As most fans of the show know, the first six episodes of "Farscape" were shot in pairs-which is apparently a uniquely Australian way to make television. It is quick and cheap but as Claudia Black will tell you (on the dvd commentaries) it's not usually that good in quality. The biggest problem is that when actors and crew are torn between two episodes, they will tend to favor one over the other and put most of their energy into making their favored episode better while neglecting the not so favored one. This is, apparently, what happened to "Exodus From Genesis" (which was paired with "Premiere.")
The plot starts out interestly enough and I must say that the episode is considerably better written than the previous one. There is some very nice character development for both Rygel and Aeryn as well. This is the episode where Sabacean Heat Delerium aka The Living Death is first introduced and it plays a big part in the episode, as well as being used later on in the series. (For the record-those wondering why genetically engineered super-soldiers would have a 'design flaw' this big-the graphic novels-which are canon-apparently state that it was done to be used as a fail safe if the little bastards ever got too unruly and tried to revolt.) It is also the first time we really see Aeryn in peril-a theme repeated a couple of times in S1. I like the story well enough as I mentioned. It's the actual execution of the story line by the production crew that is the big let-down here.
In the dvd commentary, Brian Henson pretty much sums up what went wrong here. The various departments were still new to one another and miscommunication was the primary factor in the various blunders that went on. The worst part of the episode are the Peacekeeper commandos, who are just...silly. Apparently some genius in the make-up department read Henson's request for distinguishing marks on the soldiers to make them look fierce as an excuse to apply a LOT of eye-makeup. The result is a bunch of hysterically lame wussies crawling around on the floor gasping for breath. If this is supposed to be the most evil military force in the Galaxy, then we're all pretty safe. The space roaches (Draks) are both creepy and a little ridiculous but that's not a big problem for me.
1.03 Exodus From Genesis
As most fans of the show know, the first six episodes of "Farscape" were shot in pairs-which is apparently a uniquely Australian way to make television. It is quick and cheap but as Claudia Black will tell you (on the dvd commentaries) it's not usually that good in quality. The biggest problem is that when actors and crew are torn between two episodes, they will tend to favor one over the other and put most of their energy into making their favored episode better while neglecting the not so favored one. This is, apparently, what happened to "Exodus From Genesis" (which was paired with "Premiere.")
The plot starts out interestly enough and I must say that the episode is considerably better written than the previous one. There is some very nice character development for both Rygel and Aeryn as well. This is the episode where Sabacean Heat Delerium aka The Living Death is first introduced and it plays a big part in the episode, as well as being used later on in the series. (For the record-those wondering why genetically engineered super-soldiers would have a 'design flaw' this big-the graphic novels-which are canon-apparently state that it was done to be used as a fail safe if the little bastards ever got too unruly and tried to revolt.) It is also the first time we really see Aeryn in peril-a theme repeated a couple of times in S1. I like the story well enough as I mentioned. It's the actual execution of the story line by the production crew that is the big let-down here.
In the dvd commentary, Brian Henson pretty much sums up what went wrong here. The various departments were still new to one another and miscommunication was the primary factor in the various blunders that went on. The worst part of the episode are the Peacekeeper commandos, who are just...silly. Apparently some genius in the make-up department read Henson's request for distinguishing marks on the soldiers to make them look fierce as an excuse to apply a LOT of eye-makeup. The result is a bunch of hysterically lame wussies crawling around on the floor gasping for breath. If this is supposed to be the most evil military force in the Galaxy, then we're all pretty safe. The space roaches (Draks) are both creepy and a little ridiculous but that's not a big problem for me.
Overall I'd give it a 5 out of 10.