What I really love about science fiction is how it can play with the idea of perception. If perception is reality, what happens when you can’t trust your own perception? This very question has been explored by more genres than just sci-fi, but I find that it works best for me in a universe where technology is as unknowable as the mind.
There are quite a few sci-fi shows that deal with this concept, and a lot of them have handled it brilliantly. Look at how popular a series like Severance has become, which is arguably one of the most mind-bending pieces of media we’ve gotten in some time (as well as a plausible piece of dystopian fiction). But recently, I’ve been revisiting a science fiction show that you may have heard of, but that far too many people haven’t given a proper watch.
Farscape is a brilliant look into the mind of its main character
John Crichton is a complex guy
Farscape has a simple enough premise: John Crichton (Ben Browder) is a human who finds himself sucked into a wormhole and then spit out on the other side of the galaxy. There, he comes across strange alien lifeforms and has to do his best to survive against the Peacekeepers. Crichton starts off as a fairly simple character. He’s a good guy who cares about everyone, but is in way over his head. Basically, your average goodie two-shoes protagonist.
But that doesn’t last. The new world that Crichton finds himself in fundamentally changes him. He is repeatedly captured, tortured, and chased by the never-ending horde of Peacekeeper agents and other alien threats. Imagine thinking you know everything about the universe, only to be suddenly thrust into a new existence where absolutely nothing makes sense. Simply put, Crichton completely loses his grip on sanity.
Lesser shows would have this character remain the same throughout, or at least maintain that likable attitude, but Farscape is not interested in playing it safe. By the third season, Crichton is a nearly different character, but given what he’s been through, it makes so much sense. He’s had his mind literally rewritten and encountered technology that is far beyond his comprehension. Honestly, it’s amazing that he’s even alive, let alone continuing to get up in the morning. Farscape is a show that will ruin your brain just as well as something like Black Mirror.
Farscape is so much more than just Muppets in space
Not that there’s anything wrong with that concept
My success rate in getting people I know to watch Farscape has been relatively low compared to other shows I’ve recommended. Sure, it’s an older series, and that can be part of it, but I’ve found that it’s the use of practical effects and puppets that really throws people off. The Jim Henson Company, the company behind the popular Muppets, provided a lot of the practical creature effects for the show.
Personally, I think the show has aged even better because of this, but I’ve seen a lot of people write Farscape off because they falsely assume it’s a kids’ show. It is absolutely anything but that. Farscape deals with the horrors of war, the concept of what reality actually is, and features the violent, bloody deaths of beloved characters. If anything, the use of puppets and practical effects is a positive because, at least, it’s not using overly outdated CGI in every single shot. Give me puppets over that any day of the week.
Farscape has aged a lot better than other sci-fi shows of its time
And yes, some of that has to do with the puppets
Recently, I went back and watched through Babylon 5 again, and while it’s still a thrilling series with wonderful long-term storytelling, the graphics have not aged well. The acting also doesn’t hold up as much as I remember, either. Farscape has no such issues. Yes, some of the CGI is a bit dicey, and the first season has some big misses quality-wise, but as a whole, it’s wonderful stuff.
My biggest complaint is that we didn’t really get a proper final season, but the movie wrap-up could have been worse. I still long for the day that we get a proper send-off, or even an anniversary special, though that’s probably just nostalgia talking. As it is, Farscape should probably just be left alone. I doubt anyone today could recapture its weird, wonderful energy anyway.
Farscape deserves your time and loyalty
With streaming services offering all of us the chance to revisit shows of old, there’s really never been a better time to sit down and check out Farscape if you’ve been waiting until now to do so. Consider this your call to action. You won’t regret stepping into this strange little world and following the characters of Moya as they struggle to survive. And become all the more weird and unhinged each time they do.
If you’re looking for something outside the science fiction genre, though, check out these detective shows that are better than the greats like Sherlock.
