Watch Farscape

Farscape is a gripping science fiction series set in a distant part of the universe, where Earth astronaut John Crichton (played by Ben Browder) is thrust unwillingly into a conflict between a group of escaped prisoners and the militaristic Peacekeepers. After an experimental wormhole drive malfunction sends him across the universe, Crichton finds himself stranded on a living ship called Moya, along with the eclectic group of prisoners who have escaped from a Peacekeeper prison transport.

At the heart of the show is the complex relationship between Crichton and Aeryn Sun (played by Claudia Black), a Peacekeeper pilot who defects to join Moya's crew. Their relationship is one of the most well-developed and complicated elements of the show, as they struggle with their feelings for each other despite the conflict between their respective groups.

The other members of Moya's crew are just as intriguing and nuanced as Crichton and Aeryn. There's Zhaan (Virginia Hey), a Delvian priestess with incredible powers of empathy and healing; Rygel (Jonathan Hardy), a deposed ruler of the Hynerian Empire who is often selfish and manipulative but occasionally shows a more vulnerable side; D'Argo (Anthony Simcoe), a Luxan warrior seeking redemption for a crime he committed while under the influence of a murderous plant; and Chiana (Gigi Edgley), a Nebari thief who joins the crew later in the series and has a complex past that she keeps hidden from the rest of the group.

Together, this disparate group faces a variety of challenges as they try to stay one step ahead of the Peacekeepers, who are intent on recapturing them all. The show features a wide variety of alien races, some of whom become allies and some of whom are hostile towards Moya's crew. There are also a number of ominous supernatural forces at play, such as the Scarran Empire and a mysterious race known as the Ancients.

The production design of Farscape is truly stunning, with elaborate and often bizarre alien creatures and technologies that never feel cheap or fake. The costumes and makeup are also top-notch, with each character having a unique and memorable look that often reflects their personality or culture. The use of practical effects and puppetry (courtesy of Jim Henson's Creature Shop) adds to the immersion of the show, making it easy to believe in the living ship Moya and the various other creatures encountered throughout the series.

Farscape is not afraid to take risks with its storytelling and character development, frequently taking unexpected turns that keep viewers on their toes. Some episodes are lighthearted and comedic, while others are dark and intense, and there is a strong sense that anything can happen at any time. The show tackles weighty themes such as identity, betrayal, and redemption, often in surprisingly nuanced ways that elevate the material beyond the typical sci-fi fare.

Overall, Farscape is a gripping and unforgettable sci-fi series that pushes the boundaries of what can be accomplished with the genre. Its memorable characters, ingenious storytelling, and stunning production design make it a must-watch for fans of science fiction or just great television in general.

Farscape is a series that ran for 4 seasons (90 episodes) between March 19, 1999 and on Syfy