Farscape Renaissance

[castalia]

So, yeah, there's this show that is quite possibly my greatest fannish love of all time, even though I fell in and out of love with it at times and missed episodes during the original run due to work and then rediscovered it just in time for the race to the finish line and then angst for a few years until the miniseries. A show that gave me a het romance I actually love, buddies to beat all buddies, a Southern character who for once isn't a caricature, and muppets. All of which thrilled me, moved me, and broke my damn heart.

Yes, Farscape. Duh.

Just before I left Wales I started watching the eps from the beginning, meaning to sit down and watch the entire series all the way through - something I hadn't done in forever, if at all. I mean, despite seeing various eps a million times or more, there were some I hadn't seen in years, some I'd only seen maybe once so long ago I didn't quite remember them. Like somehow I always managed to catch parts one and two of Look at the Princess, but rarely part three. Stuff like that. I felt the need to reconnect.

Made it up to A Bug's Life before coming home, and then things happened and I didn't get round to watching more for a while. Then Rome happened, and a new season of Dr Who, and Slings and Arrows happened, and other shows I just had to have, right then. My renaissance got put on the back burner.

Not so, now. The timing has to be right to watch certain shows, I feel, and now is just the time for Farscape. In the past few weeks I've watched as fast as I can dl, and have spent far too much time at the local Dairy Queen taking advantage of the free wifi. I'm up to the Self Inflicted Wounds trilogy now, and just wallowing in how much I love my show, and how much I've missed it. I'm looking forward to watching the rest of the "Season of Death" and all the angst to come; it's really quite enjoyable, knowing exactly what's coming and how much it's going to hurt. Heh. Maybe I'm just in the mood to cry over something, or indulge in shippiness, or maybe just enjoy the pure cracktastic JOY for a while. God knows there's nothing else on tv that gives me quite the same dose of crazy genius.

Speaking of, y'know I love having Ben Browder and Claudia Black on SG-1, and it's great that Claudia has so much great material to work with and can really shine as Vala. And I do love Cameron Mitchell as a character, I do, but damn, someone needs to give Ben something he can really work with so he can emote again. I miss the crazy and the tears and those moments of soft, brilliant pathos.

Anyone else got any Farscape memories to share? Any favorite scenes, lines, character bits, etc? I want to wallow in all of it. Share!

ETA: One thing I only mentioned briefly and would like to comment on in more detail is how much I respect and admire Ben Browder for bringing Southern characters of merit to my TV screen. This is something you don't see very often on American television. What you usually see are the stereotypes we still can't get away from - the "Bubba" character, the Bible-thumper, the Steel Magnolias type of Southern Belle, or the rich plantation owner business tycoon who insists on wearing cowboy boots and a ten-gallon hat. We all live in trailers with cars up on blocks, we don't wear shoes, we all chew tobacco, and there's always someone roaming the woods with a gun. It still pisses me off that a Southern person, especially a poor (usually white, sometimes not) Southerner, is almost the only ethnic group in the US that is still permissible to mock and disparage outright even in a polite or professional setting, and their treatment in film is typically as violent, racist, sexist monsters. Even saying so usually gets one jumped on by any number of people, especially in relation to any racial discussions. Business professionals from the South actively make the effort to try and get rid of any regional accents due to the near-universal perception that a Southern accent makes one sound ignorant and ill-educated. And people wonder why the North-South divide is still so great.

Most of the celebrities who are from the South seem to go to extreme lengths to hide the fact. Johnny Depp is originally from Kentucky, but you'd never know it. Samuel L. Jackson was born and raised twenty miles from my hometown, in Chattanooga, TN, but I'm not sure many people know that. I'm told Kyra Sedgewick is a Southern character in The Closer, but I haven't caught that show yet to see how positively she's portrayed. Probably in that "quaint" Steel Magnolias manner. Abby Sciuto is from New Orleans, but her presentation is mostly as a goth character rather than a Southern one, though I do love her penchant for giving everyone hugs.

Everyone remember that episode of the X-Files, Home, which gave us an incestuous family sporting horrific Southern accents along with all the usual redneck stereotypes, despite being set in Pennsylvania. Yeah. What otherwise might've been a good episode really turned my stomach. shanola22 made me suffer through an episode of La Femme Nikita, set "20 miles north of Chattanooga", which brought out the stereotypes in full abundance in a strange "small, Appalachian town" that looked nothing like this area. We won't talk about those accents, nor the replacement character in later seasons who was supposed to be from Atlanta.

