Ep 22. Family Ties

John Crichton has had it with the strenuous and unpredictable realities that come with life aboard Moya, and is beyond ready to return home to Earth. When he thinks he may have finally found a way to make his escape, things go awry and it appears as though he may be stuck on Moya for the long haul. Suddenly, a hazy figure appears and attacks John, and he falls unconscious before the crew can intervene. Upon waking up, John finds himself in a completely alternate reality. Here, he discovers that he's been not only living on Moya with the alien crew, but that his father also survived the accident that stranded him in space.

John's dad tells him that he's been working tirelessly to create a portal that would allow him to traverse space-time. However, he needs John's aid to give it that last push, and make it a reality. With a unique and powerful combination of maneuvering and concentration, John is able to help his father ignite the portal and then pass through it himself. However, once he arrives back in the "real" world, he's stripped of all understanding and has to communicate with his friends through simple visual cues and hand gestures.

One thing is for sure, though--John is not alone in his predicament. Still plagued by visions from his mysterious attacker, he and the crew soon discover that he was in fact the victim of an attack at the hands of Scorpius. Meanwhile, Moya has come under attack by a Diagnosan ship. The crew comes together to fend off the attack while Moya's core and nervous system continue to undergo stress that may kill her. In the end, the ship's pilot Aeryn Sun comes face-to-face with Scorpius, and the result is a surprise that nobody could have expected.

As the crew comes to terms with the ramifications of their actions, John is forced to confront the fact that his dad may never make it back to reality. Having emphasized the damaging world impact of this communication barrier, the crew wonders what truly drives their commitment to get John and his father back to the real world. As the episode approaches its halfway point, it becomes clear that the stakes are beyond high for everyone involved. A struggle for power and a fight for survival ensues, one that will set the tone for the remainder of the season.

As tensions mount and reality starts to blur, it becomes clear that this strange and dangerous alternate world is not worth the price of entry. The episode climaxes with a shocking turn of events that changes everything for John and his crew. As the dust settles, everyone realizes that the universe is a constantly evolving and ever-changing place, and all they can do is adapt to the changes and live to fight another day.

In the end, the episode's numerous intersecting plotlines are expertly woven together to form a tight and cohesive narrative. Its focus on the theme of family and communication makes it a standout in a season packed with standout episodes, and it's sure to resonate with fans of the series and newcomers alike. So if you're looking for a thrilling and unforgettable hour of television that will leave you thinking about family and relationship in a new light, "Family Ties" is a must-see.