So I’ve been taking meetings with various production companies, looking ahead to my next project (hopefully not for another two years) and when the conversation turns to Dark Matter, the response from those I’ve met has been bewilderment and sympathy. Solid ratings, a strong creative and modest licensing fee should have translated to a pickup and yet…

It’s strangely comforting to know that news of Dark Matter’s cancellation has left even industry insiders perplexed.

Upon further reflection, I think one of the issues may have been the rebranding. As I’ve already mentioned, the new slate of shows the network announced run to darker, more paranormal fare which is the opposite of our fun-focused SF series. Also, at the end of the day, beyond the action, adventure, shootouts and dazzling visual effects, Dark Matter is, at its heart, really about one thing: family. It was the theme at the core of every Stargate series I worked on and something I strove to recapture on Dark Matter, this notion of “us against the universe”, the bonds of friendship. It’s no accident that so many of the show’s key discussions take place in the mess hall, with the crew gathered, talking over food and drink like a family at a dinner table. And no accident either that, as the Android eventually gained acceptance as an equal, she came to take a seat at that table and join them.

I’ve always felt that when Stargate fans tuned in, it was, in some ways for them, like connecting with a second family, whether it was SG-1, the Atlantis Expedition, or the Destiny crew. And I feel just as strongly that it’s the same way with Dark Matter. The crew became as much a part of your family as you, our fans, became a part of ours. I don’t know. I suppose that, to certain decision makers, these notions of camaraderie and kinhip might seem old-fashioned or off-brand, but I firmly believe friendship and family are two things that will never go out of style.

And, hey, speaking of friendship and family – thank you, fans, for making our second tweet storm dry run an even bigger success than the first! Monday’s test tweet storm saw #DunkinTheCosmicDonut actually out-tweeting and out-retweeting many of the trending topics. A few adjustments to the fan initiative’s approach resulted in #ItsBubbaTime hitting the top spot in Canada –

Ready to give it one more go before Friday night’s official tweet storm? Follow @DarkMatterFTL for the latest updates on the campaign – and for tonight’s secret Dark Matter hashtag which will be released at 9 pm EST/6 pm PST. Then – storm the castle!

Oh, hey. What’s popular on Netflix?

Might be nice to @Netflix them tonight, let them know they’re loved – and would be loved even more if they picked up Dark Matter for a fourth season.

Meanwhile, THIS, is coming along nicely –

Dark Matter petition

How many of these 30k+ signatories would get a Netflix subscription if it was the exclusive U.S. home of Dark Matter’s fourth season? I wonder…

An update! Discussions continue on finding our little show a new home. Still a long shot but I’m heartened by the interest from a few industry heavyweights who recognize the show’s worth, its potential, and its passionate fanbase.

Finally, I leave you with a little something from the Dark Matter costume department’s Anna Dal Farra who, in addition to her duties as assistant costume designer, pulled double duty as our Dark Matter dog graphic specialist. Here’s her latest…

As always, your continued commitment to Dark Matter is immensely appreciated by everyone involved in the production. Stay loud online. If we manage to pull off this miracle, it will have been thanks to you and your unwavering support!

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