It’s been 20 years since the groundbreaking Farscape series hit our tv screens. It quickly became a must-see for science fiction fans everywhere. Over the last 20 years, it has become one of the most well-respected sci-fi shows of all time.
Farscape follows astronaut John Crichton (Ben Browder) who, during an experimental space mission, is hurled across a thousand galaxies to an alien world. In his quest to return to Earth, he finds himself aboard a starship populated by escaping political prisoners from a variety of alien cultures. Crichton must rise to the challenge of surviving in a world he barely understands, keeping one step ahead of the pursuing Peacekeepers, a race of deadly mercenaries who will stop at nothing to capture him.
The show has achieved cult status to its fans and deservedly so. If you’ve ever run into a Scaper (fan), they’re sure to proselytize the wonders of the show and how the stunning art direction, writing, make-up, wardrobe and puppetry of Farscape changed science fiction television. And by “if you’ve ever run in to a Scaper,” I really mean me. If you’ve ever run into me, you know I can’t shut up about the show.
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Cast members, producers and the show’s creator starbursted to San Diego Comic Con today to celebrate the two decade anniversary. The Farscape reunion panel included Browder, Gigi Edgley, show creator Rockne S. O’Bannon, and executive producer Brian Henson of The Jim Henson Company. The panel was moderated by James Ganiere.
Here are some highlights including some news of a possible future for Farscape!
The Panel
-Scapers came out in force and many tweeted the long line to get in!
#farscape #sdcc the line for the 20th anniversary of Farscape is lots of folks. They needed a bigger boat. pic.twitter.com/z0MgCzp8Oz
— Clif Armstrong – FFXIV(Lycona Dacheechee) (@clifarmstrong) July 18, 2019
The panel started with a highlight reel that gave the audience all the feels.
https://twitter.com/awrighterinbriz/status/1151980924826861568
Ben Browder
-Many were excited to see a bearded Ben Browder. We get it.
-Browder hung out in the audience before the panel started.
https://twitter.com/camposova/status/1151983819374727168
-Browder shared some hilarious audition tales. He said he had to audition multiple times for which Henson apologized. He even turned to Henson and said “Were you at the audition where I bled?!”
-Browder called Crichton’s arc “transcendent.”
Rockne S. O’Bannon and Brian Henson
-Henson said they wanted to do a science fiction show.
-O’Bannon talked about the creation of the John Crichton character. He said that he wanted to turn sci-fi tropes on their ears by having a guy, who knew nothing, be the hero. And despite his lack of knowledge of what’s going on, Crichton would dive “into every conflict with a crazed look in his eye.” Yep, that tracks.
-O’Bannon had time for a groaner of a joke, he said while discussing our favorite Hynerian, “I wanted Rygel to be 12 inches tall because he’s a ruler.” Okay, that’s clever.
-After explaining that they had wanted to do some Farscape films, Henson said that two hours movie scripts didn’t feel right. He added that they are currently trying for a regular tv format. O’Bannon then said to the audience, “We are not done with Farscape!” The audience went nuts. They even hinted that Amazon Prime could be a home! I think Scapers need to get their social media campaigns a-going! Right now the go-to hashtag is #FarscapeNow (EDIT: @farscapenow shared with me that although the hashtag is picking up speed at SDCC 2019, it was first used in a grassroots campaign back in 2017 after Ben Browder said it was time to get Farscape back on the air. In fact, if you get a chance you should follow this @farscapenow. There’s a lot of Scaper love on that account.)
-Henson said a good way to help out is to watch the series on Amazon Prime. (So do that! Here!) Watch it, spread the word and get other folks to watch and prove that there is an audience. Also, get on to the Twitter machine and tag @PrimeVideo when you do!
-The show definitely had their obstacles according to Henson. They had an average of six days to shoot each episode which is unheard of for sci-fi show. They usually take 9-10 days. Consider also that some characters required hours of make-up. That’s a lot!
Gigi Edgley
Edgley was a fan of movies like Labyrinth and Dark Crystal growing up, both of which are from Jim Henson, so when she saw The Jim Henson Company logo on the script, she ‘lost her mind.’ (fun fact to add to her love of fantasy – Edgley also grew up in a very creative family. In fact her father was a circus promoter. She shares a great story about it, here).
-She said of her time on the show, “I felt very blessed to be involved.”
-She also commented that a lot of her work lately is because of Farscape fans. (Her Hashtag project also has a panel at Comic-Con this week)
Loot Crate has an excellent thread that you should check out too:
We’re at the #Farscape 20th Anniversary panel! Live tweeting some fun stuff, stay tuned! #farscapenow @hensoncompany pic.twitter.com/s1kuAceB8S
— Loot Crate @ SDCC #229 (@lootcrate) July 18, 2019
Well, I wish the panel could have been longer but alas, it went by so quickly. It was really great to get energized about the show again. Scapers, time to mobilize the troops with #FarscapeNow. Get the frell to work!
RELATED: Keep up to date on GGA’s SDCC 2019 Coverage
featured image @farscape
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