A Newbie's Journey Through Season #1

[kbachelder]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to Farscape having just started to watch the show on DVD. I would consider myself a big scifi fan but unfortunately when Farscape was in first run on TV I wasn't able to catch any of the episodes near the beginning and I'm one of those people who thinks a good show should be watched in order and when you have the time to do it right! So I had to let it run its course and try to avoid anything about the show so I had a shot at seeing it without being too spoiled. Long story short, I finally now have more time (my daughters are older - one even moved out of the house!) and I have an inexpensive way (Netflix) to watch all the episodes.

I got the first couple of DVDs from season #1 and after finding out that the odd numbering of episode numbers on the DVDs wasn't a problem I then watched...

Premiere
I, E.T.
Exodus from Genesis
Throne for a Loss

I enjoyed them and found myself getting more and more into the characters and each of their stories. I thought it was kind of nice that there wasn't too much back story or complex stuff in those early episodes. It let me feel comfortable and know that I would want to stick with it.

I returned those DVDs and added the next few into my Netflix queue and realized that it was going to take some time to watch the show because I only have three DVDs out at a time on my Netflix subscription and there are other movies my wife and I wanted to watch. At this point a nice twist of fate came into play. I had also watched some of the beginning episodes of Babylon5 as well since I also didn't see that series either. I sent an email to an old friend (best man at my wedding) who is a scifi fan and asked his opinion about both B5 and Farscape to see which one he thought I should watch first. He sent me an excellent recap of both and also mentioned that he had all the episodes of both on DVD and said I could borrow them if I wanted! He is still single so he has a little more 'disposable income' than I do. What a perfect solution! I offered to treat him for lunch and we met about halfway between our work locations so I could pick up the DVDs. I asked him for season #1 but he was kind enough to bring ALL the Farscape DVDs! So I now have them all on a shelf at home. Of course last weekend I watched the next six episodes (through "They've Got a Secret") so I'm about half way through season #1.

I really like how the episodes have started to "peel back the onion" of the characters pasts and their relationships with each other. It's great to be learning more about them. It is making my enjoyment of the show that much more rich. I must admit that I am torn between watching more shows as quickly as I can because I love them but I don't want to 'run' through them too quickly. I'm afraid I'll miss some of the nice touches that you're more likely to grasp when you only get one new episode each week so you tend to pay closer attention.

Anyway that's my "not so quick" recap so far. I'll plan to reply to this topic as I go on and would appreciate any 'non spoilery' thoughts you can share. I'm also busy with the Podcast Project (http://www.watchfarscape.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36838) so I don't know how often I will update here but now that I started this thread I'll have to make sure I keep it going. This might even make for a good segment on the podcast!


Thanks,

Kevin

[spocks2]

Enjoy the journey, Kevin! You're right on the cusp of the really good stuff.

[TalynLives]

It's good that you like it so soon. Many people get put off by the earlier episodes which can be quite ropey. Make sure you watch the whole season as they really go out with a bang :)

[jerseygirl]

I envy you, Kevin...setting out on the journey through Farscape for the first time. But the good news is, when you go back and watch it again, you'll see and understand new things that you didn't get the first time. It definitely gets better with repeated viewings.

BTW, I just watched all of B5 again after not having seen it since it was first on. Of the two, I think Farscape is the better-written show overall. The dialogue is sharper and the universe a little better conceived. What B5 has that Farscape doesn't is that it's an earth-centric show, even though other races are major players. It also has political intrigue and lots of complex inter-personal story arcs. In Farscape, the Earthman is the alien, which is novel and very cool. And it's really the story of John finding his way in this totally foreign universe, and mastering the skills he needs to survive there.

There are some truly wonderful characters on B5, G'Kar and Londo especially. And for when it was made, it was very ahead of its time. I think they're both great, but for me, there's not a show out there that can compare to Farscape.

[blue]

I look forward to your future installments of your experience with a first viewing of Farscape, kbachelder. It's so much fun to accompany a new person on a first viewing.

But, don't worry about watching them slowly to get more out of them. I guarantee that you will not appreciate them as much the first time through as you will the second time, no matter how slowly or thoughtfully you watch--there's too much there, and the stories weave back on themselves so that only after later episodes can you appreciate some of what is happening earlier--seemingly random or throwaway details can become crucial information much later, and you will just not realize the importance of certain moments or details or events until maybe seasons later--so really you can watch them as fast as you want :) You won't use them up--they will still offer new treats and insights on later viewings--they won't get boring. That's one of the amazing things about Farscape. Even after seeing the whole series through several times, one can still find new insights, new connections, new reasons to say Oh, Wow, I never noticed that before. So feel free to go as fast as you want--and as things heat up as the story progresses, I bet you'll find it hard to resist the "just one more" syndrome.

