Thoughts on 'Farscape' Season 1, episodes 1-5
Much to my sister's horror I've become a fan of Farscape over the past week.
I was never able get into it when it first came on. Though filmed in Australia, with a mostly Aussie cast and crew, the show did really poorly here and had a slew of bad timeslots - notably the '7:30PM-on-a-Saturday timeslot of Doooooom' .
Also, back in 1999, I was 12 and going through this huge Star Wars phase where I rejected all other Sci-fi (except Stargate SG-1).
But I've come to realize the greatness that is Farscape, so in the words of Sam Seaborn, let's forget about the fact that I'm a little late to the party and embrace the idea that I showed up at all.
Episode 1 - 'Premiere'
As pilots go, it's pretty damn good. I don't think that it's terribly well shot but that's often the case for pilots - look at House. That one had this weird orange filter that made everything...um orange? (Notable exceptions for well shot pilots include Veronica Mars. That one's beautiful). The CGI is fairly good and it improves as the series continues.
The story is setup well; a lot of the exposition is handled with a confused Crichton asking questions.
The characters are all kinds of awesome. You immediately get a sense of who they are and what they will bring to the group. The only character I have a problem with is Crais - for a bad guy, I don't find him very scary or intimidating.
I really enjoy what we see of John and his father's relationship. I love how Jack is so proud of his geeky son when he's a man of action and action only.
I love the interraction between D'Argo and Zhaan on the command bridge when they are talking about themselves. They have a really great chemistry.
But my OTP for this show is, of course, John Crichton and Aeryn Sun. I love how when they first meet; she kicks his ass. It's awesome. These two have amazing chemistry for actors just acting. I'd rate Kristen Bell and Jason Dohring higher on the chemistry scale but only by a tad.
Normally I really don't go for that 'All-American beef cake' look that Ben Browder has, but the man is smokin'. I seriously can't explain why I have such a crush on him. And Claudia Black is so intimidatingly beautiful. Her's is an interesting and fairly uncommon beauty in the business - her face is very strong. Luckily she has the kickass attitude to go along with it. And with those eyes and that hair - well it makes one very jealous.
My favourite moment in this episode is when Crichton tells Aeryn that she "can be more". It's a really beautiful moment between them and incredibly important for her character. I also think it's fascinating how they are both outsiders on Moya - him because he's from Earth, her because she's the enemy.
Episode 2 - I, E.T.
I liked this episode a lot.
But I have a real problem with the alien planet they visit because it doesn't look very alien to me! I live in bush like that (I live the hills of Perth and have state forest at the end of my street) so I have trouble accepting that the reality of the show (yes I realise that that sounds kinda ridiculous).
Episode 3 - Exodus from Genesis
The first of many 'Aeryn-gets-sick/injurred' episodes.
I really enjoyed this episode. There was character development and I loved the relationship development with John and Aeryn.
Unfortunately for me, this episode features a couple of recognisable Australian guest stars using Aussie accents. It really doesn't help you believe that they are aliens when you recognise him from The Secret Life of Us and her from White Collar Blue.
The two I'm talking about.
Still, I imagine it's only a problem for Aussies like me or do you guys find the Aussie accents distracting too?
Episode 4 - Throne for a loss
I really appreciated the blue forrest in this episode.
Helped me believe they wern't filming this in my backyard.
Stargate SG-1 also did this plot once - arm bands with chemical enhancers. It caused Jack, Daniel and Sam (I don't think that Teal'c got one) to move really fast at will. I can't remember which episode or season though, so I can't tell you which one did it first (Stargate SG-1 would have had at least two seasons, maybe three, by the time this aired).
What I love about this ep is John and Aeryn's bickering. They're really entertaining when they fight. And it's totally hilarious when she punches him out and drags him on her prowler so he'll follow her plan.
Episode 5 - Back and back and back to the future
I like Groundhog Day type episodes, no matter the show because I really enjoy looking at the different realities that could eventuate (The best such episode I've seen is 'Window of Opportunity' on Stargate SG-1).
This one works really well too though I was squicked out by the whole John/Matala stuff because even at this early stage of the show I'm already shipping John and Aeryn like there is no tomorrow.
I love this image.
And I love this little bit of dialogue. The line readings are so perfect.
John: (leaving the room) "I'm just gonna get some air."
Aeryn: (Yelling after him)"We have air in here." (to Zhaan) "What is the matter with him?"
Zhaan: "He is Crichton."
That's all for tonight because I need to get up early in order to go and buy the second season tomorrow!
