The Dark Crystal Age Of Resistance - Do You Dream?

The Skeksis Emperor and General discuss their fear of death. Season 1, Episode 10
I make no claims to this video clip. I do not own it, am not monetizing it and the content is unaltered from the original broadcast.

[@MisterRandom2]

What I love about this scene is that it doesn't just explain why the Emperor fears death, but it explains why he's so adamant that the Skeksis never rejoin with the Mystics (hence why he banished the Heretic). The Emperor has spent the last thousand years committing terrible atrocities without regret or remorse. If he were to suddenly regain the ability to feel empathy and guilt (by reuniting with his Mystic counterpart), it would drive him utterly insane.

[@ewaldvonkleist6834]

No, he already understands that. listen to what he is saying.

[@dragonfell5078]

That makes a lot of sense

[@gamerstheater1187]

Considering the Heretic felt regret that can’t really work

[@taddad2641]

@@gamerstheater1187 that is because the heretic grew closer to his other half, and likely doing so allowed such feelings to awaken in him.

[@iamtriston666]

Exactly Mother Aughra did kind of explain earlier in the show why he fears death when all a creature of Thra dies it becomes part of Thra. I always thought of it like that's their version of heaven. However the Skeksis are not of Thra so if they die, do their spirit become apart of Thra? (In other words would the Skeksis would move on to the next life.)

[@c0l1n_m45]

The puppets disappear and all I see are real people.

[@Bandersnatch41]

Okay I know you're talking about how good this scene is in terms of quality but I thought for a second you were making the joke when a skesis dies it just becomes its puppeteer

[@CosmicVRS]

With CG tongues. Now I've told you you can't unsee it... I love this show so much! :D

[@c0l1n_m45]

@@CosmicVRS That's just one nitpick I had with show, was those damn CGI tongues on the Skeksis. Sometimes they worked to their benefit, but other times they were a bit distracting.

[@stingerjohnny9951]

c0l1n_M4 even then they mostly worked for me, it allowed me to believe they could annunciate so well despite their stiff, beaky mouths.

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

@@stingerjohnny9951 Yeah, the tongues add a lot. They're a bit much at first, especially skekSo for some reason, but as the series goes on, they feel much more natural.

[@nslater1388]

This scene was vital for me. Usually dark, evil things worship death, or something very close to it. But not the Skeksis. They try so hard to live they indulge in everything, seeks thrills at every turn and try to amass power endlessly. But all of that, all of it, is just to conceal that they are afraid, beyond afraid, to die. Instead a loud speech, this quieter moment between the Emperor and the General humanized them, showing how they live in denial and are tormented in their sleep, which contrasts to the Gelflings who ‘dreamfast’, able to share pleasant memories with one another. It’s just fantastic.

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

To be fair to the Skeksis, part of the reason they're so afraid is because they are not really a part of Thra and unlike the Gelfling, there is truly no guarantee that their souls will go anywhere. To make it worse, the Skeksis seem functionally unable to think of things in a spiritual sense. Or, it's very difficult for them, which is why someone like Heretic has to take a ton of dru berries to get anywhere. And even he is very much motivated by his fear of death and guilt.

[@loreenec8045]

@@rosesweetcharlotte It sounds like the Skeksis would be terrified of becoming whole again, as they see emotions like guilt and sorrow as torment

[@mariahzamora1662]

I know right, for a Skeksis, this speech and scene was deep with a whole lot of feeling and depth to it; in its own ode to death sort of way. For the love of Thra, I was actually touched and moved by a Skeksis...the world of Thra must be ending.

[@itsblitz4437]

@@rosesweetcharlotte dru berries? Where did that came from?

[@BlackCover95]

Rick Sanchez I can’t find a clip, but if you have the full episode, skip to about thirteen minutes in, when the party is waiting for the surprise.

[@tysargent9647]

It's ironic that General SkekVar talks about remembering suffering, guilt, and sorrow here, because by the end of this episode, he experiences: Sorrow at his defeat by Rian Guilt at his disgrace by Emperor SkekSo Suffering at the hands of Chamberlain SkekSil

[@TymeTraveling777]

Wow .. nice comparison

[@Maldoror2112]

It's a whole Trifecta of negative emotional states! And SkekVar earned each of them in spades.

[@jordanelza8806]

Yes, indeed.

[@vexxama]

That explains their desperation to live so clearly. They don’t want to give up being themselves so they don’t with to join the mystics, but are terrified of what it would mean to die in such a state. Give up your individuality, or face the unknown in death. It’s no wonder they’re afraid

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

Not just that, but it seems they're aware of the guilt they would feel if they did. We even see this in the movie at the end where the urruShek who was the Garthim Master sounds genuinely sad and remorseful.

[@muffinland8660]

They're absolutely tragic creatures. It's one form of death or the other for them and they're so, *so* desperate for an escape. So desperate to just hang on to what they are and what they have now, which both options would take from them.

[@loreenec8045]

@@rosesweetcharlotte Good to find you in nearly every dark crystal video I stumble across. I just watched Age of Resistance for a second time, and this scene really stood out to me on the second viewing. To be honest, I sometimes think of past feelings of regret and shame as a nightmare myself...in a way, there would be freedom in not feeling such things. But then we wouldn't be human would we?

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

@@loreenec8045 Yeah, there aren't a ton of places to discuss it. These comments have been pretty. What I love about skekSo is, he knows he's wrong. He's not a villain who thinks they're the hero. He knows the Skeksis are evil, twisted creatures and he doesn't care. He absolutely doesn't want to care.

[@loreenec8045]

@@rosesweetcharlotte Well if you think about it, empathy and compassion to them would be a nightmare. But I am curious, the Skeksis crumble to dust when they die, but the mystics vanish like spirits, and it's said that the Skeksis have no souls...so are essentially philosophical zombies?

[@Zoras88]

Skeksis, born in nightmare, fear the horrors beyond the nightmares

[@davidhatcher7016]

How?

[@PrinceoftheAbyss]

That's deep.

[@blessedarethepeacemakers.1457]

Chamberlain said that Skeksis are above Death and they become “Death”.

