First Essence Drain | The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance

The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019) End. Begin. All the Same.
Scene: Skeksis Drain Mira's Essence
Episode Storyline: In the land of Thra, a young guard discovers a terrible secret about the Skeksis overlords who control the planet -- and its powerful Crystal of Truth.
TV Show Info: www.imdb.com/t...

[@imthedude2351]

The Skeksis (minus the laughing Emperor) reacting with shock and horror after The Scientist stabbed Mira, and skekVar The General yelling "What have you _done?!_ " was probably the last shred of moral decency they had before they let their desire for immortality consume them, starting their descent into the monsters they came to be in The Dark Crystal movie...

[@JordanMgordan]

I assumed they were confused about the essence that was spilling out of her suddenly getting sucked back in. And he was going "No wait, see. I figured out a way to drain it from them."

[@SpiderkillersInc]

@@JordanMgordan I disagree. They clearly understood what was happening, and are horrified by it. Course, it doesn't last at all...

[@sandman5522]

So, basically their transfer from "Lawful Evil" to "Neutral/Chaotic Evil"

[@itsblitz4437]

@@sandman5522 got that from TVTROPES didn't you?

[@ischeele7203]

@Jurgen O’Mora They were still the rulers of Thra and had a LOT to lose at first if they also lost their good PR, and they are capable of finding other beings amusing at the very least, like how the Scribe seemed to think Brea was genuinely endearing. They also care a lot about keeping other Skeksis alive(except in VERY rare occasions), like how they all put all their resources into trying to save SkekMal even though he scared them enough that only SkekSil was petty enough to risk getting beat up by him

[@Gaelek13]

I still get goosebumps when SkekVar exclaims "What have you done!?" and the other Skeksis seem legitimately horrified by what they're witnessing until SkekTek explains what he's doing.

[@stingerjohnny9951]

mjkalasky that mighta been the last little crumb of morality they still had...which was quickly washed down with gelling essence XD

[@GreaterGrievobeast55]

Eh he got over it quick enough. It’s interesting to see there are things that still disturb these asundered cold blooded creations.

[@lskulski]

@@stingerjohnny9951 I'd say it was more fear. The Skeksis had never done anything like this before, and only Skektek understood what was going on. Skevar doesn't care about the gelfling, he is just full of pure terror at what he's watching. Once it was explained, none of the skeksis had any reservations about it, they where just initially scared because this was some new power they had not seen before and did not understand.

[@movieguy9458]

Gwenpool bruh I got and still get goosebumps when Mark Hamil sledging (forgot his name) yells “MY MACHINE!!!”

[@okaminotamashi7411]

@@movieguy9458 he went from that to "Yo Emp, drink this" very fast

[@ElectricShark]

I think the reason Skekvar was upset about what happened to her at first was because Mira was a Castleguard. He trained the Castleguards so he was more emotionally invested in Mira than the others. He probably spent more time with her than any of them.

[@thornhop]

That's what I was thinking. I don't think he CARED for her but he was probably pissed to see years of training go to waste.

[@MisterRandom2]

The fact that the Emperor's *first* reaction is to laugh just goes to show how utterly deranged and sadistic he is.

[@williamhiers1280]

The Chamberlain averts his eyes at first, despite it being *HIS* idea.

[@sambo314]

That's why he was the Emperor.

[@sambo314]

@@williamhiers1280 When Mira was just about to be turned to dust, you can see the Scientist and Chamberlain smiling

[@williamhiers1280]

@@sambo314 The toughest, cruelest Skeksis always rules.

[@infinityzer054]

The skeksis are exactly what they are meant to be

[@johnthecrazed5679]

Childhood trauma, now in HD.

[@trionabyrne72]

Familiar to the 1982 movie.

[@stingerjohnny9951]

Triona Byrne I'm glad they didn't pull any punches and kept the darker feel of the film.

[@DanJackson1977]

Original movie was in HD too.. if you saw it in the theater. Film is HD by nature.

[@TheLovelyLadybug]

Stinger Johnny I’m really really glad they didn’t water anything down and made it just as dark as the original.

[@mrorangepeel659]

Try watching the original Watership Down as a child - each following generation has got softer and softer

[@Sunspot9522]

That initial shock you see from the other Skeksis were the echos of their original selves. Even though they are the darker half, they still had a sense of what was right and wrong, but that eroded over time when their survival was called into question, until they were willing to do just about anything to stay alive.

[@sambo314]

Except the Emperor. He didn't even know what was really happening but laughed when he saw mira suffering. The Emperor and the Scientist were the first to fully convert to the dark side, followed by everyone else.

[@benlhyenethehyena9947]

@Pablo Sabater Royo strange he covers his face when the draining machines stab her tho

[@faithwright4533]

@@benlhyenethehyena9947 He probably didn't think it was gonna get this ugly.

[@bryanneideffer3969]

Sam Perez scientist took more time this was a step.....grukneaks is when he was fully consumed by the dark side

[@metaouroboros690]

@@sambo314 The emperor had already exposed himself to the darkening for a while, so that probably helped to accelerate his corruption before the Skeksis began consuming essence. Skeksil is presumably just an utter bastard. He's willing to break the only Skeksis taboo by murdering other Skeksis for nothing more than political gain.

