You will notice that as the story builds on, previous experiences play larger roles. one small incident in an episode can be shown to have momentous effects in later seasons
That's not really enough, though. Unless it was carefully planned from the beginning (which it might have been in some cases, but certainly not for a lot of the stuff I've been seeing) it doesn't count. You can pick up something from an earlier episode and make it important, but that's a cop-out. "The space bees we escaped from a while back got a taste for human blood, and are now wiping out the outer colonies! *gasp!* We'll need seven episodes to take care of them!"
...Doesn't count.
Anyway, I understand what you're saying with the plot picking up late in the 1st season. I haven't gotten there, but the reason I probably won't take your word for it and continue on is, as I've been saying, the episode summaries. Let me give an example. Here are wikipedia's summaries for season 2, along with my analysis of plot-relatedness.
SPOILERS, obviously, for someone who hasn't watched the show.23-201 "Mind the Baby" March 17, 2000 (2000-03-17) #10202
Crichton, Aeryn and D'argo are stranded in an asteroid field while Scorpius searches for them. Their safety depends on Crais, who is nearby in Talyn. Aeryn teaches Crais how to control the young Leviathan—the only thing she can offer in return for the lives of her friends. When Moya returns to the asteroid field to look for her offspring, and Crichton decides to remove Crais from control of Talyn, Scorpius finally sees his chance to strike.
Crichton, Aeryn and D'argo are stranded in an asteroid field while Scorpius searches for them. Their safety depends on Crais, who is nearby in Talyn. Aeryn teaches Crais how to control the young Leviathan—the only thing she can offer in return for the lives of her friends. When Moya returns to the asteroid field to look for her offspring, and Crichton decides to remove Crais from control of Talyn, Scorpius finally sees his chance to strike.
Good start; appears to be a plot episode.
24-202 "Vitas Mortis" March 24, 2000 (2000-03-24) #10203
D'Argo takes part in a sacred ritual that helps a dying Luxan, an Orican, to pass on. During the ritual the Orican invokes a ritual of renewal, drawing from what she thinks is D'Argo's strength. Consequently Moya starts to age rapidly.
D'Argo takes part in a sacred ritual that helps a dying Luxan, an Orican, to pass on. During the ritual the Orican invokes a ritual of renewal, drawing from what she thinks is D'Argo's strength. Consequently Moya starts to age rapidly.
Nope.
25-203 "Taking the Stone" March 31, 2000 (2000-03-31) #10204
Chiana leaves Moya and takes residence on a planet populated by a young group of aliens who take part in a dangerous and life-threatening rite.
Chiana leaves Moya and takes residence on a planet populated by a young group of aliens who take part in a dangerous and life-threatening rite.
Nuh uh.
26-204 "Crackers Don't Matter" April 7, 2000 (2000-04-07) #10205
The crew returns from a Commerce Planet with a load of crackers and an alien called T'raltixx, who promises he can alter Moya's electromagnets to make her untraceable. Crichton is skeptical; it seems too good to be true. As they pass through a constellation of pulsars, an increasing paranoia affects the crew, turning them violently against each other. Crichton must fight against his own paranoid delusions to work out what T'raltixx is actually doing—and how to stop him.
The crew returns from a Commerce Planet with a load of crackers and an alien called T'raltixx, who promises he can alter Moya's electromagnets to make her untraceable. Crichton is skeptical; it seems too good to be true. As they pass through a constellation of pulsars, an increasing paranoia affects the crew, turning them violently against each other. Crichton must fight against his own paranoid delusions to work out what T'raltixx is actually doing—and how to stop him.
No plot here.
27-205 "The Way We Weren't" April 14, 2000 (2000-04-14) #10207
A datacam tape is uncovered showing Aeryn as part of a Peacekeeper firing squad that executed Moya's first pilot. The rest of the crew want answers but Aeryn is reluctant to revisit her past—especially her relationship with Velorek, the man who grafted the current Pilot into Moya's systems. Pilot refuses to communicate with the crew, not wanting to reveal his own complicity in the murky circumstances surrounding his installment as Moya's pilot.
