[TriLUG] [OT] Sci-Fi Shows

[Rev. Christian J Hedemark]

Tanner writes:
> but I haven't
> seen anyone mention the show Farscape.  Farscape is on the
> Sci-Fi Channel (every night, right now) and is sort of between
> Babylon 5 and ST in its arc.

I think it is totally original and can't really be compared.  It's more
complex than that.  They have a major storyline for each episode that may or
may not be resolved by the end of the episode.  Happy endings are not
overwhelmingly the norm.  Pain, suffering, bad relationships, etc. extend
from one episode to the next.  There are subplots that also come and go,
independent of the other arcs.  The character development has been great,
even for the muppets (well for Pilot anyway... Rigel is another story but at
least he finally got some booty).

> One of the best things I like about it is it's not afraid to
> make fun of itself.  Recently, they did an episode where
> for part of the show they made it animated in the style of
> Road Runner.

They definitely go out there and try new things.  It doesn't always work but
it is refreshing to see this sort of experimentation.  In this respect, it
sort of reminds me of the Hercules/Xena series.

> I haven't laughed so hard in a long time.

I couldn't believe what I was seeing when this show first hit the air.  I
fell in love immediately.  This is BETTER than any sci fi show I've ever
seen, and I'm stunned that it isn't more popular.  I guess Americans are too
prudish to appreciate a good fart joke (the raunch Australians eat this up)
so imagine my surprise when they introduce that one of the major alien
characters farts HELIUM when he is frightened or nervous (or the episode
where he was pissing flames due to something bad that he ate).

They explore a lot of deeper issues that most sci fi shows don't dare tread
on, because it depends on the writers to think very deeply or the actors to
be somewhat GOOD at what they do (two aspects of entertainment not often
associated with sci fi shows).

> So, anyway, Farscape is my vote for the best Sci-fi currently
> on television.

+1!!!

Reverend Christian J Hedemark II
Hillsborough, NC
http://yonderway.com
"Those who are willing to sacrifice essential liberties for a little order,
will lose both and deserve neither." - Benjamin Franklin