[@dr.strangebat9397]

Man, Mark Hamil's Skeksis impression in spot on! I can still tell it's him mainly because he sounds like a Joker Skeksis.

[@mickeye6428]

He's off, but it isn't like the scientists voice couldn't change over the centuries.

[@dr.strangebat9397]

@@mickeye6428, true...

[@Zeffarian]

Definitely sounds like his Joker voice. He also kinda sounds like Chris Latta at certain points. When Skektek yells "life everlasting!", I get Cobra Commander vibes.

[@critter39]

I thought he sounded like Star Stream from the Transfomers

[@ztslovebird]

Dr. Strange Bat I thought he was going to be the Chamberlain, but he does a great job as the Scientist.

[@wd3185]

The fact that all the Skeksis (save the Emperor), even skekVar, who showed nothing but disdain for Gelflings before this, were horrified and disgusted at what the Scientist was doing shows the true horror of what was being done. But once they tasted the rejuvenation of the essence and realized its potential, any moral qualms they may have had were snuffed out.

[@Octopugilist]

You can tell living so long had made them stop caring about the Gelflings. Even the All-Maudra is written off as a petty chieftain

[@stephanieevjen]

Rian didn't only lose the love of his life, but also had to watch as the essence from Mira is drained out of her. Justice for Mira!

[@sarahvenable4710]

The worst way for someone to lose their love. Taron's character was really crying out for Alicia's character.

[@totointernational3493]

Tip ADRENOCHROM: You will be CHOCKED...

[@UnknownPersononGoogle]

And then them drinking her.

[@ljevans3156]

It’s not just having to watch her die though that was the majority of the situation, but he also saw the true Skeksis and what they really are and having his beliefs and teachings that he had been taught all his life shattered into pieces

[@DarkCreed]

'My lords, help me' 😢

[@zlipus]

So much going on in this scene too, some of the skeksis even were pretty disturbed (the general in particular) since their whole pretense of power is in keeping the gelfing under control. Kind of adds to the power of the atrocity that even some of the skeksis were shocked at the murder.

[@rochey1010]

@@zlipus I think they were shocked because at this point the crystal isn't giving them what they want "the more we take, the less it gives" so some of them see this experiment as a waste and nothing of value - and then Mira's essence is revealed to be an elixor and the unrepentant unapologetic-ally evil and pure narcissistic abominations all slaver over the juice, push each other out of the way and glutton themselves. I must admit this is the moment along with Rian running and the Skeksis monologue over that final montage that hooked me right into this show. I know the movie had dark elements, and the 80's was known for dark fantasy but the show takes it to another level. backs been stabbed, treacherous alliances, complacency, slavery, deaths, the evil evil skeksis. I love it all. I didn't expect them to hit as hard as they did but it certainly got my attention. Showed the serious themes, the gravitas of the mythology. the stakes for the Gelflin. It brought back that 'no hand holding' darkness that 80's movies showed us children. It has a lord of the rings, Pandora esque, game of thrones feel but with puppetry. This is the epic fantasy saga my inner child was screaming for. I hold my hand up and admit i cried to puppets. This scene broke my heart, was so brutal in it's callousness, and told us not to get too comfortable with this puppet adventure. Add the beautiful score that threads throughout and yes you will end up crying to puppets too.

[@crazyramus]

TheDarkCreed86 omg I know ☹️

[@Marinealver]

Your lords can't help you now, You are like a deer begging a hungry lion to spare it and starve to death instead of taking your life to extend its own.

[@Jevyyy_18]

here is live everlastingggg ahahahahahaa best line tbh

[@chrystalgolden7917]

Her pain made me cry and poor Rian watched all of that.

[@FIVEFIFTE]

it fucking sucks to watch the good ones die and watch the evil ones live immortally with no Regrets Serving plates for any of those asswholes to die in their Fucked up sins They always committing.. I would’ve jumped down there start a brawl with all of them with one stone in my hand knocking the shit outta all of them piss in the bed bitches

[@SkemeKOS]

I was pissed off that Rian didnt do anything to even try to stop it.

[@laylamason9908]

@@SkemeKOS there was nothing he could do

[@anirbasnoel649]

BOTH HIS GIRLFRIEND AND FATHER DIED IN FRONT OF HIM! WHYYYY? THE POOR BOY!

[@anirbasnoel649]

@@SkemeKOS they both would've died. There were too many Skeksis in the room and even if Mira could help Rian in fighting them; they would still die. The Skeksis killed ALL of they're Gelfling guards when they attacked after learning the truth. I wanted him to do something too but I think he was in too much shock of what was happening.

[@Scarshadow666]

I love that the Skeksis had a temporary WTF moment before they took notice of poor Mira's essence. They didn't originally consider stealing life until SkekSil influenced SkekTek to do so (though it's honestly no excuse for the injustice they commit)!

[@RubyCarrots3232]

Skektek insisted that they stop at first saying that it was draining the crystal's power and spreading the darkening, but he was just kind of forced to accept it.

[@kenpoarniceguy1]

Cursed Chamberlain. He shouldn't have become one with his mystic counterpart. He should have suffered, have himself killed by the Crystal

[@kruzongoe.3109]

@@kenpoarniceguy1 well he did get killed by the crystal in a dark crystal comic

[@GreaterGrievobeast55]

@@kenpoarniceguy1 well thats hardly fair for the chanter mystic is it?

