The second essay I published on Kindle in 2015 was Talyn’s Heroic Journey in Farscape. It was at that point that I decided to have simple covers in the same style for all those essays to be released independently in digital format.
Created in 1999 by Rockne S. O’Bannon, the Science Fiction television series Farscape focuses on the eclectic crew of a living ship called Moya. One of the supporting characters, Talyn, is Moya’s hybrid offspring, is born at the end of the first season and also experiences his own heroic journey.
Since the show belongs to the Science Fiction genre, it is interesting to study how a non-human character that isn’t even humanoid might become a hero. While cyborg and alien heroes have existed in Science Fiction narratives of many kinds, it remains rather rare that a space ship, even alive and sentient, is given significant character development.
Three elements are of particular significance in the analysis of hybrid’s heroic journey: Talyn’s origins and likeness to a Chosen One character type, his two mentor figures – Aeryn Sun and Bialar Crais, and the darker times Talyn faces before finding redemption upon his death.
Do you like Farscape? Do unlikely heroes interest you? Are redemption stories compelling to you? Then, you’ll probably want to check out my eBook, Talyn’s Heroic Journey in Farscape:
Created in 1999 by Rockne S. O’Bannon, the Science Fiction television series Farscape focuses on the eclectic crew of a living ship called Moya. One of the supporting characters, Talyn, is Moya’s hybrid offspring, is born at the end of the first season and also experiences his own heroic journey.
Since the show belongs to the Science Fiction genre, it is interesting to study how a non-human character that isn’t even humanoid might become a hero. While cyborg and alien heroes have existed in Science Fiction narratives of many kinds, it remains rather rare that a space ship, even alive and sentient, is given significant character development.
Three elements are of particular significance in the analysis of hybrid’s heroic journey: Talyn’s origins and likeness to a Chosen One character type, his two mentor figures – Aeryn Sun and Bialar Crais, and the darker times Talyn faces before finding redemption upon his death.
Priced at 0.99, this short nonfiction read is now available in Kindle format on all Amazon sites, including Amazon US, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada, Amazon Australia. It also has its Goodreads page. I am also happy to say it is my title who had most preorders since I have taken the indie publishing road in January.
Do you like Farscape? Do unlikely heroes interest you? Are redemption stories compelling to you? Then, you’ll probably want to check out my upcoming eBook, Talyn’s Heroic Journey in Farscape (July 29, 2015):
Created in 1999 by Rockne S. O’Bannon, the Science Fiction television series Farscape focuses on the eclectic crew of a living ship called Moya. One of the supporting characters, Talyn, is Moya’s hybrid offspring, is born at the end of the first season and also experiences his own heroic journey.
Since the show belongs to the Science Fiction genre, it is interesting to study how a non-human character that isn’t even humanoid might become a hero. While cyborg and alien heroes have existed in Science Fiction narratives of many kinds, it remains rather rare that a space ship, even alive and sentient, is given significant character development.
Three elements are of particular significance in the analysis of hybrid’s heroic journey: Talyn’s origins and likeness to a Chosen One character type, his two mentor figures – Aeryn Sun and Bialar Crais, and the darker times Talyn faces before finding redemption upon his death.
With the confirmation of a Farscape movie coming out within the next years, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to remember this beloved show, including characters who passed away during it. I am happy to announce that Talyn’s Heroic Journey in Farscape will be released for Kindle on July 29, 2015.
Created in 1999 by Rockne S. O’Bannon, the Science Fiction television series Farscape focuses on the eclectic crew of a living ship called Moya. One of the supporting characters, Talyn, is Moya’s hybrid offspring, is born at the end of the first season and also experiences his own heroic journey.
Since the show belongs to the Science Fiction genre, it is interesting to study how a non-human character that isn’t even humanoid might become a hero. While cyborg and alien heroes have existed in Science Fiction narratives of many kinds, it remains rather rare that a space ship, even alive and sentient, is given significant character development.
Three elements are of particular significance in the analysis of hybrid’s heroic journey: Talyn’s origins and likeness to a Chosen One character type, his two mentor figures – Aeryn Sun and Bialar Crais, and the darker times Talyn faces before finding redemption upon his death.
A psychological thriller that examines the lives of two hunters. One is a serial killer who stalks his victims in and around Belfast and the other is a talented female Detective Superintendent from the MET who is brought in to catch him. – IMDb
Source: IMDb.
Farscape(1999-2003)
Thrown into a distant part of the universe, an Earth astronaut finds himself part of a fugitive alien starship crew. – IMDb
Source: Wikipedia.
