Farscape: Season 1, Volume 7

"The Flax" is three subplots that meld into one fine show. Onboard Moya, Zhaan & Rygel must delay the guardians of the 'flax' (a kind of space web that traps ships for plunder). These pirates must be delayed because John & Aeryn are trapped in the flax and are running out of air. D'Argo, with the assistance of a rogue collector, sets out to free John 'n Aeryn. But he gets diverted to a gigantic salvage yard to search for clues about his son's wherabouts.

Admittedly, there is a certain "soapy" quality to each plot, but the acting and nice storyline twists keep this way above the "All My Children" level. 'Shippers (a term for those who follow John 'n Aeryn's budding relationship) will note that this is the first episode where they reveal their feelings for each other (the earlier episode PK Tech Girl only scratched the surface). Not to mention the top notch special effects work, particulary the junk yard with the Luxon ship.

A real highlight is the fantastic music by Subvision. Take particular note of the scene when D'Argo says, "...but can I look him (my son) in the eye." The background music is simply wonderful.

"Jerimiah Chricton" starts off with a great tease of John being abandoned by Moya after an accidental starburst. He's stranded on a paradise-ish planet where a dampning field prevents power sources from working. The Moya crew manages to find John and keep him from the clutches of the natives.

This episode features some really good special effects (take note of the first scene after the credits where John is sunbathing on his ship) and some humerous moments with Rygel. But all in all, it's not that interesting since the "natives" look like refugees from "Xena: Warrior Princess" and lack the ability to act. Plus the plot is boringly predictable, despite a end of show twist involving Rygel.

All in all, a worthy edition to your Farscape collection.

In Episode 14, "Jeremiah Crichton," the earthman gets in a snit and goes out in his ship to get away from it all. Unfortunately the pregnant Moya reacts to this by doing a spontaneous star burst. A quarter cycle later we find a bearded Crichton trying to survive on the planet Acquara where he is fast becoming the odd man out in a love triangle. He cannot get off the planet because something is draining all the power. Meanwhile the Farscape gang has been searching every planet in the area looking for Crichton, mainly because of the insistence of D'Argo and Aeryn. When D'Argo and Rygel investigate Acquara they also fall victim of the power drain. Then things get interesting when the locals decide that Rygel is their promised savior who will deliver them unto the light.

Now, I am not really sure why D'Argo suddenly considers Crichton to be a true crewmate and am also clueless as to why Rygel does the right thing two episodes in a row as well, but it is about time. Not that this will stop anybody from going after each other in the future. Right now my big question is what is going to happen on "Farscape" first: Aeryn and Zhaan (Virginia Hey) coming to blows, Aeryn and Crichton jumping each other, or Moya having her baby. I just started watching the series on DVD so this is all news to me and while I have yet to see any really great episodes, I think the first season of "Farscape" is stronger than that of "Star Trek: The Next Generation," and we all know how good that one got down the road.