[@larrytherustyboii7442]

crazy how it was skeksil who propelled all of this to happened, the draining method was his idea, the existence of garthims was cuz skeksil gifted the scientist those grunaks, and the garthim master probably wouldnt be able to climb to become general, to garthim master, to emperor had he not kill the original general, skekvar.

[@perrobang8925]

This scene when watching it, is just so messed up. I was not expecting it to get me a little unsettled and a little scared when i first watched it. And I feel that's what makes it so fantastic at the same time.

[@ztslovebird]

Perro Bang The Gruenicks we’re perpetually unsettling in this show. Just the way they strain against their stitches.

[@JMObyx]

A big part of it was that they were CONSUMING HER.

[@kenpoarniceguy1]

To think this almost happened to Kira!

[@bryanneideffer3969]

As unsettling this scene is...when scientist kills the grutneaks hit me in the feels even More! Found myself becoming slightly enraged...though scientist abused to....,

[@bobtheteleporterandjeff8503]

learning huh!

[@geeker6350]

That moment you realise that Rian's name was the last thing Mira ever said.

[@Nightshift10000]

It’s like someone saw the original & asked “how can I make the Podling Essence Draining Scene even more terrifying & childhood traumatizing? OH I KNOW!”

[@infidelheretic923]

"It worked better when we used Gelflings"

[@KneelB4Bacon]

0:05 Mark Hamill does the voice of the scientist Skesis. I'd recognize that Joker voice anywhere.

[@Johnlindsey289]

Also Skips from Regular Show, Hobgoblin from 90s Spider-Man and also the voice of the new Chucky

[@adrianjuarez1162]

@@Johnlindsey289 I never knew he was skips that’s cool.

[@kahnac6194]

If there's any other aspect of this show I enjoyed, it's the fact that not once did they ever stray away from the fact the Skeksis are irredeemable, unforgiving, and sadistic monsters who hold so little for regard for the life of others not of their own race that they laugh, and delight at the suffering they inflict on those few. They're still a bunch of wicked buzzards who greedily consume, and take all that they can for their own desire - though mainly because of their cowardice, and fear of death. Also the fact that they're still ghastly, and absolutely disgusting in how they act, just like the movie's banquet scene displayed. But it's not just their mannerisms that are disgusting: it's how they so ravenously consume Mira's essence without a moment's hesitation once they see how it gives them rejuvenation, vitality and strength. That's the literal lifeforce of an innocent person, and yet it's nothing but a sweet beverage of immortality to them. The Skeksis are more evil than I originally thought, and it's glorious. Also helps we actually get to see what the Emperor was like in life, and that there was a reason the other Skeksis feared, AND respected him so.

[@Johnlindsey289]

They are vampires in aspects

[@KneelB4Bacon]

I also like that the Skeksis are SMART. They're not bumbling, easily-defeated vilians, the way Disney would do them. They make alliances with races like the Arathim (while fully intending to betray them) and have fallback plans for themselves (like their armor modifications).

[@kahnac6194]

@@Johnlindsey289 I suppose. Though in the end, all that their actions equate to is proving that they're nothing but cowardly parasites. Demons who rip the very soul from the Gelflings, and consume it to give themselves their strength and vitality. Though, when put like that, I guess vampire also works as a term, too.:D

[@kahnac6194]

@@KneelB4Bacon I share that feeling, too. The Skeksis always struck me as devious fiends who manipulate, as well as use ruthless force to get what they want. The more I learned about them, the more this became quite clear. How else could they have kept the Gelfling races under their thumbs for a thousand years? It's quite clear that THEY received the brains, ambition, and strength when they split from the Mystics/Uru. They are the corruption of authority, and their actions perfectly demonstrate it. Though i'm also happy they really aren't incompetent villains, and live up to the fearsome reputation they had in the movie that made them the ultimate symbol of power in Thra. I have a feeling that the series might have given them back everyone's interest for them, and multiplied it.:)

[@octogen1282]

Except the Heretic

[@crazyramus]

This scene was utterly heartbreaking

[@trionabyrne217]

I know, Mira only appeared in the first episode and was killed by skekis as a result.

[@elisahuberman3408]

a mix of horror and anguish

[@Smartguy561]

I wish Kira had been fully drained in the first movie

[@vanessas2363]

Adrenochrome extraction

[@Johnlindsey289]

I felt bad for Rian

[@KeiFox]

Not as disturbing as in the original film, draining the little Podling into a mindless, shriveled slave, but much more heartbreaking to see Mira crying out in pain while the deceptive Skeksis look on and do nothing to help her, while Rian tearfully watches her die, knowing he can't do anything to help her, surrounded by evil creatures.

[@avosmash2121]

Yeah I kind of miss the slow creepier more dramatic effect or watching them shrivel up instead of explode like this and screaming melodramatically. maybe they will explain why that is that way instead in the movie by season 2 maybe something caused the machine to only take part of a life away or maybe they realized completely destroying gelflings would mean they would lose any possible chance of creating further immortality. Maybe they realize by that point though it was too late to stop draining them all off so they had to make up other methods that were more successful and sustaining their life force in a long-term sense.

[@sambo314]

I think this one was more disturbing cuz you can hear the crys of pain and for help.

