Graphic by Penelope Taylor ’20
BY EZRI BRAID-GRIZZELL ’23
Netflix recently added “The Dark Crystal,” the 1982 film from Jim Henson — creator of “The Muppets” and “Sesame Street” — to its streaming catalogue. On Aug. 30, a miniseries adaptation, “The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance,” directed by Louis Letterier, premiered on Netflix.
In the original film, a group of beings known as Skeksis have corrupted the heart of the realm of Thra, a large crystal known as the Crystal of Truth, in the quest for eternal life. The Skeksis have also wiped out the fourth race, the Gelfling, due to a prophecy that a Gelfling would overthrow them. However, they failed to kill Jen and Kira, two Gelflings secretly taken in and raised by Mystics and Podlings. As to be expected in epic fantasy, Jen and Kira fulfill the ancient prophecy and overthrow the Skeksis, therefore returning order to Thra.
“Age of Resistance” starts in a completely different place. The Skeksis rule over seven separate, very alive, clans of Gelfling under the guise that they protect the Crystal of Truth. Instead of Jen and Kira, the viewer is introduced to three heroes.
Rian is an arrogant young castle guard. Deet is a Gelfling girl from the caves of Grot who, like Kira in the original film, can communicate with nature. Brea is the youngest princess of the Vapran clan and also shares characteristics of the original film’s Kira. Together, along with a humongous cast of characters, the three Gelfling discover the corruption of the Skeksis and resolve to overthrow them.
As much inspiration as “Age of Resistance” has, the show’s own existence works against itself in various ways. One of the reasons for Jim Henson’s great renown was his creativity and deviation from tropes. No new project will ever have the same twists and charm of an original Henson. While this facet hinders the first few episodes, it greatly benefits the rest of the show’s season. As creative as Henson was, his work was not well-known for extensive world building. This allows “Age of Resistance” to dive much deeper into the world of Thra, creating its own mythos and culture.
Another advantage of “Age of Resistance” is that it is situated in an era of many adaptations. Blockbuster films have been taken over by the Marvel cinematic universe, a large-scale adaptation of Marvel comics. Streaming services have likewise turned to adaptations of books, such as Amazon Prime’s “Good Omens” and Netflix’s “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.” Perhaps most relevant in the case of “The Dark Crystal” is Hulu’s new take on the old classic “Four Weddings and a Funeral.”
The title originally belonged to a 1994 film, but was adapted into a TV show, just as “Age of Resistance” was adapted from “The Dark Crystal.” In many ways “Age of Resistance” presents itself as a possible prequel to the original film. However, as it reveals itself as an adaptation, it does not have the responsibility to follow the original story.
“Age of Resistance” has a rocky beginning, but with a nearly 10 hour run time, the show has ample opportunities to produce impactful character development. Though it began with tired tropes, such as unnecessary sacrificial deaths, it was quick to turn around and employ better writing. The show also boasts gorgeous sets and mind bending feats of modern puppetry.
Be warned, “Age of Resistance” is not for the faint of heart or the queasy. Compared to the original movie, the actions of the Skeksis in the show are akin to violent horror movies and can involve disgusting amounts of slime.
If you can stand the atrocities of the Skeksis, “The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance” is a rare find. It sets a high bar for every new show — I urge you, do not hesitate to watch it. “Age of Resistance” spins a tale of a world that will only survive if the younger generation accepts new ideas and acts upon them.