storytelling

I do understand that those of you in NZ, Australia and Canada can't watch Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars. Obviously I can't leave you out of the equation here, so as of Monday evening people outside the States who want to see the first chapter of Queen of Swords, here's what you do:

Promise me (by email) that you'll watch four full episodes of Farscape, either in broadcast, if that's available to you, or by renting the videos or dvds. The promise will be enough, for the time being, to give you access to the chapter. But I will be expecting another email with the titles of the four episodes you've watched, and one line of dialogue of your choice from any of the four. Say, within a month's time. Could you cheat your way into reading the chapter without watching the episodes? Now, why would you want to do that? Really, that would be like turning your back on a hot fudge sundae. Or, to use one of my father's favorite expressions: like cutting off your nose in spite of your face. Really, he said it like that. English wasn't his first language.

Episodes I recommend for the yet to be initiated:

• the pilot episode (really, you need this one to get oriented)
• The Flax
• A Bug's Life and following from that :
• Nerve and the third part of a quasi trilogy:
• The Hidden Memory
• If you can't get hold of any of these suggestions (all from season one), my favorite season two episodes are The Princess Trilogy

Now mind, I'm not insisting on these episodes, but I do highly recommend them as a good place to get started.

For those of you in the States, if you've got access to Sci-Fi, watch the miniseries; if you don't get sci-fi for whatever reason, this deal applies to you, too.

Edited to add these snippets from reviews of the mini (thanks, RydraWong):

"Has any science-fiction show ever looked this good? ...some of the most imaginative visuals ever captured on the small screen ... Black and Browder share a prickly chemistry that is a pleasure to watch. Their dialogue crackles ... a satisfying coda to one of TV's most thrilling, original series. " -- Boston Herald

""Farscape" is back in top form, reminding us why it was the finest science-fiction show on television... terrific ... big bang of a two-parter ... this grand adventure fires up all of the classic "Farscape" elements that made it the thinking fan's science-fiction show ... sly wit and silly slapstick... breathtaking effects and the tense showdowns ... an old-fashioned love story and a war epic. You get poignant moments and goofy moments. You don't need to be fully up to speed on the "Farscape" universe in order to enjoy this giddy, galactic joy ride ..." -- Cleveland Plain Dealer

Posted by at 11:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBacks (0)

Tomorrow. Tomorrow Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars will be here, and you will watch it, right? Right? I've begged and reasoned, and now it's up to you.

In the meantime, here are some questions that have come my way recently:

Now that you have gotten me, and no doubt others, addicted to "Farscape" - when do we get our reward??? (Deborah)

Sara, If I have NOT seen the other I guess 4 seasons.....should I see The Peacekeeper Wars as you have been urging? Would I be hopelessly confused? Cynthia in Florida

I'll quote RydraWong's response here, as her answer to the second question is as clear and concise as possible:

Just wanted to say that judging by comments from the writers and producers, they've designed the miniseries to be accessible as possible to new viewers - there's a plot re-cap early on and so on. So you shouldn't be too lost :). And even if you are, just hang on for the ride and let it wash over you - there'll be plenty to enjoy along the way, and you can catch up later. I got hooked on Farscape by accidentally watching a season-end cliffhanger; I had no idea what was going on but was mesmerized anyway! Posted by: RydraWong on Oct 16 at 2004 2:48 AM #

My experience is a lot like RW. I saw part of one episode from season four and had to see the rest of it, immediately. Confused? Yes. But more intrigued than confused. So give it a go.

As to the question of rewards, why yes. I haven't forgot my promise, and I will indeed make the first chapter of Queen of Swords available to anybody who emails me on Monday (after the conclusion of the first airing of the miniseries) with the following: (1) the words "I watched Farscape" in the subject line (2) one short line of dialogue (your choice) in the body of the message.

Farscape:

The Peacekeeper Wars

hell yeah

Sci-Fi Channel

October 17 & 18

9 pm (8 pm central)

And on other matters: I'm having one of my occasional crises of writerly faith. Symptoms: jumpiness, general jitters, self doubt, the (thus far resistable) urge to throw the stuff I've got into the trash and go apply for a job at the DMV. Also, I have this very strong idea that the storage room and my studio really must be reorganized, pronto. I will get through this rough patch, eventually, but think good thoughts, eh? They'd be much appreciated.

Posted by at 7:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBacks (0)