When Netflix didn’t have all of the episodes of SG:U available for streaming, it was understandable. It was still relatively new, and barely out on DVD. When they ran out of their streaming licenses for Farscape halfway through watching, I got a wee bit irritated. Frelling trelks!

Once again, the Capital Area District Library came through. It had every episode on DVD, as well as the concluding movie.

Out of all of the twists and turns, the back and forth between Crighton and Scorpius, the magnificence of the aliens (played by actors and animatronic puppets), I think that what stuck with me most was the ebb and flow of Crighton’s madness. I cackled with glee every time he’d let loose with a string of unhinged TV and movie references, possibly grow a beard, and risk everyone’s lives on a gut feeling.

The writers weren’t afraid to make fun of themselves, either. They regularly referenced other science fiction, in print, film, and TV. Even their golden boy, Crighton, was confronted with his “wacky hi-jinks” and “everyman charm.”

I was completely pulled in. The characters quickly developed depth. The setting was enormous and detailed. The special effects were both cheesy and grand enough to satisfy me. The episodes forwarded the metaplot at a good pace, with a healthy peppering of smaller story arcs and alien-of-the-week  to prevent BSG-level heaviness.

I cared about what would happen to Crighton, to Aeryn, to D’argo, to Moya and Pilot, and even to Scorpius. Between the WTF ending of the series and the right-in-the-feels ending of the follow up movie, I’m left satisfied. Farscape is well worth the watch. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to learn how to hum the 1812 Overture.