[@Zoras88]

@@davidhatcher7016 They went through traumas when they were born as all the horrors became them, what they fear is what they'll experience when they move onto the next life through death.

[@Johnlindsey289]

Mystics born in dreams

[@Sergei_Ivanovich_Mosin]

It's rare to see villains these days who manage to be both evil and sympathetic. Most "sympathetic" villains will just pull out some sob story about why they're doing what they do and use that almost as an excuse for their actions, Skeksis though are pretty objectively evil, and yet you can understand exactly why they're doing what they do because it's a sort of evil that's very easy for anyone to slip into under the right circumstances.

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

Certainly, no one really wants to die. It's a very human motivation. The show also sprinkles in just enough other moments of humanity that the Skeksis feel like real people.

[@Maldoror2112]

In a way, the Skeksis have no choice. Their very nature requires them to be self-centered, and they are the very embodiment of their "Dark Half" as UrSkeks. Considering this, in a significant way, it's a miracle that SkekGra conquered the darkness in his own heart. It raises the question-- could all the Skeksis have been similarly saved if they had met their Mystic counterparts?

[@smolchild1057]

@@Maldoror2112 well, each skeksis is born from a unique soul, so it's likely skekgra was born from someone who was more perceptive than the other Urskeks. Classic "varies from person to person" kinda deal.

[@gamerstheater1187]

I always hated those villains that we have to hate on, they feel unoriginal and bland in comparison to more tragic or likable villains

[@noxiousunagi4045]

@@Maldoror2112 that's why SkekVar and SkekMal are the most unique skeksis they both value Strength and loyalty to skeksis values SkekVar although shares his hatred of gelfling sees a glimmer of potential in Ordon and thus he becomes leader of the castle guard. SkekVar also serves the Emperor with unwavering loyalty and doesn't wish to further his position beyond right-hand man unlike Chamberlain who is the purest Skeksis who manipulates and does everything to further his own goals. SkekVar is saved by Chamberlain and thus when chamberlain retakes the seat at the emperor's side he does not argue as he is grateful for SkekSil saving him. What happened at the end of the season solidified SkekSil as the most evil ofvall Skeksis in killing his own albeit I believe that it was just a plot issue as SkekVar was defeated and laughed at by his friends and he believed SkekSil to be his last one up until betrayal. At this point SkekSil logically would have helped SkekVar and could count upon him for his own goals in the future but because of plot for The replacement General he is killed by chamberlain as well as SkekLach I mean we get 3 Deaths in one episode.

[@huldrrrr9486]

The emperor (and the rest of the skesis aswell) is one of the best villains in media we have had in years. He manages to have moments of sympathy and depth without being angsty, while still being an entertaining, funny and charismatic villain. Hats off to Jason Isaacs for his perfect performance, but also the puppeteers and director for the various gestures, facial expressions and nuances

[@agooddaytorespawn57]

His voice as the emperor is perfect, deep and threatening, darkly authoritative and commanding...it's fantastic

[@DarthVil]

I LOVED it when the Galfling told him that they (the Skeksis) were monsters, and he responded with, "It took you this long to notice?" That's exactly what I say when people call Me an asshole. :)

[@techissus7449]

@@DarthVil ow the edge

[@tysargent9647]

It makes you wonder. If Ralph Fiennes had been cast as the Emperor, what might he have done?

[@DarthVil]

I did remember one thing wrong. That wasn't the emperor that said it. I watched the series again (because it's great); it was the scroll keeper that delivered the line, "It took you that long to notice?" It's still My favourite line, and I also really love when the emperor says, "Um, NO!"

[@ultrae4628]

Jim Henson must be so proud

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

It's so sad that he and so many others can't see this. He would have loved this scene.

[@ironcarnage1019]

@@rosesweetcharlotte I'm more than confident that he's watching this as we speak, wherever he is.

[@Johnlindsey289]

this show with Blade Runner 2049 are examples of how to revive a retro 80s property instead of a soulless moneygrab that is passionless, insulting and generic like Ghostbusters 2016, Elm Street, Robocop, Bill and Ted. Glad the original Skeksis and Aughra were not bastardnized into hollow versions of themselves like Luke Skywalker and Bill and Ted

[@thoughtfuldevil6069]

@@Johnlindsey289 The new Bill and Ted was good though

[@Johnlindsey289]

@@thoughtfuldevil6069 Not me, i thought it was a bummer and did that Last Jedi deconstruction crap on Bill and Ted themselves and poorly written.

[@ShadeMeadows]

"We know the Torment that Lies Behind Us, But what Torment waits beyond this existence? All the more reason to hold on to life, with all claws, No matter the cost!" That's... an Amazin' quote, it shows Fear but also shows a Strong Determination.

[@efaristi9737]

indeed, that was inspired

[@soundofspace8026]

yeah it really helps flesh then out and make them more "human" they aren't just the bad guys, the have regrets and fears as well and those fears drive them to do what they do.

[@Yceb0x]

It establishes more than just a motive (what *every* character needs in any given story), it gives a reason behind the motive. Throughout the series the Skeksis work to cheat death. The reason was expanded upon more and more until we get this moment. They fear what lies for them beyond the grave. Both they and the mystics often wonder if they will be whole again upon death or if they won't exist at all. They don't go back to Thra after all.

[@darthpunk3510]

Best line so far, best scene too. If they r the evil halfs then they probably only have negative memories of their past form cuz they would only manifest when negative things were being felt. Technically,..... Sketsis did nothing wrong 😳!

[@Lorgar64]

@@darthpunk3510 They're not the evil halves, they're the materialist halves. At first they were nice and kind, but over time they became decadent and selfish. Their greed drove them to excess, and their excess has doomed them. So they run from that doom with everything they can muster, which only serves to damn them further.

