Episode Report Card Couch Baron: C+ | 1 USERS: C+ YOU GRADE IT Next Time, Just Count To Ten
By Couch Baron | Season 1 | Episode 14 | Aired on 07.29.1999
Moya. Zhaan checks in with Aeryn, who says the projectile is almost complete, but the shielded power source is another matter -- she doesn't know enough of the necessary science to build it. "I can't believe this, but I need Crichton." I can not only believe it, I can also sanction it and empathize with it. Zhaan hands over a new map with good news -- it shows three distinct life forms that are different from the others. She then suggests that they use the projectile to point them in the right direction. They're both touchingly thrilled that their shipmates are alive, although Aeryn hides it a bit more than Zhaan. In other startling news, Crichton is good-looking, and Rygel farts a lot.
Sometime later, two local women are cooing and fawning over a thankfully-re-robed Rygel, when D'Argo arrives and cuts in with a rumbling "Excuse me, your Eminence." Hee. I could listen to Anthony Simcoe's voice all the livelong day. Once the girls are gone, Rygel bids D'Argo to enter, and D'Argo informs Rygel that the locals are preparing a celebration in his honor, which will mark the point at which he fulfills some prophecy. Rygel's all, who in the what now, but D'Argo can't tell him any more other than that the locals do indeed regard him as a savior rather than a ruler. Neera enters, and Rygel, seemingly on a semi-bluff, asks her for "the sacred text," which Neera helpfully identifies as "the Timbala." If Neera weren't already a skeptic, I'd think Rygel's overeager attitude of "Timbala! That's exactly what I meant! Yes! Timbala! WOOOO!" would be enough for her to look at him askance. She produces the book, and exposits that since it's written in "the ancient language," there are very few who can read it -- only priestains like her, "and, of course, you." She says she looks forward to officiating at the ceremony, and bails in a cloud of smiling disdain. D'Argo asks how Rygel knew about the text. Rygel, looking at the book: "Where were you brought up? Every religion's got one." He really is awesome this episode. He goes on that it's in ancient Hynerian, in which he was tutored as a child. D'Argo rightly notes that that doesn't mean he can read it now, but Rygel says he'll try. If you fail, don't worry about it, Rygel -- primitive cultures have never been known to take their faiths too seriously.
Crichton brings his stuff back to his lean-to and sees Lisala sitting on his ship. She's upset because she thinks he's immortal, just like she mistakenly thinks Rygel is, and now they can't have a future together. She goes on that at the ceremony, Rygel is supposed to "rise up and lead us to the light." That doesn't sound all that likely, but we do know he can fart helium, so at least he's got a fighting chance. Lisala complains that Rygel is going to take them off the planet whether they want to go or not, and if that's her attitude, you'd think she'd be a little more receptive to Crichton's ensuing attempt to set her straight. But no: "If he is the real Masata, he will rise up and lead us to the light. If he does not prove himself the true Masata tonight, he will suffer a torturous death beyond any other. And so will you!" She stomps off. I guess it's too late to offer to make dinner, Crichton.