World Famous Comics: Farscape Season 1, Vol. 2 - Exodus from Genesis / Throne for a Loss
Farscape Season 1, Vol. 2 - Exodus from Genesis / Throne for a Loss
Directed By: Tony Tilse, Ian Watson (II), Geoff Bennett (II) Average Rating: Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated) Binding: VHS Tape Format: Color, NTSC Label: Adv Films Number of Items: 1 Release Date: March 20, 2001 Running Time: 100 minutes Theatrical Release Date: March 19, 1999
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.
Space pests and space pirates! While it sounds like there is tons of action in these two episodes it, in fact, slows down to allow for some more character development. For example, how will the gang free Rygel from the hands of the Tavlek who have kidnapped him? That MAY be the normal question in a normal, bland, sci-fi TV show but that's not the question in this one. No the question is will they even BOTHER to save him? Do they even want to? Still, Exodus From Genesis has lots of action as the crew is trapped between a spreading infestation of space bugs and a Peacekeeper Marauder that's searching for them.
Crichton tries to fit in with his Farscape crew mates 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 "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! 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! 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!
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