Farscape Season 1, Vol. 2 - Exodus from Genesis / Throne for a Loss

Amazon.com

The second volume of episodes from the cult cable science fiction series Farscape finds the motley crew of fugitives still learning to live together, with often fractious results. A swarm of interstellar insects infiltrate Moya in "Exodus from Genesis" and crank up the heat to levels that will prove fatal to Aeryn's heat-sensitive Sebacean system. The heat wave isn't the only thing pushing already flaring tempers, however; the bugs create perfect replicas of the crew to carry out their commands, which lead to some rather interesting clashes. The episode echoes elements of Star Trek's "The Devil in the Dark" and the Next Generation episode "Evolution" (among others), then twists them to fit into the chaotic Farscape universe.

In "Throne for a Loss," the most action-packed and stylishly directed episode to date, a race of mercenary criminals called the Tavleks kidnap the imperious Rygel. Despite the temptation to leave the blustering coward behind, the crew hatches a (typically) half-cooked plan to storm the planet-side prison with the help of a dangerously addictive Tavlek power gauntlet. The adrenaline-pumping, laser-blasting weapon increases the aggressive natures of D'Argo and Aeryn to tyrannical levels but also leads to a quiet connection between the warriors as they recover from the drug's effects and compare notes on their human shipmate: "Just imagine, there's a whole race of Crichtons running around. Think how useless they must be."

Each episode includes footage unseen in the U.S. broadcasts, and the DVD features a profile of Claudia Black's character Aeryn Sun as well as commentary on each episode. Director Brian Henson and costar Virginia Hey (Zhaan) discuss the process of defining and developing their characters in the early episodes on "Exodus from Genesis" and stars Ben Browder and Claudia Black exchange playful repartee for the energetic commentary on "Throne for a Loss." --Sean Axmaker

Description

"Exodus from Genesis": Fortunately, a strange interstellar phenomenon conceals Moya's location from a Peacekeeper marauder. Unfortunately, the phenomenon is a swarm of Drak, insect-like creatures that mysteriously infest Moya. Soon, the space insects begin using the ship as a breeding "host," sending the temperature within Moya skyrocketing--perilously high for Aeryn's heat-sensitive Sebacean system. But the infestation within is nothing compared to danger lurking outside!

"Throne for a Loss": When a cargo negotiation with the bloodthirsty, money-hungry Tavleks turns into a kidnapping, Moya's crew must race against time and tempers to save the abducted Rygel. But a captured Tavlek is no even trade for a wealthy dominar. Crichton, Aeryn, and D'Argo have no choice but to use a dangerously addictive, adrenalin-pumping gauntlet stolen from the Tavleks to save their pompous companion and retrieve the crystal Rygel has stolen that is causing Moya's orbit to decay.

Customer Reviews:

Crichton tries to fit in with his Farscape crew mates.......2003-01-10

I started watching the first season of "Farscape" on DVD without ever having seen the show on television (I knew it was the show with the blue skinned woman and that was about it). My assumption is that nobody is going to come to Volume 2 of Season 1 without having watched Volume 1. Consequently, I get to engage more in commentary than description for this review.

"Exodus from Genesis" is a story designed to have Crichton (Ben Browder) earn the respect of his crewmates. Moya is invaded by aliens who are able to assume the form of the crew. If that is not enough fun a squad of Peacekeepers boards the ship as well. Like the previous episode, "I, E.T.," this is another instance where "Farscape" is getting ahead of itself. Episode 3 is too soon to be doing a story where the actors play reproductions or possessed versions of their characters. We still have so much to learn about these characters, which means details like the problems Aeryn (Claudia Black) has with high temperatures is of more interest than how many copies of Crichton can show up in one room.

"Throne for a Loss" find Rygel kidnapped and held for ransom. Crichton, Aeryn, and D'Argo (Anthony Simcoe) go off to rescue the floating puppet. Their efforts are compromised by the acquisition of a gauntlet, the weapon used by the bad guys. Unfortunately, the gauntlet tends to make its user a bit psychotic, as each of the trio of rescuers discovers. However, Crichton wants to rely on good old human honesty to save the day rather than alien technology. The most interesting part of this episode is back on Moya, when Zhaan (Virginia Hey) is trying to help their prisoner deal with the loss of his gauntlet and the addictive chemicals it provides its user. Of course Zhaan is the most fascinating character on the show and every new revelation about her becomes another piece of the puzzle.

One thing that is already clear to me by this second disc from the first season is that "Farscape" is extremely fan friendly when it comes to putting the episodes out on DVD. First, the episodes contain previously unbroadcast footage, which means all the stuff they cut to show "Farscape" on American television (apparently we have 3-4 minutes more commercials than the rest of the civilized world). Second, all of the episodes feature commentary by a pair of cast and crewmembers: Brian Henson and Virginia Hey on Episode 3 and Ben Browder and Claudia Black on Episode 4. I assume future DVDs will continue to mix and match these people in various combinations. Having two people engage in a conversation works well and all the participants tend to talk about not just the particular episode but also their characters and the series overall.