[@Eva9000]

This almost makes the skesis sympathetic. They're a darker half of the urskeks, but they couldn't help being that half. They have concepts of regret and sorrow but it's far away and frightening to them

[@Scarshadow666]

Eva9000 Very true! It's like they kinda have a Jekyll and Hyde dualism issue, but with elements of Yin and Yang philosophy. They're still twisted, cruel, and represent an idea of evil, but they're not evil incarnate, just one missing half of a whole. Makes me wonder what the Mystics are like (even if they might not be doing much, it would be interesting to see how they express a complete opposite of what the Skeksis would be, possibly to a toxic degree)...

[@Eva9000]

@@Scarshadow666 if you ever read the half men of o a similar thing happened and it's very interesting

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

And you get the sense that at one point, they really did try and be good.

[@adamdavis1648]

I wonder; if Skeksis are the darker half of the Urseks, what does say about the Ursek who the Heretic is half of? Did that particular Ursek have less darkness in him to begin with? Or does it mean each Skeksi only STARTS as the dark half of an Ursek and they can evolve into something else but only the Heretic has chosen to do so? Another thing I find interesting is the scene where the General says "friend, help me" to the Chamberlain right before the Chamberlain kills him. It seemed like the Chamberlain successfully tricked the General into thinking he was his friend and the General calling him "friend" might be the only example in the show thus far of one Skeksi showing some warmth toward another or even a Skeksi besides maybe the Heretic showing warmth toward anyone.

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

@@adamdavis1648 The Skeksis weren't really "dark" so much as emotional, egotistical, materialist, and selfish.

[@metaouroboros690]

Since the Skeksis are purely materialistic, and the Mystics purely spiritual, it makes sense that dreams and what happens after death are incomprehensible and terrifying to them. The Skeksis have always been capable of cruelty, but early on in their reign they were often very generous, and they were agile, multicolored and beautiful creatures. However, once they began aging, they pursued immortality relentlessly, causing the darkening. Interestingly, the heretic and the hunter never used the darkening to prolong their life, and they appear much healthier than the other Skeksis. This suggests that the use of the darkening caused the Skeksis' bodies to wither and their colours to fade as their new exterior betrayed how much more cruel they had become. There's a lot of interesting stuff in the Dark Crystal comics, and you can get a decent summary on the wiki.

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

The Hunter can even still use his arms. It's almost rather sad.

[@metaouroboros690]

@@rosesweetcharlotte It also makes the part where the emperor says to hold onto life "with all claws" dryly amusing, considering that doing so is exactly what cost them two of their arms.

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

@@metaouroboros690 Yeah, and the Hunter retains some of his old beauty, something they all seem rather sad to lose. In some of the comic art, the Mariner also seems much more beautiful than the others and she seems like she isn't using the Crystal either

[@Popcultureguy3000]

Carly Crays I can’t help but wonder if they’re going to bring “The Mariner” into the show’s canon by making her be the only way the other Skeksis find more poor Ghaloks to turn into those mechanical abominations.

[@DarkCreed]

But Emperor was using an extra arm in the final battle.

[@TheHeartlessFour]

It’s so interesting seeing the Skeksis acknowledging what they used to be, how they are the soulless half. And how they view the division as a victory.

[@WorldWar2freak94]

TheHeartlessFour They also don’t want to dwell on it that much.

[@jordanelza8806]

Yes. It’s nice to know that the Skeksis are still aware of what they used to be, despite the fact that they never talk about the UrRu at all. The Skeksis never wanted to be reunited with the UrRu and become UrSkeks again.

[@caitlinjane92]

This scene actually made me feel pity towards the Skeksis. Hearing the General say he remembered suffering, guilt, and sorrow actually tugged at my heart strings. It's not often that you see a show or movie that makes you feel sympathy for the villain(s) at some point before their arrogance suddenly takes over them again and you become scared of and hateful towards them again.

[@mckenzie.latham91]

I see it as getting a glimpse of what they could be...they know they're doing wrong, they have the ability to show empathy and concern...they just don't use it becasue they've become too corrupted and decadent, or because it makes them feel guilt and pain... It doesn't excuse their evil actions or what they;ve done but it is tragic...it;s tragic to see characters who have the potential to be good refuse it because of vice and fear... it also makes them more interesting characters for study and discussion.

[@Johnlindsey289]

Complex villains

[@aaronmeade5435]

True they really are tragic villains there neither good or entirely bad even the mystics feel symptompy for them especially urva who peared into his dark half's eyes and wanted to be one with him beyond the dream and even the heratic and wanderer just wanted to be whole again

[@sparky3574]

This is a very deep scene, I can watch these types of conversations curious about what might happen next.

[@hfar_in_the_sky]

I think what really impresses me about this scene is that in the hands of a lesser voice actor, this scene could have easily been groaningly cheesy. And yet each line is delivered with the right level of emotion to make it seem...well, real. It doesn't feel like we're watching puppets. It feels like we're watching a king confide in his general.

[@mckenzie.latham91]

Shout out to Jason Issac's as the voice of Emperor SkekSo

[@dragonfell5078]

Honestly the fact that they filmed this with puppets instead of CGI or even live action actors in suits makes it feel so... real. Like it doesn't feel like just a movie. It feels like we're peering into another world. CGI, no matter how realistic it gets, always feels different compared to reality. They... exist. The puppets, I mean. And the fact that they are real, that you could reach out touch one with your hand, immerses me greatly.

[@aaronmeade5435]

​@@dragonfell5078 true the puppets really give a alien appearance to each charather they feel real yet unhuman if it was cgi it would feel fake but thier actions are human even though thier bodies are not

[@jordanelza8806]

Agreed. Despite the Dark Crystal having no humans in it, it’s easy to forget that because the characters that are shown are very unique, interesting and just fun to watch.

[@GreaterGrievobeast55]

This is probably the hardest the general had to think about anything in the show. He’s certainly not the intellectual type. As for The emperor, this really is just another stand out moment. He’s made for such an interesting character envoking such fear, pride, and displaying such traces of fear. I feel like he has the values of all the best antagonist in the show rolled into one.

[@omegacon4]

The Emperor and Homelander (from the Boys) would really enjoy each other's company.

[@GreaterGrievobeast55]

omega con4 well they’re both monsters that pretend to be heroes worshiped by society and what not. It would be an exceptionally odd dinner party though.