[TheEeshew]

Welcome to the Uncharted Territories!

Since last October, I, too, have been renting the DVDs from Netflix after having watched the show in syndication for a few weeks. I'm now on Season 3.

It's a good idea to take your time as you make your journey. Take small bites--no more than two or three episodes at a time--to allow your mind to chew over this new Universe. And to enjoy the moments of your first journey. And to hold off the end of the series as long as possible.

Enjoy the ride! ;)

[kbachelder]

Thank you to everyone for their comments and feedback so far.

Rest assured that I am hooked so I will definitely be watching every episode over the coming months. Usually my weekends are when I have more time available to watch TV and DVDs so I'll probably be watching the episodes in bunches. My 13 year old daughter is on a competitive cheerleading team and she has two competitions this weekend so I may not get many episodes in but I will continue posting here as my Farscape journey continues.

And thanks for making a newbie feel so much a part of the fandom so quickly! :)


Kevin

[meredithchandler73]

Hey all. I just started watching Farscape and I'm totally hooked. I was going to go through Netflix, but after the first disc, I had to buy the entire first season. At the halfway mark through season 1, I decided that I should put my order in for season 2!

I just finished watching "Nerve" and I can't wait to get on to the next episode! I know someone else said to try to watch only 2 or 3 episodes at a time - make it last. It's too hard to do. :)

I've decided to watch the next episode instead of watching "Nerve" again with commentary. That's one of my favorite things - watching an episode and then watching it right away again with commentary. The commentaries are pretty good for this show - most especially the ones with Ben Browder and/or Claudia Black. I *love* these people!!! I think I saw at least one Farscape Convention DVD out there for sale. I'm definitely going to have to buy it. But I know it was fairly recent, so I should make sure I've seen the whole show before I get that DVD. (It's not so much a fear of being spoiled, but of not understanding what people are talking about.)

Oh, and a little bit about me. I'm 33, live on Long Island and work in Manhattan. My other recent addictions are Battlestar Galactica (new series), Xena: Warrior Princess, The X-Files and Buffy the Vampire Slayer (to varying degrees of fandom). I think after Farscape, I'm going to start on Stargate. I've never seen that show. At least I won't have to worry about going through it too quickly. ;)

Okay. Back to the show.

[kbachelder]

Hey all. I just started watching Farscape and I'm totally hooked. I was going to go through Netflix, but after the first disc, I had to buy the entire first season. At the halfway mark through season 1, I decided that I should put my order in for season 2!

I just finished watching "Nerve" and I can't wait to get on to the next episode! I know someone else said to try to watch only 2 or 3 episodes at a time - make it last. It's too hard to do. :)

I've decided to watch the next episode instead of watching "Nerve" again with commentary. That's one of my favorite things - watching an episode and then watching it right away again with commentary. The commentaries are pretty good for this show - most especially the ones with Ben Browder and/or Claudia Black. I *love* these people!!! I think I saw at least one Farscape Convention DVD out there for sale. I'm definitely going to have to buy it. But I know it was fairly recent, so I should make sure I've seen the whole show before I get that DVD. (It's not so much a fear of being spoiled, but of not understanding what people are talking about.)

Oh, and a little bit about me. I'm 33, live on Long Island and work in Manhattan. My other recent addictions are Battlestar Galactica (new series), Xena: Warrior Princess, The X-Files and Buffy the Vampire Slayer (to varying degrees of fandom). I think after Farscape, I'm going to start on Stargate. I've never seen that show. At least I won't have to worry about going through it too quickly. ;)

Okay. Back to the show.


Wow...it is great to see someone else early in their journey just like I was when I started this thread!

I know exactly where you're coming from with all the excitement about starting your journey through this wonderful series. I just watched Peacekeeper Wars about a week about so it took me about 4 months to watch the entire series. What an amazing ride it was!!

I'll pass along the same advice that many other scapers shared with me...

Be sure to go slow enough that you can take in all the depth and detail that is contained in the shows. You'll want to run through the shows because it is so much fun and addictive but also be sure you're grasping all that is happening as you go.