Firefly(2002-2003)
Five hundred years in the future, a renegade crew aboard a small spacecraft tries to survive as they travel the unknown parts of the galaxy and evade warring factions as well as authority agents out to get them. – IMDb
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 1.19 – The Only Light In The Darkness: The show is so great, especially now with the Hydra situation and its aftermath. I was glad to see the Cellist and it was very emotional to see Coulson refuse to let her know he was still alive, because she was finally able to move on with her life. And seeing Amy Acker again is always a joy. The scene with the lie detector was very interesting. I am very uncomfortable with Ward as he plays his double game and I have a very hard time believing that he can really stop being Hydra. Seeing him work on wrapping Skye around his finger is creepy. Watching May decide to leave was another moment that was sad and touching. It’s understandable that Coulson has a hard time trusting her because of what she did, but both their sides are understandable, and this is what makes it even harder. I liked how Skye used her hacking skills again to figure things out. I think she has benefited from solid character development. Mentions of several superheroes such as Black Widow, Captain America and Bruce Banner was a nice touch though. Skye understanding about Ward was done in a very Hitchcock manner. Coulson briefly coming to the Cellist’s side before fading away again gave me misty eyes. Skye returning to Ward as if all was good and trying to keep an eye on him wasn’t something I was certain that Skye could do. Coulson wanting to work things out with May was sad because he has no idea she is gone. Ward and Skye alone on the bus gave me a very bad feeling. I loved the final scene between May and her mother! That was a really great twist!
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 1.20 – Nothing Personal: Seeing Agent Maria Hill again is a treat! I liked that she was talking to Pepper on the phone, another great touch. I loved the scene between her and May. They both are clever and efficient women to say the least! The rest of the team at the Providence base trying to figure out what happened with Ward and Skye. I like how Skye was able to leave a message behind for them. Ward still creeps me tons in his scenes with Skye. Coulson keeping the rest of the team together as best as he can as they all understand that Ward is Hydra was a great moment. Special Forces chasing Coulson and the rest of the team was a surprise. Hill showing up and revealing she was the one telling Special Forces explained a lot. May digging into Coulson’s empty grave was priceless. I wonder what she will find in the files she retrieved. The confrontation between Hill and Coulson was necessary and a great moment between them. When they discarded special forces together was a kick ass moment. Skye tipping the cops off was impressive, and courageous. I was glad that she managed to run away though Mike Peterson grabbing her shocked me. It makes sense that he was shadowing Ward. I was so happy when she headbutted Ward even if he cuffed her right after. Ward pulling the pity card made me roll my eyes and I was glad that Skye didn’t fall for this. I like the scene between Skye and Mike. I am kind of surprised (save for the fact that Ward is main cast) that Skye eventually gave the information so easily as she did. Ward’s misogynistic quips at Hill annoyed me and I didn’t need that to want to strangle the character. Coulson sneaking on the bus and reuniting with Skye was one of the best moments. Lola is as good as a James Bond’s car! I like that Coulson doesn’t want to give up, even though he could have options like Hill had (it is great that working for Stark is a good choice for her but I wouldn’t see Coulson do that). Lovely scene with what is currently left of the team at the end, though it’s not the same without May, which was why the final scene made me glad, though the information she has found were beyond anything I had expected.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 1.21 – Ragtag: Seeing all the team (minus Ward) together feels right. Having them be gathering all their talents together and still doing their duty, even though they aren’t official SHIELD anymore. I also like how Coulson wants this ship back at the end of the speech! I can’t wait for Garrett to be stopped. Coulson being all giddy about teh equipment from Triplett’s grandfather was a funny and welcome moment! Deadpan May saying “Watch out, Hydra. Here we come.” reminded me of Aeryn in Crackers Don’t Matter in Farscape season 2 saying “We’re all gonna die.” Coulson and May undercover was quite priceless. Can I say how much I love May? And seeing Coulson so happy she is back warms my heart. I love their interaction! The “large file transfer” was a great line! Though we’re seeing more of the past between Ward and Garrett, I’m still not sure of what to think of Ward’s possible return to SHIELD after all that happened. I didn’t expect Garrett to be the first Deathlok either. The scene between May and Skye about the Ward situation was one of the best in the episode! Raina is still quite an intriguing character. Fitz trying to reach out to Ward after he used the EMP on Garrett was a great moment too. Fitz so determined to reach out to Ward was a big development I hadn’t really expected. I really want to smack Ward in the head. I understand that he has a troubled history, but I can’t get myself to be really invested in the character as I would have liked to. Given how the episode ended for the team, I am very happy that I have waited to watch the last episodes of the season instead of having to wait a week in between!