[@TothanCrawk]

Fiona Goode from AHS: Coven could bring the drinks.

[@DarkCreed]

The only part which felt out of character was him laughing during Mira's essence draining scene.

[@GreaterGrievobeast55]

TheDarkCreed86 EHAT was out of character? Emperor was a sadist that resented having to repress his contempt for the gelflings

[@DarkMetalEyes]

It’s awesome how the fleshed out the Skeksis as a race and as individuals in this series. In the movie we didn’t have time for the chance to explore how the Skeksis felt about their existence and condition. Between this scene and the Heretic & Wanderer’s story, we get so much more depth into the two races.

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

Yeah, it's really great to see all of the mythology and theorizing come together. I bet a lot of the older fans really love that.

[@WorldWar2freak94]

Yeah, that was one of the film’s weaknesses. It had an awesome story, beautiful puppetry, and cool villains and heroes, but did not flesh out the Skeksis that much. Heck, we don’t hear the names of most of the Skeksis. I wonder if it was internal production difficulties that led to that, as there is at least one deleted scene that gives the Skeksis more character. It’s when they hold an elaborate and dark funeral for the dead emperor and you can see the Chamberlain and Garthim Master/ new General glare at each other.

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

@@WorldWar2freak94 I think it comes down to how difficult the original film even was to create. It was expensive, already weird, and we know that if Henson had had his way, it would have been even weirder. And on top of that, they had no idea how popular the Skeksis would be. Henson would certainly never expect that there would be people writing pornagraphic fanfics about them. Sadly, the filming was especially tough on the puppets. I'm not sure they would have survived more filming.

[@TheAdorkableRJ]

''Do you dream?'' ''Only when I haven't been drinking, sire.''

[@PrinceoftheAbyss]

This is a very philosophical scene. Then again, the Skeksis had a lot of philosophical overtones to them.

[@potaterjim]

Even back in the movie, the skeksis had a lot of metaphorical meat to their bones, so to speak. They were great villains before and remain great now

[@wiilov]

Its important to show the Skeksis like this. Fearful..resentful....contemplative.

[@gillianday4804]

1. Feeling or showing fear or anxiety 2. Feeling or expressing bitterness or indignation at having been treated unfairly bu Gelflings. 3. Expressing or involving prolonged thought. the future depends on those putrid lizards.

[@OtachiKaiju68]

Gillian Day lizard birds :p

[@gillianday4804]

@@OtachiKaiju68 whatever

[@GarrettFruge]

This was one of my favorite moments in the series. It was interesting to watch the exchange between these two Skeksis characters in a moment of vulnerability.

[@liamgradwell2998]

It represents people’s fears of death, which in hell, is fear beyond nightmares. That’s what makes people crave for immortality, such as the Skeksis. As long as they can achieve it, they don’t care how many nightmares they get.

[@area51junkyard]

Whoever did the voice of the emperor is epic

[@LocksAndChains]

Jason Isaacs. Most know him as Lucius Malfoy in the Potter films.

[@pathora44]

All of the Sketsis are voiced by great actors Mark Hamill, Simon Pegg, Keegan Michael Key, Benedict Wong, etc...

[@hoodaguy]

@@LocksAndChains Also The Inquisitor in Star Wars Rebels. :-) I met him a couple years ago and he's a cool guy.

[@TheWanderlustWolf]

@@LocksAndChains He was also Captain Hook in the 2003 version of Peter Pan! Jason Isaacs is phenomenal.

[@Shadowkey392]

LocksAndChains also Captain Lorca on Star Trek Discovery.

[@Commanderziff]

It is a crime that Netflix cancelled this.

[@gillianday4804]

suffering.....guilt.......and sorrow.

[@nycot107]

The Skeksis fearing death is very understandable. We fear what we can not control, and death is the one thing we can not control, no matter how hard we try. The Skeksis have the power to hold it off for a certain amount of time, but they can not avoid it. It's inevitable.

[@armanddehorta]

The Emperor is your stereotypical fantasy villian but for some reason it works, he's not just a "Ahahaha I will rule this land forever!" Moments like this almost humanize him, hell alot of the Skeksiss in this felt more fleshed out than the film. In a way the show is almost better with character development, story and the operating puppetry done to it, you do forgot you're watching puppets when watching it, I certainly did. lol

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

I think it works because they keep his motivation pretty simple: he doesn't want to die. And to make it even better, we know that he will and it will be horrible. He knows he's a monster, he knows he shouldn't be forgiven, but he thinks it will all be worth it if he doesn't die and all the while, we know that the story will punish him harshly.

[@phousefilms]

This is one of my favourite scenes in the show and important to the character of the Skeksis. They weren't exactly good people after they were separated from the Mystics(I mean, they talked about wiping out the Gruenaks at one point), but they're so afraid of death that they are willing to do anything to survive. Because they're not of Thra, they fear they'll be thrown into nothingness. Even benign Skeksis(SkekGra the Conqueror)and UrGo the Wanderer seem to fear what happens when they die separated, wishing they could be reunited, but terrified they'll be torn apart further. It makes the Skeksis have more depth instead of just being "evil for the fun of it". In the first episode when Mira is drained, some of the Skeksis(the General)seem horrified at what the Scientist does(apparently the script had more of a reaction of disgust and fear from them)before they finally give in, desperate to live.

[@mckenzie.latham91]

As soon as they realize the essence can heal them/restore their youth and power, they're consumed by their greed and vanity to pursue it.

[@Scarshadow666]

This was such an interesting scene, especially when they recall their separation from the Mystics (from what I've heard happen during the Second Conjunction, it must've been traumatizing)! 😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳 I wonder if we'll see more of the Mystics in the second season, and see what they think...

[@CharlieBrown20XD6]

Maybe some wrong headed Gelfings will try to kill the Mystics to kill all the Skeksis

[@gaymothaunt]

Given the nature of the Mystics it'd be difficult to portray them effectively - they have next to no will because the Skeksis got it all in the split, and they basically live their lives in a miserable haze of half-thoughts

[@ronaldrobertson2332]

@@CharlieBrown20XD6 Dude, ya just made my skin crawl! What an interesting plot for a story that would be!

