A blind woman attempts to solve the murder of her friend with the help of her guide dog and close friends.
In the Dark” is a gripping and emotionally resonant TV series that offers a fresh take on the crime genre. At its heart, the show is a character-driven drama that explores the lives of flawed and complex individuals, as well as the systemic issues and prejudices that shape their experiences.
One of the show’s strengths is its protagonist, Murphy Mason, played with nuance and vulnerability by Perry Mattfeld. As a blind woman who is also an alcoholic, Murphy is a character who defies stereotypes and challenges viewers’ assumptions about what a crime-solving hero should look like. Mattfeld brings a depth and authenticity to the role, imbuing Murphy with a mix of sharp wit, fierce determination, and deep-seated pain.
The show’s writing is also a standout feature, with a strong sense of pacing and a balance of humor and heartache that keeps the viewer engaged. The central mystery of the show, involving the disappearance of Murphy’s friend Tyson, provides a compelling throughline for the first season and sets up a web of complex relationships and hidden motives that keep the viewer guessing.
In addition to the central mystery, “In the Dark” also explores a range of issues that are timely and socially relevant. The show’s frank portrayal of disability and ableism is particularly noteworthy, as it shines a light on the challenges faced by blind people and the prejudices they encounter. The show’s nuanced depiction of addiction and drug abuse is also refreshing, avoiding simplistic stereotypes in favor of a more complex and empathetic approach.
Another strength of the show is its cast of supporting characters, who bring a depth and humanity to the world of the show. Brooke Markham, Keston John, and Casey Deidrick all deliver standout performances as Murphy’s closest friends, each struggling with their own demons and secrets. Rich Sommer is also excellent as Murphy’s jaded and world-weary guide dog trainer, while Kathleen York provides a memorable turn as Murphy’s manipulative mother.
The cinematography and music of the show also deserve praise, with a naturalistic and gritty aesthetic that helps to create a sense of immersion in the world of the show. The muted color palette and frequent use of natural lighting give the show a distinctive look, while the original music by Will Bates helps to underscore the emotional moments and add to the show’s atmosphere.
If there is one weakness to “In the Dark,” it is that the show can occasionally fall into familiar tropes of the crime genre, such as the use of red herrings and plot twists that strain credulity. However, the show’s commitment to its characters and its exploration of timely issues more than makes up for any narrative missteps.
\One of the most prominent themes is disability and ableism, as the show’s protagonist, Murphy, is blind. The series delves into the challenges Murphy faces as a result of her disability and the way ableism can manifest in various forms, including low expectations and discrimination.
Another key theme is addiction, which is central to the show’s central mystery. Through Murphy and her friends’ investigation of their friend’s disappearance, the show explores the impact of addiction on individuals and their communities, the systemic issues that contribute to drug abuse, and the way addiction can affect not just the person struggling with it but also their loved ones.
The show also explores trauma and its aftermath, as well as the complex and often fraught nature of friendship. Through its portrayal of these themes, “In the Dark” offers a nuanced and emotionally resonant exploration of some of the most pressing issues facing society today.
The cinematography of “In the Dark” can be described as naturalistic and somewhat gritty, with an emphasis on handheld camera work and a muted color palette. The show often makes use of natural lighting and takes advantage of the settings where it’s filmed, such as the streets of Chicago and the rural areas of Missouri.
In terms of camera work, “In the Dark” frequently employs handheld shots to create a sense of immediacy and intimacy with the characters. The camera often follows the characters closely, emphasizing their physicality and movements. There are also frequent use of close-ups, particularly of lead actress Perry Mattfeld’s face, which help to convey the emotional state of the characters.
The color grading in the show is somewhat desaturated, with a muted color palette that emphasizes earth tones and natural hues. This contributes to the show’s naturalistic feel and gritty aesthetic. There is also a focus on contrast, with some scenes featuring deep shadows and high contrast lighting.
The soundtrack of “In the Dark” features a mix of songs by various artists, as well as original music composed by Will Bates. The music helps to create the show’s mood and tone, and is often used to underscore emotional moments and highlight the show’s themes.
Some of the notable songs featured in “In the Dark” include:
The original music by Will Bates also plays an important role in the show. Bates’ compositions include a mix of moody, atmospheric pieces and more upbeat tracks. The music is often used to create tension and suspense, particularly during the show’s more dramatic moments.
Below is a playlist that features some popular songs from In The Dark.
Murphy’s guide dog, Pretzel!
Many fans of the show ask if Chloe is blind in real life. No, Chloe is not really blind. Chloe is a character on the show, played by Calle Walton, who portrays a sighted child who is the daughter of one of the show’s main characters, Dean Riley (played by Rich Sommer). In contrast, the show’s protagonist, Murphy Mason (played by Perry Mattfeld), is blind, and much of the show’s exploration of ableism and disability is centered around her experiences. While the show does feature actors with disabilities in prominent roles, including Perry Mattfeld, who is visually impaired, the character of Chloe is portrayed by a sighted actor.