"Exodus"--3 stars; "Throne"--4 stars.......2002-11-20

"Farscape" has developed into one of the best shows on television. Enjoyment of these early episodes is enhanced by the addition of deleted material and lively commentary. "Escape from Exodus" is an enjoyable story, but far from "Farscape" at its best. The tale of an infestation by space parasites is enlivened by entertaining character interaction, always one of this show's strengths. "Throne for a Loss," on the other hand, is terrific. Rygel, as despicably hilarious as ever, is kidnapped by the Tavleks, a race of warriors who rely on an addictive drug, administered through "power gauntlets," to heighten their power and aggression. To save Rygel, Aeryn, Crichton, and D'Argo all take their turns with the weapon, and the way in which it affects each of them provides interesting and amusing insights into their characters. The way in which Crichton resolves the conflict is perfect.

Thrown for a loop!.......2002-03-13

As a Farscape 'fledgling' (always seem to get into shows in the second season) I'm enthralled with this series.

Exodus from Genesis explores the developing relationships between the ship's crew during a crisis on Moya. It painfully lets us experience how totally inept poor Crichton feels by being thrust into the alien universe in which he finds himself. Beatuiful acting on the part of Claudia and Virginia in many scenes, interspersed with some amusing segments in spite of the seriousness of the situations they encounter.

Throne for a Loss depicts Rigel at his best and worst. Gives a keen insight into his more sinister traits. I had no difficulty understanding why the crew were (a little) tempted to leave him planetside after his abduction.

The extras on the DVD were wonderful and the commentaries thoroughly enjoyable.

Terrific Treat for SF Fans!.......2002-02-23

One of the strengths of good sf on television is that it takes the characters and basic elements of its "universe" and adds to and develops them. FARSCAPE is no exception to this rule, and does it quite wonderfully in this pair of episodes.

"Exodus From Genesis" is about a bug infestation on Moya, and the surprising truth of what is behind it. With a commentary track version of the episode by Brian Henson and Virginia Hey, the episode has some very good character interaction, and the extra footage on the disc presents some rather intriguing material for fans of Zhaan. Solid episode, good story, with some neat visual effects.

"Throne for a Loss" is an episode that deals with an attempt on Moya's crew to trade with beings called Tavleks that takes an unexpected turn when Rygel is kidnapped for ransom. Excellent sense of humour in this episode with some great lines from various cast members, and the extra footage here makes the episode worthwhile. However, when one adds the commentary track with Ben Browder and Claudia Black, one has an episode version that offers all kinds of insights into the episode and how it was made (among other subjects discussed by the two actors).

Overall, a marvellous DVD and well worth adding to any collection of sf discs - but even better that it's a FARSCAPE one!

Nice episodes, great extras.......2001-09-10

I admit it--I came a bit late to the Farscape party. But ever since my jump into the series during the mid-point of season two, I've been hooked. So, I'm delighed that the entire series is coming on DVD and giving a relatively new fan like myself a chance to catch up on the early days in the Uncharted Territories.

And this DVD contains one of my favorite episodes from the first six or so and then one that's pretty darn good. The "pretty darn good one" is Exodus from Genesis which features parasites who feed on Moya. The story works because it does what Farscape does best--takes an old sci-fi convention and gives it a new spin. There's also some character development along the way, which is always a good thing.

The second episode is one of my personal favorites--"Throne for a Loss." Rygel is kidnapped by the Tavleks, who think he's a high-ranking offical that Moya's crew will pay generously to have returned to them. The premise of the episode works well and it's interesting to see the character relationships begin to grow and gel a bit. But the highlight of the story is that while the situation is serious, there is still some great humor thrown in. It's Farscape in the finest tradition--intelligent, witty and fun. Definitely worth seeing--even if you're not a Farscape fan.

What throws this DVD other the top though is the extras. Both episodes include commentaries that really help the episodes become more interesting. The commentary on Throne for a Loss is a hoot, featuring series stars Ben Browder (Crichton) and Claudia Black (Aeryn). There's an infectous energy in the the commentary that carries over to the episode and helps give some now insights into the series and its early days.

Amazon.com

Farscape is genre television at its most ambitious, inspired both by the cult appeal of Babylon 5 and the continuing success of the Star Trek franchise, but taking a visual and conceptual leap beyond those shows. Making extensive use of CGI, prosthetics, and state-of-the-art puppetry, courtesy of Jim Henson's Creature Shop, the Farscape concept has a freshness that makes it look and feel completely original.

