Rhapsody in Blue

Farscape Episode Review

In which Zhaan needs new friends.

What Happened

Moya is lured to a Delvian colony, where their leader Tahleen warns Zhaan that a madness is sweeping through their ranks, because they tried to get too much power too quickly. They are desperate to learn the secret the formerly bat-shit crazy Zhaan holds for turning away from the violence within.

Not recognizing the code words for trouble ("power" "quick" "madness" "desperate"), Zhaan shows Crichton her memory of the crime she was imprisoned for: she murdered her lover in their bed. Patal had staged a coup on Zhaan's world, handing dissidents over to the Peacekeepers and she took her revenge.

In disbelief, John demands to know what she wants from him. Tahleen wants Zhaan share Unity, to join minds, and Zhaan wants his help to decide whether she should or not. She is afraid of losing all her strength and descending into darkness or that Tahleen will use her powers to hurt people in her quest to free Delvia.

Which is pretty much exactly what happens. When Tahleen kills her father, messes with John's mind, and beams some crazy up to D'Argo and Aeryn as well, Zhaan decides -quite rationally- to kill her. Tahleen admits that she didn't get enough from Zhaan to handle the crazy, frightening her sidekicks, who rebel.

While Tahleen is distracted, John offers to share Unity with Zhaan. In his mind, she sees his vision of her as a gentle soul, and it is enough. Though she decides that she can no longer claim the rank of Pa'u, Zhaan is still herself, in control.

What We Learned

• Crichton had girlfriend vs. career vs. girlfriend's career issues.
• Zhaan is unimpressed by their masculine memories.
• It's always instructive how different cultures see the same event.
• We always remember. We simply choose to ignore.
• It wasn't the same dream. Rygel's was better than D'Argo's.
• Everything's lost in this corner of the universe.
• John's capacity is well below even a Level One.
• Where there is risk, there is also hope.
• Crichton is always confused.
• The young refuse to tend the orchard.
• Sanctity roots don't grow on trees, you know.
• Zhaan has always wondered what can possibly go on in Crichton's mind.
• Each day infuses us with the knowledge we need for tomorrow.

Best Lines

John: "Little long for a starburst don't you think?"
Rygel: "Hail Prince of the Obvious."

John: "It's so perfect my teeth ache."
Aeryn: "That's because of all the sincerity."

D'Argo: "Something Crichton said is disturbing me."
Rygel: "Finally. He's been disturbing me since he arrived."

Tuzak: "I am insane."
John: "Yeah, that would have been my next guess."

What Did I Think?

The other Delvians were "enh," and it took a little while to figure out the how / why / what of Zhaan's crime and how it related to Tahleen's plans. The final twist with John and Zhaan was sweet, though, and I do like how none of these characters are practically perfect in every way.