I'm honestly wondering if Darling had become another resonance-based being (like Polaris and Hedron) and manifests himself as music video covers. Just a thought.
@@debiate5 its not explicit in the game that Polaris is Hedron, not just that but Polaris was with Jesse even before they bring it from slidescape36 also Dylan call Polaris, "a copy of a copy of a copy.." Hedron was a beign with another copy of Polaris, otherwise you couldnt explain, the survival of polaris, the dual existence(one in hedron, and one in jesse at the same time), also it fits, the Hiss is a parasite, Polaris a symbiote, resumed: Hedron-Polaris, Jesse-Polaris, Darling-Polaris
Seems like Darling is acutely aware of his need to maintain a balanced existence. He probably has studied ways to maximize his exercise routines to benefit his neurological functions.
@@GamingUniversityUoG one of the many secrets of the oldest house. *HIDDEN GYM* we the board are happy/satisfied with your performance/duty. Access to the gym is now approved/open.
We can't trust those imagen. They were not displayed by a projector, it suddenly appeared on the wall of that Hotel which is a place of Power with Dream logic. I totally believe He diden't do any of that on that vídeo and those images (It doesn't seem like him at all) were Just a projection of Darlings Dreams or thoughts.
I like to think Dr. Darling is out in the ether trying to help Alan Wake escape the dark place, geeking out with Alan about how much of a fan of Night Springs he was and wondering why their voices sound almost exactly the same.
Him being in another plane of existence fits perfectly with the fact that you only see him as a "live action" character Everyone else is in their "in game" model, but Darling? He doesn't have one, and each time a projector plays one of his presentations, it's Darling himself from the other plane, trying to help and interact with Jesse I love my man so much💖
I never found either (or Threshold Kids) that disturbing, the Mold and the Blessed Organisation scared me more. Not to mention that thing that was Dr. Hartman.
I get it. He projects a sense of real wonder and awe in the face of all this new knowledge and science but you can see a bit of madness behind his eyes. How could he not be just a little unhinged in the face of all this weird and freaky shit?
@@GamingUniversityUoGI did not trust Ahti at all when I first met him but after several encounters and Jessie’s pleasant reaction to running into him or whenever she’s mentioned, he became like a comforting force of good. After all he helps you out so many times
We need a Control 2. The DLC's were great but 2 needs to be a fresh story. It has to have Darling and I'm hoping we can play as Darling while we watch Jesse but have our own story.
@@__teles__ i'd honestly don't mind they explored what happened to Director Northmoor to be honest. man was the best parautilitarian according to Darling which means he could surpass Jesse or equal power. Or they could explored what happened before Ordinary we don't even know what other dimensions doors lead to other than Astral Plane and Alan Wake universe? (i'm still on my DLC tho as i wrote this)
@@GamingUniversityUoG They did hint about the criminal group in the game a lot so it would make sense for them to be in the next game. I would much rather it be more to do with the board or another threshold though.
@@top1rggfan in the middle of playing control rn and emily pope just mentioned that northmoor launching a bowling ball 6 feet was a major feat never seen before (compared to jesse's... everything), so i'm not sure he's nearly on the same level
@@GamingUniversityUoG Yeah! But we all know... Darling is trapped in an attic, carrying old printers around while singing and letting his hair grow out. 100% canon. xD
Remedy should make a DLC for Dr.Darling which shows the past of Darling of how he joined the Bureau or the events that conspired before Jesse enters the Bureau from Darling's perspective .
I've always liked the idea of trying alternate forms of media for prequels. Like a mini series showing this point of history or a movie for the Ordinary AWE
@@GamingUniversityUoG They certainly won't do it as Quantum Break's live action series was a failure , still it would be awesome to see a live action series as we the player have only seen Darling in pre-recorded videos and seeing an in-game model would certainly not feel the same .
During my first play through of the game, I genuinely could not WAIT to meet Dr. Darling, and I was greatly disappointed when that didn't happen. But maybe it's for the best? However, should the sequel happen, I really hope he shows up and comes back--I'm sure there will be plenty of mysteries still even with his return.
Me too! But I was playing and he was showing in more and more "filmed" cutscenes through the game I got myself thinking that, either he was going to be the final boss or that we would never meet him at all in the game :( (in the sense that, he only existed in the game as prerecorded material and the dev team never developed a 3D model for him)
Great video as always. Small correction though - at 1:22 you say Marshall's HRA was damaged as a result of blowing up the Nail. In the "Two Birds, One Bomb" Hotline call, she actually says it was damaged by an Astral Spike that she believes the Board sent after her as retaliation for damaging the Nail. Nitpick I know but I think it's an important distinction since it strongly implies the Board is both willing and able to directly harm Bureau members if they're not happy with them.
A *wonderfully* done video! Darling is one of the most important parts of Control's story and I can't wait to see his journey into the abyss explored in the future
Found your channel right after completing the main story of Control. I have never been so facinated by a game then this one. There are so many layers that keep me coming back for more. Love your channel content!
Dr. Darling was easily my favorite character in the game. I did come to understand/sympathize with Trench quite a bit, but Darling was by far the best. I hope he makes an appearance (in some way) for Control 2.
Oh dude same here. I've just completed the game and I loved his videos when we bump into them in the game. There was something about him that was so awe-inspiring. To me, he was the only character that was genuinely happy to be working for FBC.
not finding out the fate of Darling was my ONE gripe with CONTROL. I wanted to find him, have him safe and sound!!! He was so precious.... and yes, id sometimes close my eyes when he appeared to think of Alan speaking ;)
Dr.Darling didn't die. He just shed his physical form. In essence your soul is your true self not bound by the material plane. I believe that Hedron helped Darling realize that the "death" of his physical self didn't have to be painful. And that by giving into Hedron completey it allowed Darling to transcend into a better existence one without pain or fear of death. The world in which Hedron showed Darling was more beautiful than that which he could imagine. An infinite expanse of wonder. The way Darlings last message was made me see that even though Darling was afraid of the unknown he openly embraced it out of pure excitement and wonder. From what i gather this is what he always sought for. This new journey of self to discover more than he ever could in one lifetime.
