Ep 5. The Way We Weren't

John Crichton is grappling with his feelings for Aeryn, particularly after discovering the existence of a Peacekeeper diarist named Gilina Renaez. While on Moya, Crichton finds himself in the company of a Nebari named Chiana, who begins acting strangely- it's only after several conversations with her that Crichton realizes she has been exposed to a drug which has caused her to become telepathic.

Chiana's telepathic abilities allow her to reveal a long-lost part of Aeryn's backstory - the two soldiers first met during their training as Peacekeepers, with Aeryn being Chiana's instructor at the time. Through Chiana's memories, the audience is transported back to a young Aeryn, dedicated to her career and militant in her devotion to the Peacekeeper cause.

Through this glimpse into Aeryn's past, Crichton comes to a deeper understanding of what drives her. For the first time, the audience sees Aeryn as a more vulnerable character, one whose background has forced her to build up emotional walls to protect herself.

Meanwhile, the crew of Moya is facing an external threat when a group of scavengers led by B'Sogg attempt to steal Moya's databanks. Moya has to outwit the scavengers in order to keep her ship and crew safe. Amid the chaos, Crichton and Aeryn continue to navigate the complexities of their relationship.

"The Way We Weren't" is an episode that manages to both advance the show's overarching story and provide greater insight into its characters. In particular, the flashbacks to Aeryn's past show the extent to which her identity has been shaped by her time in the Peacekeepers. From her tough exterior to her dedication to duty, all are elements that have been put in place to protect herself from emotional pain.

Crichton's newfound empathy towards Aeryn is a welcome development, as it shows the growth of his character over the course of the series. At the same time, the episode is not afraid to highlight the emotional complexities that come with any relationship, particularly one that involves two people from vastly different backgrounds.

As always, the episode is bolstered by strong performances, with Claudia Black and Ben Browder carrying the emotional weight of the episode with ease. Additionally, Virginia Hey as Zhaan and Anthony Simcoe as D'Argo both have standout moments that showcase the range of their acting abilities.

Overall, "The Way We Weren't" is a compelling and emotional installment in the Farscape universe. It provides a satisfying blend of character development and action, all while advancing the show's larger narrative. Whether you're a fan of sci-fi or simply enjoy a good character-driven story, this episode is definitely worth a watch.