Before Frak there was Frell! / Review Farscape (1999-2003)

 genre: action, adventure, science fiction

These days I hear the term Frak used often by people who obviously loved this little show called Battlestar Galactica and want to tribute whenever they can. Nothing wrong with that because overall BG Reboot was good. Apart from the horrible ending and extremely flawed story lines. But it does get to me that I never hear the word Frell. It was used long before BG Reboot in one of my most favourite Science Fiction shows, Farscape. For some reason Farscape is extremely underrated. Maybe the producer character in the 200th episode (s10e06) off Stargate SG-1 describes it best, which was a special episode showing parodies and tributes to other sci fi shows including Farscape. "I have no idea what that is!" And that ladies and gentleman hurts me a little. Because Farscape is one of the best things ever to be created for television. In the review underneath I will try to make you understand why.

Thanks to the BBC I was introduced to this extremely wonderful and epic show. This show had everything, humor, action, thrills, great characters and the best drama. Now you may think I am not being objective. But when it comes to movies and TV shows I can be very critical. For me an excellent series is a show I can watch over and over again without getting bored. Let me tell you, there are not many shows who are able to do that. Farscape manages to do so with ease. I think there are many reasons why this show is great. 

1). Very unique look. The combination of CGI and Jim Henson's Creature shop muppetry give the show a look never seen before.

2). Character development. Events and relationships do have an effect on many of the characters. Example "John Chrichton" (the main character) is a changed man at the conclusion (Peacekeeper Wars). But also throughout the show you can see him grow. At first he comes in like most Western explorers. He is going to conquer the world because he is superior. At least that is the attitude he carried with him in the beginning. But very regularly he is been put in his place by several species. He realizes that his world view was wrong and that he needs to adjust quick otherwise he won't survive.

3). Great characters. You will love them, hate them, love them again, hate them again, love them again. The alien characters portray more human feelings than you expect. The characters have their good sides but also their bad sides. There is more to them than meets the eye. Because of this you really will care for these characters. It must be noted that even when you get to know these characters well, they will keep surprising you from time to time. It's wonderful!

3). Great storytelling. Maybe a lot of plot lines have been done before in other shows, but in Farscape they manage to give it a twist so that it stays original and fun. Very important to the plot in general is the chaos portrayed in the series. Most of the time many things are happening all at once. From the first episode it is clear that the main characters are on the run, being hunted and will be shot at most of the times, that's why the inside of Moya (living star ship where the main characters live) is a mess. You really get the sense the crew is in danger most of the time and don't have a lot of time to clean up the place, except to do the necessary repairs. As a consequence, you will get drawn into the story. A lot of episodes kept me on my seat, waiting for what will happen next, I laughed, I cried, I cursed. I experienced!

4). Although it is Science fiction and it seems a lot can happen. The show is still realistic. So not every action made by a character can be forgotten or ignored. Like in real life actions have consequences. There are no forced happy endings, like in Star Trek.

These Diagnostic Repair Drones were working overtime to clean and repair Moya, the living ship.

I can go on and on. But simply put Farscape is (besides Babylon 5 and Quantum Leap) one the best SF series ever made!

Ok. I do need to add that there are more SF shows that I think are equally good but in this case I thought it was necessary to emphasize my love for this show a little since it deserves so much more attention and praise than it has.