After the nail-biting cliffhanger at the end of the first season, the second season gets off to a shaky start in "Mind the Baby," as all the loose plot ends have to be gathered and resolved. Crais apparently has a change of heart, and Scorpius takes his place as Crichton's new nemesis. In "Vitas Mortis," D'Argo falls for a lonely Luxan, with catastrophic and barely plausible results for Moya. "Taking the Stone" showcases Chiana's grief in an episode that manages to be even more confusing. Fortunately by the fourth episode, "Crackers Don't Matter," the show has really hit its stride once again: the crew slowly succumbs to a state of paranoia-fuelled madness, fighting and trying to kill one another thanks to the presence of an odd light-seeking alien. Crichton has a string of great lines ("I hate it when villains quote Shakespeare") and a lot of fun doing an impersonation of Jack Nicholson in The Shining. --Mark Walker

Description

Determined to avoid the villainous Scorpius's pursuit after the destruction of the Peacekeeper Gammak base, Moya--the sentient Leviathan spaceship that serves as home and transport for Crichton, Aeryn, D'Argo, and the rest of the crew--is forced to abandon her newborn offspring, Talyn, to the devious Peacekeeper, Crais, so that she and her crew can safely navigate the Uncharted Territories of space. As they traverse the galaxy in their quest for a way to their respective home worlds, Moya's crew must deal with the consequences of her decision, as well as encounter many hostile aliens and the dangers they present. Episodes: Mind the Baby, Vitas Mortis, Taking the Stone, Crackers Don't Matter.

Customer Reviews:

Great show, but buy the boxed sets instead.......2007-08-30

If you have never heard of Farscape, I'm sorry- it is one of the best Sci-Fi shows ever. It is as simple as that. However, there are plenty of places for you to hear reviews about the show and even these specific episodes so my 4 out of 5 rating is based only on this specific volume of DVDs. To be clear, I'd give Farscape the series 10 stars out of 5.

However, since these "mini" sets are ~$20 each (times 5 for a season) you'd be better off buying the complete Season Two boxed set (Farscape - The Complete Second Season) for about $80.

If you are not yet a fan (and trust me, you will be) and are just looking to get your feet wet, you might look to one of the other individual sets. While "Crackers Don't Matter" is one of my favourite episodes, if I were making a top ten list for Farscape, the other episodes in this volume wouldn't make the cut.

Season 2 gets off to a slow start.......2006-09-04

This disc features two good episodes, but the overall quality is brought down by a couple of clinkers. "Mind the Baby" resolves the first season cliffhangers and gives the renegade commander Crais (Lani Tupu) command of Moya's offspring Talon, the only Leviathan armed with Peacekeeper weapons, setting the stage for some great future episodes. "Crackers Don't Matter" features a creepy alien (Danny Adcock) attempting to take over Moya, but the real fun comes from watching the cast overcome with suspicion of each other and Crichton (Ben Browder) trying to get them to cooperate despite his own burgeoning paranoia.

On the other hand, this set of episodes is hampered by "Vitas Mortis," which at least has the saving grace of offering a glimpse behind the scenes of Luxon culture, and "Taking the Stone," a messy story about a daredevil youth culture on a cemetary planet.

Great show, but not the best showing.......2003-05-14

Now - I love Farscape. I came into the show late in the game, but it has quickly joined my list of classics...a show not to be missed and now, after it's cancellation, to be mourned.

Knowing this, I must say that this set is not Farscape's best showing. So, if a new fan - don't start here....actually, start in Season 1, episode 1. It's imperative!

The redeeming feature of this set is the episode "Crackers Don't Matter." It *might* be my favorite Farscape episode of all time. The paranoia/hysteria are hysterical and chilling....and it sets up the Scorpius arc for the remainder of the season. This episode, at least, is not to be missed!

A rather disorienting start to Season 2 of "Farscape".......2003-05-13

Season 1 of "Farscape" ended with as many cliffhangers as they could cram into the season finale. We had Crichton (Ben Browder) and D'Argo (Anthony Simcoe) floating in space; Moya new born baby boy turns out to have built-in Peacekeeper technology, which thrills Captain Crais (Lani John Tupu); Aeryn (Claudia Black) in a Prowler hiding from Scorpius (Wayne Pygram); and Moya starbursts away with Zhaan (Virginia Hey), Chiana (Gigi Edgley), and Rigel. To be fair, there was no "To Be Continued" announcement for that season finale, probably because the fate of the show was still up in the air, but with the "Farscape" crew scattered to the winds of space there was a sense of anticipation as to how they were going to get out of their respective messes.

