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In the 'Dark': Sci-fi producer duo takes a 'graphic' path to TV

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Jacqui Wiens / TV Media
The cast of “Dark Matter”

The cast of “Dark Matter”

It is said that there is nothing new under the sun. Ideas are explored, rehashed, discarded and revived in new works in a cycle as certain as our orbit around our nearest star. Quite often, books, shows or plays are adapted for the big screen or vice versa.

Syfy's new space opera "Dark Matter" is, technically speaking, an adaptation of a comic book, but the concept took a bit of an unconventional path on its way to a full-fledged TV show. Initially envisioned for the small screen, the idea was published as a comic book miniseries that was then used to sell the concept as a TV show. The series premiered last month, and a new episode of "Dark Matter" airs Friday, July 3, on Syfy.

The well-known writer/producer duo behind "Dark Matter" is Joseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie, who worked on the "Stargate" franchise for years. During that time, the pair developed the bones of a sci-fi pilot episode, but didn't approach television networks right away, perhaps due to the historic tendency of sci-fi shows getting canceled after a single -- or partial -- season (à la cult favorite "Firefly").

"Rather than simply go out and pitch the series, I decided on a different tactic," Mallozzi said in a December 2014 interview with "Review Fix." "I knew, from my many years working development early in my career, that 'established properties' always seemed to garner more attention than original material. And so, [Mullie] and I approached Dark Horse Comics about transforming the pilot into a four-issue mini."

That miniseries of comic books was published between January and April 2012, containing material for what would become the first two episodes of "Dark Matter." The creators had to wait nearly three years, but in October 2014, Syfy announced that they had ordered a 13-episode season from the duo.

"Dark Matter" opens with the crew of a broken down spaceship emerging from stasis one by one. Faced with warnings about failing life support, a bunch of strangers and no memory of who they are, the crew is immediately off balance. After getting the life support online, the crew members name themselves in the order they woke up and explore the ship they find themselves on.

The first to awaken is One, played by Marc Bendavid ("Hard Rock Medical"). Well-meaning and fresh-faced, One tries to put the best spin on things while taking a stand on moral issues and decisions. Unlike his companions, One does not immediately show an affinity for any of the equipment on board the ship.

Two (Melissa O'Neil, "Broken Hearts," 2010) follows One from the stasis chambers to the life-support controls after their awakening. Their first interaction involves Two fighting One away from the controls and swiftly returning life support to full functionality. Two quickly establishes herself as the group's leader, and she has to find compromises when the other members' personalities clash.

Anthony Lemke in “Dark Matter”

Anthony Lemke in “Dark Matter”

Next out of stasis, Three (Anthony Lemke, "The Listener") is loud and brash. Despite also having no memory of who he is, Three has two guns in hand by the time he comes upon One and Two on the bridge. Guns and violence are his first resorts to most obstacles, which sometimes works out to his detriment.

Four (Alex Mallari Jr., "True Justice") is also skilled with weapons, although his similarities with Three end there. Four tends to speak very little, as opposed to Three's exuberant behavior. While exploring with One, Four comes across a training room filled with various types of swords and swiftly establishes his skill with blades.

Five, portrayed by Jodelle Ferland ("Silent Hill," 2006), is actually a bit of a unique character in the TV show. In the comic books, her role was filled by an unnamed boy. Shortly after waking, Five finds a multi-colored jacket to match her blue-green hair, standing out from the rest of the crew in black. Five is the youngest member of the crew and demonstrates proficiency with wires and other technology.

Despite his intimidating frame, Six (Roger Cross, "Continuum") is more gentle than he appears. With a quick mind, Six is sensitive to the emotions of his fellow crew members and can see unexplored problems and solutions.

The crew also has to contend with The Android (Zoie Palmer, "Lost Girl"), who is discovered by Three. A security program causes her to attack the crew, knocking down multiple members before Two can shut her down and wipe The Android's memory. After being reprogrammed, The Android is able to use a neural link to communicate with the ship, becoming an invaluable crew member.

"Dark Matter" is a gritty, character-focused space drama with a similar feel to the cult classic "Firefly." The creators have already proven that they know how to make a successful sci-fi TV series, and the first few episodes set up an intriguing world for the rest of the season to explore. It's officially out of comic book territory, so tune in to find out which direction this show is jetting off in when a new episode of "Dark Matter" airs Friday, July 3, on Syfy.