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If Guardians of the Galaxy, Then Farscape

Enjoy Your Latest Obsession

By Jada FergusonPublished 3 years ago 5 min read
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John Crichton (Ben Browder) was my Star-Lord before I knew anything about Guardians of the Galaxy. Farscape is correctly labeled a Sci-fi show but it encompasses all the genres storytelling has to offer. Romance, Drama, Action, Adventure, Suspense, Comedy, Fantasy. It is everything you want in a show and everything you expect from good storytelling. If you are resistant to watching shows with alien creatures, but you are receptive to relatable characters and a compelling narrative, I am telling you Farscape is for you.

John Crichton and Peter Quill aka Star-Lord (Chris Pratt)

Crichton unlike Quill is solely a member of the human species. He is an astronaut taking his first trip through space. He gets sucked into a wormhole and unfortunately crashes into the ship of someone particularly important. He becomes the pseudo leader of a rag-tag gang of alleged criminals, much like our dear friend Star-Lord. They are both charming, comical, and have great taste in music. It is hilarious to watch Crichton constantly make pop culture references to his extra-terrestrial counterparts who are completely clueless.

Crichton is a perfect example of a fish out of water. He is like Urkel without the Winslows’, Riggs without Murtaugh, Spike Lee unable to get back to Brooklyn. Quill is an outsider in a different capacity, even though he has been in space most of his life he has never been accepted. He is a drifter, looking for purpose. Crichton is a traveler with clear perspective of what he wants but has no idea how to achieve his goal. His desire is so simple yet seemingly unattainable. He just wants to go home, to his planet, to his family. The show lasted 4 seasons with 22 episodes a season and the creators blessed us with a 2-part miniseries to bring the story to a close. Throughout that time Crichton’s priorities shift and the audience begins to question what we want for him as well.

Aeryn Sun (Claudia Black) and Gamora (Zoe Saldana)

These two characters are probably more similar than Crichton and Quill. They were both raised to be soldiers and follow directives without pondering their own beliefs. Aeryn and Gamora are extremely skilled in combat and resolute in their missions. Aeryn’s arc was special because there was a lot of self-awareness that had to be developed through her experience away from the regime (ironically called Peacekeepers) she was a part of. She begins to imagine a life that does not revolve around moving up in the ranks. She sustains a community for herself. A community that loves and sacrifices for her as she does for them. Gamora is a key member of her unconventional Guardians family as well, but Aeryn’s journey displays the turbulence that occurs when you make drastic changes in your principles.

On the romantic front, upon meeting the men who would become their future love interests Aeryn and Gamora are borderline repulsed. They are not in search of or even remotely interested in a relationship. Both female characters do not even take kindly to the flirting from their male counterparts. They are the emotionally detached parties in their interactions with their significant others. It shows a different dynamic in male and female relationships, where the man is desperate for some display of affection from the woman. Aeryn Sun’s dynamic with Crichton will have you deeply invested. I promise, it will make your heart swell just to see them finally look endearingly at one another.

Ka D’Argo (Anthony Simcoe) and Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista)

These massive warriors are males of few words. They have both experienced debilitating losses from the hands of powerful people or factions. D’Argo and Drax have identical reactions to the female warriors because they act as representatives of the people/ regime that took their families from them. In D’Argo’s case, he has deep-rooted, justifiable hatred for the Peacekeepers who imprisoned him. Drax, of course, is consumed with the need to avenge his family, initially by trying to kill Ronan until he finds out that Thanos (Gamora’s adoptive father) gave the orders to kill his family. Though he never relinquishes his love for his deceased wife, D’Argo does form a bond with another. He allows himself to be vulnerable with his new family and releases pain and secrets he never trusted anyone with. Drax also has a moment of transparency with his newfound family but once again D’Argo’s growth is more tangible because we are witnesses to the incremental changes. D’Argo and Drax are also equipped dry humor enthusiasts, which is always fun.

The Rest of the Gang

Rocket (Bradley Cooper) and Dominar Rygel XVI (Jonathan Hardy) are more different than alike. Rocket is at least often helpful to his comrades. He is nurturing to Groot, especially after he becomes Baby Groot. Rygel is greedy, self-absorbed, and pompous. They are both amusing because you never know what is going to come out of their mouths. They are miniature but feisty. When the audience is made aware of the hardships of Rygel, you will sympathize with him. It will not change how horrible he is, but you will sympathize with him. Rygel does begin to regret some of his decisions and watching him sort of admit his wrongdoings is satisfying. Groot (Vin Diesel) and Pa’u Zotoh Zhaan (Virginia Hey) are the plant members of the team. Both are incredibly strong and frequently underestimated. Zotoh Zhaan is spiritually advanced and much more communicative than Groot.

The Antagonists

The villains in Farscape are relentless. When you think our gang has escaped the people who seek their demise, the absolutely have not. Farscape is so frustratingly entertaining because you know there is one main nemesis but most of the time another overwhelming obstacle/entity/being is prohibiting them from fleeing their hunters. Friend becomes foe unexpectedly. I found myself hoping there would be an episode where they just had a good meal, hearty laughs, danced, and took a nap because nobody fictional or real deserves that much trauma.

Just a few more points and you can start binging the series. Keep in mind that this show aired from 1999 to 2003, so the special effects are not equivalent to Guardians of the Galaxy. They did a great job with what they had though. Also, Farscape has a living ship (Moya) who is a powerful, influential member of team because Moya herself was held captive by the Peacekeepers as well. There is Pilot who is the most loyal character in any show or film. His existence is totally reliant on the Leviathan he pilots and he is beyond content that their lifeline is the same. Though the Farscape family is not eager they welcome a new member who fits in perfectly with their dysfunction. Chiana (Gigi Edgley) is a seamless addition to the family. Go to amazonprime.com and begin the binge.

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About the Creator

Jada Ferguson

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