[@CharlieBrown20XD6]

@@ronaldrobertson2332 imagine the debate. "If Gelfling have to kill innocents in order to survive then maybe we dont deserve to survive!"

[@jacobchessrown9415]

CharlieBrown20XD6 “And how many innocents have to be slaughtered by the skeksis before we take the proper action!?! Hundreds!?! Thousands!?! Another trine that the skeksis rule is another trine that every gelfling is at risk! The mystics must die!”

[@MathiasPoupinais]

I really enjoyed this scene 'cause it adds more complexity in the characters of the Skeksis, we better known their point of view as antagonists :) It's really cool too to see the Emperor before he was half-dying in the movie, he's a very good main villain in this series.

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

It's rather sad, especially since the other Skeksis never totally abandoned him or drove him out. They made him as comfortable as they could and let him die with what dignity they could spare. It's just sad to think that all of their awful efforts won't save them and they'll spend decades alone and nearly forgotten in a decaying castle.

[@loreenec8045]

@@rosesweetcharlotte SkekSo died clinging to life and power...I don't know whether to find that inspiring or depressing.

[@The_PokeSaurus]

This adds a lot of depth to the Skeksis and makes them a lot more interesting and even empathetic. One of the many reasons why I try getting people to watch The Dark Crystal.

[@barbiquearea]

You have to hand it to the emperor. He knows the darkening could weaken him in the long term and potentially even kill him but he still harnesses its power despite the great cost to himself because he wants to protect the others.

[@williamhiers1280]

"At ANY cost!"

[@darthpunk3510]

The true hero of the series... 😏

[@ShadowSonic2]

And in the end, using the Darkening is probably why he looked so withered and diseased when he did die.

[@DragonQueen78]

Wow what an interesting thought that the emperor may have in some weird way sacrifice himself to try and save the others?

[@mckenzie.latham91]

not just the others but to keep the skeksis in power...after the hunter "dies" SkekSo has a huge breakdown screaming that the skeksis cannot die, and that he cannot die....showing that it's more about his fear of death than caring about the others...and having to even acknowledge that skeksis can die reminds him of his own potential morality and he fears it... hence why he has SkekMal the hunter dressed and propped up in the thrown room rather than burying or burning him so he can avoid the idea of death and believe that skeksis are immortals who will rule forever.

[@wd3185]

God, this series is so good. I remember reading once that one of Jim Henson's regret about The Dark Crystal was that he didn't have enough time in the movie to flesh out the mythos, and if these were the ideas he was wanting to explore, I absolutely understand. Just compare this scene to the story of the Wanderer and the Heretic: We know from skekSo that the Skeksis fear death more than anything, for a few reasons- they have no idea what lies beyond for them, as a split being that isn't native to Thra, and they wish to preserve their individuality. For them, joining with the urRu isn't an option because it would strip them of who they are. Between a loss of identity and the uncertainty of death, they're so desperate for an escape from two (from their perspective) horrible options that they're willing to enact genocide to achieve that goal. That's how much they fear death, be it death of the body or death of the ego. And that's what makes the Skeksis tragic and relatable, but still evil- their reasoning makes them more identifiable without taking away from the horrific nature of their actions. But we also known from urGoh and skekGra that being split the way they are is a torturous existence. "Every moment one is two is too much for one to bear." It's why they're so desperate to rejoin as soon as possible, as compared to the Skeksis, who don't wish to rejoin at all, and the rest of the urRu, who'd rather wait for the right moment. And that's implied here as well- the Skeksis don't reflect on their time as the urSkeks because it draws pain and longing from the memories of being whole, and it might tempt them to consider rejoining with the urRu. They think about it so little that it now seems nothing but a distant dream. We also get hints that a part of the reason the Skeksis don't wish to rejoin with the urRu is the missing emotions they'd feel. The Skeksis aren't innately evil and can be good if they choose (see skekGra) but by nature they don't really feel a lot of remorse or regret. SkekVar can only remember sorrow, guilt and suffering from his time as an urSkek, which likely allude to his banishment from his home (sorrow), his inability to overcome the darkness within him (guilt), and the Division that led to the urRu and Skeksis (suffering). If they were to rejoin, they would look back at all their deeds as Skeksis and feel great guilt and suffering for their actions, emotions they do not suffer as Skeksis. It's also compelling when you take into account that the Skeksis are the materialistic side of the urSkeks, while the urRu are the spiritual side. It's why the urRu can understand death and dreams easier, while the Skeksis find such ideas frightening and strange- they literally are incapable of comprehending and accepting them. It's also why the Skeksis indulge themselves in food and drink and music, while the urRu live simple lives with little joy- neither can understand the other until they're joined as one being. Without the urRu, the Skeksis have no restraints, but without the Skeksis, the urRu have no desires. This might even be where a part of the torturous aspect of being split comes from- aside from being fundamentally incomplete, it derives each a crucial aspect of their very being. The Skeksis have no way to connect to the non-physical, but the urRu can't comprehend actually enjoying life as opposed to meeting the bare standards for surviving. God, this show is amazing. It shows so much insight into what are truly evil creatures and humanizes them in such an interesting way, but none of it detracts at all from their cruelty and malice.

[@epcotman32]

I wish this never got canceled after one season.

[@benjaminschellhardt2818]

What a fantastic scene.

[@davidhatcher7016]

Yep

[@jordanelza8806]

I love this scene. It really makes you feel like you’re looking at real people. It’s good to know what the Skeksis are actually thinking and dreading. They talk a big game, but in reality they are scared and cowardly. They fear two things above all else: death and returning to their former selves.

[@aaronmeade5435]

True that's why I love this show the movies good but the fleshed out personas of the skiesis is amazing it also helps that some very talented actors such as Jason Isaacs and Mark hamil voiced then to give them even more personality

[@Nargleberry]

The delivery of that second "yes" after the general mentions guilt is absolutely perfect. Jason Isaacs ftw.

