Farscape’s Ben Browder Looks Upward And Celebrates A Birthday: Today In Science & Science Fiction
This article is more than 2 years old
Today marks the 51st birthday of one of our very favorite people, Farscape’s Ben Browder, who was born on this day in 1962. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, he grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina and went on to bring both some Southern charm and a neverending string of nicknames to Farscape’s peculiar corner of the universe as wayward astronaut John Crichton. In addition to being dashing, funny, charming as hell, and a damn-near-perfect everyman space hero, he was also half of some of the most scorching onscreen chemistry we’ve ever seen, along with Claudia Black as Aeryn Sun. Frankly, just talking about the guy makes me want to stop typing and go rewatch the show right this damn minute. (I tried to pull a pic with the bedroom eyes, so you’re welcome, ladies and thus-inclined gentlemen.)
I’ve said it till I’m blue in the face, but it’s frankly ridiculous that Ben Browder is not a massive star in the vein of Nathan Fillion. He basically was Nathan Fillion. Loved by genre fans, effortlessly charismatic, unfairly good looking, talented as hell. His beloved cult science fiction show got a longer run, but after Farscape and a stint in Stargate SG-1 he never got his “Castle” that launched him to crossover success. Instead he’s popped up briefly on shows like Chuck, Doctor Who, and Arrow, but none of them have used him to the extent he deserves. I don’t know, maybe he’s just enjoying a quiet retirement, but for god’s sake, people. All I want for Christmas is a new show with Browder in the leading role!
In the mean time, here’s hoping you have a happy birthday, Ben. For your gift, I’m going to kidnap a Syfy executive and force them to greenlight a Farscape resurrection.
Today in Television
The Tomorrow People (The CW, 9/8c) — “Death’s Door”
TAKING RISKS — When John (Luke Mitchell) finds himself in a dangerous situation, Stephen (Robbie Amell) is unable to help without revealing himself to Ultra.Not satisfied with the answer he has discovered about his father’s disappearance, Stephen decides to take drastic measures with the help of his fellow Tomorrow People to find out the truth.Meanwhile, Cara (Peyton List) and Russell (Aaron Yoo) negotiate a trade with Jedikiah (Mark Pellegrino), which ultimately makes Jedikiah take a big risk.
Today in Comics
Doc Savage #1 (Dynamite Entertainment)
In 1933, readers were first introduced to Doc Savage, the Man of Bronze. Raised from the cradle to be the pinnacle of mental and physical perfection, Doc Savage travels the world using science and sinews to right wrongs, aid the oppressed, and liberate the innocent. With his team of able associates at their headquarters high atop the tallest building in the world, Doc Savage is tireless in his pursuit of knowledge and justice. Writer Chris Roberson brings Doc Savage from 1933 through to today. And with ‘Easter eggs’ along the way that will help pave the future of Doc, in a story only Chris (Roberson) could tell.
Halo: Escalation #1 (Dark Horse Comics)
Halo®, the most celebrated video game series of all time, joins forces with Dark Horse for a thrilling new ongoing series!
The UNSC flagship Infinity is assigned escort duty for a diplomatic mission between the Arbiter and a powerful chieftain of the Brute tribes-but when a rogue Covenant group attacks, it’s going to take all the firepower the Spartans have to keep the delegates alive!
Star Wars #12 (Dark Horse Comics)
After a battle with the Empire, it is a time of reunions, departures, and reassessments. Han and Chewie return from their mission to Coruscant, Luke deals with love lost, and Leia must accept greater responsibilities within the Rebellion. But first she has an important announcement for the Rebel commanders . . .
Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi — Force War #2 (Dark Horse Comics)
Xesh uses his Force Hound training to locate the Rakatan command center, which sparks an ambitious plan: infiltrate the enemy stronghold and kill the supreme commander. But Xesh has not accounted for a traitor in his own ranks!
Walking Dead #118 (Image Comics)
Maggie takes a stand as Rick’s new plan comes together.
The X-Files: Season 10 #7 (IDW Publishing)
Hosts, Part 2 of 2: Missing persons reports point to the return of the ‘giant, bloodsucking worm’ known as the Flukeman, sending Mulder to Martha’s Vineyard to investigate and Scully to Quantico to examine the supposed remains of the creature. And what they both discover lies beyond belief and terror!
