TNMC
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Greetings Scapers!
Ever aware of our insatiable need for all things Farscape, Sci Fi Channel re-ran some classic episodes last week to hold us over until the new ones start up again. "Look at the Princess" was Farscape's ambitious three-part story arc that first aired last summer. This was the first such trilogy that Farscape ever had, and it definitely raised the bar for all episodes to come. These three episodes are without a doubt, Farscape's greatest hour(s). Without further ado, part three of "Look at the Princess."
The Maltese Crichton - Season II - Original Air Date - 08.04.00
--Continuing from "I Do, I Think"
I could go on and on about this episode...it's just so damn good. I mean, if you like Farscape at all -- this is your all-time favorite episode. It just doesn't get better.
When we last saw our hero, he had just been turned into a statue, albeit a statue that can see and hear. (and even communicate with a little headphone gizmo) In any case, Clavor is outraged that Crichton has taken his rightful place in the throne. He punches Crichton's face, which of course does little good. "Highly symbolic, Prince Clavor, but may I suggest a more permanent solution?" asks Cargn, the Scarran. The question is purely rhetorical, as Cargn swiftly lops off John's head with an energy blade. But Crichton is still alive Clavor assures him, and can be reconstituted if the parts are reunited. That problem, however, is solved when they drop the head in a vat of foundry acid.
As soon as the two leave, however, Scorpius fishes the head out of the acid. Now he can finally obtain the wormhole technology that is his obsession. But before he can escape, Jenavia blasts him, and renders him unconscious. She reunites John's parts and reanimates him to his amazement. John is very weak, so she helps him to a secret camp of hers just outside the city.
Jenavia is not necessarily an ally, however. She overheard Scorpius gloating about capturing Crichton, and now knows he is not PeaceKeeper. She demands to know his origins and mission. "You wouldn't like the truth," he says. She throws him to the ground and puts her knife to his throat. "If you're not a PeaceKeeper, then you know too much about me."
Crichton tells her the whole truth. She says it's either "a pathetic existence, or a pathetic lie." Either way, she lets him live. She reminds him that a live Crichton helps her do her job. "Help me do my job, and I'll help you get what you want, whatever it is." Apparently, the wildlife is pretty carnivorous at night, so the two must make the most of it on their own in the camp. Well, John and Jenavia do what any two single, attractive people would do -- they get it on in the river. Sweet!
Meanwhile, Zhaan is performing funeral rites for Pilot. Suddenly, a physical manifestation of one of the builders appears to her and says that she has passed the test. According to him, Leviathans are gentle creatures that will ultimately do the will of their owners. But now he is convinced of Zhaan's good intentions, and that she is worthy of Moya. First, however, Moya has a request for Zhaan that the builder allows Zhaan to hear: "Sing."
Back in the palace, the next day, there is a climactic stand-off between Cargn, Scorpius, D'argo and Crichton. The machinations involved are too complex to detail here, but the end result is what's interesting. Crichton dumps Cargn in the acid, and is poised to kill Scorpius as well, but cannot bring himself to do it. Instead, he whispers into the enemy's ear: "I am not your enemy. I am not your friend. You leave me the hell alone, or the next time we part, one of us will be dead."
Afterwards, Crichton goes to tell the Empress that he has no intention of going through with his 80 cycles of being a statue. He changes his mind, however, when she tells him that Katralla is already pregnant with his child thanks to some sly artificial insemination. Tyno informs them both, though, that Crichton will not survive the process again. Crichton recommends that Tyno take his place, since no one knows what he looks like anyway, and Tyno loves Katralla. This works for everybody, except Crichton, who is visibly distraught over having a daughter he will never see. "Well there you go - the good guys win for once - and I have a child that I will never know." As he turns to leave, he touches Katralla on the shoulder, turns to Tyno and says, "You take care of my little girl."
Now for closure -- we are finally back on Moya and only one thing is unresolved -- the rift between John and Aeryn. She's doing some exercises when he walks in to do some work on Farscape One. He tells her that he's glad she's okay, and that "I have noticed that you're not talking to me." What follows is the single greatest moment in Farscape's short history --
Aeryn turns to him, showing a vial of compatibility nectar. She slowly walks to him, neither saying a word. He puts a drop on his tongue, and then on hers. Their tongues touch, and then they kiss. She turns, and he cannot see her quiet smile, and she cannot see his. The acting, and music in this seen could not have been any better. And for those who have been here from the beginning, following the drama of John and Aeryn, this was truly a perfect moment. I couldn't help jumping off the couch and shouting "yes...yes...yes!" as if I were some type of giddy schoolboy again.
Episode Rating: In order to differentiate this episode from other "10" episodes, I must give "The Maltese Crichton" an 11 out of 10. (The Spinal Tap Treatment)
Highlights:
The entire episode is one big highlight. It is the only reason I still own a VCR.
- your resident Farscape guru, Ultra Magnus
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