That is why "Mind the Baby" is such a great disappointment. When I started watching the episode I thought I had the wrong one in the machine because suddenly Crichton and D'Argo are no longer in space. They must have saved a small fortune not having to do the special effects to show how this happened, but it comes across as a cheat to me. It really go the whole episode off on the wrong foot for me and every new revelation as to how things would be different in Season 2 ended up being met with skepticism. I liked the second episode, "Vitas Mortis" a lot better, which is rather ironic because the story has absolutely nothing to do with any of the new plot elements that were just established. D'Argo meets up with another Luxan, a Orican (holy woman) named Nilaam, who wants him to attend to her death. However, their association has unexpected consequences, both for the two Luxans and for Moya. This look at Luxan culture is rather brief, but it does give D'Argo some new depth to go along with the dark skin colors he picked up floating around in space between the first two seasons. After all the new information thrown at us in the previous episode, a character study of one of Moya's crew other than Crichton stands us in good stead.

Chiana takes center stage in "Taking the Stone," when she is driven by grief to visit a Royal Cemetary planet where she joins a group of decadent youngsters who engage in ritualistic jumping off of cliffs to test death. The group is led by Molon (Anthony Hayes), who has even more disdain for the visitors than he does for his own people. Meanwhile, Crichton is trying to convince Chiana not to "take the stone." This episode reminds me of the "Star Trek" episode "Miri," although Chaina provides it with much more emotional depth. "Crackers Don't Matter" is one of those episodes where the characters are driven semi-insane by alien forces and the actors get to cut loose (the cunning Pilot was my favorite). Behind it all is Traltixx (Danny Adcock), who was called in to help make Moya undetectable to sensors and instead is making her walls glow. However, it is only the fourth episode of the second season, so why would the cast need a change of pace episode already?

The DVD extras are pretty much a mixed bag, especially after the above average batch of additives from the first season set. There is a character backstory on John Crichton and an actor biography of Ben Browder, but they are both text pages that you have to flip through rather than filmed featurettes; they are also rather brief. There is a commentary track on "Crackers Don't Matter," which is mostly actress Claudia Black interviewing director Ian Watson about his craft in general. There are several deleted scenes just for something different this time around and more pages offering a look at the alien encounter with Nilaam and some conceptual drawings, including nice costume drawings for Nilamm. Finally, there is the Farscape Dictionary of alien slang so you can know what "blez," "frodank," and "loomas" mean. So these end up being rather average episodes of "Farscape," although obvious the season premiere is setting the stage for what is to come. I am sure we all had our problems with some of the new directions the show is taking at this point (Talon's choice for the big "honor" totally rubs me the wrong way), but judgment should be reserved until we see what the show does with them.

A great show.......2002-10-03

I love Farscape, and this collection has some fascinating episodes. I don't know what the fuss is about over the special features; THEY ARE GREAT! Some of them are text, sure, but they are interesting. As for there being few deleted scenes...if were loads of deleted scenes, wouldn't that indicate a problem with the show's direction (wasting money)? Farscape is one of the best directed and best acted shows in sci-fi. Few deleted scenes means everybody's doing a good job! I checked out the website for the British DVDs a couple of people have mentioned. I think it's a case of "the grass is always greener." The British and American releases look awfully similar to me! HOORAY FOR FARSCAPE!!

Average customer rating:

one of the best of a great series
Wonderful ending of the second season!
Fun show
What a sad loss...
New Fans Be Warned

Farscape Season 2, Vol. 5
Director: Tony Tilse , Geoff Bennett (II) , and Ian Watson (II)
Manufacturer: Adv Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00007M5JG
Release Date: 2003-02-25

Amazon.com

There isn't a sci-fi show on TV that has done more with less than Farscape, the adventures of a motley band of fugitives in a mercenary universe, and the second season of this unpredictable series races to a breathless climax in this five-episode collection. After escaping the clutches of mind-cops in "A Clockwork Nebari," the crew of Moya steel themselves to free the son of warrior D'Argo from slavery in the thrilling three-part "Liars, Guns, and Money." They launch both an elaborate heist of and a Dirty Dozen-like commando raid on the most impregnable vault in the galaxy (run by a sadistic, eye-collecting lizard woman who could be an Alien pinup), while all-American boy John Crichton goes schizophrenic as visions of the show's cadaverous über-villain Scorpius dance in his head. The action-packed, high-powered trilogy is followed by "Die Me, Dichotomy," a cliffhanger finale that tips Crichton's increasingly precarious identity over the cliff. The hostile alien worlds, organic designs, and dark, textured sets are among the most creative on TV, and the dynamic, densely plotted story line approaches epic proportions. It remains a high water mark of the series.

Be aware that, to fit the trilogy "Liars, Guns, and Money" on a single disc, the episodes are presented out of order. The two-disc set also includes deleted scenes, featurettes on actress Gigi Edgley and her wild-child character Chiana, as well as galleries of art, stills, and definitions. --Sean Axmaker

Description

Farscape: Season Two Volume 2.5 episodes: "A CLOCKWORK NEBARI" A brainwashed Aeryn and Rygel return from a Commerce Planet with a surprise for Chiana-two fellow Nebari to take her home and "mind cleanse" her as well. Chiana learns her brother, Nerri is still alive and now the head of the Nebari resistance movement.