[@GreaterGrievobeast55]

Avocado Smash I always thought the reason the gelflings and augra disintegrated and the podlings only turned into shriveled up mindless slaves was because the former were more connected to thra and thus without their essence their wasn’t anything left of their bodies to enslave. Although your idea also makes sense I hope we get an explanation at some point.

[@avosmash2121]

@@GreaterGrievobeast55 Actually that's a pretty decent explanation!

[@SirThinks2Much]

@@avosmash2121 In the movie they use a mirror to reflect the light of the Crystal indirectly. Mira took the full hit the first time so that was probably why she completely disintegrated

[@WarriorBazooka]

Whoever did the sound effects is s mad genius. The music and effects don’t underplay or overplay this scene, it perfectly captures the horror and the terror that would follow it: The first draining of essence, and the moment that the Skeksis’ wickedness and greed consumed them, spelling doom for Thra.

[@ztslovebird]

“You’re gonna drink her juices?” “How very crude, but true.”

[@faithwright4533]

What're you doing to my new juice?

[@bobtheteleporterandjeff8503]

I AGREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@bobtheteleporterandjeff8503]

THEY ARA ABUNCH OF F##ING LOSERS

[@bobtheteleporterandjeff8503]

@@faithwright4533 LEAVE ME ALONE CONNOR DEBROAH

[@bobtheteleporterandjeff8503]

@@faithwright4533 STEPH DOND SEND ME TO RECREATE O MENTION ITAGAIN

[@bglambo]

The music once Mira gets stabbed is so intense

[@kenpoarniceguy1]

To think this almost happened to Kira

[@Disneyfan82]

Well this really proves how cruel, evil, and manipulative the Skeksis really are, even fooling most Gelfling clans into believing that they know what is best for everyone so nobody would dare rise against them. They sure knew how to get away with it using lies and deceit.

[@Rinesmyth]

What gets me is the how the Skeksis are also horrified at first.

[@totointernational3493]

Tip ADRENOCHROM: You will be CHOCKED...

[@Doom_Squid_Son]

Sounds like the global elite and the powerful people in charge of our world

[@berserkboi1217]

Reminds me of another group of certain neurotic buzzardmen

[@AbrasiousProductions]

sounds like democrats.

[@girl1213]

Mira was the first...Kira was the last. Both were crying for help, but only one was able to be saved.

[@krashface4870]

Why Mark Hemill must have such a diabolical voice talent ? He can make an already unsettling character even more sinister. Lucky a Skeksis wasn't dubbed by Tim Curry

[@sophieamandaleitontoomey9343]

Well that was horrifying.

[@johnthecrazed5679]

Modern children need modern trauma.

[@stingerjohnny9951]

John the Crazed suffer as I did children...suffer as I did

[@totointernational3493]

Tip ADRENOCHROM: You will be CHOCKED...

[@samanthasimmers6279]

The eighties one is far worse lol

[@Bandersnatch41]

People are saying there goes the last shred of morality the skesis had. Personally I think they're freaking out since they spent the last thousand years making the gelfling believe they were gods only for the scientist to basically fuck it all up in about 5 seconds. They're totally on board after but still for a second they reconsidered the ramifications this would have on their standing with the gelfling.

[@summertime6785]

Who else remembers the original Dark Crystal movie?

[@kyotoandsunchips8585]

I'm looking for it on VHS I have the DVD. The Dark Crystal change my life when I was little

[@KneelB4Bacon]

I remember it. And I think this series is a worthy sequel. The production quality and design is INSANELY good. There are little details everywhere.

[@LycorisArt]

I've watched it too many times to not remember it haha

[@gillianday4804]

I really hate them now

[@DarkCreed]

Watched the movie on Netflix, then the show after.

[@marissaflores418]

0:55 skekVar - WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!

[@JWeb66]

I thought that was SkekUng?

[@marissaflores418]

@@JWeb66 SkekUng was in the movie.

[@JWeb66]

@@marissaflores418 I'm aware but is Var a different character to Ung because he seems to share all the characteristics with him.

[@LycorisArt]

@@JWeb66 Y is a different character. SkekUng is mentioned in the series. He certainly will appear later

[@marissaflores418]

@@LycorisArt SkekUng appears in the Dark Crystal movie, and SkekVar appears in the prequel.

[@xxshinanaevangelianxx]

Man, what a way to end the first episode by making it tragic and terrifying when the Skeksis drain the first Gelfling and her boyfriend had to watch all that happen. 😨😢 How helpless he felt.

[@armanddehorta]

This is the scene I knew that I wasn't in for just a kids show, this Netflix series had such scary disturbing scenes that it reminded me alot of the original film watching it as a kid and being scared at certain scenes like the emperor's funeral. Speaking of that that they made the skitsis Emperor the main antagonist of this, he's your typical fantasy bad guy but we need more of those to make a come back, everyone loves a good villian. Lol

[@bryanneideffer3969]

Especially the new Star Wars trilogy still waiting for one

[@totointernational3493]

Tip ADRENOCHROM: You will be CHOCKED...

[@PredatorAlienate]

I think the argument could be made that the ultimate antagonist of this series is not the Emperor but the Chamberlain. The Emperor may lead the Skeksis, but the Chamberlain manipulates everyone behind the scenes and even sets the runaway essence-draining in motion with the Scientist. All roads lead back to SkekSil's machinations and miscalculations.

