TV Review: The Dark Crystal Age of Resistance (Netflix)

The World of Thra is revisited.

In 1982 we were introduced to the world of Thra by Jim Henson and Frank Oz. Thirty-Seven years later Netflix brings back the classic by introducing us to the prequel of the movie. The prequel follows three Gelflings who discover the Skeksis secret that threatens to destroy the Gelflings and the world of Thra.  All the classic creatures are back including the Podlings, Landstriders (Horse type creature with long legs that the Gelflings ride), and everyone’s favorite furballs Fizzgigs.

In the prequel, the Skeksis live with the Gelflings and protected the world after offering  Augrha the equipment to begin her journey through the stars while she in return gave them the power and entrusted them to protect the world of Thra. The Crystal known then as the Crystal of Truth was abused by the Skeksis to achieve immortality until it began to lose its strength leaving the Skeksis struggling to find a way to maintain immortality. It was only then that the Skeksis Scientist (voiced by Mark Hamill) discovered by accident they could use the crystal to siphon life essence from Gelflings to maintain their youth and immortality. After being discovered by the Gelfling Rian, the Skeksis will go to the ends of the world to destroy him and protect their secret.

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into the series. Having been ten years old when the movie was released it took me a bit to remember the Skeksis characters. I will say I expected some CGI more than I expected puppeteer work. The vision of Jim Henson and Frank Oz stood true to the test of time. What I mean is very little to no CGI that I could see and the puppeteer work was true to the 80s version with a bit more cleanliness and an updated version of backgrounds to go along with a well-scripted story. In other words, the vision continues where it left off with some minor upgrades.

The show is definitely worth binge-watching. The fact that we can introduce a whole new generation to the style of Jim Henson should make fans rejoice that we do not have another remake CGI mess that someone has tried to update to today’s standards. This show has the makings to be a future classic as well. I recommend introducing your kids to the show and to sit back reliving your youth through their eyes and even take the time to show them the classic movie.  Adventure awaits all ages so sit down take the time and enjoy 10 episodes on Netflix.

The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance premieres exclusively on Netflix on August 30th.

Many thanks to Netflix for allowing us to check this out.