Watch Farscape: Series
- 1999
- 4 Seasons
Farscape is a science fiction television series that originally aired on the Sci-Fi channel from 1999-2003. The show follows the adventures of John Crichton, an astronaut from Earth who is accidentally transported to the distant part of the universe via a wormhole. Upon arriving, he is taken into custody by a group of escaped prisoners aboard a living spaceship called Moya. Together, they must navigate the dangerous and unpredictable universe while evading the powerful Peacekeepers, who are determined to capture them and eliminate any threat to their authority.
The show features a diverse cast of characters, each of whom contributes their unique skills and perspectives to the group. John Crichton, played by Ben Browder, is the central protagonist and serves as the show's voice of reason, often finding himself caught between the opposing factions and struggling to maintain a sense of morality and humanity in the face of constant danger. Other main characters include Aeryn Sun, a former Peacekeeper who abandons her oppressive role to join the crew of Moya; Ka D'Argo, a Luxan warrior seeking vengeance for his murdered family; Zhaan, a priestess with ambassadorial skills and magical abilities; Rygel, a deposed dominar (king) of the Hynerian empire; and Pilot, a sentient and empathic being who serves as Moya's navigator.
Farscape is known for its innovative use of special effects and puppetry, particularly in the creation of its memorable and often bizarre alien creatures. The show was produced by Jim Henson Productions, responsible for creating puppets for films such as The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth, and featured advanced animatronics and makeup techniques to create the unique look and movement of its extraterrestrial beings. The show's visual style is lush and imaginative, often featuring bold colors and otherworldly landscapes.
The series also delves into complex political and social issues, particularly in its treatment of the Peacekeeper society and its oppressive regime. The show explores themes such as power dynamics, the nature of freedom and choice, and the limitations of technology and science. Farscape is often compared to other science fiction shows such as Star Trek and Babylon 5, but its darker and more character-driven tone sets it apart from those franchises.
Farscape ran for four seasons and 88 episodes, concluding with a miniseries in 2004 that tied up loose ends and provided closure for its fans. Despite its relatively short run, the show has maintained a dedicated cult following, with many fans praising its bold storytelling and unique universe. Farscape has since been released on DVD and is available streaming on various platforms such as Amazon Prime and Shout! Factory TV, giving new viewers the chance to enjoy this underappreciated gem of science fiction television.
Farscape: Series is a series that ran for 4 seasons (88 episodes) between March 19, 1999 and on Shout! Factory TV