"LIARS, GUNS AND MONEY-PART I: A NOT SO SIMPLE PLAN" A plan to steal loot to buy D'Argo's son Jothee from the Slave Traders goes terribly wrong when D'Argo is captured in the heist. The crew's attempt to rescue him is complicated by the arrival of Crichton's nemesis Scorpius.

"LIARS, GUNS AND MONEY PART II: WITH FRIENDS LIKE THESE..." Scorpius wants to make a deal: D'Argo's son in exchange for Crichton. A plan to use the stolen loot to hire old foes and rescue Jothee makes sense, until it is discovered that the valuable ingots are actually alive... and eating Moya!

"LIARS, GUNS AND MONEY PART III: PLAN B" No money. Angry mercenaries. An injured Moya. And Crichton in the hands of Scorpius! Only an all-out assault has any chance of rescuing him. But even if Aeryn's plan succeeds, can Crichton rescue his own mind from Scorpius?

"DIE ME, DICHOTOMY" The neural chip Scorpius put in Crichton's brain finally takes over, turning him against our crew. Aeryn is forced into a deadly confrontation with Crichton/Scorpius that only one will survive.

Customer Reviews:

one of the best of a great series.......2006-03-16

Farscape is about ten lightyears beyond any other scifi series out there in terms of plot, depth of characters, tension, humor, creatures, production values, or anything else you can think of. Start watching from the very beginning, but rest assured: The "Liars, Guns and Money" trilogy on this set is one of the highlights of the entire series.

Wonderful ending of the second season!.......2003-07-28

The last five episodes of the second season are truly wonderful. A great story line and set supported by wonderful performances really hook you for the third season. One simply needs to know how things turn out. I am truly impressed with the quality and scope of Farscape. If you have not watched the show yet you should go back to the very beginning of the first season and watch all the episodes. It is a great story! As mentioned in a review below you should make sure to watch the second episode on the FIRST DVD last (the episodes are out of order). Outstanding show! Shame on the Sci-Fi channel for cancelling this creative work.

Fun show.......2003-03-29

Very entertaining show. These are some of the best episodes of the second season.

What a sad loss..........2003-03-25

I remember starting a thread on the farscape newsgroup about how I worried that the series would end up cancelled much as Babylon5 was. Alas, here is a dvd set that shows what a tragedy it is. If this is the first Farscape you have read reviews about-
My feelings toward this show are best summed up by the feeling that I actually care what happens to each of the characters. It is as though they are my friends. It is said that the Henson group planned a 5-season story arc, One can only hope they'll manage to do a movie or two to finish it.

New Fans Be Warned.......2003-03-02

I started watching Farscape into the fourth season....my son finally conviced me to watch it. A little ironic isn't it, since it has been cancelled!
So...I have been buying all the dvds and going back to the beginning. I have enjoyed every episode, even though I know about some of the future. Now to my warning...for people like me, trying to watch the show from the beginning, and for people like me who just purchase without always reading amazon comments, BE WARNED that the episodes are out of order on this dvd set. I watched the final episode of the set, which is on the first dvd, and boy was I confused. I went to a web site that lists all the episodes and of course, I figured out what had happened. So, buy these, enjoy them, but do it in order!!!

Average customer rating:

A mixed bag
Essential farscape
Things start to get more interesting for Moya's crew
A Great Season - A Limited DVD
In a nutshell, the show is different this season

Farscape Season 2, Vol. 2
Director: Tony Tilse , Geoff Bennett (II) , and Ian Watson (II)
Manufacturer: Adv Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B00006FD8T
Release Date: 2002-08-27

Amazon.com

The second season of Farscape expands upon and develops the characters introduced in the ambitious first season. John Crichton's new nemesis is the deadly Scorpius, replacing Crais, who has taken the living ship Moya's offspring on a voyage into the unknown. Moya's regular crew--Aeryn, Zhaan, Chiana, D'Argo, and Rygel--remain as divided and suspicious of each other as ever, yet somehow manage to pull together at times of crisis. After revelations about Pilot's introduction to Moya in "The Way We Weren't," the writers continue to exploit the show's gift for surprising as well as emotionally convincing character development. In "Picture If You Will," an old enemy returns with a truly bizarre and barely comprehensible scheme to imprison Moya's crew inside a picture (shades of Dorian Gray, maybe?). "Home on the Remains" has a contrived plot that harks right back to classic Star Trek, with Crichton even quoting Jim Kirk (the highlight, though, is Zhaan's transformation, which gives a whole new meaning to hay fever). "Dream a Little Dream" plays around with the crew's perceptions of reality in a curious flashback episode set in between the first and second season, as Zhaan is put on trial for murder on a dystopian planet run by lawyers. --Mark Walker