[@Maldoror2112]

To die, to sleep. To sleep, perchance to dream-ay, there’s the rub, for in that sleep of death what dreams may come when we have shuffled off this mortal coil, must give us pause. There’s the respect that makes calamity of so long life. (Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 1)

[@ambuknight]

"Now my Slumber is riddle of Nightmares." That right there is a strong choice of words. For the skeikes are stright up Evil unless you consider the heritic for he is EVIL but he is also label as a liar hence the name he was know now. The Heritic, and here the emperor most Vile of them all or one of the most Vile... Then again all are vile but nevertheless the Emperor shows his fear when he would normally install the fear into you before he made a fool out of you for pure luaghs but here he is Afraid of Death he is Afraid they will fail and lose everything. Even the Monster still fears something in the end, and it's always the Darkness that takes all life in the end. Death

[@williamhiers1280]

I wouldn't call the Heretic evil. He's proof that Skeksis aren't inherently evil.

[@ambuknight]

@@williamhiers1280 he was evil but over time he he became not evil.

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

@@ambuknight I'm not sure any of them are truly evil. At least, selfishness, ambition, fun, and fear aren't truly evil. It just turned into rot because they have none of the restraint of the Mystics and they are completely unable to have a truly metaphysical understanding. Even the Heretic has to obviously really work to be the way he is.

[@ambuknight]

@@rosesweetcharlotte fair point

[@mckenzie.latham91]

The heretic at least acknowledges that he did do evil things...but unlike the others he stopped, he admits he has done wrong and is trying to change things and work towards changing things and making things better for all of thra, not just himself and his other half. the rest of the skeksis refuse to believe they're doing evil and or justify their evil as necessary to stay alive...no matter the cost to themselves or to the other beings of the world.

[@BigDictator5335]

Man, Skeksis would make excellent Sith Lords.

[@marleecorrell1486]

Funny you should mention that

[@jordanelza8806]

So far, this was the only time onscreen that any of the Skeksis (besides SkekGra) talk anything about their former selves as UrSkeks. The Skeksis definitely view the Division as a victory because they were freed of their remorse and regret. They knew that if they were to ever reunite with the UrRu and return to their true form they would feel all those things once again.

[@mr.chrismaster8860]

I like how SkekVar was having this conversation with the emperor. If the Chamberlain was by the emperor's side the conversation wouldn't be that meaningful. SkekSil would have just fed the emperor lies

[@moviemaniacproducts]

Gods this show was superior in so many ways to most television/online streaming series AND feature-length productions alike. I hope someday we can see the rest of the story as intended.

[@killerfox13]

This was such a cool scene and exactly what I wanted from the skeksis.

[@juanisol8275]

A that what makes a good fantasy villan a parasite entide

[@davidhatcher7016]

Parasite?

[@juanisol8275]

@@davidhatcher7016 yes they trick the people and slowly devour the life of the world corrupting everithing they touch

[@davidhatcher7016]

@@juanisol8275 oh

[@johnmartin4119]

This scene just further solidifies that Jason Issacs is one of the greatest and most under appreciated actors in Hollywood. Even when playing what could considered by some as a silly over the top puppet villain, you can tell he’s giving it his all in this performance

[@Jon.A.Scholt]

I'm so mad Netflix isn't following this up

[@AbrasiousProductions]

one of the few times a prequel fits seamlessly with the original

[@gamerstheater1187]

I love his calm and almost cracked voice, the way he talks and moves, the Emperor is amazing

[@aaronmeade5435]

True I love the skeiss there horrible bastards but yet there's still somthing tragic about them they have a terrible fear of death yeah some of them are monsters like the chamberlain and skekzok but the emperor is such a tragic charather in the comics he was once a benevolent if slighty short-tempered leader now after a thousand thrine he's this disgusting sordid black clothed ruler who's devshivled and parnoid and even in the oringal dark crystal movie hes a shadow of himself being barly able to speak and move

[@pendafen7405]

Shocked me to my core that the Skeksis remembered concepts like guilt and sorrow. This was eye-opening, important and courageous to say in the context of the story. Gen0cidal overlords having tender sympathetic dialogue about their vulnerabilities...then showing the audience that they have sentiments & emotions that they fear and hate so much they just disregard them. Chills.

[@nickp2271]

Jason Isaacs actually does a good villain voice.

[@jordanelza8806]

For those of you that don’t know, “rent asunder” means torn apart. What SkekSo meant was: “Do you remember what it was like when we were whole?” In other words, before the splitting of the UrSkeks.

[@cyberdragonessmaster]

Dang these guys are to real sometimes

[@cinnamongrader6608]

The best series that could ever have been made. The voices are fantastic. I have watched the series several times now and am an official fan!

[@ellentaylor6883]

I feel like the Skesis are the closest things to great Disney villains we have now a days. Disney just keeps doing that stupid surprise villain thing in the last few minutes of their current movies. I guess they think that give them more depth but here with the Skesis it shows that you can somehow give horrible people some moments of sympathy but it does not change the fact that their terrible. I would rather have villains like these than stupid Hans from Frozen.

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

It is a thing of brilliance, especially since it would be so easy to make them too angsty. Instead, you get little moments like this which are both sad and horrifying, especially since we know how it all turns out in the movie.

[@Johnlindsey289]

What about pixar villains?

[@patrik9328]

I always enjoy villains conversations

[@MrDerekRD]

SkekSo the Emperor: I'll use the darkening to increase my strength, to have our revenge on cuties and Netflix for betraying us and our Dark Crystal fans for 38 years. 💜👿

[@RogueShadows]

And ironically, everything the Emperor does to avoid his death, ends up being the very things that cause it.

[@Keenakeen]

Kinda ironic that the Emperor's own experiments with the dark energy killed him many years in the movie

[@mckenzie.latham91]

What i love is that they show throughout the series him wheezing and falling apart becasue of his abuse of the darkening...

[@beatricesanfilippo6925]

The Emperor Skeksis is so hot in this prequel

[@JeffKarlKonorNicNack]

Yes he is.