So what (to get back to the topic of Farscape) other than the bleary red-eyed crazy look, the sharp blue eyes, and the way his ass looked in those leather pants, draws me to John Crichton and Ben Browder in general? He's a Southern boy and not ashamed of it. Ben doesn't tone down his accent (born in Memphis, TN and later raised in North Carolina - he's still got a Western TN accent and has said NC will always be "home" to him), even when TPTB writing his characters give them non-Southern backgrounds (still wondering why on Earth they made Cameron Mitchell be from Kansas when he sounds nothing like a mid-Westerner). Crichton hails from South Carolina and mentions many times during the series that he's from the South. And he's smart. FS gives me a rare Southern character with intelligence - he even has a PhD in science. He quotes his grandmother and talks about buttermilk biscuits and remembers truck stops in Macon, GA, and uses recognizable Southern slang without being mocked, or shown as simple. John Crichton is so the Southern character of my heart and I will forever adore Ben Browder for bringing characters like this to my TV screen. We need more of them.

Comments

[wishfulaces.livejournal.com]

I kinda did that, a couple years back--I scrounged up as many video tapes as I could find that had Farscape on them and attempted to watch them in order (it was a bit difficult, due to my mother's and my lack of coherent organization). And yes, I was finding all kinds of things I'd never seen the first time through, watching episodes I hadn't seen since they aired, and it was exquisite watching it all unfold. Ben Browder blew me away at the end of the second season when going absolutely starkers (I'm terrible with episode titles).

Also, the bodyswap episode is probably always going to be my favorite. (It's my sci-fi kink, it really is.)

[castalianspring.livejournal.com]

*nod* That scene at the end of the Liars, Guns, and Money triology, where he's playing with the chess pieces and D'Argo comes in and he's just gone, and he asks D'Argo to kill him and D'Argo just cradles John's face in his hands...gah. It still breaks me every damn time. Ben certainly has a gift for playing crazy. I love that they went there, that they let their male lead suffer so much and then actually have the emotional and mental breakdown afterwards.

Hee. I love the bodyswap, too. Such a cliché plot but they took it so much further. John in Aeryn's body...*snerk* Another instance of "omg, I can't believe they went there!"

[wishfulaces.livejournal.com]

It is such a cliche plot, but you can always tell how much fun the actors get out of it.

I love that they went there, that they let their male lead suffer so much and then actually have the emotional and mental breakdown afterwards.

I know. John never fully recovered from all that, and the toll it must have taken on Browder and the other actors going *through* that...egad. That was a group of people who did not believe in holding back.

[castalianspring.livejournal.com]

I can't imagine the emotional feedback issues that must come with the task of keeping up that sort of intensity, not to mention doing it on the insane shooting schedule Lani Tupu described at the FS Q&A panel at D*Con. So much overlapping to the point of craziness, and he told us how he had to keep little folders for each episode so he could keep the arcs straight and so he'd know where each scene fit into the emotional arc of both Crais and Pilot. With so much MORE for Ben to do, I can't even imagine the stress.

[chazzbanner.livejournal.com]

I started watching Farscape on Netflix. I still have the fourth season to watch (for the first time)! It's hovering on my queue around the 30s, but I keep postponing it because I hate the idea of not having any left (except Peacekeepers War). And since July my DVD player has been acting up anyway. (I'm supposed to get a new one within two weeks, because of a 'lemon law').

I'm in the odd position of... being fond of Crais. I had been Spoiled about his final episode, but it was a tough one anyway.

[castalianspring.livejournal.com]

Oh, you still have new things to watch! Yay! Make sure you have Peacekeeper Wars handy right after you finish the 4th season. I don't recommend the torture of waiting in between them.

Aw, I'm sorry you were spoiled for Crais's exit. I always assume everyone loves Crais, b/c he's such a fascinating, complex character. And that voice, dear lord...

[jazzymegster.livejournal.com]

(here via metafandom)

Sheesh, what to share about FS? *ponders*

Thinking about it, there's so much stuff I love about this show, I couldn't possibly list it all. Well, I could, but it'd take me forever, I reckon. I really need to watch the show again - I haven't for years since we did a massive thread about rating episode by episode on the BBoard I was, oof, that's five years ago now...oops. Oddly enough, I've been thinking about watching it again anyway (I've got most of it on various media, but I'm missing most of S3 & 4). Maybe I should damn well do that!

[castalianspring.livejournal.com]

*blink blink* metafandom? Huh, first time for everything.

I know most of the deep meta on this show has been hashed and rehashed to death over the past years, but I suppose I never get enough of it when it comes to FS. I love watching new fans react to seeing the show for the first time and how it breaks their brains, and the inevitable puppy pile of Scapers who pounce on them, but this time I got in the mood to hear other long-time fans squee about why they love the show in the first place. But I do fear if I listed everything I love about it, this post would get far, far too long. I'm still rewatching as fast as I can download, and just got past Thanks for Sharing. Somehow in my memory, it always seemed like the two Johns were around forever, even though it really is only 10 episodes. I think season three was the definitive season for me as a fan, and I'd say I've seen those episodes the most out of the entire run (though that may just be b/c that's what I have on tape somewhere).

