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scifi_rewatchListening to the ScapeCast chronicle response to this episode was like a lesson in opposite reactions. Most of what they hated about this episode, I really loved. It was interesting, in a way, because they described in detail how this was a Chiana-centric episode that delved into her backstory of being a tough girl with a vulnerable side or how she attempts to use her body and sexuality as currency. For them it wasn’t enough to make her endearing—quite the opposite, in fact—but for me I bought it hook, line and sinker. Maybe because Chiana was the “teenager” of “Farscape” and I was a teen myself when first watching (albeit a much different one than Chi.) I like to think it’s because it’s of her vulnerabilities, that she has many different layers from badass to little girl, selfish to selfless. It’s a rare feat to make secondary characters so defined, also focusing on D’argo here (and his iconic final scene with Chi) who goes from cocky, youthful warrior to quiet, soulful peacenik and a bit in between.
This may betray my age, or the fact that “Farscape” was my first major scifi drama, but I loved the idea of the budong mining camp. Creative! Sure the aliens were a bit kooky, though they were leagues better than the stoned hippies of “Taking the Stone,” and I loved that Chiana-episode, too. And finally, to date the time that I’m writing this, this episode made me sad that I couldn’t make it to DragonCon 2013 where Gigi (Chiana) and Anthony (D’argo) were reunited. *sobz*
Episode summary is here, courtesy of the John and Aeryn Fansite.
The B storyline didn’t really accomplish much, but it was nice to give Zhaan and Aeryn some scenes together. (Then again Zhaan was kinda crazy for it.) I really liked the idea of Zhaan’s spores, and the makeup was even more incredible than usual. Not so sure this “plants need meat” thing is grounded in reality, but this is scifi here. :P And not much to say about Rygel, though it’s always a pleasure watching him try to game the system (this time with a gambler who admittedly was a ridiculous caricature.)
Still enjoying season two Snarky!John, too. After his colossal failure with the fried dentics, it was nice to see him get his groove back with the keedva. Southern boy wins again!
Can I talk about how much I love Chiana’s backstory? That she and Nerri (remember dead brother reference) were on the run, that they went to dangerous places, that Chiana gets caught up with men? But also old ladies—I thought Gigi and the actress who played Altana had a bit of urchin-girl chemistry. I even liked her with B’Soog, the way he degraded but wanted her, and how she tried to work that. I wonder, if the show was produced today, if they’d make more of a conscious effort to focus on reactions to Chiana’s promiscuity, though they did a decent job of it then. And it’s not just Aeryn making throwaway lines about “your favorite tralk;” this episode, more than any so far, proves that Chi is more than just a party girl; her sexuality, and allowing others to use her sexually (not to mention her thieving and trust issues), is a means of survival. And yes, sometimes she enjoys it. :P
D’argo is obviously the straight-laced reaction to all of this, almost the male protagonist in “The Taming of the Shrew.” For weeks, we’ve been dancing around his growing attraction to Chiana, which culminates in the ending scene, which I think was beautiful. It peeled away all of Chi’s snark to showcase her vulnerability and fear (gah, Gigi!) and the music and camera work was great, and wow. I still remember responding to it the first time I watched. Have I mentioned that I love how “Farscape” caters to its supporting cast as well? Could always use a reminder, hee.
The whole B’soog using the whistle to control the keedva/steal wealth thing—yeah, whatever. Perfunctory. I was mostly intrigued by Chiana’s reaction. She couldn’t bring herself to kill him, but she did shoot the acid that burned his hand off. :P That’s my girl, who can kiss, kick or cry her way out of anything! Nothing but love for Chiana over here, yup. Nothing but love.
Favorite Crichtonism: Delivery! It ain't exactly Dominos, but it got here in less than 30 minutes.
Favorite Quotes:
*John and Chiana discuss the haven where they will get food*
John: Fields of green grass.
Chiana: Well, mold is, uh - is green.
John: Crystal blue streams.
Chiana: Ruptured boldox, actually.
*Aeryn is jealous of her B-storyline*
Aeryn: Ooohhh - that's just great. I get to stay on board with the blooming blue bush and you get to play with your favorite little tralk.
*Chiana and Altana catch up*
Chiana: So what's Desdigal been up to?
Altana: Aw! Keedva got her just after you left. Lost both her arms and half her face.
Chiana: True God!
Altana: Too right. Tara gave it up. She bogged out. She's got some kids or something now.
Chiana: True? What about Jak?
Altana: Got it big and left. Just like I'm about to.
Chiana: Hey girl, you've been here too long. You've been waiting your whole life for that big score. No good.
*Zhaan turns into a horror creature*
Zhaan: Animal proteins stop the budding cycle... Buds evolved for protection. Vermin immobilizes us. Predator attacks. Buds poisoned animal. When animal dies, we eat animal.
*Rygel is out-cheated*
Rygel: You cheated!
Vija: Yeah. It's part of the game. You're just a lousy cheater.
Rygel: I'll have you know that I'm an excellent cheater! I'm just not at my best right now. This outrageous hunger is affecting me!
