It's funny you mention the shippiness - that's what my essay was going to be about LOL So many people see shippiness in this (indeed, someone on Tumblr commented they didn't like it because Gilina was "competition" for Aeryn) but I don't see that at all...I don't see romantic jealousy, at least not at its core. Gilina is familiar enough, human enough, to ease John's homesickness, and at the same time she's familiar enough, Peacekeeper enough, to make Aeryn's worse. She's also a smart, brave, wonderful character in her own right.

I think there's an edge of romantic jealousy in Aeryn but I think mostly she is jealous of the ease with which Gilina interacts with him in general, their like-mindedness and ability to work together - and get along - when they've only just met. Every social situation has been a struggle for Aeryn since she landed on Moya, especially those with John. And she does like him. And this is early enough that she still wants to go home but she can't but Gilina can and that's tearing her up inside.

The goodbye, and the mutual respect and understanding, between the two women is one of my favorite Farscape moments.

I also love seeing more of Rygel's past and him overcoming it, juxtaposed with D'Argo being forced to give in to his darker nature - and the past that must remind him of.

Thank you very much for the *lovely* comments :) Feedback is always appreciated, no matter how long or short - and don't worry about repeating yourself ;)