Customer Reviews:

A mixed bag.......2007-04-14

"The Way We Weren't," in which we learn that Aeryn (Claudia Black) was part of the Peacekeeper crew that killed Moya's original pilot to make room for the new one, is one of Farscape's best episodes, deepening the backstories of two key characters and intensifying dramatic tension among the crew. "Picture If You Will" features the return of an old enemy. Although the surprise villain is worthy of a return and the finale is satisfying, most of the episode is unfocused and dull. "Home on the Remains" has the crew of Moya visiting the carcass of a giant space-dwelling creature, where miners search for precious minerals. This episode was one of Farscape's more outrageous premises and features some very clumsy effects. It didn't quite work for me. However, "Dream a Little Dream" ends things on a high note. This episode flashes back to a time between the first season cliffhanger and the second season premiere, when Crichton (Ben Browder), Aeryn, and D'Argo (Anthony Simcoe) were thought to be dead. When Zhaan (Virginia Hey) is framed for murder, Chiana (Gigi Edgley) and Rygel are her only hope for a legal defense. Without acting out of character, they do well even though they are completely out of their league. The writers cheat a little at the end with some unlikely technical razzle dazzle, but it remains a very enjoyable episode.

Essential farscape.......2004-09-15

This volume posses what is in my opinion the best episodes of the series. "The Way we weren't" is crucial to the development on Aeryn's relationship with Crihton. It is also one of the most effective episodes in showing what Aeryn was before Moya. It lets us know that Aeryn's transformation is not spontaneous, despite her betrayal. We see peace keepers as something other than space nazi's and learn they are far more human than given credit.

Things start to get more interesting for Moya's crew.......2003-06-24

It quickly became clear during the premier season of "Farscape" that the default mode for the show was to have stranded Earthling John Crichton (Ben Browder) save the day at the end of each episode. That is why I appreciate that this collection of early episodes from Season 2 of "Farscape" makes an effort to break that mode:

"The Way We Weren't" drops a bombshell on Moya's crew when Chiana (Gigi Edgley) digs up an old datacam tape showing that several years earlier Captain Crais (Lani Tupu) showed up and had his Peacekeepers kill the ship's original pilot. But the bigger shock is that Aeryn (Claudia Black) was one of the members of the firing squad. Except for Crichton, the rest of the crew are suddenly doubting Aeryn, but it is Pilot (voiced by Lani Tupu) who suddenly wants the former Peacekeeper dead. This episode certainly offers higher drama than we have seen before on the series, and apparently the reason behind Crais killing that pilot had something to do with Moya's pregnancy (to be continued?).

"Picture If You Will" has Chiana returning from a Trader's ship with a picture whose image keeps magically changing. Functioning as a "window in time," it shows a future that becomes real, including the deaths of D'Argo (Anthony Simcoe) and Chiana. This time it is Zhaan (Virginia Hey) who learns the secret of the picture's origin and while it is indeed Crichton who has to save the day, it is totally appropriate given the identity of the villain.

"Home on the Remains" finds Moya's crew starving. However, Zhaan gets the worst of it, with his body sprouting buds that emit a toxic pollen. Aeryn stays behind while the rest of the crew head for a mining colony on the giant carcass of a Budong to get help from some old friends. Of course, there are a few complications at that end while Zhaan becomes convinced she has to kill Aeryn to save her life. We also have some movement on a possible romantic front apart from Crichton and Aeryn.

"Dream a Little Dream" is the episode that finally gets us back to what happened in between the end of the first season and the start of the second when Moya StarBurst from the Gammak Base leaving Crichton, Aeryn, and D'Argo behind. Overwhelmed by nightmares of guilt, Zhaan tells Crichton what happened during that time, when Zhaan was framed for murder on Litigara, a planet where 90% of the citizens are lawyers. However, that comic aspect (and the fact that Chiana and Rygel) get to be her defense counsel) has nothing to do with the torture Zhaan is going through in this episode because of her guilt.

The tally at the end of the day is that we have one classic "Farscape" episode, another great episode, and two above average efforts (in that order). On balance, this is the best collection of four episodes to date. Yes, it pretty much ignores the whole Crais has Talon development that was part of the explosive climax of the first season, but pretty much that is what you find to be the case in most of the second season episodes to this point.

A Great Season - A Limited DVD.......2003-06-10

SciFi 's (hereafter 'Skiffy') quixotic post-cancellation rerun schedule has forced die-hard "Farscape" fans to invest in sets of DVDs. Unfortunately, the kind of static, text-only "extras" ADV includes do little justice to the series. Rumor has it that the fans have been heard and Season Three's set has significantly improved.

