Farscape Season 2, Vol. 1

Director: Tony Tilse, Geoff Bennett (II), Ian Watson (II)
Studio: Adv Films
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
Farscape is genre television at its most ambitious, inspired both by the cult appeal of Babylon 5 and the continuing success of the Star Trek franchise, but taking a visual and conceptual leap beyond those shows. Making extensive use of CGI, prosthetics, and state-of-the-art puppetry, courtesy of Jim Henson's Creature Shop, the Farscape concept has a freshness that makes it look and feel completely original.

After the nail-biting cliffhanger at the end of the first season, the second season gets off to a shaky start in "Mind the Baby," as all the loose plot ends have to be gathered and resolved. Crais apparently has a change of heart, and Scorpius takes his place as Crichton's new nemesis. In "Vitas Mortis," D'Argo falls for a lonely Luxan, with catastrophic and barely plausible results for Moya. "Taking the Stone" showcases Chiana's grief in an episode that manages to be even more confusing. Fortunately by the fourth episode, "Crackers Don't Matter," the show has really hit its stride once again: the crew slowly succumbs to a state of paranoia-fuelled madness, fighting and trying to kill one another thanks to the presence of an odd light-seeking alien. Crichton has a string of great lines ("I hate it when villains quote Shakespeare") and a lot of fun doing an impersonation of Jack Nicholson in The Shining. --Mark Walker
Description
Determined to avoid the villainous Scorpius's pursuit after the destruction of the Peacekeeper Gammak base, Moya--the sentient Leviathan spaceship that serves as home and transport for Crichton, Aeryn, D'Argo, and the rest of the crew--is forced to abandon her newborn offspring, Talyn, to the devious Peacekeeper, Crais, so that she and her crew can safely navigate the Uncharted Territories of space. As they traverse the galaxy in their quest for a way to their respective home worlds, Moya's crew must deal with the consequences of her decision, as well as encounter many hostile aliens and the dangers they present. Episodes: Mind the Baby, Vitas Mortis, Taking the Stone, Crackers Don't Matter.

Farscape Season 1, Vol. 2 - Exodus from Genesis / Throne for a Loss
Average customer rating:

Crichton tries to fit in with his Farscape crew mates

"Exodus"--3 stars; "Throne"--4 stars

Thrown for a loop!

Terrific Treat for SF Fans!

Nice episodes, great extras

Farscape Season 1, Vol. 2 - Exodus from Genesis / Throne for a Loss
Director: Tony Tilse , Geoff Bennett (II) , and Ian Watson (II)
Manufacturer: Adv Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Farscape Season 1, Vol. 3 - Back and Back and Back to the Future/Thank God It's Friday, Again

Farscape Season 1, Vol. 1 - Premiere/I, E.T.

Farscape Season 1, Vol. 4 - PK Tech Girl/That Old Black Magic

Farscape Season 1, Vol. 5 - DNA Mad Scientist/They've Got a Secret

Farscape Season 1, Vol. 7 - The Flax/Jeremiah Crichton

ASIN: B000056VRD
Release Date: 2001-03-20

Amazon.com

The second volume of episodes from the cult cable science fiction series Farscape finds the motley crew of fugitives still learning to live together, with often fractious results. A swarm of interstellar insects infiltrate Moya in "Exodus from Genesis" and crank up the heat to levels that will prove fatal to Aeryn's heat-sensitive Sebacean system. The heat wave isn't the only thing pushing already flaring tempers, however; the bugs create perfect replicas of the crew to carry out their commands, which lead to some rather interesting clashes. The episode echoes elements of Star Trek's "The Devil in the Dark" and the Next Generation episode "Evolution" (among others), then twists them to fit into the chaotic Farscape universe.

In "Throne for a Loss," the most action-packed and stylishly directed episode to date, a race of mercenary criminals called the Tavleks kidnap the imperious Rygel. Despite the temptation to leave the blustering coward behind, the crew hatches a (typically) half-cooked plan to storm the planet-side prison with the help of a dangerously addictive Tavlek power gauntlet. The adrenaline-pumping, laser-blasting weapon increases the aggressive natures of D'Argo and Aeryn to tyrannical levels but also leads to a quiet connection between the warriors as they recover from the drug's effects and compare notes on their human shipmate: "Just imagine, there's a whole race of Crichtons running around. Think how useless they must be."

