![Farscape: The Complete Season 1 [DVD]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81HLfVq2S4L._AC_UL160_SR160,160_.jpg)
I was flipping through channels recently and landed smack in the middle of an episode of "Farscape". I had NO idea what was going on,and had never seen the show before, but the gist of the story and the depth of the characters instantly drew me in. I purchased the box set, and I am so glad I did! This is one of the most creative, crazy, addicting Science Fiction shows ever made, and many of the CGI sequences have held up remarkably well.
But it's not the explosions, prosthetic alien makeup, or detailed sets and puppets (Yes, I said puppets, but these ain't your friendly Fraggles) that drive "Farscape"; it is the development and interactions between all the intriguing characters that will hook you. At the crux of the tale is John Crichton, an astronaut who accidentally arrives in a distant region of space after traversing a wormhole. He immediately encounters a ship, a living ship (Think giant space whale) full of prisoners making their escape from a militaristic force called the Peacekeepers. And the space odyssey begins in earnest! Crichton works to simultaneously become accepted and useful to the outcast crew, and his ultimate goal of returning to Earth.
The characters in "Farscape" are not your typical sterile, static Sci-fi batch viewers are use to. They are a flawed, self-serving and pretty violent little band of misfits...but they each have redeeming qualities, and the more you watch them, the more you love them. Each actor takes every opportunity to explore their character's facets, and they do a terrific job. The show is able to be dark and gritty, yet transition to comedic scenes seamlessly. And you really do forget the puppets are puppets. Trust me.
Another aspect of "Farscape" that MUST be mentioned is the romance between Crichton and Aeryn, a former Peacekeeper also stranded about the ship with the prisoners. The relationship that builds between them is so deliciously complicated that I couldn't look away from any of their scenes together, afraid I'd miss some nuance or long look. Seriously torturous! But the kind of torture you sorta like. Ben Browder and Claudia Black have some serious chemistry, and it soooo drove many a "Farscape" story. They made me cry! Like, multiple times. Again, an unusual feat for traditional Science Fiction.
It is a shame that a show this cool was cancelled before its time. I think the writers and actors would've done justice to a 5th season. There are many extras and commentaries that are worth a listen, as are the bloopers. Lastly, if you get this box set and you are a new fan like me, go ahead and get the mini-series "The Peacekeeper Wars." Buy it before you finish the last episode of Season 4, or you're frelled, my friend.
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Top reviews from other countries
Brandon Atkinson
A great series, at an okay price.
Reviewed in Canada on January 9, 2014