A datacam tape is uncovered showing Aeryn as part of a Peacekeeper firing squad that executed Moya's first pilot. The rest of the crew want answers but Aeryn is reluctant to revisit her past—especially her relationship with Velorek, the man who grafted the current Pilot into Moya's systems. Pilot refuses to communicate with the crew, not wanting to reveal his own complicity in the murky circumstances surrounding his installment as Moya's pilot.
Plot? Nerp.
28-206 "Picture if You Will" April 21, 2000 (2000-04-21) #10206
Chiana is given a picture that predicts the future. It depicts the death of Chiana, followed by the rest of the crew who appear to die one by one in self-fulfilling prophecies.
Chiana is given a picture that predicts the future. It depicts the death of Chiana, followed by the rest of the crew who appear to die one by one in self-fulfilling prophecies.
I'm running out of ways to say "no plot."
29-207 "Home on the Remains" June 16, 2000 (2000-06-16) #10208
Desperately short of food, Chiana leads the crew to a dead Budong where she once worked. Without any currency, they must work for food and supply the deteriorating Zhaan with meat.
Desperately short of food, Chiana leads the crew to a dead Budong where she once worked. Without any currency, they must work for food and supply the deteriorating Zhaan with meat.
Fiiiiiller episode.
30-208 "Dream A Little Dream" June 23, 2000 (2000-06-23) #10201
When Zhaan and Crichton are stranded in a transport pod, Zhaan recounts the story of her time with Chiana and Rygel after Family Ties. They landed on a planet where 90% of the population are lawyers, and Zhaan was framed for murder.
When Zhaan and Crichton are stranded in a transport pod, Zhaan recounts the story of her time with Chiana and Rygel after Family Ties. They landed on a planet where 90% of the population are lawyers, and Zhaan was framed for murder.
...90% of the planet are lawyers. Yes, this sounds like quality television.
31-209 "Out of Their Minds" July 7, 2000 (2000-07-07) #10209
After an attack by the Halosians, the crew of Moya find their minds and bodies switched. They must find a way to get their minds back into their own bodies before the Halosians can power up again and destroy Moya.
After an attack by the Halosians, the crew of Moya find their minds and bodies switched. They must find a way to get their minds back into their own bodies before the Halosians can power up again and destroy Moya.
The old mind/body switch, eh? No plot in sight.
32-210 "My Three Crichtons" July 14, 2000 (2000-07-14) #10212
A strange energy ball enters Moya and engulfs John. Crichton emerges, followed by a Neanderthal-like version of himself, another version that appears to be a future evolved human. When communication with the energy ball is established, it states that it will leave without destroying Moya, but one of the Crichtons must be sacrificed for its research.
A strange energy ball enters Moya and engulfs John. Crichton emerges, followed by a Neanderthal-like version of himself, another version that appears to be a future evolved human. When communication with the energy ball is established, it states that it will leave without destroying Moya, but one of the Crichtons must be sacrificed for its research.
This sounds exciting! ...and unrelated to the plot.
33-211 "Look at the Princess Part I: A Kiss is But a Kiss" July 21, 2000 (2000-07-21) #10210
To avoid capture by Scorpius Crichton is forced to propose to a Princess— however there are competitors for the throne and a rival working with a Scarran plans to eliminate Crichton.
To avoid capture by Scorpius Crichton is forced to propose to a Princess— however there are competitors for the throne and a rival working with a Scarran plans to eliminate Crichton.
Hey, Scorpius! Maybe some plot related material here? Except that from the sounds of things it's rather incidental, and not the focus of the episode. Still, some credit due.
34-212 "Look at the Princess Part II: I Do, I Think" July 28, 2000 (2000-07-2
#10221
After an assassination attempt, Crichton is put into hiding on an orbiting cargo ship. But he is betrayed to Scorpius. Aeryn accepts a proposal to go on a hazardous rock-climbing trip with a local suitor.