Each episode includes footage unseen in the U.S. broadcasts, and the DVD features a profile of Claudia Black's character Aeryn Sun as well as commentary on each episode. Director Brian Henson and costar Virginia Hey (Zhaan) discuss the process of defining and developing their characters in the early episodes on "Exodus from Genesis" and stars Ben Browder and Claudia Black exchange playful repartee for the energetic commentary on "Throne for a Loss." --Sean Axmaker

Description

"Exodus from Genesis": Fortunately, a strange interstellar phenomenon conceals Moya's location from a Peacekeeper marauder. Unfortunately, the phenomenon is a swarm of Drak, insect-like creatures that mysteriously infest Moya. Soon, the space insects begin using the ship as a breeding "host," sending the temperature within Moya skyrocketing--perilously high for Aeryn's heat-sensitive Sebacean system. But the infestation within is nothing compared to danger lurking outside!

"Throne for a Loss": When a cargo negotiation with the bloodthirsty, money-hungry Tavleks turns into a kidnapping, Moya's crew must race against time and tempers to save the abducted Rygel. But a captured Tavlek is no even trade for a wealthy dominar. Crichton, Aeryn, and D'Argo have no choice but to use a dangerously addictive, adrenalin-pumping gauntlet stolen from the Tavleks to save their pompous companion and retrieve the crystal Rygel has stolen that is causing Moya's orbit to decay.

Customer Reviews:

Crichton tries to fit in with his Farscape crew mates.......2003-01-10

I started watching the first season of "Farscape" on DVD without ever having seen the show on television (I knew it was the show with the blue skinned woman and that was about it). My assumption is that nobody is going to come to Volume 2 of Season 1 without having watched Volume 1. Consequently, I get to engage more in commentary than description for this review.

"Exodus from Genesis" is a story designed to have Crichton (Ben Browder) earn the respect of his crewmates. Moya is invaded by aliens who are able to assume the form of the crew. If that is not enough fun a squad of Peacekeepers boards the ship as well. Like the previous episode, "I, E.T.," this is another instance where "Farscape" is getting ahead of itself. Episode 3 is too soon to be doing a story where the actors play reproductions or possessed versions of their characters. We still have so much to learn about these characters, which means details like the problems Aeryn (Claudia Black) has with high temperatures is of more interest than how many copies of Crichton can show up in one room.

"Throne for a Loss" find Rygel kidnapped and held for ransom. Crichton, Aeryn, and D'Argo (Anthony Simcoe) go off to rescue the floating puppet. Their efforts are compromised by the acquisition of a gauntlet, the weapon used by the bad guys. Unfortunately, the gauntlet tends to make its user a bit psychotic, as each of the trio of rescuers discovers. However, Crichton wants to rely on good old human honesty to save the day rather than alien technology. The most interesting part of this episode is back on Moya, when Zhaan (Virginia Hey) is trying to help their prisoner deal with the loss of his gauntlet and the addictive chemicals it provides its user. Of course Zhaan is the most fascinating character on the show and every new revelation about her becomes another piece of the puzzle.

One thing that is already clear to me by this second disc from the first season is that "Farscape" is extremely fan friendly when it comes to putting the episodes out on DVD. First, the episodes contain previously unbroadcast footage, which means all the stuff they cut to show "Farscape" on American television (apparently we have 3-4 minutes more commercials than the rest of the civilized world). Second, all of the episodes feature commentary by a pair of cast and crewmembers: Brian Henson and Virginia Hey on Episode 3 and Ben Browder and Claudia Black on Episode 4. I assume future DVDs will continue to mix and match these people in various combinations. Having two people engage in a conversation works well and all the participants tend to talk about not just the particular episode but also their characters and the series overall.

"Exodus"--3 stars; "Throne"--4 stars.......2002-11-20

"Farscape" has developed into one of the best shows on television. Enjoyment of these early episodes is enhanced by the addition of deleted material and lively commentary. "Escape from Exodus" is an enjoyable story, but far from "Farscape" at its best. The tale of an infestation by space parasites is enlivened by entertaining character interaction, always one of this show's strengths. "Throne for a Loss," on the other hand, is terrific. Rygel, as despicably hilarious as ever, is kidnapped by the Tavleks, a race of warriors who rely on an addictive drug, administered through "power gauntlets," to heighten their power and aggression. To save Rygel, Aeryn, Crichton, and D'Argo all take their turns with the weapon, and the way in which it affects each of them provides interesting and amusing insights into their characters. The way in which Crichton resolves the conflict is perfect.

Thrown for a loop!.......2002-03-13

As a Farscape 'fledgling' (always seem to get into shows in the second season) I'm enthralled with this series.

Exodus from Genesis explores the developing relationships between the ship's crew during a crisis on Moya. It painfully lets us experience how totally inept poor Crichton feels by being thrust into the alien universe in which he finds himself. Beatuiful acting on the part of Claudia and Virginia in many scenes, interspersed with some amusing segments in spite of the seriousness of the situations they encounter.

Throne for a Loss depicts Rigel at his best and worst. Gives a keen insight into his more sinister traits. I had no difficulty understanding why the crew were (a little) tempted to leave him planetside after his abduction.