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 1.22 – Beginning of the End: Triplett, May, Coulson and Skye working together and May being her amazing self was quite a powerful opening! Coulson breaking the news about Fitz and Simmons was heartbreaking, although I don’t really care for the characters, though I don’t hate them. I don’t wish them to get harmed or to die, but I just am not invested in their story. I always love Coulson as a leader, as an inspiration to his team. May and him are perfectly complimenting each other and this is one of the big strengths of the show and the team to me. I could really live with the core team being Coulson, May, Skye and Triplett. They are all characters I really enjoy and that have great dynamics. Raina and Garrett as an mad duet really makes me wonder how they’re going to be taken down. I am also curious about uncovering more about Skye’s history and learn about what she is. Oh the wonderful team moments with Triplett and Coulson together and also May and Skye! The scene between Fitz and Simmons before they blow up the window underwater and that Simmons takes Fitz to the surface reminded me of The Abyss. Fury showing up? Amazing moment! I can’t even begin to say how excited I was to see him show up again! Fury is one such great character! Great confrontation between Ward and Skye and then May coming in for one hell of a fight, that was another great moment and I wanted to see her beat the hell out of Ward so much. And Garrett versus Coulson was also something big! And then Fury coming to the rescue, including how Coulson says they’ll have a loud and possibly angry conversation was a great moment. Coulson and Fury “appreciating” how nuts Garrett has gone made me grin. And May giving his due to Ward was so great and deserved on many levels. Skye wanting to reach to Mike again and asking for his son’s help was great and emotional. That was a great twist! Coulson and May telling Ward in which trouble he is made sense. Mike watching his son be reunited with the rest of the family and his talk with Skye was a heart breaking moment and I look forward to seeing more of Mike in the future. Not surprised to see Garrett try his luck again but so relieved that Coulson smashed him into literal pieces was a relief. Coulson shouting at Fury about the TAHITI project (in front of May) was something. Fury explaining why he did this made a lot of sense and shows how much he thinks of Coulson. Fury trusting Coulson to rebuild SHIELD was a beautiful moment, and also making sure that May will be buy his side. That was great! And Coulson certainly deserves to be Director. Seeing the team arrive at their new base was great. I admit that I would be happy if Triplett replaced Ward as part of the team on a permanent basis. Raina telling whoever/whatever that she has found their daughter, Skye, gave me a very bad feeling. I have no idea what to think of this final scene or how to feel about it.
Believe 1.09 – Prodigy: I am sad that the show got cancelled as I think it still had so much potential and that the characters had developed solidly despite only a few episodes. I’m curious about the new girl they brought at Orchestra, and she can be quite scary. I really hope that they can get Channing out of the huge trouble she is in. Yet, I was mostly interested in the scenes regarding the current person to help with Tate and Bo. I love how they are bonding and how things are evolving. I like how they aren’t perfect either on their own or with each other. How the federal team and Skouras managed to get information from Channing with the new prodigy and then make their way to the safe house was suspenseful moments for sure. I really hope that someone can stop Skouras. I’m feeling sorry for the poor girl Bo helps because of how she is kept under her mother’s thumb. I was relieved when Skouras was caught by Milton. This is quite a confrontation and I’m glad that he did that to get Channing back. I like how Bo and her closed ones too, help people. I know that I repeat myself at every episode but this is the truth. I wanted to strangle Skouras myself when he shot at Milton and that Channing took the shot. And the new Orchestra prodigy definitely scares me.
Game of Thrones 4.05 – First of His Name: The scene between Cersei and Maergery was extremely interesting and a great moment between great actresses. Yet, I don’t understand how this scene unfolded. Cersei suddenly speaking about how Joffrey did horrid things and how she is civilized with Maergery and seems willing to have her there for her second born? It baffled me. I loved the scene between Ser Jorah and Daenerys! One of their best scenes in this seasons. I am relieved to see her take his advice and his support the way she does in this, because he realy his her friend and right hand, in opposition to the others. I don’t care for the scenes with Belish, Lysa, Robin and Sansa. In the whole bunch, I like Sansa best, that says a lot how I dislike all of them. I don’t like Sansa, but all this other bunch is so crazy and scheming I feel sorry for her to be there. Sansa was safer with Tyrion by her side in King’s Landing, in my view. Cersei speaking with her father about the upcoming royal wedding and looking fine with marrying Maegery’s brother all of the sudden still surprises me. I don’t understand Cersei’s change at all. I admit that this season tends to leave me scratching my head on several accounts. It was great to see Arya and the Hound again! They are some of the best parts in this season! I still wish that Arya had been the one to kill Joffrey. I never liked Lady Stark’s sister but I wish we didn’t have to put up with her madness. Brienne putting up with Podric having a hard time riding his horse cracked me up. The scene where the Hound and Arya discuss weapon training was also interesting, especially as this episode has very few moments that had me really care. I am very grateful for the scenes between Brienne and Podric. And what is the deal with sexual violence against women in this season? I am tired of this and I don’t see how it serves the plot! This really really angers me! I was relieved to see Jon Snow and the others Nightwatch members come to take care of that scum at the camp, but that other Crow kidnapping Bran wasn’t such a surprising twist and I was glad that he could be defeated. Bran deciding against reuniting with his brother was heartbreaking but showed great and strong personality. Jon fighting that filth and killing him was a meaningful moment and I also liked that one of the abused girls didn’t hesitate to hit that sadistic scum too. Jon and his wolf was one of the few happy moments in the episode. Seeing Craster’s keep burnt down was a relief, no matter how it can’t take away all the horrors that took place there.
