Farscape Season 1, Vol. 11 - Bone to Be Wild / Family Ties

"Farscape," one of the best SF shows ever, wrapped up its first season with these two episodes.

The first, "Bone to Be Wild," is just average. Hiding out in an asteroid belt, the crew discovers two inhabitants on a verdant asteroid, each claiming that the other is responsible for killing its compatriots. There are some chilling moments, but it remains a three-star effort.

"Family Ties" raises the bar considerably. Still hiding in the asteroid belt, Crichton (Ben Browder) and company are forced to take huge risks in order to preserve their own lives and that of Talon, the offspring of their living spacecraft, Moya. Rygel appears to be defecting, Crais (Lani Tupu) appeals to Crichton and the others after losing his power struggle with Scorpius (Wayne Pygram), and events culminate in a snafu of galactic proportions that would seem to sever contact among our characters forever. This important episode introduces plot elements that will play out over the course of many episodes and seasons. If you've made it this far, you won't be able to stop now.

Family Ties is such a strong episode that I have ignored its unfortunate pairing with Bone to be Wild (an episode of little consequence and terrible storyline placement) and given this a 5 star rating. Family Ties is everything a season finale should be -- enemies old and new, each character coming fully into their own, Farscape's typical wit mixed with the most poignant moments to date, and of course a cliffhanger that makes you glad the SciFi channel is goofy enough to air the final four episodes right before the beginning of the new season so you don't have to agonize too long. These actors can handle anything with style, and Family Ties is one of the most stylish episodes from any season.

The DVD's are well coordinated and the menus are easy to follow. The clarity is excellent.

Farscape was (and I specify was) one of the best new SciFi series out. I recommend all episodes in season one and season two however, starting with the ending of season three it has become silly and juvenile. Chreiton's brain implant is becomming redundant and needs to be resolved. I do not plan on purchasing any additional episodes (perhaps even watching) unless they get new writers (someone over the age of 12 at least)for the upcoming episodes.
LETS HOPE THEY RETURN TO THE ORIGINAL CONCEPTS OF THE SERIES.

Being Sci-fi fans for a long time, particularly of the Star Trek franchise (our favorite was Voyager), we have been bowled over by the Farscape series. It is far more creative and adventurous than anything before it--thanks to the amazing work of Henson's Creature Shop and the bold vision of its creators...but the real success of the show is due to its fabulous cast, who make the scripts sing and sizzle...funny and poignant and raucous adventure, all rolled into one! These two episodes are truly representative of Farscape's best features, with creatures to die for (Bone to Be Wild) and the captivating performances by the cast (Family Ties). Our full salute to this inventive show!

I have to sey I was not all that in to Farscape at first but then I saw the dvd and thought ok it would be fun to see the first few shows and then I would buy the next one and the next one you see where theis is going I love this show now to bad I don't know whats going on now but I will never miss it ever now I can't wait for Vol 12 to come out I love Farscape and you will to