The Pyramid

This episode is incredible. The plot is finally in full gear and the build-up was worth it. We are finally unearthing what is truly going on and it at this moment i really feel like this show will be a worthy successor to their previous masterpiece Dark. The characters are really growing on me and i am so excited to watch the final two episodes of this season.

Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese are slowly becoming some of best storytellers working today. They have truly perfected the mystery box genre and every episode these guys are proving that they can write both hard-core sci-fi while still keeping the human drama. This is amazing television

9.5/10.

"The Pyramid," the sixth episode of Netflix's 1899, directed by Baran bo Odar and co-created with Jantje Friese, represents a pivotal moment in the series, weaving together the psychological tension, supernatural mystery, and character-driven drama that have defined the show thus far. This episode deepens the enigmatic narrative aboard the Kerberos, exploring the passengers' fractured psyches and the dark secrets that bind them, while introducing symbolic and thematic elements that resonate throughout the series.

The episode opens with an ominous and atmospheric scene in a dense grove of towering trees, where Tove is seen running in panic, desperately calling for Ada. The eerie laughter of a child echoes through the forest, creating a chilling sense of foreboding. This sequence effectively sets the tone for the episode, blending psychological horror with surreal imagery, and highlighting Tove's deteriorating mental state and her obsession with the mysterious boy aboard the ship.

As the narrative unfolds, the tension aboard the Kerberos escalates. Tove's increasingly erratic behavior and her fixation on the boy lead to confrontations that underscore the fragile social order on the ship. The episode delves into the passengers' backstories, revealing layers of trauma, secrets, and interpersonal conflicts that add emotional depth and complexity to the unfolding mystery. The revelation of Krester's tragic past, including his violent encounter with the farmer and the subsequent suffering of his family, is particularly poignant, illustrating the series' commitment to exploring the human cost of survival and secrecy.

A key moment arrives when Captain Eyk Larsen awakens from a dreamlike state, only to find himself on the Prometheus, the sister ship that vanished months earlier. The sight of a vast ship graveyard, with at least seven derelict vessels, is visually striking and symbolic, evoking themes of death, decay, and the cyclical nature of the series' mysteries. This cliffhanger intensifies the suspense and raises profound questions about reality, identity, and the true nature of the voyage.

Visually, "The Pyramid" excels in its use of muted color palettes, chiaroscuro lighting, and meticulous production design to create an immersive and unsettling atmosphere. The cinematography captures both the claustrophobic interiors of the ship and the haunting expanses of the surrounding environment with equal precision. The editing balances moments of quiet introspection with bursts of tension and action, while Ben Frost's evocative score amplifies the emotional and psychological impact.

Performances remain a highlight, with Emily Beecham's Maura conveying a nuanced blend of strength and vulnerability, and Andreas Pietschmann's Captain Eyk embodying a man haunted by loss and obsession. The supporting cast enriches the narrative with layered portrayals that reveal the complexity of human nature under duress.

Thematically, the episode explores motifs of entrapment, memory, and the search for truth amid layers of deception. The recurring symbolism of the pyramid-held by the mysterious boy-serves as a metaphor for the enigmatic forces shaping the passengers' destinies and the layered realities they inhabit. The episode invites reflection on the nature of reality, the persistence of trauma, and the possibility of awakening from cycles of repetition.

Contextually, 1899 continues to push the boundaries of television storytelling through its ambitious narrative structure, multilingual cast, and innovative use of virtual production technology. The series draws on influences from psychological thrillers, historical dramas, and speculative fiction, situating itself within a tradition of intellectually challenging and visually sophisticated television. Its exploration of identity, memory, and reality resonates with contemporary cultural and philosophical concerns.

While the episode's deliberate pacing and dense symbolism may challenge some viewers, these elements are integral to the series' identity and reward attentive, reflective engagement. "The Pyramid" advances the season's mysteries with emotional depth and narrative complexity, setting the stage for the unfolding revelations.

"The Pyramid" is a compelling and atmospheric episode that exemplifies 1899's strengths: meticulous craftsmanship, profound thematic exploration, and emotionally resonant performances. It deepens the series' enigmatic narrative while inviting viewers to contemplate the layered mysteries of identity, memory, and reality. As a crucial turning point in the season, the episode leaves audiences eager for answers while immersed in the haunting world of the Kerberos.

"We need to fire up the engine", says the brave German captain and sends FOUR people to "fire up" a STEAM engine. Just for reference, Titanic had 176 (one hundred and seventy six!!!) stockers alone. And that's just the people who throw coal into the boilers. Then we need another three dozen coal trimmers, same number of greasers. Plus we need highly qualified engineers to make sure that enough but not too much water goes into the boiler. But sure, two crew and two priests will be JUST enough. I suppose that's how many people it takes for our renowned directors (Dark and all that) to start a yacht engine in the Mediterranean. After all, the whole ship is controlled by just two buttons, up and down.

We finally have an episode that highlights the character of Tove. A complex and interesting character. It was a pleasure to explore her past and to help us understand her role in the loss and flight of her family. The pace is always slow but that's what I like in this series, it allows us to appreciate every moment and every clue we are offered. That is certainly why many will not like it. Relationships begin to be created with the character but we feel that this is not the central point of the series. The central point is this whole mystery around the pyramid. I always hate to see what happens next and know where the show's gonna take us.