[@beatricesanfilippo6925]

@TDC1982animations but Rian is the most handsome than SkekSo 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@Maldoror2112]

This scene makes me wonder what they were all like as UrSkeks. They must have been such a thorn in the side of the UrSkek Collective that their banishment was necessary. Effectively, they were all guilty of a "Thought Crime." Just imagine being part of a Society where everyone is "on the same page," and there is no dissension at all.

[@joshuarosen1862]

The Emperor seems to favor the general because of his ruthlessness for war and trusts him a lot because of his success

[@vgernyc]

Why does SkekSo remind me of Tywin Lannister?

[@Bandersnatch41]

I wouldn't say there's much of a comparison Tywin Lannister could be an asshole but he believed in the necessary evil for stability of the realm vs the skeksis which are just going to chaotically destroy everything in order to keep themselves immortal

[@TheHeartlessFour]

And SkekSil is Little Finger

[@jacobchessrown9415]

I suppose you could argue that, like Tywin, SkekSo isn’t afraid to deploy horrible and devastating methods in order to get what he wants. Whether it’s threatening an ally, or mercilessly crushing their foes, both Tywin and SkekSo were willing to pay “whatever the cost” in order to acquire the object of their desires. It could also be argued that both of them had a fear of death. With Tywin, it was the fear that the glory of House Lannister would die with him, while with SkekSo, like the other skeksis, he was afraid of what comes after death, as we see in this beautifully shot scene!

[@legionaer1125]

In the German dubbed version, the Emperor is voiced by Oliver Stritzel. Absolutely fantastic.

[@MagicalSkyWizard]

German dub of this show must be terrifying

[@spectre111]

I like Skekso, even though he wants to hold onto power you get the feeling that he really is doing this for his people. That for him at least, this war is about all the Skeksis.

[@williamhiers1280]

Considering how upset he was about skekMal, yeah.

[@minisquigy]

Dying is unnatural to Skeksis and to them they are the most important beings in existence because they cannot be allowed to die. Beings of Thra return to Thra upon death, the Skeksis have no idea where they go or even if there is anything for them which further fuels their hatred and fear of death. Skeksil the Chamberlain does break this sacred rule of never killing a fellow Skeksis because of his ego.

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

I'm not sure he really cares about any of them...maybe? It's hard to tell. Personally, while I think some of the other Skeksis feel some level affection and love for each other, the Emperor seems to only truly care for them as an extension of himself. One of them dying reinforces the fact that it could happen to him. skekMal was particularly scary for all of them because he's so strong and powerful.

[@loreenec8045]

@@rosesweetcharlotte The Ornamentalists hugged SkekOk when SkekLach died, so they do seem to care about each other.

[@mckenzie.latham91]

@@williamhiers1280 The emperor is actually less concerned with the other skeksis and more about himself the reason he cared about skekmal's death was becasue it hit home to him that skeksis can die, that they are not immortal beings.... that's why when he freaks out he says "i cannot die" and why he has them dress the hunter and prop him up in the throne room like a living prop rather than any other funeral rights...becasue SkekSo does not want to be reminded of death and or his own potential mortality...

[@raantan6683]

Hoping for season 2 would bring something exciting

[@gillianday4804]

Sometimes dreams do come true. or perhaps don't after all.

[@GreaterGrievobeast55]

That begs the question, do nightmares come true as well?

[@dknighton100]

@@GreaterGrievobeast55 now that's a question for the scarecrow

[@gillianday4804]

@@GreaterGrievobeast55 maybe. maybe not.

[@user-nu5or1qy2q]

@@GreaterGrievobeast55 wait after years when skekSo's nightmare will come true

[@zeokingsilver]

I can relate to the skeksis we all fear the unknown they do not know what awaits them in death if anything and that frightens them afraid that it might be something horrible, just as they fear reuniting with the mystics. I would love to live forever.

[@thomasdaywalt7735]

There some sympathy to them

[@DeepEye1994]

More pathos in this single scene than anything from the new Star Wars films.

[@spectre111]

Sidious has nothing on this guy!

[@Socialism_on_Roids]

Because Sidious rarely shows transparent vulnerabilities. In truth, I'm not sure Darth Sidious could ever really afford to openly show his fears to anyone.

[@unclefranklin4575]

Reeeeee (insert buzzword insults for criticizing woke film series, crash reboot npc program, repeat)

[@DeepEye1994]

@@unclefranklin4575 I never said any of those things.

[@unclefranklin4575]

@@DeepEye1994 I never said you did I was imitating people I've seen online go into attack mode after reading posts like that. I completely agree with what you said.

[@Wyrmwould]

A great scene from a great show. I almost wish now that the show wasn't so great since they will most likely not finish the series. I guess we'll just have to imagine what happens between the one season we got and the one movie. I could more easily accept the death of the series if it weren't so great.

[@NguyenJake-se3pm]

I absolutely love the way they animate the SkekSis tongues, so fluid yet so in place with their entire anatomy

[@SamPasserdoodlesandhappenings]

Jason Issacs just killed it with the character SkekSo.

[@Sbrabson04]

The voice actor was exceptional!!!

[@here4good]

*sees show is now cancelled* No more dreams ._.

[@soundofspace8026]

favorite part of season 1

[@SARISS80]

Hard to believe the emperor is actually Lucius Malfoy

[@aaronmeade5435]

It's a moment where it not only depends on good body expression from the puppets but the emotional acting by Jason issacs and bendict wong is amazing they go from goofy peter Jackson monsters to straight up serious toned master and genrel

[@NintodoMan64]

A very interesting take on Skeksis perspective.. Well done~!

[@gtaipan7422]

Even he is a wicked emperor he still cares about his own race, the world they created for their natural way and wondering about dreams between heavenly ones and a nightmare, like the one in the past. This interesting scene reminds me of how other characters like the Daleks are discussing about what fate they would choose than been chosen by their enemies. I almost imagine of what was like from surviving of this kind of tragedy from the past then present after finally seeking triumph and control. I respect and like part of Skeksis than just greed and disloyalty.

