Farscape s02e02: Vitas Mortis

Series

Farscape^[3]

Season

2^[1]

Episode number

2^[1]

Running time

44 minutes 17 seconds^[1]

Published on YouTube

9 November 2024, on the official Farscape channel^[1]

Premise

"Vitas Mortis" is the second episode of the second season of Farscape, the serialized science fiction series created by Rockne S. O'Bannon.^[3][1] It follows Ka D'Argo as he assists an elderly Luxan holy woman with a death ritual, until unexpected complications threaten to endanger the entire crew.^[1]

What happens in "Vitas Mortis"?

Neelam tells those gathered that she is dying and intends to perform a ritual of passing, which requires an attendant.^[4] She chooses D'Argo, and he agrees to serve as her attendant for the rite, an honor that, by the ritual's terms, allows the attendant to glimpse the next realm.^[4] Once the ritual begins, Neelam senses D'Argo's strength and decides to attempt a ritual of renewal rather than die.^[4]

Memorable quotes

“But, my battle unit was freed before the enemy had a chance to see through my ruse.”6:39

“I could kill you where you stand. I know you could. Nonetheless, I wish to say something. And why would I wish to hear it? Because it is the truth. I was taught that Arrykans are seekers of truth. Was I misinformed?”7:38

“I didn't know. You have to believe that. Please believe that.”30:02

In the episode

1:00 Oracle summons the Luxan Neelam, a frail Oracle, summons D'Argo forward for inspection in her icy chamber.

3:03 Oracle tests D'Argo Neelam places her hand inside D'Argo's chest to judge his strength, rejecting him as unworthy.

4:30 D'Argo reveals the tattoo deception After a short opening credits break, D'Argo explains to Crichton and the others that he took a dying general's rank markings to protect him.

7:01 Oracle reconsiders D'Argo Crichton confronts Neelam, who admits she needed to see if D'Argo possessed fire, not just strength.

9:02 Crichton summoned to attend D'Argo tells Crichton that the Oracle has asked for his presence to ease her passing.

11:13 Crais returns to Moya Bialar Crais arrives on Moya and meets the others, learning about the Oracle.

15:02 Ritual of renewal begins D'Argo enters Neelam's chamber, and the others grow uneasy as the ritual proceeds.

18:38 Oracle restored to youth Crichton and the others burst in to find Neelam young and healthy, claiming the ritual of renewal worked.

20:00 Moya's systems begin failing Pilot reports that Moya's hydric system and outer skin are deteriorating as the rejuvenated Oracle celebrates.

26:46 Hull breach emergency Decompression strikes multiple sections and Rygel gets stuck plugging a hole with his body.

30:02 Oracle reveals she bonded with Moya Neelam admits she unknowingly drained life from the living ship during the ritual.

32:00 Crichton prepares to stop her Aeryn arms herself to prevent D'Argo and Neelam from escaping on a transport pod.

35:31 Crichton confronts D'Argo Crichton finds D'Argo on the transport and presses him to end the draining of Moya.

38:20 Oracle ends the ritual Neelam chooses to release the stolen energy and begins the rite of passing.

Air date, credits and where to watch

"Vitas Mortis" is the second installment of the show's second season.^[1][2] The rights holder published it on its official Farscape YouTube channel on 9 November 2024, which is why it can be watched on this page; the upload runs about 44 minutes.^[1]

1. 2000-03 to 2000-12 According to Wikipedia contributors, Farscape season 2 airs, running from 17 March 2000 to 19 December 2000.^[2]
2. 2024-11-09 The episode is published on the official Farscape YouTube channel.^[1]
3. 2026-09-13 Farscape is recorded as a serialized science fiction series created by Rockne S. O'Bannon.^[3]
4. 2026-09-20 The YouTube upload of the episode runs for approximately 44 minutes.^[1]