhitney3063]

This series is SOOOO GOOD! if you haven't seen it you REALLY should, it is just AMAZINGLY well done.

[@TheBermudaMan]

Jim Henson, if you're somewhere out there, please use your saintly influence to guide Louis Leterrier away from the path of cynicism and darkness. Don't let him turn Deet into a villain; at least, not completely. At the VERY least, allow Rian and Deet's love for each other to remain incorruptible.