I enjoyed the show so much that I joined the team that started the first Farscape podcast called 'The ScapeCast'. Feel free to check us out at the link below in my signature. If you want to avoid any spoilers take a look at the spoiler rating that we include for each of our shows so that you can stay spoiler free. However, you can listen to our show #1 right away because that one is totally newbie friendly.

Please keep us posted here on your journey and we'd also love to hear your thoughts over at the podcast via email, the forums or voicemail since we enjoy hearing from new scapers.


Enjoy,

Kevin

P.S. The X-Files was also my first time going deep into a fandom. :)

[meredithchandler73]

I think I've always been semi-obsessed with one show or another over the years. Certainly, some were bigger obsessions than others.

Remington Steele
Star Trek: The Next Generation (the only show I watched from the original airdate to the last episode)
Star Trek: Voyager (only for a couple of seasons)
The X-Files (I came to it late, but I stuck it out till the end)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Xena: Warrior Princess
Battlestar Galactica
Farscape

Oh, and anything with Bonnie Hunt in it.

Kinda strange list, eh?

[wa11z]

Not at all. The only thing that jumps out is "Remington" and it was a cool show. From what I remember, anyway.

[Moya's Starburst]

I first came to sci-fi watching the x-files midway season two(just before scully's abduction) and got into it since!
I got into Buffy seeing a vid of the ending of season two and got hooked since then i discovered Angel
Then a collegue got me into Farscape (i'd watched it on tv, bb2 but because of work wasn't able to catch up)By loaning me the dvd's
and it is fantastic! i hope you enjoy it as you watch more!

[blitzed]

I've decided to watch the next episode instead of watching "Nerve" again with commentary. That's one of my favorite things - watching an episode and then watching it right away again with commentary. The commentaries are pretty good for this show - most especially the ones with Ben Browder and/or Claudia Black. I *love* these people!!!

hello and welcome! i do so envy anyone making the journey for the first time, though this show never gets old. it's totally re-watchable, and each time around there are new things to notice, and new insights which just bowl you over.

i do agree that the farscape episode commentaries are a joy to listen to - however if you, like me, don't wish to be spoiled, i would refrain from listening to them until you've been through the entire series. there seems to be a widespread and probably reasonable assumption that anyone listening to the new editions w/commentaries has been around the farscape block at least once, and though they try to keep the comments specific to the episode, they are just so enthusiastic that they can't help but let stuff slip out.

[woolhoss]

Not at all. The only thing that jumps out is "Remington" and it was a cool show. From what I remember, anyway.




you just like it cuz 'Remington Steele' reminds you of those scrambled movies you tried to watch on Cinemax.

[wa11z]

The ones I recorded and then let you borrow?

[meredithchandler73]

Thanks for all the welcomes! I've finished the first season including all the commentaries. Yes, I've been somewhat spoiled now for stuff coming up, but the commentaries were so entertaining, I just didn't care.

Let me say that "Nerve" and "The Hidden Memory" were *sooo* excellent. I was just sorry there couldn't be commentary for the 2nd part. And then "Family Ties"!!! Did all that really happen in one episode?!?!?

Unfortunately, I'm not sure when I'm getting season 2. Deepdiscountdvd says it shipped on 7/11 and I asked for 2-5 day priority shipping. However, I've heard that DDD doesn't always get stuff to you in the time promised. (But hey - they were also incredibly cheap. Can't complain.) In any case, I can be patient because it's definitely a show I can watch again. I'm so fascinated by the characters and their interaction with one another. I kinda want to watch the whole first season again but this time take notes during each episode. "First bonding moment between Aeryn and Pilot" and stuff like that.

And now, my question from the "Rhapsody in Blue" episode. The episode begins with Crichton having a sex dream. It is later discovered that Rygel, D'Argo and Zhaan also had dreams about the last time they had sex (though Zhaan doesn't say so until later). Aeryn didn't have a sex dream, did she? Why is that? Is it ever explained? Just curious.

Thanks in advance!

[marandken]

I think I've always been semi-obsessed with one show or another over the years. Certainly, some were bigger obsessions than others.
.......Oh, and anything with Bonnie Hunt in it.

Kinda strange list, eh?

I LOVE Her. I really enjoyed her last TV Show; when the network wasn't frelling with the show times and all...

I love that it was partially improvised and she is so funny in a regular person kinda way. Her voice work in Cars was outstanding.

[sin-dycate]

Ok I hope this works... I tried posting something and noticed an error, went to edit it and for some reason the post was deleted. So here I go again...

