‘The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance’ Recap – ‘By Gelfling Hand…’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

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I am always appreciative of when a television series, or any creative medium for that matter, takes the time to frame something we romanticize and celebrate in storytelling, in a far more realistic light than we are used to. Because let’s be honest, some of the stuff we hoot and holler about on the small and silver screen are serious matters that the story in question, doesn’t really take all that seriously. Which, I get it, it’s entertainment, but sometimes it’s good to be reminded that some of the tough stuff in our world has some real consequences, and I think that is why I enjoyed the next episode of The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance so much.
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Because ‘By Gelfing Hand…’ served to remind us of the fact that resistance and rebellion are messy ordeals, the kind that really shouldn’t be romanticized in the slightest since they engender loss for certain and they also generate fear in the hearts of so many because of the uncertainty that comes with battling those who have kept you safe. But above all else, one must remember that these kinds of fights are supremely dangerous and Rian’s attempt to stop the Skeksis cold, so that his friends and Lore could rescue Brea and Deet and Hup was the perfect way to prove that point, since we didn’t quite know what would happen to him or his new allies and really, that unsettling sequence of events set the tone for this tale and sadly, more sacrifices were to be made in this story. For Rian’s story began to spread far and wide, to the point where the Guards of the Castle of the Crystal felt the need to rebel and sadly some of them lost their lives in the process, since the Skeksis swiftly harvested some of their essence after quelling this insurrection.

But while danger and a loss of life are important parts to explore when it comes to a rebellion, this episode also took the time to conduct a deep dive into how fear and a brave fight for justice can divide people like no other, and all of that was handled by way of what happened in Ha’rar in this tale. For Seladon made her power play and expected everyone to go along with it. But two of the Gelfling clans felt as though fighting back was more important than ceremony and that Seladon might not be the right leader for the battle ahead. Which led to challenges and infighting, and this was just another perfect parallel to our modern world since we often see people battling back and forth about what should come next for America, with deep divides present on both sides. But modern commentary aside, the bigger point here is that sometimes, people are just fine with the status quo and when that balance is upset in the slightest, they too will go to war to keep things as they are.

Yet while all of this was fascinating and dark in its own right, the episode didn’t totally devolve into an angry mess. For there were some genuine moments of beauty to be found in this one as well. After all, seeing the Stone-in-the-Wood Gelflings give the Chamberlain the business was just a true delight. And the ceremony that everyone held in the desert for their loved ones was a genuinely nice and endearing touch and the mystery that awaits our heroes in the desert is equally quite as intriguing. Because the Circle of Suns seems like quite the important place, and a story doesn’t build up that kind of destination without having some kind of major payoff for the audience, and it should be interesting to see what wonders our heroes find there, or weapons for that matter as well since the war with the Skeksis grows closer and closer and one does have to fear for the Gelflings that live in Stone-in-the-Wood since the wily Skeksis seem hell bent on using its people to fuel their mad notions of immortality.

In the end however, this was quite the brilliant episode. Because I really didn’t expect to see a show that leans toward a younger audience offer up this level of depth and intelligence when it comes to notions of war, and rebellion and I was truly enthralled by everything I saw on the screen. For this one featured some thoughtful and tragic moments, especially when it comes to Seladon. Because she truly seems lost and desperate at this point, and sadly her continued push to fulfill her selfish needs may cost lives as the war with the Skeksis begins to unfold and hopefully she can see the light before it is too late. But, that’s me getting ahead of myself, for in the here and the now, there’s a mystery waiting for our heroes in the Crystal Desert, and a battle brewing for the future and that means it is time I bid you farewell so I can enjoy the next chapter in this powerful and tragic tale. Until next time.  

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