Farscape!

[castalie]

I came home today to one of those wonderful little surprises that makes your life such a happy place - unbeknownst to me, the oh so wonderful oceana_ had made a copy of the first two episodes of Farscape and had sent them my way - I thought it was a quid pro quo, but no, it wasn't! I now have Farscape home! I mean, the beginning *g* This is also one hell of a good - so good that it's almost freaky - timing because I was talking about it not two days ago with yami_tai. Farscape is like Firefly, it had an urban legend status - ie, I've heard pretty much everyone talk and rave about the series but I'd never seen a single episode nor even a small excerpt. Nothing. After I got Firefly for my bday *hugs the hell of Tai once more* I only had one more urban legend to defeat... it's now done! I can't thank you enough oceana_, that was a very thoughtful gift *g*

Sadly, I only managed to watch the premiere so far - I know what I'll do tomorrow right after I'm back from work though *g*

So. First Impressions:

#1- Wow! Cameron looks different! I mean, the same but different... and younger too.

#2- Puppets! They have puppets on board! And a Bald Sorta Smurfette but that's not the point, they have a puppet. And hey, why not. I wouldn't want to offend Yoda, anyway, right? Right. Besides, I happen to love puppets. Clowns scare the hell out of me but puppets like in Dark Crystal, Bomber X or Thunderbirds - just to name a few - delight me to no end.

#3- They also have a giantbug!puppet for a pilot.

#3- Vala! Only... no, not Vala at all. Weird, I think she actually looks a tad older than Vala. And wait, is Aeryn supposedly on the Bad Guys Side? I didn't know that. Come to think of it, I don't know anything about that show, so it's not saying a lot.

#4- Holy shit, is Vala going to cheat on Daniel with Cameron? Talk about a twist *gasp*

#5- They.have.a.puppet - who... what? Farts helium? *blink*

That's an interesting introduction.

The problem with first impressions? Is that you usually don't get a second chance to make them. But! It's not always a problem as such, because I'm intrigued enough and despite all *waves hands* that, I certainly want more - I mean, I'm getting into it. I know that if I keep watching, I might, like, get into it. oceana_? If I end up caving in and spending money on the DVD boxsets, I think I might hate you just a tiny bit. But damn, I've been peeking at aforementioned boxsets for the longest time now and didn't want to buy them because I had no idea whether I would enjoy the series or not and I couldn't allow myself to spend money on something I wasn't at least 80% certain about, and now... things might have changed. As if I needed new DVDs *rolls eyes*

Also I see everyone saying how much Vala and Cameron look like Aeryn and John? And I'm wondering, will I see it when I'm deeper in the show? Cause right now - and I know, I'm only one episode into it - I'm so not seeing it. Is it obvious? When you know those characters, I mean. I'm just curious *g*

Changing the subject now, and without the slightest segue:

Kirith Kirin is WONDERFUL! You know the point in a book when you know that you’re coming to the end, in a way you’re expecting to reach the climax of the story, you’re ready for it, and ready for the aftermath… it’s not that you can’t get any new surprise, far from it, but you think you know what to expect - to a certain extent, ie not plot wise as such but feeling wise, maybe. You're telling yourself, this is it - this is the end, they'll certainly make me feel things more deeply than before in the story because it's the end, but I'm ready for it, bring it on. Well, that’s exactly when Kirith Kirin totally blew me away - I was expecting a lot of things, but this? Never! The ending of "Aerfax" crushed me! "Senecaur", though ending on a happy note - that is, the happy reunion I was hoping for - made me ache so much… but maybe not so much as "Ivyssa" did though, when Kirith Kirin, Karsten and Imral told the story of what had happened since Jessex had affronted Drudaen - then when Kirith Kirin answered Jessex and told him how many years had passed since his battle against Drudaen… I couldn’t believe it! I don’t know, it was so… devastating somehow. It was so intense, so good, wow! That gave me goosebumps.

Those three chapters really got me. I mean, I was into the story before, I’d been hooked from the beginning, but suddenly it was as if Jim Grimsley had projected some new energy and intensity in his story telling… the climax I’d been expecting was nothing to the reality of it, talk about a twist - that was pretty incredible, I loved it. My heart was racing and all… dude!