[@zeokingsilver]

they simply just want to remain themselves and fear what will happen should they die and other things we can relate to

[@immortalstar0138]

Seems the emperor and the general are the only two skeksis that can actually be considered friends, never seen any two other skeksis trust each other this much

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

skekSo and skekZok seem pretty friendly. skekZok is seated right next skekSo on his left and they're often seen just talking to each other and hanging out. The Scroll-Keeper, Collector, Ordamentalist, and Gourmand also seem to be quite friendly with everyone. Among the Castle Skeksis, the odd ones out are skekSil and skekTek, though in skekTek's situation, this is probably because of how skekSo treats him. With skekSil, they all just seem at least somewhat aware that he's a snake. Except for skekVar.

[@thornhop]

It's even more interesting when you see the Creation Myths comics. It was made in 2012 (I think) so I don't know how canon it is, but SkekSo and SkekVar had an extremely close bond since the very beginning of the empire. SkekZok even warned the freshly crowned Emperor that SkekVar was untrustworthy and probably scheming against him behind his back. Little did he know, SkekVar was a true homie from the beginning to the end.

[@jackepong6300]

I always assumed if they died without being rejoined they just disappeared forever. Like there was no afterlife for mystics or skesis because they are just a split of one soul. Going back into the old legends of alchemy from german myth and the idea you could rip a person's soul into pieces so they could cheat death, it was believed that if the user and all his pieces died then he would just vanish. No afterlife or anything. Harry Potter, 9, full metal alchemist, even the dark crystal tap into the myth about spliting your soul into different vessels. But it all comes from european legends, mostly based from germany.

[@Jon.A.Scholt]

Best scene in the show. This and Ordon's sacrifice... shed a tear during that....

[@jordanelza8806]

The Skeksis in the castle never talk about the UrRu on screen, and my guess on the reason is that the Skeksis don’t like or care at all for the UrRu, except in the sense that if either side dies, the other will as well.

[@loganwright3660]

A lot of people fear death, but these cowards take it to horrific new levels

[@lochness5524]

Ironic, he feared death the most, and yet the other skeksis outlived him, ultimately meeting it in the path he took to avoid it

[@onyxsky2304]

The voice actors for the skesis should be voicing brutes for halo and other big bads for video games

[@jordanelza8806]

I can’t believe they canceled the show!

[@SpottedHares]

Gotta wonder how horrific it must be for beings that fear mortality to have the infinite memories stretching for all eternity of their past lives.

[@martmeisterpaladin4074]

"Ay, but to die, and go we know not where, To lie in cold obstruction and to rot, This sensible warm motion to become A kneaded clod; and the delighted spirit To bathe in fiery floods, or to reside In thrilling region of thick-ribbèd ice, To be imprisoned in the viewless winds And blown with restless violence round about The pendent world; or to be worse than worst Of those that lawless and incertain thought Imagine howling-’tis too horrible. The weariest and most loathèd worldly life That age, ache, penury, and imprisonment Can lay on nature is a paradise To what we fear of death." - Claudio, Measure for Measure, Act Three, Scene One

[@thornhop]

Historians will say they were roommates.

[@viguz1000]

Tell me...do you dream?

[@bigd4998]

I dream of Hup!

[@maskyprime]

The emperor absorbing the darkening reminds me of megatron from transformers prime when he injected dark energon into himself

[@probablynoteli3744]

I don't know what the dots are but you've connected them. Primus is Thra

[@Maldoror2112]

In the Transformers IDW comics, Megatron didn't start off evil at all. He was a slave who worked in the mines of Cybertron. After coauthoring a manifesto concerning freedom for all Cybertronians, the Senate tried to reprogram his brain, but it went badly. His followers took on the name Decepticon which referenced how they were all being deceived by the power-hungry, authoritarian Senate, but after the reprogramming blunder inflicted on Megatron, the Senate found they had created a monster. After eons of causing destruction and suffering, Megatron's views changed. When his life was saved by Bumblebee's sacrifice, Megatron at last saw the error of his ways, abandoned the Decepticon movement, and became an Autobot. That made him Enemy Number 1 in the view of most Decepticons, but some did follow his example. Betcha didn't know the Transformers story could also show some complexity! Anyway, if Megatron could redeem himself, the Skeksis possibly could as well. Pain, fear, aggression, guilt, and sorrow can be overcome; however, it takes deep introspection to let go of these things (which in themselves have no substance) and achieve enlightenment.

[@maskyprime]

@@Maldoror2112 there is something I would like to share get comfy this will take awhile. So Cybertron and Thra (despite being two completely different planets made up of different material) do share some stuff in common. Different species, and the most important thing the planets rely on something to keep it alive Cybertron being powered by Primus the living core that rests in the well of all sparks and thra having the crystal of truth that has been corrupted by the skeksis. But I wonder what would happen if these two worlds crossed paths with each other? I unfortunately don’t think the life that dwells on thra would stand a chance against the decepticons. Everyone knows that cybertronian tech and weaponry is far more advanced than what thra has only melee weapons to rely on (unless they think of some sort of supernatural way to destroy the cons but from my perspective it’s virtually impossible but there is the crystal). The decepticons have tried many different things to take over earth throughout the Transformers timeline so one can only imagine what tactics they could use to rule thra. In Transformers prime megatron used the omega lock to create dark mount, but then there’s the all spark. Just what would happen if the all spark and the dark crystal crossed paths with each other? How am I supposed to know they both possess insane power. If anything it would seem as if the gelflings would have to call upon the crystal of truth to save their planet or in the very least the skeksis…

[@Ndjjxnxjd33]

What that CGI tongue do?

[@danieladamczyk4024]

move

[@tristanneal6475]

SkekSo’s boldness in using a dangerous energy that ended up being his downfall is exactly why he is the embodiment of Chaotic Evil

[@ischeele7203]

The one Urskek that caused the Conjunction they were gonna use to ride home to fail did so by feeling suffering, guilt, and sorrow. No wonder those things are scary to a skeksis. Their existence is an existential nightmare brought on by those emotions.

[@user-nu5or1qy2q]

I have heard that when urVa said later about what lies in the dream's end after he had a dream by Aughra that he became one had something to do with skekSo's nightmares what did he meant?