*tension escalating between future lovers*
Chiana: What were you thinking, attacking B'Soog like that? What, did you think he'd just hand over the meat?
D’argo: It seemed like a better plan than waiting for you to frell him into submission.
Chiana: Well if that's what it takes, then that's what it takes! I thought this was supposed to be about saving Zhaan!
D’argo: There are other ways to get the crystals that we need. I will not allow you to stay here with him.
Chiana: Don't tell me what to do!
D’argo: Well somebody has to! CHIANA!
Chiana: D'Argo, I had a brother. He's gone. I don't need another.
D’argo: I don't want to be - your brother.
*tensions escalate between John and Rygel as the keedva approaches*
John: OH NO YOU DON'T! YOU'RE NOT DITCHING ME!
Rygel: GET OFF! LET GO!
John: NO WAY!
Rygel: There is no reason for both of us to die! I am a Dominar! You're just - YOU!
John: SHUT YOUR YAP, AND GIVE IT MORE GAS!
Rygel: There is no more gas! Let go! I can't die!
John: Screw you!
*D’argo seeks advice from the girlfriend*
D’argo: You sound like Chiana.
Altana: Oh, that girl! She's a wild one. But she's got a heart of gold.
D’argo: Her loyalties are certainly flexible. That's for sure.
Altana: She'll do whatever it takes to get meat for your friend.
D’argo: That's what worries me.
Altana: Nah, we always came out on top, the two of us. We had our fun, even when she and Temmon were together. Oh that fellow. He was good for her and her brother.
D’argo: And yet she repays his kindness by stealing from him. That's why it is very difficult to trust her.
Altana: D'Argo, are you and Chiana together?
D’argo: No.
Altana: No, or not yet?
D’argo: That's up to her.
*B’soog’s final scene*
B’soog: Chiana! You're a thief and a tralk, but you're not a killer.
Chiana: I'm evolving as an individual.
*serious Crichtonism contender*
John: Yah. Carolina Style Keedva. Best BBQ this side of a Budong.
*Aeryn and Zhaan patch things up the usual way*
Aeryn: Pilot is relieved that you're recovering.
Zhaan: As much as I suffered, your experience was also painful. I only made things more difficult for you.
Aeryn: You weren't yourself Zhaan.
Zhaan: No. I was the mindless savage I accused you of being. It wasn't very pleasant reverting back to such a primitive, vicious state. I'm sorry for what I said.
Aeryn: Here. Eat. Don't talk.
*Chiana lets down her guard for D’argo*
D’argo: You must be happy to be out of there.
Chiana: You can't understand, D'Argo.
D’argo: Understand what? Loss? I understand that.
Chiana: It's not a big thing.
D’argo: Chiana, you don't have to put on an act for me.
Chiana: D'Argo, I do what I do to survive.
D’argo: Can't you just let go?
Chiana: I can only let go when I feel safe.
D’argo: You are safe.
Chiana: Am I? *smooch!*
___
This may betray my age, or the fact that “Farscape” was my first major scifi drama, but I loved the idea of the budong mining camp. Creative! Sure the aliens were a bit kooky, though they were leagues better than the stoned hippies of “Taking the Stone,” and I loved that Chiana-episode, too. And finally, to date the time that I’m writing this, this episode made me sad that I couldn’t make it to DragonCon 2013 where Gigi (Chiana) and Anthony (D’argo) were reunited. *sobz*
Episode summary is here, courtesy of the John and Aeryn Fansite.
The B storyline didn’t really accomplish much, but it was nice to give Zhaan and Aeryn some scenes together. (Then again Zhaan was kinda crazy for it.) I really liked the idea of Zhaan’s spores, and the makeup was even more incredible than usual. Not so sure this “plants need meat” thing is grounded in reality, but this is scifi here. :P And not much to say about Rygel, though it’s always a pleasure watching him try to game the system (this time with a gambler who admittedly was a ridiculous caricature.)
Still enjoying season two Snarky!John, too. After his colossal failure with the fried dentics, it was nice to see him get his groove back with the keedva. Southern boy wins again!
Can I talk about how much I love Chiana’s backstory? That she and Nerri (remember dead brother reference) were on the run, that they went to dangerous places, that Chiana gets caught up with men? But also old ladies—I thought Gigi and the actress who played Altana had a bit of urchin-girl chemistry. I even liked her with B’Soog, the way he degraded but wanted her, and how she tried to work that. I wonder, if the show was produced today, if they’d make more of a conscious effort to focus on reactions to Chiana’s promiscuity, though they did a decent job of it then. And it’s not just Aeryn making throwaway lines about “your favorite tralk;” this episode, more than any so far, proves that Chi is more than just a party girl; her sexuality, and allowing others to use her sexually (not to mention her thieving and trust issues), is a means of survival. And yes, sometimes she enjoys it. :P
D’argo is obviously the straight-laced reaction to all of this, almost the male protagonist in “The Taming of the Shrew.” For weeks, we’ve been dancing around his growing attraction to Chiana, which culminates in the ending scene, which I think was beautiful. It peeled away all of Chi’s snark to showcase her vulnerability and fear (gah, Gigi!) and the music and camera work was great, and wow. I still remember responding to it the first time I watched. Have I mentioned that I love how “Farscape” caters to its supporting cast as well? Could always use a reminder, hee.
