Continuing our Dark Matter Season 3 Awards, we move on to the category of Best Supporting Performance By A Recurring Actor in Dark Matter’s Third Season…

JEFF TERAVAINEN (LT. JOHN ANDERS)

Jeff’s role on Dark Matter really blossomed over the show’s three year run. Had we done a fourth season, it would have expanded even further with the crew of The Raza under the employ of The Galactic Authority and Lt. Anders as their point man. Jeff delivers a great turn opposite Anthony Lemke in the season premiere, Episode 301 (“Being Better Is So Much Harder”), but my pick for his best performance of the season is…

WINNER: Episode 307, “I Wish I Could Believe You” in which we are offered a further glimpse into Kal Varrick’s pre-Raza relationship with Anders and the true depth of their friendship. Jeff’s performance in those scenes in which he attempts to lend his buddy, Kal (Roger Cross), emotional support in the face of a crumbling marriage feel wholly earnest and real, and they make the knowledge of how it will eventually play out for SIX all that more heartbreaking.

TORRI HIGGINSON (COMMANDER DELANEY TRUFFAULT)

Torri Higginson’s Commander Truffault had a pretty good run for a character that was originally scripted to die in her second appearance. Through a combination of tricky scheduling and scene-stealing swagger, Truffault lived to see – well, many more days as The Raza crew’s uncertain ally. Of her several appearances in Dark Matter‘s third season, my favorite by far was…

WINNER: Episode 301, “Being Better Is So Much Harder” in which she not only calls the shots but takes the shots, showing a whole other side to Truffault’s cool and in command persona, then conveying surprising empathy in her final conversation with TWO about the weight of leadership.

ENNIS ESMER (MAX WEXLER)

Another character who got a second lease on life was Ennis Esmer’s Max Wexler who was actually killed off back in episode 110, only to be resurrected a season later in Episode 208, (“Stuff To Steal, People To Kill”). Thank goodness for science fiction! This alt version of Wexler was less objectionable and slightly more amiable than the original season 1 version and, had the show gone another season, we would have gotten plenty of opportunity to get to know him as The Raza’s newest crew member. I loved him in Episode 306 (“One Last Card To Play”), but thought his “shiningest” moments were in…

WINNER: Episode 313, “Nowhere To Go”, an episode that took one giant stride in the character’s rehabilitation. It’s a testament to Ennis’s talents that he was able to make a character as reprehensible as Wexler not only likable but downright charming.

NATALIE BROWN (SARAH)

Natalie Brown’s touching portrayal of the doomed Sarah was a prelude to a much bigger arc that would have seen her character go to some dark places in the show’s fourth season. One of the biggest missed opportunities of that season denied was the chance to see what Natalie would have done with her character’s surprise turn. If I had to choose a favorite Sarah episode, it would be…

WINNER: Episode 304, “All The Time In The World” in which she is finally reunited with her lost love, unhappily at first and then, in ensuing do-overs the time loop affords, eventually rediscovers that connection. Natalie never failed to make us feel for Sarah.

ANDREW MOODIE (TEKU FONSEI)

Andrew Moodie joined the show’s third season as Ryo Ishida’s former sensei, a well-intentioned voice for peace and understanding who gets more than he bargained for when he accepts a position in the royal court. Andrew’s standout performances pepper the show’s third season, but if I had choose a single episode to spotlight his talents, I would select…

Episode 312, “My Final Gift To You” in which secrets are revealed as is Teku’s true loyalty – once and forever to Ryo Ishida. Did you ever have any doubt? Andrew’s performance is as subtle as it is elusive, keeping us guessing until the very end.

ELLEN WONG (MISAKI HAN)

The flip side to Andrew Moodie’s pacifist intellectual was Ellen Wong’s calculating Commander of the Royal Guard, and Ryo’s former childhood friend, Misaki Han. Ellen tears it up, imbuing Misaki with ruthless resolve, yet my nod goes to an episode in which she allows us a glimpse of Misaki at her most vulnerable…

WINNER: Episode 301, “Being Better Is So Much Harder” concludes with a powerful scene that sees Ryo confront Misaki with her culpability in the death of Nyx Harper. Rather than deny the accusation, however, Misaki counters with a steadfast defense that conveys an unwavering belief in the rightness of her actions. It’s a powerful performance at turns surprising and altogether convincing.

AYISHA ISSA (SOLARA SHOCKLEY)

Actress Ayisha Issa auditioned for another role back in the show’s second season and, while she didn’t land that part, her audition motivated me to create a character for her in season 3, Solara Shockley. She was, of course, perfect in the role of Adrian Maro’s principled, determined, and somewhat anti-social bodyguard. Lots to love in her all-too-brief four episode arc, but if I had to pick an episode that truly showcased her talents, it would be…

WINNER: Episode 305, “Give It Up, Princess” in which Ayisha flexes her acting chops, showing Solara at her most vulnerable, letting her guard down in a touching conversation with Jodelle Ferland’s FIVE.

MISHKA THEBAUD (ADRIAN MARO)

Like Ayisha Issa’s Solara Shockley, Mishka Thebaud’s Adrian Maro was slated for a recurring return in Dark Matter‘s fourth season. Sadly, it was not to be, but Mishka’s third season performance went a long way toward winning us over to his fish-out-of-water wanna-be-handler. Although a comical character, Mishka made certain that Adrian’s humanity was always present. Maro came a long way in a short, short time, but if I had to choose a single episode favorite it would be…

WINNER: Episode 305, “Give It Up, Princess” neatly encapsulates Adrian Maro, from lovable goofball to sympathetic victim. This was Mishka at his very best.

Tomorrow, we move on to the Dark Matter Season 3 Awards – Part 3 with a focus on our main cast!

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