This article explaining who Tommy Dark is in Fool Me Once contains major spoilers.
Fool Me Once is the latest Harlan Coben adaption for Netflix. Much like the other adaptions of the author’s novels, it is a mystery drama that features a winding plot full of twists and multiple enigmatic characters. It centres on former soldier Maya Stern (Michelle Keegan) and her hunt for answers following the murder and apparent reappearance of her husband Joe Burkett. One character that repeatedly comes up during Maya’s investigation is Tommy Dark. But who is Tommy Dark, exactly?
As Maya searches for the truth, she begins to uncover evidence of a conspiracy involving the Burkett family. Headed by matriarch Judith (Joanna Lumley), the Burketts are hugely wealthy and run a pharmaceutical company.
Early in the series, it becomes apparent that the family are embroiled in some kind of conspiracy. The exact nature of it is unclear, but it involves numerous characters. Some are seen on-screen but others are just mentioned. This can make it difficult for viewers to keep track of everything that’s going on.
Tommy Dark is one such character that is frequently mentioned but not seen on-screen (until he is found dead in a freezer). Therefore, understanding who Tommy Dark is and how he fits into the show’s plot may be confusing. With that being said, let’s break down the character’s role in Fool Me Once and why he is important.
Who is Tommy Dark in Fool Me Once?
Tommy Dark owns a shipping security firm and is a former yacht captain. At the time of the events in Fool Me Once, Tommy has been missing for six weeks.
Dark was being paid by the Burkett family for 26 years. He was approached by Maya’s sister Claire for information about his involvement with the Burketts, however she was unable to recover any information.
In episode 3, Maya visits the shipping port where Tommy’s firm is based. She meets his secretary who informs her that Dark isn’t available for any appointments. The secretary is clearly frustrated. She gives Maya his home address, informs her that she is owed two months pay, and quits her job.
In a later scene, Maya visits Dark’s home address and meets his wife. She tells her that she is seeking information about why the Burketts were paying him £9,000 a month for 26 years. His wife fails to provide any details, claiming his work is confidential.
In episode 4, Maya returns to see Dark’s wife. She informs Maya that she had looked through his files and found evidence of bank transfers from the Burketts. Maya explains that Tommy was taking bribes from the family.
At the end of episode 5, Corey the Whistle and Maya discover Tommy Dark’s body in a freezer with his throat slit. It is revealed at the conclusion of the series that Tommy was, in fact, murdered by Joe Burkett to cover up the death of Joe’s brother Andrew. He also had knowledge of the Burkett’s drug trial fixing through their subsidiary company Lambur Pharma.
Joe had pushed his brother Andrew overboard on a yacht – captained by Tommy – years earlier to conceal the accidental killing of their schoolmate Theo Mora.
For a full explanation of Fool Me Once‘s ending, check out this article.
Did you enjoy Fool Me Once? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other Film & TV articles…