And to think of Kirith Kirin waiting so long for the return of his lover, at first not knowing he was alive... that was beautiful too. I loved it when he asked Jessex whether things had changed and Jessex answered that maybe lots of things had, but not the love they have for each other. It wasn't corny or sappy - there was a lot of power in the statement... and when you think of the hundred years the two lovers had been separated, Jessex in a state of enchanted sleep - I'm obviously simplying things here - and Kirith Kirin looking for him... well, it certainly makes their story even more powerful too. It's still so very subtle, so quiet - you're never hit over the end with their love, but they show it and they even say it... it's all in the words and the gestures, so tender and so delicate - though so very strong and powerful. Talk about a compelling mix *g*

I'm not usually into stories about wizards and immortals and all, but since Jim Grimsley told the story, I decided to give it a try, because sometimes you love an author enough to trust him completely, even when dealing with themes you're not so keen to read. And I was right. I love the way he writes his magic... it's so... mystical, so dream-like, it's all with Words and Songs and there's such a languid quality to it in its power that it really got me, hook line and sinker. Well, it's pure Jim Grimsley, in a way *g*

Now off to read the transcript of Farscape 1x01 before going to sleep, because aliens speaking English aren't always the easiest creatures to understand for me, and I don't want to miss out anything.

Comments

[sffan.livejournal.com]

I don't know if they're available in France, but the Farscape DVDs are being re-released in North America at a much more reasonable price ($22 Cnd each, making a full season approx $75 as opposed to $200 for the earlier boxed sets). They're called Starburst editions.

[castalie.livejournal.com]

They're available in France - each season is divided into two or three boxed sets, each of them costing between 33€ and 55€ - so I'm definitely trying to look for an alternative.

And ca $75 Cnd for a whole season, you say? Dude! That's, like what, 50€ only? *blink* Wow. Even with the shipping, I would still save money. Amazon.ca is so wonderful!

Thanks for the heads up *g*

[jennixen.livejournal.com]

Cameron might be a little like Crichton but Vala is NOTHING like Aeryn.
Claudia Black is just the BEST!! :D *worships*

[castalie.livejournal.com]

I'll wait to see if I recognise Cameron in John later on, then *g* Hopefully, I'll watch the series in its entirety soon. Well, soonish lol

Claudia Black is quite awesome *g*

[aswanargent.livejournal.com]

When you have a chance, be sure to look at what Aline posted Aug. 7th and Aug. 9th. French fic. :-) French porn. :-O (Not a problem for me, lol, but I understand some of you guys have issues with this.)

[castalie.livejournal.com]

Scanned the thing and the sex scene didn't do it for me. Too wordy, too... I don't know, it made me smile but it didn't grab me. Maybe I'll give it another go if Aline wants the feedback from some French readers, but I don't see how mine would be constructive or anything. I mean, I only comment when I love what I read... when it didn't work - for reasons that have everything to do with me and nothing to do with the author's talent, obviously - I just don't say anything because what's the point *g* Of course what she posted was not a PWP so I could just go and read the rest properly when I'll have time - but fics in French... aren't my cup of tea, I'll admit *g*

[ladyeclectic79.livejournal.com]

Yup, puppets and all Farscape is my favorite scifi show, even compared to SG1. So much rich, dark material involved in it, and most episodes didn't have a happy ending (granted, not as unhappy as say Cowboy Bebop, but not all the things were tied together by an eps end). Especially as you watch the gradual mental degredation of the lead Crichton - good dark stuff.

I agree with what's been said - Aeryn and Vala are completely different, but Crichton and Cameron (despite having a similar first letter in their names) aren't quite the same. Cameron is more flippant and playful, more like O'Neil; Crichton was a very focussed individual, but as he became more mentally unhinged he had a very raw, maniacal sort of personality. I don't think of them at all as the same person, although frankly I do like that with their introduction some of the Farscape atmosphere (in a good way) has leeched into the show.

And I've been looking for Kirith Kirin, but neither Borders or any of the local bookstores can order it! I'm probably going to have to get it through online order, but it's been on my list of books-to-read for a while - now I just need money to start whittling down that list!

[castalie.livejournal.com]

Farscape is dark, then? Glad to hear it! Don't tell me anything more though, I'll try to stay as spoiler free as I can *g* Until I can't resist anymore, that is lol

Especially as you watch the gradual mental degredation of the lead Crichton - good dark stuff.