It likely broke him, living forever is a type of torture. Eventually you see everything and feel everything till nothing makes you feel alive anymore. Living forever isn't something that he would want
I honestly like to think he had a kinda Dr. Manhattan transformation. But unlike Manhattan he kept his humanity more and was probably in some way keeping the Hiss In the oldest house
I think he transformed in some sort of resonance that can reach multiple frequencies. We see and hearing him during the game through some various instruments. Still this is so fascinating, I expect to see him in the next remedy game
Very interesting theory. I think it definitely has some weight and evidence behind it. I would assume we would see more of him in the next Control game. Maybe in the same capacity as The Board so that Jessie can ultimately learn all that Darling knows.
There's a blink and you'll miss it in the beginning of the AWE dlc in the motel TV where you see a split second of Dr Darling this is the only sighting you get of him after the main game and considering the fact that it's in an Alan Wake dlc feels like a connection especially when you remember that they are both played by the same actor Also the conversation between Thomas Zane and Alan Wake during this is.....interesting
Watched this after playing alan wake 2. Firstly let me say, very well structured and put together. Secondly, in AW2 there is a very quick scene after alan meets with tom that shows jesse appear on the TV in the hotel room. The hotel of course being the Oceanview. She seems to be calling out to wake. Behind her is darling working with some sort of machine. It ends with the night springs logo and Tom scampering off clearly scared of them The whole thing lasts for just a few seconds, but im wondering if in the last 4 years if jesse did in fact find darling and they are working on a new issue that they might need wake for. After all Esteves says that there is again trouble at HQ. What this trouble is will probably be explored in control 2. But im wondering if we are building up to a massive convergence of remedys universe. Something that requires the combined effort of jesse, alan, saga, jack, casey/payne, and darling to handle
I swear I've also seen Darling briefly appear on TVs in the Dark Place besides that scene with Tom. He looks confused as he seemingly stares directly at Wake before disappearing, making me wonder if he's still learning about his new existence as a Hedron being. Or maybe by Control 2 he returns to his physical form like we see in Zane's TV, helping Jesse with whatever project they're working on (presumably trying to make contact with Alan). I also wonder if at some point Dylan wakes from his coma and becomes involved with the plot. Maybe Control 2 will be about Dylan waking up, maybe acting as an antagonist for a while before Jesse convinces him to set aside his anger and repair their relationship. Then whatever game comes after Control 2 might not necessarily be Alan Wake 3, but like you mentioned--a game where all the main characters team together to end the Dark Presence/Place once and for all. Not to mention it's implied the Board have more malicious ulterior motives, and the Former still being an enigma that seems to want to assist the FBC/humanity. Agh, there's so many potential plots, Remedy is really out here making connected universes cool again!
As usual, it's awesome to see even more Control/Remedyverse videos. I wonder if we will find some new info/easter eggs in the upcoming remaster of Alan Wake.
I thought it was made clear that anyone, other than the Director themselves (or those with potential of being an Director and have permission of the board) can answer the hotline without dying. So during the song you mention, Dr. Darling is singing and almost doing a 'F*** it' style hype dance before he is clearly seen answering the phone. Therefor my head cannon is he was actually taken by the board themselves to save him from the hiss. He is afterall an insanely useful asset to them. That was my take before Alan Wake 2...
And it's stuff like this which is why I find it hard to theorize on things. We can make so many scenarios that make perfect sense but end up being wrong because we were simply missing information. but that's also what makes these series fun because we come to a head canon then have the carpet pulled form under us.
Hey have you found the document in the dead letters that talks about a man dreaming of the events of Alan wake. He says he dreams of a small town, a pitch black lake, men made of darkness and suddenly a white light. Which sound just like couldron lake and the bright falls awe. I think this man is like the painter from Alan wake who is not a creator like Alan but more of a archivist who can see the events despite not being in them.
Spoilers from Alan Wake 2: Dr. Darling was seen in two videos in the New Game+. He seems to be stuck in the Dark Place now. He also seems to have meet someone that claims to be Thomas Zane and might be working together to escape!!
Something interesting I noticed about the Darling Hotline call, compared to the other times we hear him speak the call seems more like it's cut up sound clips, edited together.
I loved that he was also shouting a bit during the call. He thinks he has to for Jesse to hear him. Obviously he's not used to this state of being yet.
i think that alan can be part of the "intentional contact" of the hotline, cause in his writings he writes a way that jesse can use the hotline to hear his writings... so this is intentional, she couldnt her him before cause he never permited, but when he writes that she can hear him ( and as we see just about that topics of Hartman) he created with purpose a direct line with the hotline.( in his first message you can see that he literally do this)
to me the passage of Darling's esoteric underwear speech that references Bowie feels like he's foreshadowing what happens to Hedron (and iirc this section comes right as we're approaching the Hedron chamber)
What a spectacular video! Your hypothesis is the only one that truly satisfies my curiosity on how to articulate the possible fate of Dr. Darling. So glad you took the time to really lay this one out, because as weird and strange as Dr. Darling was, he was probably one more of my favorite supporting characters in the entire game.
@@GamingUniversityUoG Thanks for the reply! Yes, I'd say I love each game made by Remedy I played (I missed Quantum Break thought). Looking forward to it!
We have similar tastes I see. Then you caught all the references Darling made to the monolith and David during his scenes. It was obvious he was comparing Bowman in that story to his own situation.
Darling was my favourite character in this. I like the idea that he is a fragment of one being. Him, Alan Wake, Thomas Zane and Mr Scratch are all different versions of one lone powerful being.
I think Darling escaped into one of the reels of film. I think, when you go back to the place you try to save hedron (although I could be wrong about the location), Jesse theorizes that Darling must have hid the last reel of film for the projector.
My boy Darling is buffed. I have 2 theories for this. One applies to the real world and the other one yo the in-game world. The most obvious reason is that Matthew Porreta is an actor and he has a figure to mantain. The in-game theory is that Darling is in such a good physical shape because of Bureau rules. It is stated that Darling, Trench and others made expeditions into the world of the recovered slides. And probably they made others expeditions on the field investigating AWEs. So he has to be in a very good condition to endure these expeditions and field trips that can be dangerous along with the agents and rangers.
