TNMC
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Greetings Scapers!
Well, here we are -- a day that seemed uncertain when Farscape was merely a struggling new show on sci fi's "friday prime" schedule. But here we are at the season II finale, with hopefully many more finales to follow. But before all that, let's get down to analyzing the episode. SPOILER WARNING -- this episode cannot be analyzed without giving away major developments -- you've been warned.
"Die Me, Dichotomy" -- Original Air Date -- 1.26.01
Season II Finale
Let's just jump right in, shall we?
Holy Sh*t! Can they be serious? Aeryn's dead?
I am probably Farscape's #1 fan, but I'll be blunt -- this really pisses me off. There are two possibilites. One -- she's not really dead. Someone who drowns in icy waters seems like a prime resuscitation candidate to me. That means they'll bring her back. That would annoy me because someone was honestly supposed to die. (why not Zhaan, already?) But that's decidedly better than scenario two -- which is she's really frelling dead! I mean, cajones is one thing, but why would they do this? Sure, I guess I respect the writers for such an unexpected play, but Aeryn is the second best character on the show. Besides that, it is her dynamic, constantly evolving relationship with John that really drives the show.
I will always watch and love Farscape, because there are many reasons why it is the best sci fi show on televison today -- great character development, great villains, good special effects, and truly alien environments. But I really don't see myself ever being as enthusiastic about it again if Claudia Black is truly gone from the show. I mean, Farscape only had two characters that were not expendable, and Aeryn Sun was one of them!
I'm just not certain that Farscape can recover from this. I'm not even sure if I want it to. I don't want Aeryn's character to be replaced by other hot alien chicks in future seasons. Well, I guess if there is an upside to any of this, it's that her death and subsequent funeral were handled very well. In fact, I was watching with a Farscape newbie, and she started to cry! Well, what we get now I suppose is six weeks (at least) of not knowing for sure if she's really dead or not. Like I said, either way is annoying, but I just want her back! Damn I'm lame...
Anyway, I guess I bypassed the whole plot synopsis thing. The crew have hired a surgeon to repair Moya and also to extract the implant from John's brain. Speaking of John, he is now a danger to himself and the others, as the implant has taken control of his mind. He is actively trying to contact Scorpius and give away their position. Eventually, he escapes in the Farscape One, and Aeryn gives pursuit in her Prowler. It is in this dogfight that John suprises her with his flying skills (he reminds her that he's had positive gravity flight training, while she has not) and disables her ship. It is when Aeryn is forced to eject that she crashes into a lake of ice, and drowns trapped in her malfunctioning chair.
John has control over his mind enough to realize what he's done, and can't believe it. His guilt is immeasurable. And it is ironic that Aeryn dies in the first episode ever where the two finally trade "I love you's."
John subsequently let's the surgeon try to remove the implant, but before he's done, Scorpius shows up and kills the guy. So Scorpius leaves with the implant in hand (it's already located the necessary wormhole info) and John is rendered a blithering idiot, becuase the operation is unfinished. Scorpius chooses to let him live, so that his life can be a never-ending quest for revenge.
Meanwhile, back on Moya, everybody is apparently going their separate ways. With Jothee finally back, D'Argo wants to become a quiet farmer, and make Chiana his wife. Stark has asked Zhaan if she'd like to remain together in their future travels. And Rygel has his own agenda now that he has wealth again.
Wow -- Farscape is certainly at a crossroads. The show is arguably in need of a new direction, and the writers have left us hanging for the next six weeks as to what that direction is. I, for one, am certainly dismayed by this episode's events. Which is exactly the effect they were going for I suppose. Say what you will about Farscape, but never say they don't take chances. For better or worse, this show does whatever it takes to defy convention.
If you are even the slightest fan, I emplore you to sound off in our forums. What do you think of all this? Will Aeryn be back? What's in store for the crew? Will there still be a crew??
Episode Rating: 10 out of 10 -- for shear shock value alone. Aeryn's frelling dead, dude!
Although my personal prediction is that we will she her again. At the very least, for the next six weeks, we will be treated to "essential Farscape" -- some classic eps, not to be missed.
Highlight:
--uh, Aeryn's death sort of dominates this episode, if you hadn't guessed.
See you in season III!
- your resident Farscape guru, Ultra Magnus
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