Once Upon A Time 3.20 – Kansas: I was so happy when I heard that this show was renewed, as I had so many I liked getting cancelled. So knowing I’ll get a fourth season of this great show made me a very giddy camper. The storyline this season has been solid and I liked how some of the characters evolved. Regina’s change has been very well staged over the three seasons. Seeing her using light magic and saying how she makes her own destiny was one of my favorite moments of the whole season. Seeing Henry telling her she had to believe and wasn’t a villain anymore was powerful. Seeing them all be as a team, a family is one of the best things about this season. I was even surprised when David told Emma to keep Hook with her and support him about how he had been meaning to help her in the first place. I admit that while I really liked Emma in the earlier seasons, she leaves me rather indifferent now, and sometimes a bit annoyed. In a way, if she ended dying as the Savior, it could be one of the best story twists to happen and would leave her family with a lot to deal with and be a meaningful and sensible way for the character to go. I know that it might be some weird opinion, but the more I watch season 3, the more I think that. Regarding Rumplestiltskin and Belle, I was disappointed in him for lying to Belle, as I really thought he was better than this, as she told him. Anyway, I can’t wait for the season 2 hour finale!
Star-Crossed 1.12 – This Trick May Chance to Scathe You: This is another show that I already miss. I love how it has grown so strongly. I really liked how the team going after the Suvek was so unexpected with Roman, Drake, Sophia, Lukas, Emery and Grayson. I like how Drake has developed in the last while. In this episode, he had great scenes, including with his mother. I like how the female characters are interesting in this show, and are well layered and in multiple types of roles, both as teenagers and adult women. I even think that amongst the adult characters, the women are way more interesting than the men. I admit that the interaction between Castor and Teri is quite creepy to me. I also liked how Emery had to calm Grayson and Roman down, when they were being idiotic guys (as annoying as it could be it was credible anyway for different reasons). I wonder about Teri’s choices and allegiances. It is hard to tell with her, though I admit I prefer her mother Vega to Castor, which shows how much I can’t stand Roman’s uncle. I guess that Teri handling Castor shows she is loyal to her mother. I have no idea how they’ll heal Roman yet, though the Atrian’s healing skills and herbs tend to be quite extensive. I loved the scene when Drake explains to his mother why he can’t go to Eljida with her. They have beautiful scenes together. I liked how the final scene between Emery and Roman echoed the first time they met. Is it the season finale yet?!
The Tomorrow People 1.22 – Son of Man: First of all, I was really sad to learn about the show’s cancellation as it’s been one of my big favorites of the show premiering this season. I loved it to pieces and it had so much more potential. The characters had solid development and I know that I’ll have much to write about in the future. The scenes between Jedikiah and Roger in the beginning of the episode were extremely poignant (I liked how we found out that the human body rejects the paranormal powers even if injected). I cried a lot and I still think that Jedikiah reminds me a lot of Snape in Harry Potter. His interaction with John is always very interesting and many of their moments in the episode were emotional. It doesn’t mean that Jedikiah can be forgiven for what he does to John at the end, turning him into some kind of super soldier again, but the character is still one of the most interesting “villains” I’ve seen in a very long while. The reason I was annoyed with that last arc is that it’s the only thing that really feels as a mini cliffhanger in the show, otherwise I loved how wrapped up things felt, even with the solid potential for more season. Seeing the team saving the world with Stephen, Cara, Russel, John and Astrid was really great. I was glad to see them all survive in the end, though I’m curious of how Stephen’s powers could expand. Seeing the Stephen/Cara and John/Astrid romantic direction also made me incredibly happy (and I can’t help but know that Astrid could have helped John go beyond whatever programming he underwent in a second season). There were still very great dialogues and thank you for funny bits in the middle of so much intense drama! The kiss between John and Astrid before time was frozen for them reminded me of Crichton and Aeryn at the end of Farscape 4.22 Bad Timing. All in all, I am very much missing this show and can’t wait for the right time and opportunity to write about this as there is a lot I want to talk about. I don’t know whether it’ll be in papers or a possible eBook, but I know that this show will show up in my future research and writing.
Source: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Wiki
I know it has been a while since I posted any review of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. episodes, but I’m planning to watch the last four episodes of the season in a row and post a general review for them (as I will also do for Continuumseason 3, Crisisand The 100 seasons 1). I am very very happy that Agents of S.H.IE.L.D. got renewed for a second season as I love it. And I can’t wait for the upcoming Marvel’s Agent Carter new show as well!
Natacha Guyot 