Great vid, man. In his very first appearance, Darling says “I’ve always been here,” then there’s what feels like a very deliberate pause. Given the subject matter, there’s a conspicuous lack of emphasis on time in this game. It seems extremely unlikely to me that time operates in a ‘normal’ way inside The Oldest House. Darling acts very much as a guide to us throughout. As does Polaris, the intangible ‘guiding star’ presence who we’re to believe was part of Hedron, or is at least connected to Hedron in some way we don’t understand. The only other being we know to be connected to Hedron is Darling. If we’re all agreed that Darling and Hedron’s disappearance was into another reality and form, it doesn’t seem unreasonable to think that Darling and Polaris are either one and the same or something close to it. It’s a bit out there, but I think it’s a fun theory.
In that one video of Dr. Darling where he says 'Commencing countdown Major Tom' that song was featured at the end of The Writer Part 1 DLC for Alan Wake. Neat how everything is connected.
SPOILER ALERT REGARDING ALAN WAKE II: A book written by Dr Darling can be found in Mr Door's room. Mr Door seems to possess a power which allows him to easily navigate through the Dark Place and - possibly - other dimensions. I'm not positive the two might have met each other. But it could be that through the books and lectures he might have learned the way to understand (hence to navigate) the Dark Place - and possibly - other dimensions too.
One thought/theory I have for a sequel could be having the Not mother return with her children as even though the slide was said to have been burned it was believed that the slide housing the hiss was destroyed but was still functional. With Jesse’s connection to the Not mother it could make an interesting story.
Always figured this was Doctor Darling’s escape. He couldn’t see how to win, so he ran, leaving his responsibilities behind to save himself; and from the outside, learned what could be done, but couldn't do it himself.
I think one big clue is that Darling predicted Jesse's arrival. (the music video) And if I understand the lore right Alan was the one who wrote her into the plot? Thus Darling must have come into contact with Alan wake shortly before control started.
Based on evidence we have, especially the LAST recording if his 'fate' as well as providing the 'timely' Provision of protective Hiss Signals just as Jesse also got into the Old House. He entered the last slide, which may as well be impossible since He would have been taken over and the new knowledge WOULD have further BROKEN every resistance the Old House has against the Hiss. He joins the Resonance, who is possibly not Solaris, or have descended over like the many 'resonating' beings. He went into a new Dimension, as he found 'connection' with the Higher level being, or a plane of reality with which he fell into a state that far exceeded his understanding and became something else, something we may never know, or he may have forgotten.
I feel he has some semblance of his old self considering he still reaches out to the Director. He addresses the seat of the director rather than Jesse by name showing he isn't fully In the know but still trying to so his part.
Well done, sir. Even if Remedy decides against expounding upon the wonderful story of Darling, I think you've satisfied my curiosity of the current state of his story. Thank you
NGL, I was hoping that based on all the videos we saw of him during the game, that somehow he would fuse with a member of The Board and would be the final boss. He’ll probably be a main character in Control 2 or make a DLC appearance in Alan Wake 2.
somethings i noticed in oceanview there is 6 door with symbol first one was for alan wake middle was for jesse but last one is unknown.. 3 mirror ones maybe will be door for normal place we live ...the last part of game jesse found ploaris and everythings goes wrong till she found a way and escape and goes to janitor room to fix ....but alan never escaped. never found a way to access oceanview lobby ....maybe last door using jung symbol is for darling who really like other realities . someone who know how control his self ....alan goes deeper thomas zane try help him to stop and balance everything ( reference alan wake the signal dlc ) jesse was in our realities and left everything behind it made hell of mess in other part and cause corrupt ploaris and make her weak till she called jesse for help....in alan wake balance was key point that's why he succeed and fixed his work ( like take control song.. balance slays the demon was key sound in game )and darling is the one use all ways to help others...and janitor is emergency call when all things goes hell wrong ( bcz he knows everything )
Based upon the game files we have names for all 6 doors. Alan Wake, Control 2, Black Pyramid, White Pyramid, Vanguard, and Doors. Vanguard is likely related to the Keystone incident and Project Vanguard which is the code title for a game Remedy is working on.
Control 2 is already in the planning phase. I'm curious if we will jump from AW2 directly into the sequel or if we will be seeing Project Vandguard, Condor, or the Max Payne remakes first
Actually, I think the Hiss Agents provide evidence regarding Darling's fate. When a creature that is fully infested by the Hiss is physically destroyed, they are converted into resonance. As the Hiss and Hedron are similar, it stands to reason that after giving himself fully to Hedron, his fate wou be similar. So my theory is that he was converted into a resonance based entity.
Here’s another connection to Major Tom floating in space. The diver in Alan Wake was floating around as if he was in space. The name of this diver? Tom, Thomas Zane!
I think it is possible that Darling doesn't speak to Jesse directly. Ithink it could be a recording to the case Hadron will be destroyed. This is many the reasen why he said "New director" and not Jesse.
This would imply he doesn't have full knowledge of what has happened since he departed from the House. Just knowing his message will reach the new director. However, after the call we hear him calling Jesse by name in the Dynamite video.
If ever there was a sequel to this game it should cover Jesse trying to find out what happened to Dr. Darling, maybe make an Alan Wake Control crossover game, i have not personally completed Alan Wake (I am on the last chapter though) but I think it would be a great idea
Darling is like one of those fellas from the Delta Green tabletop. A scientist that hooks into something and follows it to the conclusion, that being another plane of existence.
@@GamingUniversityUoG Great channel content! I just subscribed and getting aquainted little by little. All video-essays are well researched, put together and exciting! The best of success with the channel! ...and let's tie the belt tighter till 2023. Something tells me that AW2 will come out closer to the end of the year - Finnish humor! )))
I really like this theory, but what if there is more to it. When he talked about flying into the monolith what if he was also referring to the nail which is also a monolith of sorts. We know that resonance based beings can use the nail to invade the astral plane/board, so what if Hedron converted him into a resonance based being so he could use the nail to go to the astral plane which could be where he used the hotline from. Or he could be referring to the oldest house as a whole, because from the outside it look like a huge monolith, dr ash after after spending extended time in The foundation said that he was becoming one with the oldest house, so it Herdron facilitated him becoming one with the oldest house which would explain both his connection to the hotline and the motel since they are all connected
Blown Away.... Only one object was "Blown away" in the Hedron Chamber, if we take THAT statement literally, it's entirely possible Darling Died, AS Hedron, however this is unlikely. As well, I dispute that Darling ever talked directly to Jesse, the closest he comes to that is the Music Video, and NOT the Hotline, as that gave me the impression of a "General Broadcast", to anyone in the Oldest House that could hear the message. Darling's Hotling Message is a "classified message" for "The Director of the Federal Bureau of Control", suggesting not only he doesn't know who Jesse is, who the current director is, but that he also doesn't know who will receive the message and is phrasing it so that whoever does, doesn't reveal it to any other then "The Director of the Federal Bureau of Control". It also suggests Darling has an odd perception of what's going on, he knows Hedron is gone, and he needs to send the message, but he doesn't know who he's sending to. As well, the Office in Executive only exists in Jesse's mindscape House, not in the actual structure (that anyone is aware of, the Oldest house could have rooms that don't exist on certain planes of reality, which makes mapping an even bigger hassle). I think Darling could perceive Hedron, notice it's death/disappearance, and send the message, but that he is Unaware of events within the House besides presuming the death of Trench.