Erm Hello.
I wanted to say that well... Ok this still isn't easy the second time around (Not good at introductions). Well I guess I'll start with how I got here. Long, long ago I caught a glimps of a show called Farscape. I watched about 15 minutes of it and changed the channel, and that as they say is that... or so I thought. Recently about a few weeks back I caught an episode of Farscape on UPN, about five minutes in. It peaked my interest slightly, so I went over to my computer, logged on to netflix and added the first disc of season one to the que. I called over my very treky friend over to experience the show with me, since he had only vaguely heard of it in the past. So his first thought was that this was going to be a cheesey puppet show, but he trusted in my ability to pick a good sci-fi series, seeing as I got him enthralled and addicted to firefly. So we popped in the disc, and of course we began to be dettered. My friend kept commenting on the subpar acting, then John left earth. We began to become enthralled with the story, and suddenly the second episode ended. I ran to the computer and filled the que with Farscape, incredibly annoying my girlfriend that I pushed her movies to the end... Well we recently finished disc three and are waiting for the fourth to arrive. I'm not sure what my friend is doing, I'm sure dying of anticipation of the next episode. As for I, well I decided to start digging for Farscape info without spoiling the rest of the series. In doing so I found this place, and then found this thread. So that's how I found myself here. Hello.

PS
I hope this post works...
And I'm sorry for making the post slightly lengthy.

[meredithchandler73]

Hey there! A newer newbie! I got hooked on the show very recently as well, though when I get hooked, I get *hooked* and I've already purchased seasons 1-3. (I'm waiting for 2.3, 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 to arrive in the mail.) I'm not sorry I spent the money. I can see that this is a show I'll be watching over and over. And it just worked out perfectly because I have a lot of vacation time this summer to have mini-marathons as the DVDs arrive.

Enjoy the show and this site.

[sin-dycate]

Well thanks I will enjoy both, I've just reffered my friend here. THIS SHOW IS CRACK sealed in plastic!

[meredithchandler73]

Crack sealed in plastic! ROFL! That is so absolutely perfect.

Anyway, I've continued my Farscape exploration and I'm nearly done with season 2. And have been, of course, posting in the appropriate sub-forum.

I am going to do my best to resist the temptation to listen to any more commentaries until I've finished the entire series, but it's hard. And knowing it will be months before that happens is rather painful. (4.2 comes out in August. If they continue their previous schedule, 4.3 will be out in October, right?)

Ah well. I have to start working.

[1812lives]

A friend of mine from work has gotten me hooked on this show. Sometime last year she loaned me season one and I was hooked. Not having cable or satalite I never saw even a frelling scrap of this show anywhere but boy was I missing out. This has to be one of the best thought out shows I've seen. It really is too bad that some steaming pile of dren decided to pull the plug on the show. I finally bought a full set of the show plus the PK wars on DVD off eBay and looking forward to watching them. I'm currently watching season 4 the last episode I've seen was "A Perfect Murder". I just recently found this forum and had to join so I could discuss this show with other FS fans. I've recently had my translator microbe installed and I'm ready for starburst.

[Jul]

Welcome! :D

[kbachelder]

A friend of mine from work has gotten me hooked on this show. Sometime last year she loaned me season one and I was hooked. Not having cable or satalite I never saw even a frelling scrap of this show anywhere but boy was I missing out. This has to be one of the best thought out shows I've seen. It really is too bad that some steaming pile of dren decided to pull the plug on the show. I finally bought a full set of the show plus the PK wars on DVD off eBay and looking forward to watching them. I'm currently watching season 4 the last episode I've seen was "A Perfect Murder". I just recently found this forum and had to join so I could discuss this show with other FS fans. I've recently had my translator microbe installed and I'm ready for starburst.


Welcome to scaperdom!

You might also enjoy listening to our Farscape podcast! Link is below.


Enjoy,

Kevin

[Nicola]

A friend of mine from work has gotten me hooked on this show. Sometime last year she loaned me season one and I was hooked. Not having cable or satalite I never saw even a frelling scrap of this show anywhere but boy was I missing out. This has to be one of the best thought out shows I've seen. It really is too bad that some steaming pile of dren decided to pull the plug on the show. I finally bought a full set of the show plus the PK wars on DVD off eBay and looking forward to watching them. I'm currently watching season 4 the last episode I've seen was "A Perfect Murder". I just recently found this forum and had to join so I could discuss this show with other FS fans. I've recently had my translator microbe installed and I'm ready for starburst.