The whole B’soog using the whistle to control the keedva/steal wealth thing—yeah, whatever. Perfunctory. I was mostly intrigued by Chiana’s reaction. She couldn’t bring herself to kill him, but she did shoot the acid that burned his hand off. :P That’s my girl, who can kiss, kick or cry her way out of anything! Nothing but love for Chiana over here, yup. Nothing but love.
Favorite Crichtonism: Delivery! It ain't exactly Dominos, but it got here in less than 30 minutes.
Favorite Quotes:
*John and Chiana discuss the haven where they will get food*
John: Fields of green grass.
Chiana: Well, mold is, uh - is green.
John: Crystal blue streams.
Chiana: Ruptured boldox, actually.
*Aeryn is jealous of her B-storyline*
Aeryn: Ooohhh - that's just great. I get to stay on board with the blooming blue bush and you get to play with your favorite little tralk.
*Chiana and Altana catch up*
Chiana: So what's Desdigal been up to?
Altana: Aw! Keedva got her just after you left. Lost both her arms and half her face.
Chiana: True God!
Altana: Too right. Tara gave it up. She bogged out. She's got some kids or something now.
Chiana: True? What about Jak?
Altana: Got it big and left. Just like I'm about to.
Chiana: Hey girl, you've been here too long. You've been waiting your whole life for that big score. No good.
*Zhaan turns into a horror creature*
Zhaan: Animal proteins stop the budding cycle... Buds evolved for protection. Vermin immobilizes us. Predator attacks. Buds poisoned animal. When animal dies, we eat animal.
*Rygel is out-cheated*
Rygel: You cheated!
Vija: Yeah. It's part of the game. You're just a lousy cheater.
Rygel: I'll have you know that I'm an excellent cheater! I'm just not at my best right now. This outrageous hunger is affecting me!
*tension escalating between future lovers*
Chiana: What were you thinking, attacking B'Soog like that? What, did you think he'd just hand over the meat?
D’argo: It seemed like a better plan than waiting for you to frell him into submission.
Chiana: Well if that's what it takes, then that's what it takes! I thought this was supposed to be about saving Zhaan!
D’argo: There are other ways to get the crystals that we need. I will not allow you to stay here with him.
Chiana: Don't tell me what to do!
D’argo: Well somebody has to! CHIANA!
Chiana: D'Argo, I had a brother. He's gone. I don't need another.
D’argo: I don't want to be - your brother.
*tensions escalate between John and Rygel as the keedva approaches*
John: OH NO YOU DON'T! YOU'RE NOT DITCHING ME!
Rygel: GET OFF! LET GO!
John: NO WAY!
Rygel: There is no reason for both of us to die! I am a Dominar! You're just - YOU!
John: SHUT YOUR YAP, AND GIVE IT MORE GAS!
Rygel: There is no more gas! Let go! I can't die!
John: Screw you!
*D’argo seeks advice from the girlfriend*
D’argo: You sound like Chiana.
Altana: Oh, that girl! She's a wild one. But she's got a heart of gold.
D’argo: Her loyalties are certainly flexible. That's for sure.
Altana: She'll do whatever it takes to get meat for your friend.
D’argo: That's what worries me.
Altana: Nah, we always came out on top, the two of us. We had our fun, even when she and Temmon were together. Oh that fellow. He was good for her and her brother.
D’argo: And yet she repays his kindness by stealing from him. That's why it is very difficult to trust her.
Altana: D'Argo, are you and Chiana together?
D’argo: No.
Altana: No, or not yet?
D’argo: That's up to her.
*B’soog’s final scene*
B’soog: Chiana! You're a thief and a tralk, but you're not a killer.
Chiana: I'm evolving as an individual.
*serious Crichtonism contender*
John: Yah. Carolina Style Keedva. Best BBQ this side of a Budong.
*Aeryn and Zhaan patch things up the usual way*
Aeryn: Pilot is relieved that you're recovering.
Zhaan: As much as I suffered, your experience was also painful. I only made things more difficult for you.
Aeryn: You weren't yourself Zhaan.
Zhaan: No. I was the mindless savage I accused you of being. It wasn't very pleasant reverting back to such a primitive, vicious state. I'm sorry for what I said.
Aeryn: Here. Eat. Don't talk.
*Chiana lets down her guard for D’argo*
D’argo: You must be happy to be out of there.
Chiana: You can't understand, D'Argo.
D’argo: Understand what? Loss? I understand that.
Chiana: It's not a big thing.
D’argo: Chiana, you don't have to put on an act for me.
Chiana: D'Argo, I do what I do to survive.
D’argo: Can't you just let go?
Chiana: I can only let go when I feel safe.
D’argo: You are safe.
Chiana: Am I? *smooch!*
___
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