‘Bred Crumbs

And then suddenly, out of nowhere, there is all kinds of Farscape news.

First up, SciFi announced 10 web episodes. (I refuse to merge the words web and episodes. Indeed, I refuse to merge anything with episodes. Somebody’s got to draw the line.) While it’s encouraging at first that SciFi has recognized the value of the brand, there’s much to be wary of here:

• SciFi’s press release refers to the episodes as being “based on” Farscape.
• The network apparently cut the deal with Jim Henson Productions only one day before announcing it.
• No cast, writers, or storyline have been determined.
• It’s just the web, not real TV. Yes, there’s still a difference.
• And, above all, it’s SciFi, who in the past has been known to renege on Farscape deals. (Specifically, the entire frelling fifth season.)

Even if the network doesn’t bail, I’m confident the suits can screw it up somehow. Still, I hold out a little hope for the episodes, and a lot of hope for the other announced ’Scape-related project. Our Hero Ben Browder and ex-’Scape director Andrew Prowse are producing a six-hour miniseries, Going Homer, for SciFi. It is described thusly:

Greek and Roman deities walk among us, but only twelve-year-old Homer Ulysses Jones can see them for what they truly are. When Homer and his father are forced to flee a custody battle that would likely separate them, they journey from Los Angeles to the home of their ancestors Ithaca, NY. As they travel through the heart of Americana, Homer’s eyes will be opened to a mystical landscape of capricious Gods; some will help our heroes, some will divert them, and others will try to kill them to prevent them from reaching their ultimate goal home.

Browder, who it seems will also star, has proven he can write in two standout Farscape episodes, so this could be a heady brew. So for this, more than for the web project, let us hum a happy tune. (And whistle past the bothersome resemblance of the concept to Neil Gaiman’s American Gods.)

Curious: all this sudden Farscape development, on the heels of Television Without Pity’s ongoing posthumous recapping of the series and a wonderful tribute to the show at critic Matt Zoller Seitz’s group blog. Is this finally the start of a slow but steady Trek-like rise from unjust cancellation to long-term cult and franchise worship?

Even if it isn’t, please allow me that moment of undue Galacticish hype. (Guess what bandwagon I fell back off.)