Brian Henson directs the third episode (despite the fact that it aired second) which was written by Ro Hume. It first debuted on 26 March, 1999.

Watching the episodes in the right order allows this one to make a little more sense. Crichton (Ben Browder) is still confused about everything in this end of the universe, but he seems a little more comfortable with his circumstances than in the previous two episodes.

Moya eludes a Peacekeeper Marauder, but passes through what is first assumed to be a debris cloud. This cloud, actually little beings, pass into Moya, and begins to infest it’s system, taking DNA from all the crew, and beginning to replicate the crewmembers. It’s a birthing cycle, that Crichton and the crew have interrupted.

To carry on with its birthing, it needs to raise the temperature, and works to eliminate the crew with replicants of them. Except they can’t speak. Oh, and Sebaceans, like Aeryn Sun (Claudia Black) are cold blooded, and can’t take the heat… they enter a heat delirium.

Crichton is able to broker a deal with the Monarch of the species when it takes over Zhaan (Virginia Hey), but things go sideways when the Peacekeeper Marauder tracks back, and boards Moya. The Peacekeepers lay assault on the craft, blasting replicants, and causing problems once again.

Can Crichton save Aeryn? And will Rygel (voiced by Jonathan Hardy) be able to help out when he finds himself stuck in the bugs’ nest?

The gang is slowly coming together, knowing they must rely on each other, and D’Argo (Anthony Simcoe) gives Crichton some great advice… Never eat the dentic. I’m enjoying the worlds, and the characters so far. Damn, I forgot how fun this show could be.

Throne for a Loss was written by Richard Manning and debuted on 9 April, 1999.

Rygel is kidnapped by Tavlek bounty hunters who are holding him for ransom. D’Argo claims one of the wrist weapons they use, which injects him with a stimulant driving him into a Luxan hyper rage. He demands that Pilot (voiced by Lani John Tupu) take them out of orbit, leaving Rygel behind.

Pilot says they can’t do that, but isn’t given a chance to explain as Aeryn and Crichton try to subdue D’Argo. Zhaan meanwhile interacts with one of the Tavleks that was stunned in the assault. There’s a lot of great moments and dialogue between them.

And speaking of dialogue and banter, the stuff between Aeryn and Crichton is classic, and it’s cool to see a measure of respect developing between Aeryn and D’Argo. Kind of. But there’s enough trust and respect for D’Argo to let Aeryn use his qualta blade.

After disarming D’Argo, they decide they have to go after Rygel, as the Tavleks will be disappointed (and probably kill him) when they find that no one will pay his ransom. The real reason they have to go after Rygel is that one of the crystals Rygel used to decorate his scepter is essential to Moya’s flight abilities, and they are in danger of crashing on the planet.

And what we see here is the beginning of a recurring trope for the series, that despite their best intentions, things very often go wrong for the crew.

And important things we learn this time through, Luxan blood must run clear before they can start to heal. And Zhaan can kick all manner of ass when she chooses.

Farscape is so wonderfully out there! Frequently funny, often very smart, and filled with wonderful and eccentric characters. It’s a rush.