[@biguy617]

I think I understand why the Skesis have a reflector in the movie and why they do not in this scene. The Crystal was damaged by so much experimentation on it. That is why they use the Reflector in the movie. They wanted to do less damage to the Crystal.

[@Marinealver]

Yeah in the movie it didn't kill them, just drained them.

[@benlhyenethehyena9947]

@@Marinealver could be a side effect of the light being toned down by the mirrot effect instead of being pure

[@henrymockingbird9645]

The fact that the emperor is laughing at the site of Mira getting drain really shows you just how mess up he is

[@Johnlindsey289]

Wow as a fan of the movie for 34 years, and love the graphic novels, this show delivered. It's like The Muppets, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Game of Thrones and Legend of Zelda in one. This one is as edgy as the film.

[@multificionado5019]

Shame that that was a way for a character, even if it's a voice role, played by Alicia Vikander (aka the new Lara Croft) to go. On the plus side, Mark Hamill's Skeksis steals the show as much as his Joker does. (and Simon Pegg nails the evil Grover in the Chamberlain to a T).

[@mickeye6428]

Frank Oz did it better.

[@Rinesmyth]

@@mickeye6428 I'm told he was merely the puppeteer, not the voice actor

[@Quotenwagnerianer]

@@Rinesmyth You are correct. Frank Oz did not voice anyone in Dark Crystal. Barry Dennen voiced the Chamberlain in the movie.

[@faithwright4533]

@@mickeye6428 *Barry Dennen

[@sarahvenable4710]

Plus, Alicia's brother from Testament of Youth had to witness it. Taron must've missed working with her.

[@huntermcdonald5211]

The thing I find most crazy about this scene is that while all the skeksis are shocked the Emperor is laughing

[@gigisangels8084]

OMG! I didn't notice that yeah he is! (sicko!)

[@bobtheteleporterandjeff8503]

@@gigisangels8084 HE

[@abrilnunez1680]

1:26 Idk if it's a lighting thing but when Mira turns to Rian her eyes go from the souless white to how they were before

[@kenpoarniceguy1]

It wasn't because of lighting.

[@Jaisha26]

@@kenpoarniceguy1 Then what was it?

[@filon738]

@@Jaisha26 She saw Rian with her own eyes, and didn't look at the crystal

[@vanessas2363]

ADRENOCHROME EXTRACTION

[@mrx4022]

And then Netflix cancelled this gem of a show and promoted Cuties instead 😞😒

[@i39darkblade]

There's still time to do something. Power of the people

[@Jack-iu2gl]

Really makes you think, doesn't it... Hmmmmm 🤔 I wonder why a show that warns children about a bunch of creepy perverted overlords who want to drink their "essence" was #canceled in favor garbage like c*ties

[@PredatorAlienate]

Let us not forget the moral of this story: When you alight on a scrumptious world and look to pick the place clean, don't turn your beak up at the locals. Yes, they can be pitifully amusing. But lay on the hospitality thick enough, and these chumps may shower you with wholesome, invigorating morsels. Just don't expect them to keep doling out goodies for long, the ingrates....

[@bradleyadams5252]

I could hear that in starscream's voice. Perfect!

[@ceeceefarmer2900]

this scene made me cry so much. Poor Rian

[@totointernational3493]

Tip ADRENOCHROM: You will be CHOCKED...

[@jeffzebert4982]

Here's why Mira vanished instead of being turned into one of those withered "zombie slaves" like we see in "The Dark Crystal" movie: it's because Mira was exposed to the FULL BRUNT of the Crystal's life-draining power. With that poor Podling, the Crystal's beam had its power attenuated (weakened) by bouncing off of a reflector before hitting the Podling's eyes. Kira would have ALSO become a zombie-slave just like the Podlings if SkekTek had had the chance to complete the draining of her essence. *SkekTek:* This won't hurt. We just want to drain your living essence. Then you can be like the other Podlings here: a slave. (to nearby slave) Open the wall!

[@Johnlindsey289]

Skektek probably invented the reflector to do an improvement without turning a gelfling or podling into glittery dust

[@ilikethecokev2]

Kira would have been killed after being drained, anyway, since the Skeksis wanted all the Gelfling dead by the time of the Conjunction.

[@garzapinups]

Yeah! This for sure! I figured between this and the film he for sure had to experiment in other ways when draining or using the power of the Crystal, until he settled on the final machine and reflector we see in the film.

[@trionabyrne217]

Mira's hairstyle looks unique, I wonder in fantasies do some people have mixture of plaits and braids?

[@thewhompingwampa2671]

If the Skeksis could have found some other alternative to prolong their lives and maybe even fix The Crystal, maybe things wouldn't be so bad in the future..

[@francescomuccio2894]

Skeksis are pure Evil, like Mystics are pure Goodness, this was the most cruel solution for them and there It is the Genocide...

