Farscape settles down to a traditional ship-based story for the first time this season, but a constricted stage doesn�t make this a minor episode.

This tense and cunningly paced episode made an advantage out of the series� inherently claustrophobic setting, making us fear for the crew and feel for poor tortured Moya and Pilot. Given that it was just a load of twine, the vegetative enemy was unsettlingly nasty - a virulent and menacing infestation of space dry-rot.

As usual, the character dynamics are beautiful to watch, especially John and D�Argo�s growing rapport, and Sikozu�s clear infatuation with Scorpius. Wayne Pygram�s portrayal of the half-breed scientist gets ever better - his sardonic smiles, dryer than a rich tea biscuit in the desert, are absolutely irresistible.

Story-arc elements did appear, but in contrast to last week�s Promises, they were fully integrated into the action. In a turnaround that long-term fans will appreciate, D�Argo finally gained the authority he�d previously only pretended to. Aeryn and John�s relationship also spun itself around - now John�s keeping her at arm�s length, rather than the reverse.

It was sad not to see a little more of Aeryn�s old spark, and Rygel�s feelings of guilt didn�t quite ring true, but these are only minor quibbles. Everyone loves it when a plan comes together, as here - even more so when it comes with the hitches, hiccups and last minute salvation that are as traditional to Farscape as the shippy story.

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