The modern science fiction cult classic Farscape was originally broadcast in Australia and was produced for the Nine Network before being picked up by the Sci-Fi Channel, which later changed the spelling of its name to the Syfy Channel. Rockne S. O’Bannon originally conceived the series and it was produced by Jim Henson Productions along with Hallmark Entertainment.
The show was centered around the character John Crichton, played by Ben Browder, who was an astronaut in the IASA (International Aeronautics and Space Administration). While orbiting Earth testing an experimental project dubbed “Farscape“ a wormhole unexpectedly opens hurling Crichton to the other side of the galaxy. As his ship is flung out of the wormhole Crichton’s space vehicle collides with another spacecraft sending the spacecraft spinning out of control where it hits a nearby asteroid where it explodes killing the fighter pilot.
With his own vessel damaged Crichton is set adrift in space but is eventually rescued by a large ship named Moya. Moya is a ship that is literally alive and has been hijacked by a group of escaped convicts from various alien species. In the first episodes of Farscape Moya’s bizarre crew is forced to contend with an evil galactic regime known as the Peacekeepers. Originally established as a type of law enforcement agency the Peacekeepers have degenerated into nothing more than brutal mercenaries.
Much like Star Wars, Farscape’s diverse assembly of characters-creatures is what initially captured my attention. I stumbled upon an episode of Farscape one night on television and because there was nothing else of interest on that night I decided to watch a few minutes. My intention was to continue to click through the channels after a few minutes but, as it goes, I got entrenched with the show from the start. Farscape was just one of those interesting shows that made you want know what was going to happen in the next episode.
The acting and effects in Farscape aren’t likely to blow you away by any means, but the concept and characters are surprisingly contagious. Like most cult favorites it is really hard to put a finger on its allure, but Farscape has that special, undefinable ingredient that just hooks you and won’t let go.
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