[jazzymegster.livejournal.com]

Well...I don't know anything about the past meta, really, because I wasn't reading stuff like that until fairly recently, netwise.

Wait, Talyn!John was only in it for ten episodes?! I could've sworn it was longer than that. But, I suppose it only felt like that because the episodes were split between him and Moya!John.

I definitely liked S3 best - on watching again, S1 & 2 feel like an awful lot of set up (although there are eps in those seasons that I like, nay, love), and S3 is where FS comes into its own. Plus it has Revenging Angel, and Incubator, and OMG those final four eps. What FS was in S3 makes me angry that they did the whole "reset" thing for S4 so new viewers could watch and be less confused (again, I'm not saying there's not eps I don't like in S4, but for me, S3 is the ONE). And it has all the Stark/Zhaan angst, and I love Stark and Zhaan to pieces (and I love angst, just to be clear).

I need more of S3 on DVD really - I have the first two boxsets, and then I've got Dog With Two Bones on tape, but that's all. There are times when I am woeful as an FS fan...

Oh, and, because I agree totally - yes, I love the way it breaks people. I converted my friend keozen to it after the cancellation, and seeing him watch it, and then come in and go, "Wut?! But? How?" was hugely amusing to me (well, maybe not amusing, you know what I mean?)

[castalianspring.livejournal.com]

Farscape is a very different fandom experience for me b/c I never felt the need to join the mailing lists or read fanfic. I kind of regret not squeeing in a larger environment than my own LJ.

Wait, Talyn!John was only in it for ten episodes?! I could've sworn it was longer than that. But, I suppose it only felt like that because the episodes were split between him and Moya!John.

I know! And if you only count the ones he's in, it's maybe 7. It did feel like that arc spanned most of the season - a tribute to the impact of the character, I suppose.

I do agree that S3 is where FS really comes into its own. S4 is hit or miss sometimes, even with brilliant eps like John Quixote. And I'm a huge Stark fan, so I'll agree with you there, too :)

I envy you your DVD boxsets. So far I have none of them - the price was always way too high for me on the original sets, and even the Starburst editions will take some time for me to acquire. I have no earthly idea where my VHS tapes are. Much woe.

Hee, I totally get what you mean about converting friends and watching them go nuts. I need to get someone else hooked on this show; sometimes it seems like most of my fannish friends have already seen it, and most of my family would never watch it.

[jazzymegster.livejournal.com]

Hey, even tapes is better than nothing! (Hope you find them soon, no-one should be deprived of FS) Although, I have to say, watching it on DVD is pretty much unbeatable. I got most of mine thanks to two-for-one deals at the places that sold them. Although I've not bought any for several years 'cause I've just not had the money (so I sympathise with your situation).

Also, Stark rules. I think he's my most favourite character after John.

[castalianspring.livejournal.com]

So far the downloads I'm finding are really good quality, so it's been handy to have them on my computer to watch.

Stark is just fascinating. I give so much of the credit to the actor, who was so amazing at going from manic to calm in a heartbeat, such a brilliant performance. Those "my side, your side!" rants will never cease to be hysterically funny :)

[jazzymegster.livejournal.com]

Yay for great downloads :)

Paul Goddard is an amazing actor (and yes, I am solely basing that on having seen him in FS *g*).

Those "my side, your side!" rants will never cease to be hysterically funny :)
*nodnod* I feel the need to go watch some 'Scape now...preferably an ep with Stark in it :D

[wingstar.livejournal.com]

...Wait. Dude, how come nobody ever told me about this? I'm about to go out right now and find me some Farscape to watch, or something. Because, YES. I am currently writing this giant post about my conflicting (and angry) feelings about being Southern, and, just, yes. =)

[castalianspring.livejournal.com]

If you do post that, please link me! I often bemoan the perception of Southerners with other Southern fannish friends face-to-face, but online discussions usually don't see the light of day for fear of the usual backlash that can happen. And if you haven't seen Farscape, go watch as soon as you can get your hands on it!

[wingstar.livejournal.com]

I will, yeah. I have... something of a conflicted headspace, having Northern parents but calling myself a Southerner, so. *sheepish* I'm hoping to get my own issues a little worked out and get a Southern POV out there on the interweb. It won't be fannish, I don't think (maybe tangentially), but. =) And yeah, definitely a piqued interest in Farscape now! *grins*

[castalianspring.livejournal.com]

Man, I totally get that headspace. One side of my family is from New Jersey, which I didn't even realize growing up b/c they'd been in the South so long it was like they'd always been here. I spent so long getting away from the accent and not wanting to admit where I was from to people on the web, and now I kind of regret that. I feel like modern Southern pride has hard time existing in a good context.