[@thewhompingwampa2671]

@@francescomuccio2894 Labelling the Skeksis and Mystics as "Pure Goodness" and "Pure Evil" shows that you clearly don't understand the Skeksis and Mystics. Mystics and Skeksis are neither good nor evil. These characteristics are merely side effects of their Base nature. Skeksis have a Strong Will and Powerful Motivation. They constantly get ideas and don't hold back on making them reality. This sent them spiraling down into a Cruel, sadistic attitude. And if they were truly Evil, why did they help the Gelflings and treat them somewhat fairly? Yeah, they had a superiority complex but If I was pure Evil, I would've murdered everything in sight. Mystics are Lethargic and Lazy. They constantly come up with new ideas but only base them on theory. No drive to actually test them out in reality. If the Mystics are pure Goodness as you say, why didn't they wander out of their Valley to help in the War? They may be Kind but that's only because they're too lazy to muster up any form of aggresive attitude. And yes, I am aware that while they are polar opposites (but not in the way you described). The Skeksis were already on a downwards spiral but I'm just wondering, _if_ the Emperor decided not to Play around with the Darkening and the Skeksis found a Better alternative to prolong themselves, would things be as bad? I'm aware that this may never have happened but it's just a thought.

[@metaouroboros690]

@@thewhompingwampa2671 The specific division that Jim Henson envisioned between the Skeksis and Mystics was that of materialism and spiritualism. The spiritualistic Mystics are wise and considerate, but as you said, they are more concerned with theory than action. They're incredibly slow, and loathe to act unless they're sure that there is a greater purpose behind what they are doing. The materialistic Skeksis are driven, smart, and strong, but also easily controlled by their own base desires. They achieved a lot as rulers, but the prospect of death led them to destroy everything they created out of fear. When you think about it, the intense fear of death that the Skeksis share makes sense. They're purely materialistic, so they have no way of understanding or accepting the idea of what comes after death. They also crumble into dust upon death, as opposed to their Uru halves which vanish in a burst of light. It's possible that they may be something like soulless creatures since they're purely materialistic, so maybe they have an innate feeling that death would not go well for creatures like them.

[@i39darkblade]

@@francescomuccio2894 They weren't fully evil once, after the great division when they established themselves as lords of the crystal they're relations with the gelfling was pretty decent. The Skeksis themselves were more likable, joyous and easy to get along with, the emperor himself was actually benevolent as well. But sadly the bitterness of mortality got the better of them and made them into this

[@user-nu5or1qy2q]

Skeksis and mystics are not completely day and night some are dusk and some are dawn and the reason the mystics don't came to help is because they could damage the planet cause like the skeksis their not native to thra watch the video of dreamfast with me about urSu

[@Billy_Lenz]

I was surprised how many times this show genuinely disturbed me. It truly felt just like a dark PG movie from the 80's. Full of stuff that most PG-13 movies dare not do.

[@lostu9257]

Y’all watch these movies and think “they’re just movies totally just fiction” That’s all I’mma say 😭💯

[@MisterRandom2]

Scientist: Watch the "Cats" movie, Gelfling. Give it your fear, your love, your secrets... Give the "Cats" movie everything... Give it your very ESSENCE!!!!

[@bobtheteleporterandjeff8503]

MR RANDOM STUFFYOU

[@infjelphabasupporter8416]

Lol!!!!!!!!

[@SpyrosKoronis]

"I can't look away...my lords, help me!"

[@alexvargas8233]

The expression on these puppets faces are better than some cgi in movies, shit better than some actors

[@Shozb0t]

Never let aliens take care of your planet's most precious and vital artifact.

[@marissaflores418]

0:43 SkekTek stabs Mira into draining her essence

[@totointernational3493]

Tip ADRENOCHROM: You will be CHOCKED...

[@imjango1052]

Thank you for posting this. I don't have Netflix right now and I have been itching to hear what the Skeksis sound like. Now I just need to find a Chamberlain clip. Oh, and it looks like I'm first!

[@stingerjohnny9951]

ImJango he's voiced by Simon pegg and he is just as glorious as in the original film

[@captainpipsqueak9223]

...and then they danced as they drank what was left of her.

[@bradleyadams5252]

Their resemblance to vultures has never been more apparent...

[@brandonmonroy6483]

Damn bro that adrenochrome is real

[@BrynnSasha191]

I freaking love this show. The world building is incredible, the characters. Even the puppets are so great

[@mildreddavis1684]

The cerebrospinal fluid - the lympha, the living waters of life.

[@zacharymoss2994]

I was thinking that essence was blood in real life but that's actually more plausible and disturbing

[@Scarshadow666]

mildred davis That makes so much sense, and it makes the movie and the series all the more disturbing! 😨😱😨😱😨😱😨😱

[@Johnlindsey289]

Basically Skeksis are vampires

[@krayziejerry]

@@zacharymoss2994 It's adrenochrome in real life.

[@jimkiklaeskah9740]

@@krayziejerry glad to see some people are waking up

[@marissaflores418]

0:03 Mira - (looks at the Crystal of Truth) No. What are you doing to it?

[@rainbowhawk911]

Scientist: Just a little experiment. Such an honor for you. No Gelfling has laid eyes upon the Crystal in a thousand trine. Look deep into it.

[@AstraVex]

1:20 This moment with the soundtrack syncs up so bloody well!

[@carerforever2118]

I've watched the movie many times since l was a kid back in the 80s, l'm now re-watching the Age of Resistance series for the 2nd time. l can't wait to see season 2 next year, to see Jen being born 😁👍

[@dolria1]

Me too!!!

[@Johnlindsey289]

Born 82 and loved the movie since i was 4 and this show prequel is awesome and so is the graphic novels

[@EChacon]

Poor Mira. 😥

[@trionabyrne217]

The Poor Vapran.