Eeep that sounds good! After your description of Crichton, I'm even more curious to see the development of his character! That should be interesting *nodnod*

Seriously, don't let any obstacles prevent you from getting Kirith Kirin, it's a beautiful novel - stunningly beautiful, even, as Chris said. That's a good way to put it, if you ask me - and so very true *g*

[rydra_wong]

(Um, hi. Here via umpteen flists, hope that's okay - it's always cool to watch someone getting into Farscape for the first time).

Eeep that sounds good! After your description of Crichton, I'm even more curious to see the development of his character! That should be interesting *nodnod*

So interesting. So good. And my god, it gets dark by the end.

As people have probably told you already, the show doesn't really hit its stride until around the end of the first season, so don't be surprised if you're not wowed by it until then. But then it turns into something really exceptional.

And yup, Cameron Mitchell and John Crichton are so very different, although the differences aren't as blatant as with Vala and Aeryn.

[castalie.livejournal.com]

Hi there,

Of course it's okay! I love seeing "strangers" popping up around here *g* Spices my LJ a little and all that lol

Dark is so compelling to me, if everyone agrees it is, I mean, if the show is dark, I'm going to enjoy it even more than I thought *is impatient*

As people have probably told you already, the show doesn't really hit its stride until around the end of the first season, so don't be surprised if you're not wowed by it until then

It seems everyone agrees on that, too - I'll keep your advice in mind, no worries *takes notes*

My first impression of Crichton was that, really, he seemed really different from Cameron, which is why I was surprised because from what I'd heard when reading sg s9 reviews, it seemed people thought they were lots of similarities. I was almost - almost being the keyword, of course - expecting a second sort-of-Cameron, which didn't happen. And yeah, Aeryn and Vala certain are different too - I mean, it does look obvious.

Thanks for passing by *g*

[rydra_wong]

I was surprised because from what I'd heard when reading sg s9 reviews, it seemed people thought they were lots of similarities.

Yup, I've seen that as well, and been baffled. Although I've been pleased that there are also a fair few people saying the opposite.

Yes, they're both friendly Southern guys who are smart and make funny remarks, and sometimes fly stuff and point guns. But beyond that - not really seeing that they have much in common. Very different personalities.

And I think Mitchell probably has most in common with season 1 Crichton; the differences get even more drastic from here on in.

[castalie.livejournal.com]

And I think Mitchell probably has most in common with season 1 Crichton; the differences get even more drastic from here on in.

I'm really intrigued by all those hints I've seen in this thread. Regarding Crichton's mental state through the series, I mean. But I also want to try and remain as spoiler free as possible so I won't cave in to temptation *is strong omg*

[rydra_wong]

All I will say is that Farscape is really good on following through on how the characters change in response to what happens to them and the situations they're put in. They don't have a "reset button" on the show. So people (not just Crichton) do change a lot, in drastic but very plausible ways. I hope that's suitably vague *g*.

And yay, go for it with staying spoiler-free - I managed to stay pretty much unspoiled, and I'm really glad I did. The writers on Farscape went out of their way to mess with the viewers' minds, so IMHO it's cool if you can get the full shock of it first time round.

[ladyeclectic79.livejournal.com]

You don't see much of the burgeoning darkness until season 2, but you definitely see a bit in the first season or hints of what's to come. Fave ep is Crackers Don't Matter, which is in S2 and shows a wildly demented, yet somehow still sane Crichton. Loved S2 and S4, haven't seen S1 in a long time but I must have loved it because it got me hooked on the show. Can't remember much of S3, but yeah, you'll like it. :)

[castalie.livejournal.com]

I NEED the DVDs omg!

[ladyeclectic79.livejournal.com]

*proud she has converted another person to Farscape fandom*

It's sometimes a bit of a weird show if you're not ready for puppets and such, but seeing as you've grown up during the height of Jim Henson puppeteering and that the puppets are cool enough and expressive enough to have their own personalities, you'll love it. :)

[maaaaa.livejournal.com]

Farscape, huh?

Well, yes, now that you ask...I did watch that show as a matter of fact. And with quite a bit of love back when it first aired. I really liked the blue lady; I forget her name now. The puppet guy who used to be some sort of royalty and thinks everyone should still treat him that way? He kinda sorta grows on you in a ewwww! he's growing on me sort of way. And clowns? *shudders* I absolutely detest clowns, always have. They are just creepy with a capital CREEP.

I loved the whole living ship/symbiotic relationship with Pilot thing too...and dang! I forget the name of the ship. ::scratches head:: Well hell, I'm feeling old and feeble-minded now.