Darling litterlay sings about Jesse in Dynamite. He 100% became another form of life. Reminds me of Ascension in Stargate. Daniel Jackson was also tutored by Oma Desala to ascend for a while before ascending. I belive that Darling had something similar happen to him.
Mentioning the Watcher is interesting cause Martin Hatch seems like he could _also_ be a reference to 2001: A Space Odyssey. A caveman who touched soemthing beyond his comprehension and became something more than human...
![CONTROL The Foundation DLC - All Cutscenes The Movie [Game Movie] PS4 PRO](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/WlrHbJB1CLw/mqdefault.jpg)
He went to the gym dimension because that dude was fucking buff
Lmao yeah Darling spends just as much time in the Library as he does in the gym.
The dudes probably just practicing his bench presses
I don't normally like buff, but man, what a DILF.
@@GamingUniversityUoG A Strong Mind lives in a Strong Body. Plenty of research to show that working out, has positive effects on the Brain.
I would rather smash Dylen, but yeah he's on the list.
The biggest reveal in Control was how jacked Darling was.
They must have an awesome gym hidden away in that place I swear.
I was also shocked by his traps
@@GamingUniversityUoG it requiers level 7 clearence to access
Trench trusted on those biceps
I simped hard on Darling after seeing how ripped he actually was.
Upon seeing him underneath the coat, he's not Dr. Darling, he's MY Darling.
Haha oh my!
I'm honestly wondering if Darling had become another resonance-based being (like Polaris and Hedron) and manifests himself as music video covers. Just a thought.
It is certainly a possibility. At the very least one step closer to this type of being.
Question for you, Gaming University: Have you porcured a copy of the limited edition of "The Art & Making Of Control"?
was hedron a resonance based being? I asume it was a physical being in a form of a polyhedron wich had a copy of polaris in itself
@@Foxtrop13 Yes he/it was. He/it manifests on our plane as a simple geometric shape.
@@debiate5 its not explicit in the game that Polaris is Hedron, not just that but Polaris was with Jesse even before they bring it from slidescape36 also Dylan call Polaris, "a copy of a copy of a copy.." Hedron was a beign with another copy of Polaris, otherwise you couldnt explain, the survival of polaris, the dual existence(one in hedron, and one in jesse at the same time), also it fits, the Hiss is a parasite, Polaris a symbiote, resumed: Hedron-Polaris, Jesse-Polaris, Darling-Polaris
Dr Darling has very impressive shoulder muscles for his age.
I wonder if he lifts with books or lab equipment. Or if the Oldest House has a gym hidden somewhere.
Seems like Darling is acutely aware of his need to maintain a balanced existence. He probably has studied ways to maximize his exercise routines to benefit his neurological functions.
@@GamingUniversityUoG one of the many secrets of the oldest house.
*HIDDEN GYM*
we the board are happy/satisfied with your performance/duty. Access to the gym is now approved/open.
@@GamingUniversityUoGbro used black rock to lift
*ring ring* We find/discover your guess/theory to be interesting. We whisper/ speak your praise/ [cheer, applause]. End call.
I'm glad you have enjoyed it! Call back anytime
I truly believe Darling’s music video was his way of reaching out to Jesse and rooting for her!
100% head canon
@@GamingUniversityUoG oof 😂
@@RazorBladezXI think he means he agrees and has the same head cannon
We can't trust those imagen. They were not displayed by a projector, it suddenly appeared on the wall of that Hotel which is a place of Power with Dream logic. I totally believe He diden't do any of that on that vídeo and those images (It doesn't seem like him at all) were Just a projection of Darlings Dreams or thoughts.
I like to think Dr. Darling is out in the ether trying to help Alan Wake escape the dark place, geeking out with Alan about how much of a fan of Night Springs he was and wondering why their voices sound almost exactly the same.
That would be great. Having a week off to do a Night Springs marathon with Alan.
Funny you say 'almost exactly the same' they are the same voice. Matthew Porretta is both of them, Ilkka Villi is Alan's face.
Seems you are not that far from the truth, considering he shows up in the Dark Place in Alan Wake 2 haha
@@neoshenlongyeah for a split second
You got the same voice realization right lmao with the new game plus
He is just chilling in Ahti's sauna
Ahti, Darling, and the Old Gods just chilling.
@@GamingUniversityUoG cracking a cold one with the boys outside reality
@@GamingUniversityUoG maybe even Warlin door
Him being in another plane of existence fits perfectly with the fact that you only see him as a "live action" character
Everyone else is in their "in game" model, but Darling? He doesn't have one, and each time a projector plays one of his presentations, it's Darling himself from the other plane, trying to help and interact with Jesse
I love my man so much💖
Plus he kind of appears in the remedy offices getting coffee. So it makes sense lol
Dr. Darling was always unsettling for me throughout my first playthrough of Control. He was cool but dark.
Interesting. I hear a lot about how Ahti unsettles them but never about Darling. Watching him breaking down as hard to watch.
Dude had some issues for sure
I never found either (or Threshold Kids) that disturbing, the Mold and the Blessed Organisation scared me more.
Not to mention that thing that was Dr. Hartman.
I get it. He projects a sense of real wonder and awe in the face of all this new knowledge and science but you can see a bit of madness behind his eyes. How could he not be just a little unhinged in the face of all this weird and freaky shit?
@@GamingUniversityUoGI did not trust Ahti at all when I first met him but after several encounters and Jessie’s pleasant reaction to running into him or whenever she’s mentioned, he became like a comforting force of good. After all he helps you out so many times
There are so many directions Control 2 could go... I hope the series will continue for a long time
We need a Control 2. The DLC's were great but 2 needs to be a fresh story. It has to have Darling and I'm hoping we can play as Darling while we watch Jesse but have our own story.
