Farscape is quite singular in the science fiction world.
It is predominantly Australian television program. I giggled with delight as I recognised Cronulla plaza in one of the main character’s flashbacks, and when Sydney Olympic Park was masquerading as a top-secret military base.
The actors are all Australian as well, except for the main character, who is American. Farscape forces us to picture the greater universe as all coming from New South Wales. Even the producer is Australian.
The universe that Farscape forces us to picture is also, like the rest of the series, quite different from any other science fiction show. The brilliant use of prosthetics to actually create aliens that aren’t humanoid is just the tip of the iceberg – the environments are gritty and colourful, as well as completely and utterly chaotic.
The writers of shows such as Star Trek and Stargate would have us believe that the only other life forms in the galaxy are like us. That is, with two legs, two eyes, and the same fundamental principles that make us distinctly human.
Farscape throws all of that out the window as John Crichton, an astronaut, is thrown through a wormhole and plunged deep into a place that is trying to kill him and steal the knowledge he possesses. Pursued by a half-humanoid, half-reptilian creature named Scorpius, he travels from place to place, trying to find a way to live out his life in peace.
Farscape is light-years ahead of any other science fiction television show. It is warm, funny, horrific and breathtaking, all at the same time. It is an “either you love it or you hate it” kind of creation, something that will either draw you in, or spit you out.
There are shortcomings – the series ended abruptly after its five season contract was cancelled shortly after the conclusion of the fourth season, leaving the show dangling from a cliff. The movie that completes the series, whilst tying up the main story arc, leaves one feeling abandoned after four seasons of excellence.
However, this is a minor gripe in the grand scheme of things. Farscape is a spectacular production that cannot be missed.
Posted by André 