Anyway, rambling again...but yes, Farscape was one of my favorites back in the day when I used to watch waaaaay more TV than I do now. *g*

[ladyeclectic79.livejournal.com]

Let's see, you're probably thinking of Zhaan, the Delvian Priestess. (gee, fannish much? *lol*) And the ship's name was Moya.

The puppet guy who used to be some sort of royalty and thinks everyone should still treat him that way? He kinda sorta grows on you in a 'ewwww! he's growing on me' sort of way.
*rofl* So true, so true!!! :D

I have hated clowns since I saw the movie IT when I was a child. No other movie has creeped me out with such long term affects as that did (this coming from the girl who grew up watching Friday the 13th and Nighmare on Elm Street movies with utter fascination).

[maaaaa.livejournal.com]

Yes Yes Yes!! Zhann! Of course! ::facepalm:: I loved Zhann.

...and Moya, heee! thank you!

And I'm sure you can probably think of them, but I can't, cos...reference the whole 'I'm old' comment...but didn't Chrichton have all sorts of nicknames for the annoying little goober-puppet?

I'm with you on the movie IT...which was really a pretty crappy movie, quality-wise, when I think of it, but it did a total creep-out number on one of my kids too.

And...hey! hi! ::waves::

[ladyeclectic79.livejournal.com]

It's funny, watching the movie nowadays I see the crappiness, but at the same time I can still see the same elements that frightened me as a kid. Mostly I think it was the clown stuff, especially how someone like that could engender trust and when you're reaching down into a drain to get a pretty bauble he bares his bloody teeth and eats you up.

....i don't like clowns. they scare me. the end.
;)

[castalie.livejournal.com]

Seriously, you did? And you enjoyed it and all - neat! Zhaan - I believe Blue Lady's name - is quite interesting... a little freaky too, in a wise kinda way. Well, it's all in the way she talks, I don't know her yet, of course *g* And Rygel - or something like that... the puppet royalty? Is so weird. I'm curious to see how interested in him I'll be... if he'll grow on me and everything. Well, he's funny at least - the whole Royalty Attitude cracks me up, though.

And clowns are the creepiest things that ever creepied, aren't they? *nodnod*

I didn't really get the whole ship thing, so it's actually a living ship? Anyway, I'll watch the first episode again before watching the second one - I came home less than an hour ago from work and it seems I won't be able to watch it until tonight. Well okay then *sigh*

[naeara.livejournal.com]

Yay, Farscape! Don't worry if you don't really get into it at first. I find that people don't usually completely fall for it until about halfway through the first season.

Aeryn is nothing like Vala. lol! There's a little Crichton in Cameron, I guess. :)

[castalie.livejournal.com]

I wasn't put out of anything, but it did make me laugh when I realised the eclectic bunch of aliens that were on board lol I don't even know why, I mean, I'm a fan of SW, you'd think nothing could really surprise me as far as puppets/muppets/things are concerned, but there you have it *g* And I'm hoping to see the rest soon... well, soonish, at least *g*

[cain1999.livejournal.com]

And not only is Kirith Kirin a stunningly beautiful novel...it also has to be one of the very few books were I am not aggravated by 1st POV which I usually do not like! :-)

One thing that kept blowing me away was the unique way of Grimsley at describing the ways of magic. I have read a lot of fantasy novels that included magic but don't think that I have seen such a portrayal before. The only other novels that fascinated me quite as much in the ways of magic are the Last Herald-Mage books by Mercedes Lackey, involving one of the most beautiful and tragic pairings ever: Vanyel Ashkevron and Tylendel Frelennye. I don't think I cried that much in any other novel!

[castalie.livejournal.com]

The 1st POV thing was wonderfully dealt with *nodnod*

One thing that kept blowing me away was the unique way of Grimsley at describing the ways of magic

Yes, YES! It enthralled me - purely and simply. I'm not exactly a fan of fantasy and I was expecting your usual take at magic so when I started reading and realised that no, Jim Grimsley wasn't going to do it as I expect but had his own way of writing magic, I fell hard for the whole thing. I couldn't get enough of it, really. It was, well, pure magic, all right lol

And the Last Herald-Mage books are in my To Buy List, but I'm so afraid to cry and cry that I keep on delaying their purchase. But I'll read the series *nodnod*

My work here is done.