My personal opinion for Control 2 is it will involve Para-Criminal organizations and maybe tie back to Northmoor in some way.
@@__teles__ i'd honestly don't mind they explored what happened to Director Northmoor to be honest. man was the best parautilitarian according to Darling which means he could surpass Jesse or equal power. Or they could explored what happened before Ordinary we don't even know what other dimensions doors lead to other than Astral Plane and Alan Wake universe? (i'm still on my DLC tho as i wrote this)
@@GamingUniversityUoG They did hint about the criminal group in the game a lot so it would make sense for them to be in the next game.
I would much rather it be more to do with the board or another threshold though.
@@top1rggfan in the middle of playing control rn and emily pope just mentioned that northmoor launching a bowling ball 6 feet was a major feat never seen before (compared to jesse's... everything), so i'm not sure he's nearly on the same level
I really hope Remedy brings Darling back! Matthew Porretta did a great job with this role and I don't want to miss out on more content :D
Oh I guarantee he will return in one form or another.
@@GamingUniversityUoG Yeah! But we all know... Darling is trapped in an attic, carrying old printers around while singing and letting his hair grow out. 100% canon. xD
Remedy should make a DLC for Dr.Darling which shows the past of Darling of how he joined the Bureau or the events that conspired before Jesse enters the Bureau from Darling's perspective .
That would also make for an awesome spin-off movie/miniseries
I've always liked the idea of trying alternate forms of media for prequels. Like a mini series showing this point of history or a movie for the Ordinary AWE
@@GamingUniversityUoG They certainly won't do it as Quantum Break's live action series was a failure , still it would be awesome to see a live action series as we the player have only seen Darling in pre-recorded videos and seeing an in-game model would certainly not feel the same .
I want a Dr. Darling DLC where it's Guitar Hero and he is the lead singer. And we would have Old God's of Asgard songs.
@@KiomonDuck That'll be cool to see
During my first play through of the game, I genuinely could not WAIT to meet Dr. Darling, and I was greatly disappointed when that didn't happen. But maybe it's for the best?
However, should the sequel happen, I really hope he shows up and comes back--I'm sure there will be plenty of mysteries still even with his return.
Me too! But I was playing and he was showing in more and more "filmed" cutscenes through the game I got myself thinking that, either he was going to be the final boss or that we would never meet him at all in the game :( (in the sense that, he only existed in the game as prerecorded material and the dev team never developed a 3D model for him)
@@MiauTheWorld Can you imagine though?? Dr. Darling as the BBG?
@@NotAnOmen alan wake 2?
Great video as always. Small correction though - at 1:22 you say Marshall's HRA was damaged as a result of blowing up the Nail. In the "Two Birds, One Bomb" Hotline call, she actually says it was damaged by an Astral Spike that she believes the Board sent after her as retaliation for damaging the Nail. Nitpick I know but I think it's an important distinction since it strongly implies the Board is both willing and able to directly harm Bureau members if they're not happy with them.
A *wonderfully* done video!
Darling is one of the most important parts of Control's story and I can't wait to see his journey into the abyss explored in the future
Thank you so much buddy!
When dealing with these extra dimensional threats it is always good to have friends in high places!
the part where he’s rapping to a song made the ending 10/10
Found your channel right after completing the main story of Control. I have never been so facinated by a game then this one. There are so many layers that keep me coming back for more. Love your channel content!
Thank you so much! Yes it is ridiculous how much detail and lore they managed to get into this game.
Darling is just such a... vibe.
Literally
Dr Darling is probably at home with Dr Sweetheart lol.
Respect and keep up the epic work.
Will do Rodan! Thanks a bunch
Dr. Darling was easily my favorite character in the game. I did come to understand/sympathize with Trench quite a bit, but Darling was by far the best. I hope he makes an appearance (in some way) for Control 2.
Agrees. Darling is simply fantastic
I actually didn't trust either until the reveal. The situation was too suspicious to me
Oh dude same here. I've just completed the game and I loved his videos when we bump into them in the game. There was something about him that was so awe-inspiring. To me, he was the only character that was genuinely happy to be working for FBC.
Yep need more Darling and Ahti content in the sequel
He was great for sure, but being Swedish with a Finnish born mom, I adore Ahti's "Finnishness"
Martti Suosalo did a top notch job🏆
not finding out the fate of Darling was my ONE gripe with CONTROL. I wanted to find him, have him safe and sound!!! He was so precious.... and yes, id sometimes close my eyes when he appeared to think of Alan speaking ;)
Dr.Darling didn't die. He just shed his physical form. In essence your soul is your true self not bound by the material plane. I believe that Hedron helped Darling realize that the "death" of his physical self didn't have to be painful. And that by giving into Hedron completey it allowed Darling to transcend into a better existence one without pain or fear of death. The world in which Hedron showed Darling was more beautiful than that which he could imagine. An infinite expanse of wonder. The way Darlings last message was made me see that even though Darling was afraid of the unknown he openly embraced it out of pure excitement and wonder. From what i gather this is what he always sought for. This new journey of self to discover more than he ever could in one lifetime.
It likely broke him, living forever is a type of torture. Eventually you see everything and feel everything till nothing makes you feel alive anymore. Living forever isn't something that he would want
I honestly like to think he had a kinda Dr. Manhattan transformation. But unlike Manhattan he kept his humanity more and was probably in some way keeping the Hiss In the oldest house
Man, I keep forgetting how ripped Dr. Darling is.
I think he transformed in some sort of resonance that can reach multiple frequencies. We see and hearing him during the game through some various instruments. Still this is so fascinating, I expect to see him in the next remedy game
He got the Bloodborne "good" ending and became a great one.
Very interesting theory. I think it definitely has some weight and evidence behind it. I would assume we would see more of him in the next Control game. Maybe in the same capacity as The Board so that Jessie can ultimately learn all that Darling knows.
There's a blink and you'll miss it in the beginning of the AWE dlc in the motel TV where you see a split second of Dr Darling
this is the only sighting you get of him after the main game and considering the fact that it's in an Alan Wake dlc feels like a connection especially when you remember that they are both played by the same actor
Also the conversation between Thomas Zane and Alan Wake during this is.....interesting
Only one sighting of him and (of fucking course) he does the woOoOoOoOo thing...