[@bobtheteleporterandjeff8503]

I KNOW

[@trionabyrne217]

@@bobtheteleporterandjeff8503 It's Sad, that she only appeared in the first episode and was killed.

[@walkmasterplayer2567]

Her name is Kira

[@EChacon]

@@walkmasterplayer2567 No,Kira is the Gelfling from the original film. This is Mira.

[@CaptainKotetsu]

2:28 I do this every morning but with coffee.

[@melonlord4889]

Too soon my dude. Too soon

[@Jack-iu2gl]

*Meanwhile, on epstein island*

[@aaronmeade5435]

0:51 I love how while the emperors laughing his ass off because he's coping on to the essence theory the genrel is horrified he may be gruff,brutal and bloodthirsty but I don't think he has ever seen a gelfing in this much pain before he's almost crying because he doesn't find honour in it plus it could have reminded him of his dreams of suffering then switches to blank evil again because he reliazes he doesn't have to live in his dream in real life if he's stays alive forever

[@inYAHUSHUAsname]

This movie is about adrenochrome ..look it up

[@joejoemorechrist6886]

Finally someone who's actually awake in The matrix Jesus protect us sister

[@manojbhargav320]

Exactly man i was searching for comments about adrenochrome. I cant believe ppl are just enjoying this movie and not realising anything.

[@ButtoneyeDecker]

You could hear bubbles with the essence going.. it would have been so creepy if one of the Skeksis reached out to like feel or touch it like a kid with bubbles.. :o

[@Brand0n_editsxx]

As someone who doesnt get scarred or disturbed easily, this gives me chills to watch. I could feel Rians pain when he yells for Mira and it disturbs me everytime i rewatch it.

[@HabbeningNetNews]

The real reason the skeksis were kicked out of 109 nations.

[@Jack-iu2gl]

It's getting a little too *based and redpilled* in the youtube comments here

[@jordanelza8806]

It’s interesting that in the film, the weaker Podling essence made a difference in appearance and strength. While here on the much newer show with the strong Gelfling essence, it makes them feel strong but not look any different.

[@SpyrosKoronis]

Perhaps the Scientist refined the process over time so that essence was extracted more efficiently?

[@TeebTrois]

Art imitates life

[@ivangonzalez247]

When I started watching this series, I wasn't prepared for this :( I think it's still one of the best scene of season 1...

[@totointernational3493]

Tip ADRENOCHROM: You will be CHOCKED...

[@FloraMecha]

Well, this was terrifying....and the pain in her voice, just made it more scary and painful!

[@totointernational3493]

Tip ADRENOCHROM: You will be CHOCKED...

[@totointernational3493]

ADRENOCHROM: tip that to your computer... You will be CHOCKED...

[@feketeroka3272]

0:50 That laugh is a true antagonist

[@Mote.]

I just learned about adrenochrome. Dark crystal essence is real

[@AprilStorm777]

So disturbing, isn't it? 😭💔

[@lily2445]

Yeah I was looking for this comment! I agree, it's terrible :(

[@jonbrownlie8355]

Bingo

[@diavora]

Anyone noticed the chamberlain's reaction when scientist stab her?

[@JeanBaptisteEmanuelZorg]

Researcher didn't want to kill her entirely, it was the Emperor who has gone nuts completely. I have a feeling Researcher was the last one who fell to the Dark Side full-time (of course until after creating Gartims). SkekSil on the other hand was manipulative and evil to the bone from the very beginning. Who was his Uru counterpart? Can't recall, but I bet he must be severly freaky as well.

[@willardkestila6465]

As a matter of fact, urSol the singer (I may have gotten the title wrong) was one of the nicest beings one could encounter. His songs were capable of healing even the most wounded of souls

[@marissaflores418]

Robin Hood, Lara Croft, Skips, Lucius Malfoy, Wong, Buck, and Kamari.

[@Johnlindsey289]

Also Joker from Batman TAS

[@Rinesmyth]

Who is who?

[@marissaflores418]

@@Rinesmyth The actors playing their characters.

[@Rinesmyth]

@@marissaflores418 yes, but who is who?

[@virgo14]

@@Rinesmyth Taron Egerton, Alicia Vikander, Mark Hamill, Jason Isaacs, Benedict Wong, Simon Pegg, and Keegan-Michael Key.

[@gillianday4804]

wow! that's Mark Hamill alright!

[@zacharyisenbletter1266]

Joker hamill

[@gillianday4804]

@@zacharyisenbletter1266 I recognise that voice! I never despised that villain!

[@user-ef5md3xz3s]

This has to be one of the most heartbreaking scenes in the series, not only because Mira was killed, but also because of how the other Skeksis (minus the Emperor) reacted. Their reactions of shock and horror, and the General yelling “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!” at the Scientist, proves that they genuinely did care about the Gelfling before their descent into evil.

[@BrynnSasha191]

And then when Rian finds Gurjin and convinces him, he didn't kill Mira and then dream-fasted Gurjin: She loved you Rian: And you 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@sparky3574]

Well this terrified me.

[@totointernational3493]

Tip ADRENOCHROM: You will be CHOCKED...

[@CirianAlani]

@@totointernational3493 Tip: Antisemitic bullshit.

[@lovedone1534]

Don’t let kids watch this, if this made you feel disturbed it will definitely mess up a kid.

[@Rinesmyth]

Better this than any of the other mindless junk being spewed out today. This at least has heart and spirit to it. Children should appreciate that.

