Each generation has a science fiction show that captures its imagination, and has an impact even when it’s off the air. Fans of Stargate SG-1 were probably devastated when the planned reboot skidded to a halt. Some people probably still binge-watch Fringe or Battlestar Galactica. Yet there’s one sci-fi show that might have flown under the radar, despite featuring a unique story and a compelling cast of characters. Said series is now available to stream on Tubi, and sci-fi fans owe it to themselves to check it out.
That series is Farscape, created by Rockne S. O’Bannon. Farscape follows the adventures of John Crichton (Ben Browder), an astronaut who’s hurled into the far reaches of the Milky Way galaxy after he encounters a wormhole. Crichton is promptly pulled into a conflict involving the military force known as the Peacekeepers and a sentient spaceship named Moya. He and the rest of Moya’s passengers travel through this new universe, attempting to find a way back to their respective homes. Farscape lasted for four seasons and 88 episodes, building a world that rivals those of Star Wars or Star Trek in terms of creativity.
‘Farscape’ thrived thanks to strong characters and unique visuals
Farscape had a unique approach to storytelling: while each episode is self-contained, the series builds to a larger story throughout each season. As a result, characters are slowly evolving throughout the series in ways the audience might not expect. Crichton has to learn to live in a world where aliens and space travel exist, and is even briefly cloned. Former Peacekeeper Aeryn Sun (Claudia Black) learns to move beyond her military programming, and slowly develops a romance with Crichton. Even Moya undergoes a massive change, giving birth to a warship named Tayln.
If the character work wasn’t enough to hook viewers, Farscape is visually different from other sci-fi shows thanks to the work of the Jim Henson Company. The Henson Company provided puppets and prosthetics that made alien characters truly look alien in a way that other sci-fi franchises didn’t, with Moya’s pilot — who’s actually named Pilot — as a key example. Pilot’s snail-like body and turtle-esque shell, combined with his movement, make him feel like a living, breathing character. It’s just one of the many ways the Henson Company sought to immerse viewers in Farscape‘s world.
‘Farscape’ had a unique conclusion
While Farscape might be labeled as a cult classic today, it was a moderate hit back when it was airing. Part of that was due to the fact that it aired at a time when Star Trek’s pull on sci-fi was starting to wane, and it beat Firefly to the punch when establishing a group of lovable outlaws in space. It also was the first space series to start using made-up slang in lieu of cursing, with “frelling” becoming a particular favorite among fans. Despite this, rising production costs and declining ratings led to Farscape being canceled after its fourth season.
The Sci-Fi channel was probably not expecting the surge of online support that followed this decision. News broke fast and furious, eventually leading to producer Brian Henson securing the rights and an online campaign to renew the series. That renewal came in the form of Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars, which follows Crichton and Aeryn on one last adventure. Farscape also lives on in the form of comic books, with BOOM! Studios releasing a special celebrating the series’ 25th anniversary in 2024. It’s also inspired filmmakers like James Gunn, who said that the series was a major inspiration for the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy. It might be a cult classic, but Farscape is a series that deserves to be watched by sci-fi fans old and new.