Watched this after playing alan wake 2. Firstly let me say, very well structured and put together. Secondly, in AW2 there is a very quick scene after alan meets with tom that shows jesse appear on the TV in the hotel room. The hotel of course being the Oceanview. She seems to be calling out to wake. Behind her is darling working with some sort of machine. It ends with the night springs logo and Tom scampering off clearly scared of them The whole thing lasts for just a few seconds, but im wondering if in the last 4 years if jesse did in fact find darling and they are working on a new issue that they might need wake for. After all Esteves says that there is again trouble at HQ. What this trouble is will probably be explored in control 2. But im wondering if we are building up to a massive convergence of remedys universe. Something that requires the combined effort of jesse, alan, saga, jack, casey/payne, and darling to handle
I swear I've also seen Darling briefly appear on TVs in the Dark Place besides that scene with Tom. He looks confused as he seemingly stares directly at Wake before disappearing, making me wonder if he's still learning about his new existence as a Hedron being. Or maybe by Control 2 he returns to his physical form like we see in Zane's TV, helping Jesse with whatever project they're working on (presumably trying to make contact with Alan).
I also wonder if at some point Dylan wakes from his coma and becomes involved with the plot. Maybe Control 2 will be about Dylan waking up, maybe acting as an antagonist for a while before Jesse convinces him to set aside his anger and repair their relationship. Then whatever game comes after Control 2 might not necessarily be Alan Wake 3, but like you mentioned--a game where all the main characters team together to end the Dark Presence/Place once and for all. Not to mention it's implied the Board have more malicious ulterior motives, and the Former still being an enigma that seems to want to assist the FBC/humanity.
Agh, there's so many potential plots, Remedy is really out here making connected universes cool again!
@@BababooeyGooeyAnd actually know what they're doing and making it hella interesting.
As usual, it's awesome to see even more Control/Remedyverse videos.
I wonder if we will find some new info/easter eggs in the upcoming remaster of Alan Wake.
We're told to "keep an eye out" so I think it's not impossible!
I imagine there will be some small things. Nothing too huge though.
@@yellowbat79 it's going to be very subtle though
Gotta love the lore in Control!
It is a wild ride for sure.
@@GamingUniversityUoG definitely
Your “Peace be with you all.” Goodbye at the end of your video is extremely comforting for some reason. 😊
I'm glad to hear! Hope you're doing well.
Darling is probably in a live-action dimension.
Yes, The Dark Place.
bet hes drinking with some arteur
Great stuff,love these Control lore vids.
I'm glad you enjoy them!
I thought it was made clear that anyone, other than the Director themselves (or those with potential of being an Director and have permission of the board) can answer the hotline without dying. So during the song you mention, Dr. Darling is singing and almost doing a 'F*** it' style hype dance before he is clearly seen answering the phone.
Therefor my head cannon is he was actually taken by the board themselves to save him from the hiss. He is afterall an insanely useful asset to them.
That was my take before Alan Wake 2...
And it's stuff like this which is why I find it hard to theorize on things. We can make so many scenarios that make perfect sense but end up being wrong because we were simply missing information. but that's also what makes these series fun because we come to a head canon then have the carpet pulled form under us.
@@GamingUniversityUoGcan you please do a video theorizing about how Darling ended up In the dark place?
Hey have you found the document in the dead letters that talks about a man dreaming of the events of Alan wake. He says he dreams of a small town, a pitch black lake, men made of darkness and suddenly a white light. Which sound just like couldron lake and the bright falls awe.
I think this man is like the painter from Alan wake who is not a creator like Alan but more of a archivist who can see the events despite not being in them.
Spoilers from Alan Wake 2:
Dr. Darling was seen in two videos in the New Game+. He seems to be stuck in the Dark Place now. He also seems to have meet someone that claims to be Thomas Zane and might be working together to escape!!
Something interesting I noticed about the Darling Hotline call, compared to the other times we hear him speak the call seems more like it's cut up sound clips, edited together.
I loved that he was also shouting a bit during the call. He thinks he has to for Jesse to hear him. Obviously he's not used to this state of being yet.
oh I recently subscribed after going down a rabbit hole on your channel after beating control and you just uploaded a new video nice 😌
Hope you have enjoyed your stay in the rabbit hole!
@@GamingUniversityUoG it was great thanks man ❤
i think that alan can be part of the "intentional contact" of the hotline, cause in his writings he writes a way that jesse can use the hotline to hear his writings... so this is intentional, she couldnt her him before cause he never permited, but when he writes that she can hear him ( and as we see just about that topics of Hartman) he created with purpose a direct line with the hotline.( in his first message you can see that he literally do this)
I think Darling is in some unusual state of existence where he is everywhere and nowhere at once.
For energy/resonance based beings that is usually the description.
to me the passage of Darling's esoteric underwear speech that references Bowie feels like he's foreshadowing what happens to Hedron (and iirc this section comes right as we're approaching the Hedron chamber)
I think he states he locked himself inside the hedron chamber and is awaiting the time when he is blown away. So yeah absolute foreshadowing
What a spectacular video! Your hypothesis is the only one that truly satisfies my curiosity on how to articulate the possible fate of Dr. Darling. So glad you took the time to really lay this one out, because as weird and strange as Dr. Darling was, he was probably one more of my favorite supporting characters in the entire game.
Great video! Love how the absence of a character can bring so much speculation.
And I love how literally two lines of dialogue can tell us all we need to know. The writing in Control is so information dense.
Yesterday I revisited Control by completing The Foundation in a single session. AWE is on the way. What amazing writing the game has
You're going to love AWE! Especially if you're an Alan wake fan.
@@GamingUniversityUoG Thanks for the reply! Yes, I'd say I love each game made by Remedy I played (I missed Quantum Break thought). Looking forward to it!
darling has some easter egg short video cameos on some tvs in alan wake 2. mostly in the hotel
Funny to see that he ended up in the dark place by mistake
Nice to have am answer to this
Videogame lore has never made me this giddy before. God it's so interesting!
Remedy lore is nuts! I can't get enough of it.
0:12 Starting a video about a game from my favorite videogame company with a quote from my favorite sci-fi author made me spit my drink out.
We have similar tastes I see. Then you caught all the references Darling made to the monolith and David during his scenes. It was obvious he was comparing Bowman in that story to his own situation.