The extras on the DVD were wonderful and the commentaries thoroughly enjoyable.

Terrific Treat for SF Fans!.......2002-02-23

One of the strengths of good sf on television is that it takes the characters and basic elements of its "universe" and adds to and develops them. FARSCAPE is no exception to this rule, and does it quite wonderfully in this pair of episodes.

"Exodus From Genesis" is about a bug infestation on Moya, and the surprising truth of what is behind it. With a commentary track version of the episode by Brian Henson and Virginia Hey, the episode has some very good character interaction, and the extra footage on the disc presents some rather intriguing material for fans of Zhaan. Solid episode, good story, with some neat visual effects.

"Throne for a Loss" is an episode that deals with an attempt on Moya's crew to trade with beings called Tavleks that takes an unexpected turn when Rygel is kidnapped for ransom. Excellent sense of humour in this episode with some great lines from various cast members, and the extra footage here makes the episode worthwhile. However, when one adds the commentary track with Ben Browder and Claudia Black, one has an episode version that offers all kinds of insights into the episode and how it was made (among other subjects discussed by the two actors).

Overall, a marvellous DVD and well worth adding to any collection of sf discs - but even better that it's a FARSCAPE one!

Nice episodes, great extras.......2001-09-10

I admit it--I came a bit late to the Farscape party. But ever since my jump into the series during the mid-point of season two, I've been hooked. So, I'm delighed that the entire series is coming on DVD and giving a relatively new fan like myself a chance to catch up on the early days in the Uncharted Territories.

And this DVD contains one of my favorite episodes from the first six or so and then one that's pretty darn good. The "pretty darn good one" is Exodus from Genesis which features parasites who feed on Moya. The story works because it does what Farscape does best--takes an old sci-fi convention and gives it a new spin. There's also some character development along the way, which is always a good thing.

The second episode is one of my personal favorites--"Throne for a Loss." Rygel is kidnapped by the Tavleks, who think he's a high-ranking offical that Moya's crew will pay generously to have returned to them. The premise of the episode works well and it's interesting to see the character relationships begin to grow and gel a bit. But the highlight of the story is that while the situation is serious, there is still some great humor thrown in. It's Farscape in the finest tradition--intelligent, witty and fun. Definitely worth seeing--even if you're not a Farscape fan.

What throws this DVD other the top though is the extras. Both episodes include commentaries that really help the episodes become more interesting. The commentary on Throne for a Loss is a hoot, featuring series stars Ben Browder (Crichton) and Claudia Black (Aeryn). There's an infectous energy in the the commentary that carries over to the episode and helps give some now insights into the series and its early days.

Amazon.com

Farscape is genre television at its most ambitious, inspired both by the cult appeal of Babylon 5 and the continuing success of the Star Trek franchise, but taking a visual and conceptual leap beyond those shows. Making extensive use of CGI, prosthetics, and state-of-the-art puppetry, courtesy of Jim Henson's Creature Shop, the Farscape concept has a freshness that makes it look and feel completely original.

Description

Determined to avoid the villainous Scorpius's pursuit after the destruction of the Peacekeeper Gammak base, Moya--the sentient Leviathan spaceship that serves as home and transport for Crichton, Aeryn, D'Argo, and the rest of the crew--is forced to abandon her newborn offspring, Talyn, to the devious Peacekeeper, Crais, so that she and her crew can safely navigate the Uncharted Territories of space. As they traverse the galaxy in their quest for a way to their respective home worlds, Moya's crew must deal with the consequences of her decision, as well as encounter many hostile aliens and the dangers they present. Episodes: Mind the Baby, Vitas Mortis, Taking the Stone, Crackers Don't Matter.

Customer Reviews:

Season 2 gets off to a slow start.......2006-09-04

This disc features two good episodes, but the overall quality is brought down by a couple of clinkers. "Mind the Baby" resolves the first season cliffhangers and gives the renegade commander Crais (Lani Tupu) command of Moya's offspring Talon, the only Leviathan armed with Peacekeeper weapons, setting the stage for some great future episodes. "Crackers Don't Matter" features a creepy alien (Danny Adcock) attempting to take over Moya, but the real fun comes from watching the cast overcome with suspicion of each other and Crichton (Ben Browder) trying to get them to cooperate despite his own burgeoning paranoia.

On the other hand, this set of episodes is hampered by "Vitas Mortis," which at least has the saving grace of offering a glimpse behind the scenes of Luxon culture, and "Taking the Stone," a messy story about a daredevil youth culture on a cemetary planet.

Great show, but not the best showing.......2003-05-14

Now - I love Farscape. I came into the show late in the game, but it has quickly joined my list of classics...a show not to be missed and now, after it's cancellation, to be mourned.