Images from Farscape Fantasy.
I was never able get into it when it first came on. Though filmed in Australia, with a mostly Aussie cast and crew, the show did really poorly here and had a slew of bad timeslots - notably the '7:30PM-on-a-Saturday timeslot of Doooooom' .
Also, back in 1999, I was 12 and going through this huge Star Wars phase where I rejected all other Sci-fi (except Stargate SG-1).
But I've come to realize the greatness that is Farscape, so in the words of Sam Seaborn, let's forget about the fact that I'm a little late to the party and embrace the idea that I showed up at all.
Episode 1 - 'Premiere'
As pilots go, it's pretty damn good. I don't think that it's terribly well shot but that's often the case for pilots - look at House. That one had this weird orange filter that made everything...um orange? (Notable exceptions for well shot pilots include Veronica Mars. That one's beautiful). The CGI is fairly good and it improves as the series continues.
The story is setup well; a lot of the exposition is handled with a confused Crichton asking questions.
The characters are all kinds of awesome. You immediately get a sense of who they are and what they will bring to the group. The only character I have a problem with is Crais - for a bad guy, I don't find him very scary or intimidating.
I really enjoy what we see of John and his father's relationship. I love how Jack is so proud of his geeky son when he's a man of action and action only.
I love the interraction between D'Argo and Zhaan on the command bridge when they are talking about themselves. They have a really great chemistry.
But my OTP for this show is, of course, John Crichton and Aeryn Sun. I love how when they first meet; she kicks his ass. It's awesome. These two have amazing chemistry for actors just acting. I'd rate Kristen Bell and Jason Dohring higher on the chemistry scale but only by a tad.
Normally I really don't go for that 'All-American beef cake' look that Ben Browder has, but the man is smokin'. I seriously can't explain why I have such a crush on him. And Claudia Black is so intimidatingly beautiful. Her's is an interesting and fairly uncommon beauty in the business - her face is very strong. Luckily she has the kickass attitude to go along with it. And with those eyes and that hair - well it makes one very jealous.
My favourite moment in this episode is when Crichton tells Aeryn that she "can be more". It's a really beautiful moment between them and incredibly important for her character. I also think it's fascinating how they are both outsiders on Moya - him because he's from Earth, her because she's the enemy.
Episode 2 - I, E.T.
I liked this episode a lot.
But I have a real problem with the alien planet they visit because it doesn't look very alien to me! I live in bush like that (I live the hills of Perth and have state forest at the end of my street) so I have trouble accepting that the reality of the show (yes I realise that that sounds kinda ridiculous).
Episode 3 - Exodus from Genesis
The first of many 'Aeryn-gets-sick/injurred' episodes.
I really enjoyed this episode. There was character development and I loved the relationship development with John and Aeryn.
Unfortunately for me, this episode features a couple of recognisable Australian guest stars using Aussie accents. It really doesn't help you believe that they are aliens when you recognise him from The Secret Life of Us and her from White Collar Blue.
The two I'm talking about.
Still, I imagine it's only a problem for Aussies like me or do you guys find the Aussie accents distracting too?
Episode 4 - Throne for a loss
I really appreciated the blue forrest in this episode.
Helped me believe they wern't filming this in my backyard.
Stargate SG-1 also did this plot once - arm bands with chemical enhancers. It caused Jack, Daniel and Sam (I don't think that Teal'c got one) to move really fast at will. I can't remember which episode or season though, so I can't tell you which one did it first (Stargate SG-1 would have had at least two seasons, maybe three, by the time this aired).
What I love about this ep is John and Aeryn's bickering. They're really entertaining when they fight. And it's totally hilarious when she punches him out and drags him on her prowler so he'll follow her plan.
Episode 5 - Back and back and back to the future
I like Groundhog Day type episodes, no matter the show because I really enjoy looking at the different realities that could eventuate (The best such episode I've seen is 'Window of Opportunity' on Stargate SG-1).
This one works really well too though I was squicked out by the whole John/Matala stuff because even at this early stage of the show I'm already shipping John and Aeryn like there is no tomorrow.
I love this image.
And I love this little bit of dialogue. The line readings are so perfect.
John: (leaving the room) "I'm just gonna get some air."
Aeryn: (Yelling after him)"We have air in here." (to Zhaan) "What is the matter with him?"
Zhaan: "He is Crichton."
That's all for tonight because I need to get up early in order to go and buy the second season tomorrow!
Images from Farscape Fantasy.