[@ivanlonza8986]

Original movie was like this and a lot of childrens grow up watching that movie.

[@Johnlindsey289]

@@Rinesmyth I agree! but there is good kids movies now like Spiderverse, Zootopia, Wreck it Ralph, Coco and some others as those have heart too.

[@maryhamm6970]

No a young child shouldn’t be watching that. Especially if they are 5 years old.

[@ivanlonza8986]

@@maryhamm6970 Lol I watched Alien film series when I was 7. This is nothing.

[@Seiferboi]

They never disappeared in the movie. Just became slaves until the crystal was healed and they regained their essence. Wonder if it's just a Gelfling thing because they're closest to Thra?

[@imjango1052]

Also on the movie they were using a reflector that caught beams form the crystal. Mira was looking directly at the Crystal itself. It's probably too powerful.

[@DisneyNAW]

Well that was just Poddlings. Plus by this time, they still had willing workers and slaves so they didn’t need to try and keep them alive when draining them. But then once the Gelflings started rebelling and their workers ran away, they modified the machine so that it’d drain them, but also turn them into mindless slaves. Though since they feared Gelflings, the Skeksis would kill them immediately after draining, just in case

[@froggotheweebo6806]

This was the first time they used this method. Which is why the machine had better upgrades in the original

[@mickeye6428]

They were deliberately draining the podlings just to the point of them being zombies so that they could make good slaves out of them. Also, at this point what they are doing is new. They don't know what she is going to explode.

[@wolfgirlsurvivor925]

Well I am reading the book series and some of the Gelfling acted like the podlings like zombies. This was before the truth about the skesis came out. The book series leads up to the netflix series it follows Kylan and Naia.

[@ljevans3156]

The fact that Podlines don’t get disintegrated when their essence is observes must mean that they are not as close to Thra as the Gelfling are.

[@Octopugilist]

My favorite part of this show is how it shows the Skeksis became monsters inch by inch. The entire first episode shows that the Skeksis are thought of as gods by the Gelflings, and vice versa view them as peasants or ignorant children at best. They'd spent milennia distancing themselves and slowly dehumanizing the Gelflings in their minds until this moment. Their horror at Meera's painful death iis the very last second the Skeksis view the Gelflings as prople and not animals to be slaughtered

[@Dude-oh8vq]

After finding out about the evil Adrenochrome this year, this scene is all the more unnerving.

[@totointernational3493]

Yes you are right

[@zouchia1522]

SkekTek after draining Mira's essence: WE DID A GOOD

[@MC-et3lu]

ADRENOCHROME

[@ecojosh1]

The Emperor should've used a ladle so that the other Skeksis wouldn't have to drink his backwash. Just because he's pure evil doesn't mean he has to be inconsiderate.

[@SpukiTheLoveKitten75]

I think that, in the end of the original "THE DARK CRYSTAL" movie, all the souls of all who were drained were finally freed from the Skeksis and became one with Thra in the afterlife, where they survive forever. Thus, all that went wrong was made right and fully restored. Even Deet would be free from The Darkening and alive in the Thra hereafter. Thus, at least spiritually, everyone is okay. The Podling slaves being restored to their regular, happy selves and the castle and the landscape surrounding it becoming clean and verdant basically hints at this. I like to keep that in mind when sad stuff like this scene happens.

[@Shadowkey392]

Mark Hamill is gold in everything.

[@Hawk_of_Battle]

Everything about the essence draining process and the Skeksis desire for it is utterly horrifying. This scene, the moment where the Chamberlin drinks the last of Mira right in front of Rian just to rub it in ("Tasty! Tasty!"), the mind controlled Gelflings waking up strapped to chairs in a mad scientists hellish dungeon lab with no idea what's happened only to be drained en-masse, all whilst these monsters stand around cackling and mocking them at every opportunity and then guzzling down on the stuff like alcoholics or junkies needing a fix and then just immediately demanding more. Having never watched the original movie I had no idea what was in store for me watching this series, until this scene happened. Goddamn it's dark, and I love it!

[@TheRighteousFist]

For some reason, I've always imagined that Essence probably tastes like Mountain Dew. Sometimes, when I'm having a cold Mountain Dew, I like to imagine it's cold, bottled Essence. 😋

[@ryanwheatley4806]

Love this show

[@archalys0]

This series was so beautiful and disturbing at the same time

[@JamesSmith-qs4hx]

Thanks Jews.

[@warlockofwordsreturnsrb4358]

The Skeksis are SUCH fucking cool villain!!

[@angielydon9531]

OMG THE WAY MIRA JUST DISSAPEARS IS HORRIFING

[@NevaehOhlemacher]

This scene was just heartbreaking, and not just because a loving character died. The fact that the Skeksis, except for the Emperor and the Scientist, were horrified at seeing Myra die, and hearing the General yell “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!” at the Scientist, was proof that they genuinely cared for the Gelfling.😢

[@dustysafrit6094]

What a fuckin ride this is on shrooms 🤯😬😵‍💫

[@Geminirose-sz3pc]

From what I understand, this whole serious was supposed to be before the original Dark crystal movie. Showing when Jen and Kira where the last of their kind

[@scorpioengine4797]

I like how you can hear the emperor audibly stuttering at what he just saw. Even he’s like “the fuck?”