Knowing this, I must say that this set is not Farscape's best showing. So, if a new fan - don't start here....actually, start in Season 1, episode 1. It's imperative!

The redeeming feature of this set is the episode "Crackers Don't Matter." It *might* be my favorite Farscape episode of all time. The paranoia/hysteria are hysterical and chilling....and it sets up the Scorpius arc for the remainder of the season. This episode, at least, is not to be missed!

A rather disorienting start to Season 2 of "Farscape".......2003-05-13

Season 1 of "Farscape" ended with as many cliffhangers as they could cram into the season finale. We had Crichton (Ben Browder) and D'Argo (Anthony Simcoe) floating in space; Moya new born baby boy turns out to have built-in Peacekeeper technology, which thrills Captain Crais (Lani John Tupu); Aeryn (Claudia Black) in a Prowler hiding from Scorpius (Wayne Pygram); and Moya starbursts away with Zhaan (Virginia Hey), Chiana (Gigi Edgley), and Rigel. To be fair, there was no "To Be Continued" announcement for that season finale, probably because the fate of the show was still up in the air, but with the "Farscape" crew scattered to the winds of space there was a sense of anticipation as to how they were going to get out of their respective messes.

That is why "Mind the Baby" is such a great disappointment. When I started watching the episode I thought I had the wrong one in the machine because suddenly Crichton and D'Argo are no longer in space. They must have saved a small fortune not having to do the special effects to show how this happened, but it comes across as a cheat to me. It really go the whole episode off on the wrong foot for me and every new revelation as to how things would be different in Season 2 ended up being met with skepticism. I liked the second episode, "Vitas Mortis" a lot better, which is rather ironic because the story has absolutely nothing to do with any of the new plot elements that were just established. D'Argo meets up with another Luxan, a Orican (holy woman) named Nilaam, who wants him to attend to her death. However, their association has unexpected consequences, both for the two Luxans and for Moya. This look at Luxan culture is rather brief, but it does give D'Argo some new depth to go along with the dark skin colors he picked up floating around in space between the first two seasons. After all the new information thrown at us in the previous episode, a character study of one of Moya's crew other than Crichton stands us in good stead.

Chiana takes center stage in "Taking the Stone," when she is driven by grief to visit a Royal Cemetary planet where she joins a group of decadent youngsters who engage in ritualistic jumping off of cliffs to test death. The group is led by Molon (Anthony Hayes), who has even more disdain for the visitors than he does for his own people. Meanwhile, Crichton is trying to convince Chiana not to "take the stone." This episode reminds me of the "Star Trek" episode "Miri," although Chaina provides it with much more emotional depth. "Crackers Don't Matter" is one of those episodes where the characters are driven semi-insane by alien forces and the actors get to cut loose (the cunning Pilot was my favorite). Behind it all is Traltixx (Danny Adcock), who was called in to help make Moya undetectable to sensors and instead is making her walls glow. However, it is only the fourth episode of the second season, so why would the cast need a change of pace episode already?

The DVD extras are pretty much a mixed bag, especially after the above average batch of additives from the first season set. There is a character backstory on John Crichton and an actor biography of Ben Browder, but they are both text pages that you have to flip through rather than filmed featurettes; they are also rather brief. There is a commentary track on "Crackers Don't Matter," which is mostly actress Claudia Black interviewing director Ian Watson about his craft in general. There are several deleted scenes just for something different this time around and more pages offering a look at the alien encounter with Nilaam and some conceptual drawings, including nice costume drawings for Nilamm. Finally, there is the Farscape Dictionary of alien slang so you can know what "blez," "frodank," and "loomas" mean. So these end up being rather average episodes of "Farscape," although obvious the season premiere is setting the stage for what is to come. I am sure we all had our problems with some of the new directions the show is taking at this point (Talon's choice for the big "honor" totally rubs me the wrong way), but judgment should be reserved until we see what the show does with them.

A great show.......2002-10-03

I love Farscape, and this collection has some fascinating episodes. I don't know what the fuss is about over the special features; THEY ARE GREAT! Some of them are text, sure, but they are interesting. As for there being few deleted scenes...if were loads of deleted scenes, wouldn't that indicate a problem with the show's direction (wasting money)? Farscape is one of the best directed and best acted shows in sci-fi. Few deleted scenes means everybody's doing a good job! I checked out the website for the British DVDs a couple of people have mentioned. I think it's a case of "the grass is always greener." The British and American releases look awfully similar to me! HOORAY FOR FARSCAPE!!

BEST SHOW ON SCI FI.......2002-09-21

This is an incredible series. It has alot of things different from your standard Sci Fi fare. Try it you cant go wrong!

SAVE FARSCAPE!

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