Welcome 1812lives! :hi:

And of course 1812 lives. He makes a special appearance in PK Wars just to prove it. ;)

[1812lives]

Thank you all, I'm glad I found this board. The neat thing about never seeing this show before is experiencing it like it's brand new. So in a way I still have a season to go and the PK wars ahead as new farscape (at least to me:) Can't wait to get the DVD's in the mail and can't believe I found a set of all 4 seasons plus the PK wars on ebay for only 95 bucks. It's a deal even Rygel would we proud of. What makes this show so appealing is that each and every character has a depth of character and you can relate to them. The show is mostly done from John's perspective but you can understand characters like Crais and even Scorpius once you get to know their situation. I'm really enjoying the developement of Scorpius' character Wayne Pygram (sp?) does a great job of portaying him. I also get a good kick out of all the little pop culture references that John instinctively spits out that often draws some funny looks but as it goes along the others pick up those references and even start using them (sometimes incorrectly :P).

If I ever get around to buying an iPod I might have to check out the pod casts.

Just out of curiosity what are some of your other fav shows either sci-fi or whatever. Some of my favorites include the Tremors series, they can be a bit campy but there's a certain charm to them. I never got into Star Treck but loved Star Wars even the newer ones though the old ones are still the best. I also enjoy the Back to the Future trilogy, Indiana Jones series, I've only caught a little bit of the Stargate series though now that I've heard Ben Browder and Claudia Black are both in the new ones I may have to tune in. I also like the Lord of the Rings, Terminator series. I've never had cable or satalite so I never caught much of the sci-fi. Another show I enjoy that I rarely got to see is the Mystery Science Theater 3000. Back in high school a group of us from study hall would get passes to go to the band room and watch this show with our band director... ahhh the good ol days :P

[Nicola]

Thank you all, I'm glad I found this board. The neat thing about never seeing this show before is experiencing it like it's brand new. So in a way I still have a season to go and the PK wars ahead as new farscape (at least to me:) Can't wait to get the DVD's in the mail and can't believe I found a set of all 4 seasons plus the PK wars on ebay for only 95 bucks. It's a deal even Rygel would we proud of.

Rygel would be proud of you. :) And lucky you seeing the show for the very first time! I have to say tho that rewatching is very, very satisfying. Especially if you take another characters perspective - like Chiana's. A whole different show!

What makes this show so appealing is that each and every character has a depth of character and you can relate to them. The show is mostly done from John's perspective but you can understand characters like Crais and even Scorpius once you get to know their situation. I'm really enjoying the developement of Scorpius' character Wayne Pygram (sp?) does a great job of portaying him.

Yep. Which is why rewatching Farscape is so rewarding. Because each character has their own character and story arc - in each season. So from their perspective - it is a whole different show.

I also get a good kick out of all the little pop culture references that John instinctively spits out that often draws some funny looks but as it goes along the others pick up those references and even start using them (sometimes incorrectly :P).

Aeryn: She give's me a woody.

*snort*

If I ever get around to buying an iPod I might have to check out the pod casts.

You don't need an iPod. Really. Just go to and click on the http://scapecast.org/media/ScapeCastListenNow.jpg on the right side of your screen. You will download the most recent episode, but if you wanted to check out earlier ones, just go [url=http://www.scapecast.org/forum/index.php?board=1.0]here (]The Scapecast[/url).

Just out of curiosity what are some of your other fav shows either sci-fi or whatever. Some of my favorites include the Tremors series, they can be a bit campy but there's a certain charm to them. I never got into Star Treck but loved Star Wars even the newer ones though the old ones are still the best. I also enjoy the Back to the Future trilogy, Indiana Jones series, I've only caught a little bit of the Stargate series though now that I've heard Ben Browder and Claudia Black are both in the new ones I may have to tune in. I also like the Lord of the Rings, Terminator series. I've never had cable or satalite so I never caught much of the sci-fi. Another show I enjoy that I rarely got to see is the Mystery Science Theater 3000. Back in high school a group of us from study hall would get passes to go to the band room and watch this show with our band director... ahhh the good ol days :P

The new Doctor Who is very good. I still like Christopher Eccelston better, but David Tennant is a worthy successor. And I am a big fan of "Life on Mars". That series rocks.

This weeks episode of "The Dresden Files" guest stars Claudia Black - so I will be watching that one for sure, although the series hasn't really grabbed me yet.

Of course the "Terminator" movies with Linda Hamilton rock. And "Lord of the Rings" is outstanding. I am also a big Whedonverse Fan: Buffy/Angel and Firefly/Serenity. "Veronica Mars" is another of my favourites - although it isn't sci fi.