The new Dark Crystal prequel series, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, has been canceled by Netflix after just one season. The series debuted to general enthusiasm from viewers, and fans of the original film seemed very pleased overall with the new take.
Arriving in 1982 from puppeteering icons Jim Henson and Frank Oz, The Dark Crystal focused on the world of Thra, in which a Gelfling called Jen underwent a quest to restore order and defeat the ruling Skeksis species. Despite numerous concerns that the subject matter and overall approach was too dark for the young children it was aimed at, the film held its own against live-action box-office mega-hit (and eventual Oscar-winner) Tootsie. Some 37 years later, Netflix decided it was time to help bring the concept back, with a prequel TV series from the Jim Henson Company. This time the story focused on the efforts of the Gelflings prior to the rule of the Skeksis and the destruction of Thra via The Darkening. The 10 episodes of the first season arrived at the end of last August and found instant acclaim among critics. A second series had apparently long been ready to go, with approval from Netflix the only thing holding back its future on the streaming giant.
Unfortunately, news has now arrived courtesy of io9 that a second season of Age of Resistance isn’t in the cards. Netflix has canceled the series and the Jim Henson Company has stated that they are looking for other ways in which to continue to tell the story of the inhabitants of Thra. Oddly enough, the series was the recipient of an Emmy award for Outstanding Children’s Program, yet this does not seem to be enough incentive for Netflix to keep things moving on Age of Resistance for another season. In an official statement on the cancelation, the Jim Henson Company said:
“We can confirm that there will not be an additional season of The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. We know fans are eager to learn how this chapter of The Dark Crystal saga concludes and we’ll look for ways to tell that story in the future. Our company has a legacy of creating rich and complex worlds that require technical innovation, artistic excellence, and masterful storytelling. Our history also includes productions that are enduring, often finding and growing their audience over time and proving again and again that fantasy and science fiction genres reflect eternal messages and truths that are always relevant. We are so grateful to Netflix for trusting us to realize this ambitious series; we are deeply proud of our work on Age of Resistance, and the acclaim it has received from fans, critics and our peers, most recently receiving an Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Program.”
The cancelation will undoubtedly prove to be a difficult development for many fans to deal with. And of course, many questions are likely to be asked as to why a series that was critically acclaimed, award-winning, and had a decent fanbase wasn’t given more time to allow itself to develop. There’s certainly ample arguments to made about programming of lesser quality that has been given more opportunities in this respect, but ultimately, Netflix has the final say and that final say will disappoint many.
It is important, however, for fans of The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance to remember that simply because Netflix has chosen not to continue with the series doesn’t mean that it will never again see the light of day. In the era of streaming options, it’s entirely possible that new life could be given to the series. Only time will tell just what will happen for certain, but it’s hard to imagine a series with this much potential not being given a second chance somewhere else.
Source: io9