#10221After an assassination attempt, Crichton is put into hiding on an orbiting cargo ship. But he is betrayed to Scorpius. Aeryn accepts a proposal to go on a hazardous rock-climbing trip with a local suitor.
Roughly the same as the last. Sounds like there's some plot here. Aeryn's going climbin', though. How nice.
35-213 "Look at the Princess Part III: The Maltese Crichton" August 4, 2000 (2000-08-04) #10211
After being transformed into a bronze statue Crichton is beheaded. While Zhaan and Pilot confront one of Moya's creators, Crichton, D'Argo and even Scorpius must rescue Chiana from a Scarran.
After being transformed into a bronze statue Crichton is beheaded. While Zhaan and Pilot confront one of Moya's creators, Crichton, D'Argo and even Scorpius must rescue Chiana from a Scarran.
Well, it's a three parter. So again, yep, some plot here.
36-214 "Beware of Dog" August 11, 2000 (2000-08-11) #10213
Chiana buys a parasite hunting Vork, which creates chaos on board Moya. After several attacks it is suspected that the Vork itself may be the parasite.
Chiana buys a parasite hunting Vork, which creates chaos on board Moya. After several attacks it is suspected that the Vork itself may be the parasite.
Ooh, what a twist! No plot.
37-215 "Won't Get Fooled Again" August 18, 2000 (2000-08-1 #10214
Crichton wakes up on Earth after crashing Farscape One. He believes it to be an illusion, as in A Human Reaction, and tries to find a way out. As things become increasingly chaotic, he begins to lose his sanity.
#10214Crichton wakes up on Earth after crashing Farscape One. He believes it to be an illusion, as in A Human Reaction, and tries to find a way out. As things become increasingly chaotic, he begins to lose his sanity.
Ah yes, visions and flashbacks. A sci-fi staple. (no plot)
38-216 "The Locket" August 25, 2000 (2000-08-25) #10215
While travelling through a mist Aeryn scouts ahead for several hours, but when she emerges, she has aged 165 cycles. She informs Moya's crew that they have to leave lest they be trapped there forever. When she departs again, Crichton follows her only to get trapped on the planet with her, where he's forced to stay for several decades. Stark returns in this episode.
While travelling through a mist Aeryn scouts ahead for several hours, but when she emerges, she has aged 165 cycles. She informs Moya's crew that they have to leave lest they be trapped there forever. When she departs again, Crichton follows her only to get trapped on the planet with her, where he's forced to stay for several decades. Stark returns in this episode.
Time travellin'! Noice. (tolp on)
39-217 "The Ugly Truth" September 8, 2000 (2000-09-0 #10216
After Plokavian ship is destroyed by Talyn with Crichton, Aeryn, D'Argo, Zhaan, and Stark on board, they are put on trial by the Placavians. During their testimony, the story of their meeting with Talyn and Crais is told from a number of perspectives.
#10216After Plokavian ship is destroyed by Talyn with Crichton, Aeryn, D'Argo, Zhaan, and Stark on board, they are put on trial by the Placavians. During their testimony, the story of their meeting with Talyn and Crais is told from a number of perspectives.
I love me a good ol' Plokavian trial. (absent is the plot)
40-218 "A Clockwork Nebari" September 15, 2000 (2000-09-15) #10217
Moya is hijacked by two Nebari who administer a mind-cleansing drug to the entire crew, and plan on taking Chiana back to Nebari Prime. Crichton and Rygel, who are immune, must figure out a way to stop their captors before the Nebari reach their rendezvous.
Moya is hijacked by two Nebari who administer a mind-cleansing drug to the entire crew, and plan on taking Chiana back to Nebari Prime. Crichton and Rygel, who are immune, must figure out a way to stop their captors before the Nebari reach their rendezvous.