Having said that, the move by Skiffy executives to scuttle the show after Season Four's cliffhanger is made more incomprehensible with each viewing of the previous seasons. Even the minor episodes contain multi-faceted character development - most startling in Henson Creature Shop's Rygel - and layered writing. In spite of the flaws in ADV's presentation, this set is well worth owning - and certainly provides a more convenient viewing atmosphere than the present midnight rerun madness.

In a nutshell, the show is different this season.......2002-10-06

Forgive me fans, but farscape loses me somewhat in the second season. It just gets a little slow and introspective, something irritates me about it. Maybe it's the constant love friction with Aerin and Crighton, it bores me. That warrior guy finds his soft side and things just don't always seem to make sense anymore. I'm constantly thinking "how is that possible?" because it isn't. They are playing on my imagination skills to float their loose stories. For instance, Crighton is frozen into a lead statue (where he is still alive - only unanimated), then enemies chop off his head with a laser torch and drop it in acid to ensure its destruction (and of course it is not). What happens? It FLOATS. A bowling ball size piece of lead floats. In another scene, Crighton actually flies through space WITH NO SPACESUIT to escape an explosion, lands on another craft and enters it. He's a bit choked up, but the cold vacuum of space should have insta-froze his body and shattered it in a billion pieces when he collided with the other craft. There are holes and assumptions in the stories "larger picture" as well. Just overall not that great. If your a fan, go ahead, but if not, I wouldn't make this a first Farscape venture. There is a great "Best of Season 1" collection that will give you plenty to chew on.

Farscape Season 3, Vols. 3 & 4 (aka Vol. 3.2)

Average customer rating:

I LOVE FARSCAPE!
starts to pick up again in season 3
What a disappointment!! What are they thinking??
Ben Browder Commentary on Green Eyed Monster
Double Your Fun!

Farscape Season 3, Vols. 3 & 4 (aka Vol. 3.2)
Director: Tony Tilse , Geoff Bennett (II) , and Ian Watson (II)
Manufacturer: Adv Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00008OTTE
Release Date: 2003-05-20

Description

Farscape Season Three: second release episodes "... Different Destinations" (Episode 305) While at a Peacekeeper memorial, Crichton and the crew are pulled back in time into a great siege between Peacekeepers and the Venek Horde. As they try to stay alive and get back to their own time, they realize that every action changes the course of history-with devastating effects on the future. "Eat Me" (Episode 306) Their Transport Pod damaged, Crichton, Chiana, D'Argo and Jool are forced to land on an old, diseased Leviathan in a Peacekeeper Control Collar. Their fears of running into Peacekeepers are soon replaced by terrifyingly real foes: mutant scavengers... and Kaarvok, a madman with an horrific taste for brain matter.

"Thanks For Sharing" (Episode 307) Crichton has been duplicated into two identical Crichtons. Moya's crew, trying to buy a healing agent for the injured gunship Talyn, become embroiled in a planet's deadly politics. Meanwhile, Aeryn discovers that her own mother is leading the Peacekeeper Retrieval Squad sent to recapture Talyn.

"Green Eyed Monster" (Episode 308) When Talyn is swallowed by a giant Budong, Crais' neural connection to Talyn malfunctions, and he asks Aeryn to help him control the hybrid gunship. Warily avoiding the Budong in a Transport Pod, Stark and Rygel come up with a way for Talyn to escape, but Crichton's jealousy complicates the plan...

"Losing Time" (Episode 309) After passing through a magnetic cluster, the crew experiences blackouts and periods of lost time. They discover that Pilot has been possessed by a strange being. The being inside Pilot warns our crew that an evil "Energy Rider" inhabits one of them, and if that person isn't found-and the Rider extracted-the crew will all die.

Customer Reviews:

I LOVE FARSCAPE!.......2003-07-20

I have yet to find an episode of Farscape that I don't enjoy. There are some really great ones, but all of them are good.

I recommend Farscape to everyone!
SAVE FARSCAPE!

starts to pick up again in season 3.......2003-06-04

3.1 and 3.2 are both quality boxes and the show seems to be pulling me in again (like the first season did), with more "space scenes" and some darker episodes with more battles. The stories seem to be a little more cohesive this season as well with less holes. There were a few in season 2 along with a couple bores. Also, there are more edible stand-alone stories (especially in 3.2).

Kreis is becoming a good character, Scorpius got a little old (and confusing) though sometimes his character is interesting and complicated enough to draw me in. I'm not sure why, but the absence of Zhan may be a good thing. Aeryn is so effin hot, her straps carried the show for me at times, and the leather pants are Millimeters lower this season. yeehaw.

What a disappointment!! What are they thinking??.......2003-05-26

One of the big attractions of the Farscape series has been the imaginative plots and the off-beat characters. But it seems that TV Sci-Fi is always destined to follow the failings of that Grand Mother of Them ALL (Star Trek) which only lasted a few seasons, let us not forget. The series is descending into shoot-em-ups, stuff that's been done (being swallowed up by a cave-like monster - now what movie did I see that in?), and sadomasichism (Eat Me is revolting).

