Ratings
1.2 (US)
2.01 (UK)

Chris Haywood..............Maldis & Kyvan

Wassup?

"He just sucks."

Chiana picks up a portrait that seems to predict the future. Soon, crewmembers appear to be dying under bizarre circumstances -- except that they're not dead, they're prisoners of the psychic vampire Maldis. Zhaan must forge a plan to defeat him again, but her overwhelming fear may defeat her first.

Backstory

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The title is likely a nod to Rod Serling. Whether or not he ever actually used the phrase on a frequent basis, it has come to be popularly associated with him and two of his anthology television series: THE TWILIGHT ZONE (1959-65), and NIGHT GALLERY (1969-70). The IMDb describes the former as "A collection of tales which range from comic to tragic, but often have a wicked sense of humor and an unexpected twist." Hmmm...what other television show do we know like that? ;-)

John: "C'mon...Zhaan...this magical mystery crap is your specialty, not mine. Just tell me what to do, and I'll do it."

An allusion to the Beatles' 1967 album, song, and movie, MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR.

John: "Maldis! Come on down!"

John says this in a manner that recalls the long-running American game show The Price is Right, where selected members of the audience are invited to "Come on down!" and play the game. This signature phrase, made famous by the original announcer for the show, Johnny Olson, has endured for thirty years.

John: "Haven't you read the supervillain's handbook? This is where you're supposed to twirl your moustache and gloat."

A mixed reference to the villains in numerous movies. Often in the silent films, the villain would sport a handlebar moustache that he would occasionally twirl. And both older and more recent villains (in comic books, as well as in movies) would often gloat over the captured hero, revealing the details of their plans.

Maldis: "Have you forgotten? Fear makes me stronger. Fear, and the terror of helplessness. These are a few of my favorite things."
John: "Oh. Could you do that farewell/goodbye song the kids sing? It's one of my favorites."
Maldis: "I don't do requests!"

This refers to two songs from the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical -- and 1965 Robert Wise film -- THE SOUND OF MUSIC: "My Favorite Things" and "So Long, Farewell".

John: "Zhaan...this would've been a really good opportunity to lie to me. You know... 'Sure, John, he's toast. Strike him off your Christmas list. Stick a fork in him, he's done. He's over. The fat lady is singing.' It does not have to be true, Zhaan...but I certainly would have slept better."

The expression "the fat lady is singing" derives from the stereotypical opera finale, in which the leading lady (stereotypically corpulent) blasts out a last aria. When the fat lady sings, you know they're near the end.

(see also www.crichtonisms.com)

Translator Microbe Report

Quotables

Comments from Cast & Crew

Virginia Hey, April 27, 2000

• Moderator: <Simon> to <Moderator> Virginia, what was your favorite moment for the Zaahn character?
  

  Virginia: Hello Simon, I don't have any particular moment, however kicking Maldis's a** gave me great joy
  Virginia: Every moment is heaven playing Zhaan, I really do love being her. XXX
  

Farscape Season Two Wrap, June 15, 2000

• Moderator: <maks1000uk> to <Moderator>: Virginia, have you ever studied any martial arts such as Tai-Chi?

  Virginia-Hey: When I was 17 I studied Judo and Karate, I have a blue belt in Judo and only and orange in Karate. Kodokan discipline.

Pilot, with Sean Masterson (Puppeteer) & Lani Tupu (Voice of Pilot), July 13, 2000

• Moderator: <Byrn> to <Moderator>: Pilot, how come no one ever seems too nervous about that 100ft+ drop in your den? Has anyone actually fallen off it? (or will anyone? *g*)

  Pilot: Zhaan took a nasty spill once...
  Pilot: I was terribly frightened on her behalf, but it developed that it was all part of a plan of hers to vanquish an evil presence.