Meet Laurel, the Mysterious Librarian in ‘Dark Matter’ Season 2

Every season of a multiverse thriller introduces a character who seems to possess more knowledge than they should. In season two of the Apple TV series, that character is Laurel in ‘Dark Matter’, a woman who welcomes lost travelers with cookies, a warm greeting, and a home filled with the stories of others. Apple TV recently shared a scene featuring Charlie’s encounter with Laurel, portrayed by Margo Martindale, at an interdimensional waystation.

Her introduction has sparked curiosity among fans about who Laurel truly is and what her intentions are. Here’s everything revealed about this intriguing new character and the mysteries surrounding her library.

Margo Martindale takes on the role of Laurel in season two of the series. Her casting was met with immediate enthusiasm online, with viewers celebrating the arrival of this esteemed character actress.

Laurel joins a fresh wave of characters in the show’s ensemble. The ten-episode season premiered on Apple TV and is based on the novel by Blake Crouch, who serves as the creator, showrunner, and writer. Notably, Martindale’s character does not appear in the first season, meaning her storyline is crafted specifically for the expanded multiverse of the second.

The setup surrounding her is quintessential ‘Dark Matter’. Season two follows the Dessens as they attempt to settle into a seemingly safe life, only to be thrust into chaos by unimaginable forces. Laurel’s home provides a brief respite in the narrative, even if that tranquility may be fleeting.

Laurel makes her first appearance in the seventh episode, titled ‘The Pyramid’. One reviewer aptly referred to her as Laurel, the Librarian, a fitting title since her home resembles an elegant private library.

Charlie, the Dessens’ son, accidentally discovers it. He sends a prayer for help to the box, opens the door, and steps into the library, where a doorbell signals Laurel of his arrival. She expresses excitement, noting that she has never met a Charlie before, assuring him he is safe.

Her backstory is equally peculiar. She recounts that a few years ago, she heard what sounded like an explosion while sleeping upstairs, then rushed down to find three intruders, Jason, Amanda, and the box itself. Since that incident, her home has become a regular stop for travelers.

One of the most captivating aspects of Laurel is her collection of journals. Charlie discovers notebooks labeled with the names of various travelers, including Jason, Amanda, Ryan, and Blair, along with a single volume dedicated to Leighton. It’s evident that she has spent considerable time listening to the stories of those who pass through her door.

These conversations have led her to develop a theory about the box’s function. She finds the travelers’ narratives remarkably interconnected, with a common thread suggesting that to reach one’s desired destination, one must remember something significant, ideally a person. This subtle piece of worldbuilding transforms her library into a sort of field guide for the multiverse.

This advice resonates with Charlie immediately. His only vivid memory of Max is from their time in the hospital when they were four, but he has watched videos his mom made of them together, and Laurel believes his favorite will provide guidance. The scene portrays Laurel as a gentle mentor rather than an obstacle.

The tension escalates with a cliffhanger. A door creaks open at the scene’s conclusion, Charlie looks at someone off-screen and stands up hesitantly, while Laurel reassures him that it’s okay. The person she called for help enters the room, but viewers are left in suspense about their identity.

Fans and critics are already speculating. One recapper questions why the box conveniently opens into her library and notes that she responded to a query about being comfortable with the box in her home with the phrase “Something like that.” This same writer also ponders what Laurel means when she says the corridor is no place for someone like her.

These unanswered questions make Laurel one of the most intriguing additions to season two. She could be a benevolent host, a stranded traveler who chose to remain, or something even more enigmatic connected to the box itself. If you have a theory about who entered Laurel’s library to meet Charlie, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.