In the 'What Are They Thinking Of' department the award goes to substituting JOOL (a truly annoying character that can get vaporized at any time as far as I am concerned - she rates in there with Jar-Jar) for ZHAAN (a wonderful creation who balanced off the craziness of the others and kept the series from what it is heading for now ).

Will they never learn? I am not surprised to hear that the series is headed for cancellation. From now on I'll rent it out of curiosity, but I'm probably not going to watch it more than once. My advice: If you're not sure, rent it first from Netflix.

Ben Browder Commentary on Green Eyed Monster.......2003-05-26

Although it is not listed here on Amazon, or even on the back of the DVD case, on the episode "Green Eyed Monster" (the episode which star Ben Browder wrote) there is an audio commentary track with Ben Browder as well as the director of the episode Tony Tilse. Ben gives insights into his ideas behind the episode, as well as many behind-the-scenes hints about not only this episode but upcoming ones as well.

(The powers-that-be on the show were so impressed with Ben Browder's writing on this ep that he was asked to write another episode, which will be coming up in season 4, called "John Quixote")

I would buy this DVD without any extras, as this series is so fantastic. However, as I am something of a "commentary junkie", I wanted to pass on the info to the other Amazon customers.

Double Your Fun!.......2003-05-12

The makers of Farscape, not afraid to take chances, truly had outdone themselves. Fresh after losing a beloved character (Zhaan) and gaining a new passenger aboard Moya (Jool), David Kemper and the writers keep the surprises coming. Like a boxer delivering a flurry of punches to a dazzed opponent, the viewer is constantly being rocked by pleasantly surprising (sometimes uncomfortable too) storylines.

Different Destinations: Has a bit of a Star Trek feel to it, as John, Areyn & Jool are visting a memorial, are somehow transported into the past. They find themselves in the time which the memorial was dedicated. In a small Peacekeeper settlement surrounded and out numbered by the Venek horde. Unsure how to get back and trying to help the beleagured settlement, their actions are changing past and present times.
A solid episode if not spectacular episode, though the performances are, as usual, quite good.

Eat Me: Crichton, D'Argo, Chianna, & Jool in their damaged transport pod are trying to return to Moya, find another Leviathon. Hoping to find the parts necessary to repair the pod they take a chance and land. What they find aboard is truly disturbing. A very good episode that is quite scary by Farscape standards, with an ending that is amusing, confusing and leaves you wondering where the hell are they gonna go with this idea?

Thanks For Sharing: Moya catches up with Talyn only to find him badly damaged from an attack by a Peacekeeper retrieval unit. Moya's crew goes to a nearby planet trying to obtain supplies to help heal Talyn's wounds. What they find is political intrigue and the identity of the Captain leading the retrieval unit after Talyn & Crais. Another suprise that leaves the viewer with several questions and anxiously awaiting for the answers. A solid episode that is the foundation, along with "Eat Me", for the rest of season 3.

Note: The last two episodes on this disc, the crew is seperated into two groups. One group stays aboard Moya while the other joins Crais aboard Talyn.

Green Eyed Monster: The first episode written by Ben Browder, starts with the gunship, Talyn, and it's crew of Crais, Areyn, and Crichton encontering a live Budong. For those not in the know, a Budong is sort of a giant space whale. Before they can react, Talyn is swallowed whole by this huge creature. Meanwhile, Rygel and Stark are in a transport pod heading to a rondezvous with Talyn. They only find the Budong, which Stark correctly surmised, has Talyn within it. The real meat of the story is the character development between Crais, John, Areyn - and yes - Talyn. Lani Tapu as Crais especially shines in this episode. One of the best episodes of the 3rd season.

Losing Time: A form of energy gets aboard Moya and finds refuge within the body of one of the crew. Shortly afterwards, another energy being comes and enters Pilot's body. This being informs the crew that one of them is being controlled by an energy rider, a criminal that must be stopped. The being within Pilot has been hunting it and asks for help in capturing it. This episode was the least remarkable one by Farscape standards, meaning well above average by normal TV standards.

Description

"Season of Death" (Episode 301) Although Scorpius' neural chip has been removed, Crichton feels he has no reason to live - Aeryn is dead, his power of speech is gone, and the Scorpy clone remains in his mind. What's more, the crew of Moya discover they have more than just Crichton and Scorpius to deal with... lurking in the Medical Facility is a murderous Scarran.

"Suns and Lovers" (Episode 302) Eager to spend currency from the Shadow Depository heist, the crew of Moya head to a Commerce Station. When the station is severely damaged by sudden violent storms, Moya becomes ensnared in the docking cables. As it becomes clear that the storms are not natural phenomena, and the crew looks to escape, D'Argo learns that Chiana has betrayed him.

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