I can understand the criticism from some regarding the fact that it is just a TV show. The SNL Shatner line was hilarious! LOL. I admit it took the second season to hook me. The series is an epic story. If you catch one or two episodes, its like opening a novel and selecting one or two random chapters. You may be disappointed. You may be confused. I see each episode as a movie rather than a television show. I demand quality and as a result I watch very little television programming. "Sopranos", "Six Feet Under", and "Farscape" comprise the three hours of my weekly TV viewing. The rest of my time is well spent with family and friends.
For those that dislike the Farscape series, I hear and respect your opinion. To each their own. For those who have only seen one or two episodes or those who have not seen the show, I will warn you that each episode is unique. The writers and producers take huge risks to break the mainstream science fiction mold and truly experiment with the character and plot development. The term "plot twist" takes on a whole new meaning here. You never know what to expect from each episode, thus I use the analogy of a roller coaster ride. It has its high points and its low points, but the total ride is a blast. If you like a rich, complex plot with special effects that define true suspension of disbelief, then you might enjoy Farscape.
Here's a list of what I enjoy about Farscape:
Intelligent Writing - Some episodes exercise the grey matter more that others, however, you always have to pay attention. I like that interactive requirement. A few episodes in Season Four have focused exclusively on wormholes and space time. Cool subjects. My favorite episode from the series is 4x11 Unrealized Realities. Like some of Sagan's and Hawking's work, this episode will have you thinking for days.
Pop Culture/Humor - From Willy Wonka elevators to Bill Gates bashing you're guaranteed a hearty laugh. How about the age old problem of using the bathroom in space. Nothing is taboo on this show. Did I mention helium farting aliens that urinate explosive fire? You don't see that everyday.
Intense Emotions/Drama - The series boasts some very intelligent and sexy characters. Some relationships cycle between friendship and love. The two main characters John and Aeryn are truly star-crossed lovers. Their relationship is very complex. The acting required to deliver the emotions resulting from this relationship is extremely demanding. Viewers receive an n-dimensional look at each character as they experience and express the entire spectrum of emotions. Note that the romantic side of the series has drawn a very large female audience. I only see this level of drama and intensity in my other two shows. I personally enjoy the leather clad females that can handle themselves as well as their weapons.
"Authentic" Aliens - The Farscape series received a 2002 Emmy nomination for 'Outstanding Costumes For A Series'. Only a handful of movies have produced costumes and creatures this intricate. An enormous amount of work is placed into constructing what I believe is a true suspension of disbelief. I will reference one species of aliens, the Scarrens, as truly amazing. These characters possess a bullet-proof exoskeleton with a heat gland that can read minds or melt organs. Wicked cool.
"Good" Vs. "Bad" Ambiguity - While the series begins with a defined "hero" and "villain", the characters evolve and blend their traits. The line between good and bad is blurred. You can't easily judge the actions of the characters. You have to really understand their past to interpret the present. The show explores trust and betrayal at many different levels. The series also weighs the act of killing to survive. How much is too much? Many viewers adopt a "lesser of two evils" mentality.
Darkness/Despair - Every episode doesn't have a "happy ending". There is an enormous amount of pain and suffering in the show. Character
Slashdot Mirror
I can understand the criticism from some regarding the fact that it is just a TV show. The SNL Shatner line was hilarious! LOL. I admit it took the second season to hook me. The series is an epic story. If you catch one or two episodes, its like opening a novel and selecting one or two random chapters. You may be disappointed. You may be confused. I see each episode as a movie rather than a television show. I demand quality and as a result I watch very little television programming. "Sopranos", "Six Feet Under", and "Farscape" comprise the three hours of my weekly TV viewing. The rest of my time is well spent with family and friends.
For those that dislike the Farscape series, I hear and respect your opinion. To each their own. For those who have only seen one or two episodes or those who have not seen the show, I will warn you that each episode is unique. The writers and producers take huge risks to break the mainstream science fiction mold and truly experiment with the character and plot development. The term "plot twist" takes on a whole new meaning here. You never know what to expect from each episode, thus I use the analogy of a roller coaster ride. It has its high points and its low points, but the total ride is a blast. If you like a rich, complex plot with special effects that define true suspension of disbelief, then you might enjoy Farscape.
Here's a list of what I enjoy about Farscape:
Intelligent Writing - Some episodes exercise the grey matter more that others, however, you always have to pay attention. I like that interactive requirement. A few episodes in Season Four have focused exclusively on wormholes and space time. Cool subjects. My favorite episode from the series is 4x11 Unrealized Realities. Like some of Sagan's and Hawking's work, this episode will have you thinking for days.
Pop Culture/Humor - From Willy Wonka elevators to Bill Gates bashing you're guaranteed a hearty laugh. How about the age old problem of using the bathroom in space. Nothing is taboo on this show. Did I mention helium farting aliens that urinate explosive fire? You don't see that everyday.
Intense Emotions/Drama - The series boasts some very intelligent and sexy characters. Some relationships cycle between friendship and love. The two main characters John and Aeryn are truly star-crossed lovers. Their relationship is very complex. The acting required to deliver the emotions resulting from this relationship is extremely demanding. Viewers receive an n-dimensional look at each character as they experience and express the entire spectrum of emotions. Note that the romantic side of the series has drawn a very large female audience. I only see this level of drama and intensity in my other two shows. I personally enjoy the leather clad females that can handle themselves as well as their weapons.
"Authentic" Aliens - The Farscape series received a 2002 Emmy nomination for 'Outstanding Costumes For A Series'. Only a handful of movies have produced costumes and creatures this intricate. An enormous amount of work is placed into constructing what I believe is a true suspension of disbelief. I will reference one species of aliens, the Scarrens, as truly amazing. These characters possess a bullet-proof exoskeleton with a heat gland that can read minds or melt organs. Wicked cool.
"Good" Vs. "Bad" Ambiguity - While the series begins with a defined "hero" and "villain", the characters evolve and blend their traits. The line between good and bad is blurred. You can't easily judge the actions of the characters. You have to really understand their past to interpret the present. The show explores trust and betrayal at many different levels. The series also weighs the act of killing to survive. How much is too much? Many viewers adopt a "lesser of two evils" mentality.
Darkness/Despair - Every episode doesn't have a "happy ending". There is an enormous amount of pain and suffering in the show. Character