What a swashbuckling space adventure this is turning out to be! (no es el plot-o)
41-219 "Liars, Guns and Money Part I: A Not So Simple Plan" January 5, 2001 (2001-01-05) #10218
Stark returns from the dead with a plan to save D'Argo's son and make them all rich in the process albeit through armed robbery. What they don't know is that it is Scorpius' money they are stealing.
Stark returns from the dead with a plan to save D'Argo's son and make them all rich in the process albeit through armed robbery. What they don't know is that it is Scorpius' money they are stealing.
Heh. A robbin' episode. Scorp is mentioned though, so maybe there's some plot here. Maybe.
42-220 "Liars, Guns and Money Part II: With Friends Like These" January 12, 2001 (2001-01-12) #10219
With Jothee in Scorpius' hands, the crew of Moya recruit several former enemies to raid the Shadow Depository.
With Jothee in Scorpius' hands, the crew of Moya recruit several former enemies to raid the Shadow Depository.
Part 2
43-221 "Liars, Guns and Money Part III: Plan B" January 19, 2001 (2001-01-19) #10220
The crew of Moya assault the Shadow Depository in hopes of rescuing Crichton, now in the hands of Scorpius.
The crew of Moya assault the Shadow Depository in hopes of rescuing Crichton, now in the hands of Scorpius.
Part 3
44-222 "Die Me, Dichotomy" January 26, 2001 (2001-01-26) #10222
The crew takes Moya and Crichton to an ice planet, hoping that both can be treated by a Diagnosan. Crichton's neural chip has taken control of his mind and body and will stop at nothing to survive, including harming Aeryn.
The crew takes Moya and Crichton to an ice planet, hoping that both can be treated by a Diagnosan. Crichton's neural chip has taken control of his mind and body and will stop at nothing to survive, including harming Aeryn.
Doesn't sound plot related, but I'll give it the benefit of the doubt for being the season ender. There's probably something there.
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So what do we have? 8 episodes that sound vaguely plot related, with vague definitely being the key word. The filler episodes have the crew doing random crap, and the "plot" episodes have scorpius sneaking around in the shadows while they do their random crap. As far as I can tell, there are elements of the plot that show up now and then, but virtually zero episodes focused around it.
Anyway. There may or may not be more plot than I've been able to pick out from the summaries, but can you blame me for not watching, based on stuff like that? I've watched 5 straight episodes of filler, and with the above to look forward to, I'm not exactly motivated to stay the course.
Thanks for the reply, though.
Rewatch of Farscape
- 04/01/2010 12:45:55 PM
605 Views
Eventually I'm gonna have to watch this show. At least a season or two.
- 05/01/2010 12:59:55 AM
341 Views
I just started watching this show, and I don't think I can keep going.
- 06/01/2010 12:18:53 AM
352 Views
The thing you don't understand until a second viewing ...
- 06/01/2010 12:24:41 AM
345 Views
Sounds fair enough. Not sure it's worth watching 40ish hours of setup episodes though. *NM*
- 06/01/2010 01:49:33 PM
137 Views
*NM*
- 06/01/2010 01:49:33 PM
137 Views
Heh. If you keep going you'll be positively buried in mythology and story arcs.
- 06/01/2010 01:34:52 AM
314 Views
Huh. How strange.
- 06/01/2010 02:55:54 PM
331 Views
Yeah, that's what Nates was saying too.
- 06/01/2010 06:37:37 PM
478 Views
A number of those ...
- 06/01/2010 10:49:33 PM
336 Views
Hmm, I think not. I definitely outweigh all the ducks I've come across.
- 08/01/2010 05:28:32 AM
396 Views
Re: Out of Their Minds
- 06/01/2010 11:23:41 PM
325 Views
Re: Out of Their Minds
- 08/01/2010 05:31:44 AM
346 Views
Through the Looking Glass in season 1 is good two.
- 08/01/2010 09:16:05 AM
315 Views
Each season had a couple of story arcs to it that ran for most of the season... (spoilers)
- 08/01/2010 09:24:42 AM
553 Views