Darling was my favourite character in this. I like the idea that he is a fragment of one being. Him, Alan Wake, Thomas Zane and Mr Scratch are all different versions of one lone powerful being.
I think Darling escaped into one of the reels of film. I think, when you go back to the place you try to save hedron (although I could be wrong about the location), Jesse theorizes that Darling must have hid the last reel of film for the projector.
I just replayed the game and yeah. Jesse thinks that he hid the slide for the Hand. Basically barring Trench getting access to it.
Anyone else here in need to talk about Darling after Alan Wake II?
I'm waiting for Final Draft to see more on him. I hear he makes an appearance in new game plus.
@@GamingUniversityUoGcan’t wait!! Immediately went back to this video after seeing him and Jesse for a second in the Night Springs tease
My boy Darling is buffed. I have 2 theories for this. One applies to the real world and the other one yo the in-game world. The most obvious reason is that Matthew Porreta is an actor and he has a figure to mantain. The in-game theory is that Darling is in such a good physical shape because of Bureau rules. It is stated that Darling, Trench and others made expeditions into the world of the recovered slides. And probably they made others expeditions on the field investigating AWEs. So he has to be in a very good condition to endure these expeditions and field trips that can be dangerous along with the agents and rangers.
I love these videos! It's been 2 years and we are still trying to unravel this genius game
As weird as it sounds I feel we have only scratched the surface.
Great vid, man. In his very first appearance, Darling says “I’ve always been here,” then there’s what feels like a very deliberate pause. Given the subject matter, there’s a conspicuous lack of emphasis on time in this game. It seems extremely unlikely to me that time operates in a ‘normal’ way inside The Oldest House.
Darling acts very much as a guide to us throughout. As does Polaris, the intangible ‘guiding star’ presence who we’re to believe was part of Hedron, or is at least connected to Hedron in some way we don’t understand. The only other being we know to be connected to Hedron is Darling. If we’re all agreed that Darling and Hedron’s disappearance was into another reality and form, it doesn’t seem unreasonable to think that Darling and Polaris are either one and the same or something close to it.
It’s a bit out there, but I think it’s a fun theory.
In that one video of Dr. Darling where he says 'Commencing countdown Major Tom' that song was featured at the end of The Writer Part 1 DLC for Alan Wake. Neat how everything is connected.
Would love to see a video about America overnight, the control radio show. Mostly cause i don’t fully understand them.
I'll go back through them and see if there is anything good I can dig up.
SPOILER ALERT REGARDING ALAN WAKE II:
A book written by Dr Darling can be found in Mr Door's room.
Mr Door seems to possess a power which allows him to easily navigate through the Dark Place and - possibly - other dimensions.
I'm not positive the two might have met each other. But it could be that through the books and lectures he might have learned the way to understand (hence to navigate) the Dark Place - and possibly - other dimensions too.
He is WAY too jacked up/ in shape to be a believable obsessive scientist genius.
One of the best character
100% agree
One thought/theory I have for a sequel could be having the Not mother return with her children as even though the slide was said to have been burned it was believed that the slide housing the hiss was destroyed but was still functional. With Jesse’s connection to the Not mother it could make an interesting story.
Felt the addict part of my brain kick in when i saw this video. Dunno if i should be worried.
Damn great video once again though.
Glad you enjoyed it!
2010 is an underrated movie/novel good catch on the references. I felt a similar way about his fate after finding his lost message, good video.👍
Darling transcended into Alan Wake and became a parautilitarian that caused an AWE in Bright Falls, WA leading to the events of AW1 and AW2
These days Dr Darling is hanging out with the folks at Remedy, taking advantage of their coffee.
I mean if you shot up a toer of reality I'd enjoy the local beverages too
Always figured this was Doctor Darling’s escape. He couldn’t see how to win, so he ran, leaving his responsibilities behind to save himself; and from the outside, learned what could be done, but couldn't do it himself.
He tells us flat out he went into the Hedron chamber to wait. But Final Draft of Alan Wake 2 gives us the official answer to his fate.
I think one big clue is that Darling predicted Jesse's arrival. (the music video) And if I understand the lore right Alan was the one who wrote her into the plot? Thus Darling must have come into contact with Alan wake shortly before control started.
I'd like to know where the gym in The Oldest House was. Clearly it's got some top of the line stuff if Darling is that jacked.
Based on evidence we have, especially the LAST recording if his 'fate' as well as providing the 'timely' Provision of protective Hiss Signals just as Jesse also got into the Old House.
He entered the last slide, which may as well be impossible since He would have been taken over and the new knowledge WOULD have further BROKEN every resistance the Old House has against the Hiss.
He joins the Resonance, who is possibly not Solaris, or have descended over like the many 'resonating' beings.
He went into a new Dimension, as he found 'connection' with the Higher level being, or a plane of reality with which he fell into a state that far exceeded his understanding and became something else, something we may never know, or he may have forgotten.
I feel he has some semblance of his old self considering he still reaches out to the Director. He addresses the seat of the director rather than Jesse by name showing he isn't fully In the know but still trying to so his part.
Well done, sir. Even if Remedy decides against expounding upon the wonderful story of Darling, I think you've satisfied my curiosity of the current state of his story. Thank you
NGL, I was hoping that based on all the videos we saw of him during the game, that somehow he would fuse with a member of The Board and would be the final boss. He’ll probably be a main character in Control 2 or make a DLC appearance in Alan Wake 2.
I expect him to show up in some form down the line. It would he great to have him and Alan interact. Just for the memes.
I concur wholeheartedly with this thesis. Crikey. Even the dialogue matches up with 2010. :-0
I noticed the same dialogue in the middle of editing. It was too good not to mention.
dang these are my favorite videos on RUclips rn
Thank you so much! I'm glad you've been enjoying these.
Probably saving him for the 2nd control, if we get one, hopefully
Well as of Final Draft of Alan Wake 2 we got some answers. Won't say much if you haven't played it yet.
Peace be with you, too, sir.
