Some very interesting feedback on this latest instalment. One of the surprisingly strongest reactions is to the opening scene that many found too OTT (Over the Top). More than a couple of fans have stated they found the scene specifically less Dark Matter and more Lost Girl like (I haven’t seen Lost Girl so I’ll need you to explain that one).

Well, it so happens that, in the script’s first draft, this scene played out quiet differently. Here’s the original version:

VFX – SPACE

Establish an upscale space station.

TABOR: Look, let me lay it out for you.

INT. TABOR’S APARTMENT

A casually-attired Tabor sits in his upscale suite, chatting on his computer.

TABOR: You’re one of this galaxy’s most notorious criminals. You’ve got a rap sheet as long the Kuiper Belt. You’re a swindler, a thief, a convicted felon and smuggler. (beat) And I want you as a client.

ON the individual he is talking to, a seedy-looking criminal type – ALDVIK JONES – who scratches his beard, uncertain.

ALDVIK: I don’t know if I need an agent…

TABOR: I’m not an agent. I’m a handler. I handle careers with care. Just so you know, my client roster includes seven of this galaxy’s Ten Most Wanted including Rax Veiland who just climbed up to the number three spot last week. He’s a real go-getter that one.

ALDVIK: Ten percent seems kinda steep…

TABOR: A small price to pay for peace of mind. Think about it. I’ll source jobs for you, screen and vet every employer, and handle all financial transactions. I don’t get paid unless you get paid.

Suddenly, the door BUZZES.

TABOR: Hang on. That’s probably my girlfriend, Perelandra. She’s always forgetting her pass key.

He gets up, calls back:

TABOR: By the way, I also offer packaging services – you know, pair you up with a good getaway pilot or demolition expert for those team jobs. Think about it!

He opens the door.

TABOR: Hello, sweetheart –

To REVEAL TWO standing there, flanked by THREE and SIX. Tabor is stunned.

TABOR: Oh. Portia. Well this is a pleasant surprise.

He smiles amiably. Then, the smile drops.

TABOR’s POV as she decks him. LIGHTS OUT!

Have a preference?

THE ANDROID PAYS NYX A VISIT

There was a snippet of dialogue lost in the edit that shed significant light on the Android’s understanding of her place on the The Raza. The scripted exchange…

ANDROID: You may find it hard to believe, but I once considered myself an outsider on this ship.

Nyx chooses to say nothing, although we can tell she doesn’t find it hard to believe at all. The Android continues –

ANDROID: I assumed the things that made me different made it impossible for the others to accept me as an equal – but really it was just the opposite.

NYX: Yeah, well, I’ve been on my own for a long time. This “team thing” is going to take some getting used to.

ANDROID In that respect, you’re no different than anyone else onboard.

NYX OFFERS TWO BACK-UP

In the script, before boarding the Marauder, TWO encounters Nyx by the airlock…

INT. RAZA – CORRIDOR OUTSIDE THE AIRLOCK

Nyx stands at the airlock waiting. TWO and SIX turn the corner and head down the corridor towards her.

TWO: I’ll catch up.

Nyx throws SIX an amiable but perhaps not wholly convincing smile as he passes her, opens the door, and heads into the marauder. Nyx throws a look back to make sure he’s clear, then turns and addresses TWO –

NYX: Need back-up?

TWO: I’ll be okay.

NYX: Look, you’ve got the history with him, you know him better than I do, but he betrayed you once and, even though he did help us escape lock-up…he betrayed you once.

Off TWO –

NYX: Maybe I’m out of line here. After all, we’re pretty much strangers and you’re still taking a chance on me –

TWO: I’ll be fine. And so will he.

NYX: If you say so.

TWO goes to head through the airlock then holds up, throws a look back to Nyx –

TWO: You’re on this ship because I trust you – but, to be honest, I haven’t trusted you with everything. There are some things you should know about me.

NYX: Well that sounds intriguing…and slightly ominous.

TWO: We’ll talk later.

TWO heads out. Nyx watches her go.

The scene was lost for time.

GUESSING THE PASSWORD

This one really, really REALLY bothered me because if the timing had been right, it would have been a very fun sequence. It wasn’t so we had to go with an altered version.

THREE and FOUR look on as FIVE carefully places the cover on the device, then lifts it off its stand. BEAT.

FIVE: I think we’re good –

DISEMBODIED VOICE (O.S.): Password authentication required.

THREE: Password?

DISEMBODIED VOICE (O.S.): Incorrect.

THREE: That wasn’t a guess!

DISEMBODIED VOICE (O.S.): Incorrect.

THREE: How many tries do I get?!

DISEMBODIED VOICE (O.S.): Third and final attempt – incorrect.

Suddenly, an ALARM SOUNDS.

FOUR: That was it!

They bolt for the door.

DEVON’S SACRIFICE

The crew of The Raza did some terrible things in their respective pasts, but they have a leg up on redeeming themselves because they possess no memories of their terrible histories. Devon, on the other hand, made some mistakes, and those memories haunt him, making his search for redemption all that much harder. He drinks, does drugs to dull the pain that accompany those memories and, at episode’s end, he is confronted by the Seers who have predicted his actions based on his habits. In this scene, Devon is finally afforded the opportunity to redeem himself by making the ultimate sacrifice, giving up his life covering for Nyx who, unbeknownst to the Seers, is actually on the station. In the scripted scene, Devon’s sacrifice is made all the more tragic in that he saves Nyx by ultimately selling himself out. Shaun Sipos was brilliant in this scene and it really kills me that it was not included in its entirety…

HANSMEED: Where’s The Raza?

DEVON: Long gone.

Again, off a suspicious Hansmeed –

DEVON: Hangar seven. Docked under an alias, but the specs should line up. Check for yourself. They left.

Hansmeed throws a look to one of his men. The man taps an ear comm and ducks out. It’s clear he’s doing just that.

HANSMEED: And why would they leave you behind?

DEVON: You say you know me? Then you should already have your answer. (beat) I’m a junkie. A screw-up. A short-term burden and a long-term liability. Over the course of my sorry life, I have hurt – intentionally and not – everyone who ever took a chance on me.

HANSMEED: We want Nyx.

DEVON: Well, I can’t help you with that. She’s one of them now.

Hansmeed’s man steps back in and gives him a nod back. Devon’s information apparently checks out. Hansmeed swings a look back to Devon.

HANSMEED: Where did they go?

DEVON: No idea. Can’t help you with that either.

Hansmeed considers, then throws a look to his men. They quickly step in and stab Devon, then step away. He slumps to the floor, bleeding out. Hansmeed looms over him, gives a shad shake of his head –

HANSMEED: What a waste.

Then, turning to his men –

HANSMEED: Back to the ship. Let’s run the next predictive model.

And with that, they’re off, leaving him to bleed out.

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