Farscape "Terra Firma" 1-18-03 (Spoilers)

[John Crichton]

Just watched the latest Farscape ep, Terra Firma. Last week, we got Crichton on Earth in the 80's and ended with a cliffhanger.

I'm not really going to go into details about the episode because it really needs to be seen. Let me just say that I loved the way the writers used 9-11. It was tasteful and made a statement. But it did not impose anything upon the viewer and showed the power of trust, family and humanity. That and I didn't see it coming. I didn't lose anyone in the tragedy of that day, but it effected me just like it did everyone else and I was glad to see the show address it. I dunno, I can't put it into words but it felt right the way they handled it.

I digress.

I was happy to see the show get back to the Crichton/Aeryn situation. Even though they danced around it a bit, I'm glad they are starting to address their relationship again. Browder and Black rocked all their scenes. She is vulnerable and while still strong while he is determined but scared for the people he loves. Great stuff.

And the big thing (plotwise) this week: This episode is what Farscape is all about and has been building to - John's desire to return home vs. his responsibility to defend his home with his life. Coupled with the ongoing romantic struggles of Crichton and Aeryn of course. It was very sobering to see John on Earth and dealing with all the people he has been wanting to return to for years. And the realization that he can't get too close because he has to leave soon was well played.

As I'm watching I want to scream at the TV. The writers need a 5th season to finish this thing off. 9 episodes is not enough time. And it's getting good again. Maybe too late.

 

[Psychotic Dreamer]

I agree this was another great episode. Well written and acted. The characters feel right this season (or this half of the season, whatever it is). So far the first two episodes have gotten back to the general feel of how Farscape should be.

I also thought how they refernced 9-11 was very well done.

 

[Purple]

I was really glad to see this episode as well. I didn't like Kansas much when I saw it last week, but I'm not sure if it was the episode, or the fact that, knowing that the show has already been cancled and nothing will be resolved, is what made it not work for me.

This one, however, was everything that I like in Farscape. Well, not enough of Crichton and Dargo together, but just about everything else. I hope the rest of the season is up to this high level.

-Purple

 

[Mallus]

Wasn't it great...

I was lucky {or underhanded}. I got to watch both Kansas and Terra Firma back-to-back last week {1 ep. broadcast, 1 ep. downloaded}.

While I enjoyed Kansas, I was little disappointed that it was another anti-contact story where through the time-honored time-travel cliche of "we can't change the past, well, only a little", Crichton and co. basically have to sneak around on Earth and not directly and openly interact with the world.

And then came "Terra Firma", a full-fledged first contact story that totally changes the history of the Earth in the Farscape universe. Its almost as if the writers were lulling the audience into a false sense of security with "Kansas". Then, bang! This is the big, bold kind of plotting that I like. And what's better, its essentially a very personal story of John and his family and John and Aeryn.

Great stuff. And a fine example of the benefits of seriel storylines. Where one episode --in a host of ways-- sets up the dramatic payoff in the next {or farther down the line}.

 

[John Crichton]

Re: Wasn't it great...

I was lucky {or underhanded}. I got to watch both Kansas and Terra Firma back-to-back last week {1 ep. broadcast, 1 ep. downloaded}.

You should probably refrain from admitting the download of television broadcasts. It (believe it or not) is illegal and can get the owner of this site in trouble. Just a friendly heads up...

 

[Mallus]

Re: Re: Wasn't it great...

You should probably refrain from admitting the download of television broadcasts. It (believe it or not) is illegal and can get the owner of this site in trouble. Just a friendly heads up...

Thanks for the heads-up. To be completely honest {and completely ignorant}, I had no idea.

 

[John Crichton]

Re: Re: Re: Wasn't it great...

Thanks for the heads-up. To be completely honest {and completely ignorant}, I had no idea.

It's ok, I didn't either until recently.

 

[John Crichton]

Anyone else catch this great ep? Anyone still watching?

* bump *

 

[RangerWickett]

Dudes, you need to tell me when these things are coming on! I missed two, and now I'll miss the third since I'll be at a Magic tournament. Bloody 'ell.

Do you know when they'll be re-running them, or where I could download an episode? I personally see no problem downloading a publicly broadcast TV episode, since I could just as easily have recorded it if I knew it was coming on. Since apparently we shouldn't be stating that info here, could someone just email me at RangerWickett@hotmail.com

 

[John Crichton]

Dudes, you need to tell me when these things are coming on! I missed two, and now I'll miss the third since I'll be at a Magic tournament. Bloody 'ell.

Doh!!! I'll try and post a day or so in advance for new eps, just to remind folks. Actually, I would have forgotten the first week had TiVo not recorded it. I'd make a tape and send it, but TiVo is tapeless.