Thank you
somethings i noticed in oceanview there is 6 door with symbol first one was for alan wake middle was for jesse but last one is unknown.. 3 mirror ones maybe will be door for normal place we live ...the last part of game jesse found ploaris and everythings goes wrong till she found a way and escape and goes to janitor room to fix ....but alan never escaped. never found a way to access oceanview lobby ....maybe last door using jung symbol is for darling who really like other realities . someone who know how control his self ....alan goes deeper thomas zane try help him to stop and balance everything ( reference alan wake the signal dlc ) jesse was in our realities and left everything behind it made hell of mess in other part and cause corrupt ploaris and make her weak till she called jesse for help....in alan wake balance was key point that's why he succeed and fixed his work ( like take control song.. balance slays the demon was key sound in game )and darling is the one use all ways to help others...and janitor is emergency call when all things goes hell wrong ( bcz he knows everything )
Based upon the game files we have names for all 6 doors. Alan Wake, Control 2, Black Pyramid, White Pyramid, Vanguard, and Doors. Vanguard is likely related to the Keystone incident and Project Vanguard which is the code title for a game Remedy is working on.
I really REALLY hope He's the center of the sequel. And I HOOOOPE the sequel is their next project after Alan Wake 2.
Control 2 is already in the planning phase. I'm curious if we will jump from AW2 directly into the sequel or if we will be seeing Project Vandguard, Condor, or the Max Payne remakes first
I was literally wondering this a few weeks ago while playing thank you for your insight
Perfect timing! You're welcome.
Polaris is up to something I can feel it lol
Actually, I think the Hiss Agents provide evidence regarding Darling's fate. When a creature that is fully infested by the Hiss is physically destroyed, they are converted into resonance. As the Hiss and Hedron are similar, it stands to reason that after giving himself fully to Hedron, his fate wou be similar. So my theory is that he was converted into a resonance based entity.
Here’s another connection to Major Tom floating in space. The diver in Alan Wake was floating around as if he was in space. The name of this diver? Tom, Thomas Zane!
Plus space oddity played agret Alan descended into the dark place the first time.
Your Control analysis videos (and others) are fantastic. Thanks for all you do! :)
I think it is possible that Darling doesn't speak to Jesse directly. Ithink it could be a recording to the case Hadron will be destroyed. This is many the reasen why he said "New director" and not Jesse.
This would imply he doesn't have full knowledge of what has happened since he departed from the House. Just knowing his message will reach the new director. However, after the call we hear him calling Jesse by name in the Dynamite video.
If ever there was a sequel to this game it should cover Jesse trying to find out what happened to Dr. Darling, maybe make an Alan Wake Control crossover game, i have not personally completed Alan Wake (I am on the last chapter though) but I think it would be a great idea
I fully expect some form of crossover at some point. My sequel theories involve para criminal organizations and more Board
now we know he's in the Dark Place
Darling is like one of those fellas from the Delta Green tabletop. A scientist that hooks into something and follows it to the conclusion, that being another plane of existence.
I think someone said something about curiosity that applies here.
Just got round to playing this game (thanks gamepass) the lore in it is so interesting
Glad you're enjoying it!
I think Hedron is "alive" just not in the same threshold anymore, it escaped and took Darling along.
Wish we got to see exactly what it looked like. That at least would solve one or two questions.
Wonderful analysis! Thank you! Very well narrated!
Thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoyed it
@@GamingUniversityUoG Great channel content! I just subscribed and getting aquainted little by little. All video-essays are well researched, put together and exciting! The best of success with the channel! ...and let's tie the belt tighter till 2023. Something tells me that AW2 will come out closer to the end of the year - Finnish humor! )))
I wish we got a full version of the call, like with the directors.
We need more darling calls. I love how he just yells like he isn't sure you hear him.
Can the bigger mystery be how SWOLE Dr Darling is?!
Free Weight Altered Item he is keeping stashed away
@@GamingUniversityUoG The "20kg Dumbell"
@@GamingUniversityUoG Who do you think can Bench more... Ben SWOLO or Doctor Swole Darling?
I really like this theory, but what if there is more to it. When he talked about flying into the monolith what if he was also referring to the nail which is also a monolith of sorts. We know that resonance based beings can use the nail to invade the astral plane/board, so what if Hedron converted him into a resonance based being so he could use the nail to go to the astral plane which could be where he used the hotline from. Or he could be referring to the oldest house as a whole, because from the outside it look like a huge monolith, dr ash after after spending extended time in The foundation said that he was becoming one with the oldest house, so it Herdron facilitated him becoming one with the oldest house which would explain both his connection to the hotline and the motel since they are all connected
Probability the only one who knows where Darling is.... is the janitor.. Ahti
I can get behind that theory 100%
@@GamingUniversityUoG
But Ahti will only answer in riddle and an partial answered. When he get back from Vacation
man I just love this channel
If I ever met Sam Lake I would probably destroy him with the amount of questions :)
Excellent video! As always.
Thank you so much!
Blown Away.... Only one object was "Blown away" in the Hedron Chamber, if we take THAT statement literally, it's entirely possible Darling Died, AS Hedron, however this is unlikely.
As well, I dispute that Darling ever talked directly to Jesse, the closest he comes to that is the Music Video, and NOT the Hotline, as that gave me the impression of a "General Broadcast", to anyone in the Oldest House that could hear the message. Darling's Hotling Message is a "classified message" for "The Director of the Federal Bureau of Control", suggesting not only he doesn't know who Jesse is, who the current director is, but that he also doesn't know who will receive the message and is phrasing it so that whoever does, doesn't reveal it to any other then "The Director of the Federal Bureau of Control".
It also suggests Darling has an odd perception of what's going on, he knows Hedron is gone, and he needs to send the message, but he doesn't know who he's sending to.
As well, the Office in Executive only exists in Jesse's mindscape House, not in the actual structure (that anyone is aware of, the Oldest house could have rooms that don't exist on certain planes of reality, which makes mapping an even bigger hassle).
I think Darling could perceive Hedron, notice it's death/disappearance, and send the message, but that he is Unaware of events within the House besides presuming the death of Trench.
Darling litterlay sings about Jesse in Dynamite.
He 100% became another form of life.
Reminds me of Ascension in Stargate.
Daniel Jackson was also tutored by Oma Desala to ascend for a while before ascending.
I belive that Darling had something similar happen to him.
Mentioning the Watcher is interesting cause Martin Hatch seems like he could _also_ be a reference to 2001: A Space Odyssey. A caveman who touched soemthing beyond his comprehension and became something more than human...
I really wonder if the actor that plays him just insisted on a shirtless scene because he knew he was buff
Lmao who knows. That would be a great behind the scenes thing though