Aeryn (Claudia Black) and Crichton (Ben Browder) find themselves trapped in a something called the Flax, while teaching Crichton to fly the shuttle. And trouble brews aboard Moya with the arrival of a garbologist named Staanz (Rhys Muldoon).

The Flax was written by Justin Monjo and it first aired on 16 July, 1999.

The flax is a trap set by pirates, and Moya’s shuttle, with Crichton and Aeryn aboard, are trapped in it. Can they work together to escape?

And while Moya’s pregnancy causes some havoc for her passengers, the introduction of Staanz, who claims to be able to help them avoid the Flax throws a wrench into things. He promises that he can help Moya avoid the Flax, and perhaps help rescue the shuttle.

Staanz is an unusual character and he has run-ins of various natures with Rygel (voiced by Jonathan Hardy), D’Argo (Anthony Simcoe) and Zhaan (Virginia Hey). He has a number of things to offer each of them, showing once again the divisions between each of the characters, even as they become more united as a family.

Trouble escalates for them as the pirates arrive on Moya and Rygel plays a game with them with some hefty wagers.

As Crichton and Aeryn struggle to find a way to escape, their options diminish, and also forces them to confront their growing feelings for one another.

Will things sort out? Now that Crichton and Aeryn have shared a kiss will they admit how they are feeling for one another going forward?

This is a great episode, and once again we get to see how much Aeryn has grown since her introduction. She’s such a wonderful character, and I am so enjoying this re-visit. It’s honestly been so long since I’ve seen them, it’s like watching them anew.

Jeremiah Crichton. No one likes this episode. Not even the creative team behind it. Ugh.

Written by Doug Heyes Jr. the episode first aired on 30 July, 1999.

Crichton, who is being cranky with everyone on Moya, is stunned and angry to be left behind when Moya starbursts away. He doesn’t now that she leapt away because of a complication with Moya’s pregnancy. He thinks he’s been marooned, and left.

He works to make a life for himself with the locals on this remote, but lush planet. While eventually the crew finds their way back to him, they’ll have to convince him what really happened, and perhaps make amends or at least try to understand the needs of this stranded earthling.

Undeniably the worst episode of the series, at least it’s out of the way now. If you really want a laugh, and have Farscape on physical media, the commentary for this episode is great.

Next time another character is added to the mix, and the series begins the race to the season one finale!