[slashpile.livejournal.com]

Good post! I've gotta say that Kyra Sedgwick's character in The Closer is not at all quaint. She's very original, and very much herself. She's kind of appalling, actually, but she's phenomenally good at what she does, and on the personal side, she's learning. Slowly :)

I remember that one of the writers or producers said that a big reason they made Brenda southern was because of the ways that southern women can use language -- "thank you" can have 300 meanings, but each particular one is very precise. I'd definitely recommend watching an ep or two to see what you think!

[castalianspring.livejournal.com]

...damn, now I'll have to watch that show. *g* B/c omg, yes, the number of ways Southern people can use polite language and tone to deliver the most cutting sarcasm and insults one can imagine.

[lydia-petze.livejournal.com]

Hi, here via Metafandom.

I haven't actually read your post that closely, because amazingly enough, I have only *just* discovered Farscape and wish to avoid spoiling myself for it. It was a habit of mine in the past, before I got broadband and could keep up with overseas schedules, to wait for DVD because network television in Australia is *lousy*. You can guarantee a show like Farscape will get yanked around into various timeslots and it's just too hard to follow them.

ANYWAY. Enough babble. I was looking for something to watch and found the first four seasons of Farscape marked down heavily at my local DVD pusher, so I grabbed them. OH MY GOD. It had me from the first episode, which is odd for me. I hope to be able to come back when I'm done watching and chew someone's ear about it.

[castalianspring.livejournal.com]

You're quite welcome to come back and talk my ear off about it all once you've seen it! I don't think there are any big spoilers in the post itself, but there are definitely some in the comments so watch out. You seriously don't want to be spoiled for this show.

[lydia-petze.livejournal.com]

Hi, remember me? Farscape, metafandom, etc. Just gotta say, I've watched the first two seasons and OMG.

/runs in circles, Kermit-flailing

I'm going to go hide now in case I get spoiled, but, yeah. OMGWOW doesn't even begin to cover it :-)

[castalianspring.livejournal.com]

Yay! You're well into the meat of it all now, and I know you'll love third season. It's the best, IMO, though season two and John's descent into madness (along with crazy spiky hair!) is pretty damn good too.

[lydia-petze.livejournal.com]

I loved Insane John, and Scorpius-in-the-dumpster, LOL. And oooh, sexy new credit sequence...

[castalianspring.livejournal.com]

The credits are really gorgeous to look at. IMO, the 3rd season credits are the best - prettiest and the best voice-over. Where are you up to in the series now? Sorry I didn't reply sooner - I'm almost to the end of my renaissance myself, so there will be plenty to discuss. I hadn't seen some of the 4th season in ages.

[lydia-petze.livejournal.com]

Sorry, it's been AGES since you sent this, I got a bit sidetracked with Farscape because of a number or work, family, fandom, etc issues, but I'm back on track. I just saw that seriously cracky one with the cartoons. OMG that was amazing :-D

[castalianspring.livejournal.com]

S'okay, I'm awful at responding to things myself. Revenging Angel is definitely one of my favorite eps ever - cartoon D'Argo never fails to crack me up completely. So funny, and yet so deep in a way.

Where are you in the viewing order now? :)

[lydia-petze.livejournal.com]

OK, I just finished the series, OMG.

That whole thing, there? WAS FUCKING AWESOME. It was smart and complicated and COMPLETELY WARPED. I loved it. Now I'll have to find time to watch it all again.

[castalianspring.livejournal.com]

Hurrah! I'm so glad you enjoyed it :) Smart, complicated, and warped just about sums it up, too!

[calamityjcck.livejournal.com]

I don't think I have a favorite episode, there were just too many great ones. However, the one that blew me away the most was Different Destinations. I was just gobsmacked with it and for me this episode truly defines Farscape as different from any other show on TV. Ever. Bar none!

Oh and I'm an original member of Barscape, a spinoff forum that we've had for a few years now. LOL It's a fun group of people and while we don't talk Farscape as much as we used to, it will remain the show that brought us together :)

[castalianspring.livejournal.com]

Man, Different Destinations was one of those frustrating eps where I kept shouting at the characters not to do any more stupid things and yet they did them anyway. *g* The ending, though, I totally didn't expect it and I'm impressed that they gave it such a negative ending. Not that those characters needed any more guilt, but you're right, it made for great TV.

Aw, I miss forum experiences. I never joined any forums or mailing lists or anything for Farscape, and now I'm wondering why I didn't.