[http://users.livejournal.com/oceana_/]

They have puppets/muppets who fart and vomit and cheat and bite and are very much not like Kermit. I LOVE them.
Next I'm going to provide you with Farscape music vids (not that I have many, but I know there is one about Rygel which I loved.) Just wait until I have my files transferred to the new computer.

Btw, I bought my DVDs via ebay, because they are ridiculously expensive everywhere else. Even on ebay the cost as much as new SG DVDs, but I wanted them so much! I guess I should have warnedyou about the dangers of Farscape fanishness first?

Re: My work here is done.

[castalie.livejournal.com]

Farscape vids... I think it's the next logical step, in particular since I'll have to wait until I purchase the DVDs, one way or the other *g*

I guess I should have warnedyou about the dangers of Farscape fanishness first?

You guess right!

[alinewrites.livejournal.com]

Rhaaaa! FARSCAPE! best sci-fi show ever.... Er... Well, maybe not but very very good sci-fi show, really with interesting ambiguous character. The first season isn't the better; it gets much more captivating during the second season. The plot is very good...

I'm glad that "Cameron" looks a bit older because really he didn't do much for me in Farscape.... too childish, physically speaking. but Aeryn is sooo sexy. And the other woman was my favorite character -what the hell was her name, btw?

***************

Now, about the fic in French; I guess the sex scene didn't work for you. Well I wrote it this way because it's the only way that works for me in French; I realize I'm not really fond of porn (and I begin to develop a real distaste for PWP). But sex, in this story, is completely accessory, to say the truth. I wonder, you know, if in the end it's not easier to read sex in a different language just because the words don't have the vulgarity they have in our own language and don't convey quite the same embarrassing kind of reaction. (erk. The last sentence means nothing; sorry)

Anyway, I'll probably write it in English too because from a chronogical pov it's the last of the American Friend series' chapter.

Enjoy your Farscape (and yes, the dialogues are somewhat hard to catch sometimes!)

[castalie.livejournal.com]

If you enjoyed Farscape too, I'm trusting that I'll enjoy the ride even more than I thought *g* I find Vala sexier than Aeryn so far, but with only one episode under my belt, I'm certainly not saying it'll stay that way *g* I still haven't watched the second episode - I'll certainly do it before going to sleep tonight. And are you talking about Blue Lady? Cause if you are, it's Zhaan or Zhann or something.

***
I'm afraid it didn't, no. After talking with Karen, I debated whether commenting on the story after all - but I mean, I didn't exactly see the point, ie you know I love your stories, so saying I didn't exactly get into the sex scene because it was written in Frrench sounded... odd to me. I apologise if you wanted some response - not that you implied it or anything, I'm just saying this in case *g* Also, I think you actually posted two parts of the fic? In French, I mean? So I'll have to read them, anyway, cause only talking about the sex scene when you wrote something else, ie the sex scene was only part of a whole sounds reductive... I'm sorry for that too, now that I think of it *cough*

Also, yeah, reading sex in French usually sounds too crude - and not a good crude, but a crude-crude... and when it doesn't, then it sounds too, I don't know, wordy, lyrical. Anyway, it sounded odd. Almost out of sync with... I have no idea what with *sigh*

We're just weird *shakes head*

[yami-tai.livejournal.com]

I now have Farscape home!

It is spooky that it should be in your possession two days later! I hope you do watch more though because the characters evolve over time, especially John. He gradually gets used to this strange environment he has been flung into... and gets a great outfit featuring lots of leather *coughs*! Where was I? Oh, yes. It also takes a while for the group on Moya to gel, because obviously none of them would choose to spend time with the others under normal circumstances, but gradually that changes and you can see that they begin to care about each other. I'm looking forward to your second impressions ^_~!

*hugs the hell of Tai once more*

*hugs you back just as tight*

[castalie.livejournal.com]

Spooky, isn't it? That made me laugh, believe me *g*

I think I'll have to go and see if I can't rent the DVDs because I feel like I won't be able to wait until I finally purchase them... unless... hmm, yeah, I might be able to buy the first one sometime this week. But the rest? Too expensive. Yeah anyway, I'll make it work *g*

[yami-tai.livejournal.com]

But the rest? Too expensive.

I haven't bought any actually. I'm lucky because having seen it all on tv, I don't feel the need to rush out and buy it... especially as there is anime to buy ^_~!