Overall: 8.8
(PSA voice)
This episode contains material that may be disturbing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.
(/PSA voice)
Plot Synopsis:
The Farscape Wiki has a summary here.
The Skinny:
Let's get my visceral reaction out of the way first:
EWWWWWWWWWW! NOT THE EYES! WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE THE EYES?! AIEEEEEE! AIEEEEEE! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! ARE YOU TRYING TO GIVE ME NIGHTMARES FOREVER?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
In all seriousness, this episode contains the ickiest, most horrific scene EVAR in the entire series. And that's saying something, as Farscape's writers do have a fondness for gross-out moments. The good news? Lily Taylor and the FX crew aren't making the entire audience scream for no reason. There's a solid story behind the hideous eyeball-sucking procedure that explores more of Chiana's background and establishes the Nebari as the scariest of the show's "bad-guy" races.
Why do I say "scariest"? Well, the Peacekeepers (especially Scorpius) are certainly terrible adversaries, but I also know where they came from and what they were meant to be, so I tend to see them more as soldiers who have lost their way. The Scarrans? They're frightening, too, but for the most part, they're pure muscle. In the end, the Nebari land on the top of the heap because they're cheaters. They don't even have the decency to confront their enemies in marginally honorable combat. Instead, they go after free will itself.
As I remarked back when I reviewed Durka Returns, the Nebari's tactics are extremely offensive to my conservative Catholic instincts. Do I think it's okay that Chiana defaults to prostitution when it's convenient? Or that Rygel is a sell-out? No. But I also don't think it's okay to use literal brainwashing to turn these characters into creepy pod-people. If one is to be redeemed, it must happen the old-fashioned way -- through persuasion and free choice.
Writing: 9.0
This skin-crawlingly disturbing script definitely delivers the goods.
Acting: 8.5
Occasionally, I think things slip into over-the-top territory, but most of the time, the performances are very strong.
Message: 9.0
This episode's firm support of liberty is a definite plus.
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