I've actually shown some friends the first part of a condensed version of Season One, in an attempt to get them hooked. These are the first season eps I'd suggest. Not all of them are those that are the most important for the storyline, but I think they demonstrate the show at it's best. You would need to leave space to explain a few things in between episodes - like how Moya got pregnant and who the new girl is - but when pushed for time I'd always pick entertainment over continuity.
1) The Premiere
Well, obviously *g*.
2) Throne For A Loss
It's funny, the plot is interesting and fast-paced, and all the everyone has good material. This went down very well with the test audience, and it gives you a good feel for the characters.
3) PK Tech Girl
I actually think this is skippable, although it's handy if you want to avoid explaining Gilena later on. But if you have the time, it's worth watching.
4) DNA Mad Scientist
I list this because it was the episode that really hooked me, even though the test audience fell asleep during the screening. It's a great one for the character dynamics, but you need a couple of episodes between the Premiere and this for it to have an impact. And it's kind of heavy on the talk, so don't show it late at night when your subject hasn't had much sleep. Also: check if your friend has a problem with eye injections first. One of mine kind of freaked out *g*.
5) Till the Blood Runs Clear
This is one of my favourites from Season One, and I think it's a good episode for new viewers. Once again, there's lots of humour, stronge characerisation, and everyone has interesting material. Particularly nice is the way it underlines John's desparation to get home, and Aeryn's clever plan. Not essential, but it will save you having to explain Furlow at a later date.
6) A Human Reaction
If you're pushed for time, skip straight from the Premiere to this, but don't skip this. I think it's too important to miss in a number of ways. But I have an essay about why here.
7) A Bug's Life
Better for introducing Chiana than Durka Returns, IMHO, and it's a good episode all around. Also a big turning point for John. Not necessary, but if you have time, it's a sensible choice.
8/9) Nerve/The Hidden Memory
A pair of episodes I don't need to explain the importance of. I think you could just show Premiere/Human Reaction and jump straight to this ... but then, it probably does have more impact if you know John.
10) Family Ties
It's kind of mean to show this if you can't follow up with Mind the Baby, but if you're going to show anything from Season Three you need to explain what's going on with Crais. It's probably faster to watch this and then explain Season Two than it is to describe the events, and it shows the impact the Aurora Chair had on John.
Of course, you probably don't have time for all of that, especially if you want to fit bits of Season Three in as well, but it's something to think about at least.
Speaking from experience ...
1) The Premiere
Well, obviously *g*.
2) Throne For A Loss
It's funny, the plot is interesting and fast-paced, and all the everyone has good material. This went down very well with the test audience, and it gives you a good feel for the characters.
3) PK Tech Girl
I actually think this is skippable, although it's handy if you want to avoid explaining Gilena later on. But if you have the time, it's worth watching.
4) DNA Mad Scientist
I list this because it was the episode that really hooked me, even though the test audience fell asleep during the screening. It's a great one for the character dynamics, but you need a couple of episodes between the Premiere and this for it to have an impact. And it's kind of heavy on the talk, so don't show it late at night when your subject hasn't had much sleep. Also: check if your friend has a problem with eye injections first. One of mine kind of freaked out *g*.
5) Till the Blood Runs Clear
This is one of my favourites from Season One, and I think it's a good episode for new viewers. Once again, there's lots of humour, stronge characerisation, and everyone has interesting material. Particularly nice is the way it underlines John's desparation to get home, and Aeryn's clever plan. Not essential, but it will save you having to explain Furlow at a later date.
6) A Human Reaction
If you're pushed for time, skip straight from the Premiere to this, but don't skip this. I think it's too important to miss in a number of ways. But I have an essay about why here.
7) A Bug's Life
Better for introducing Chiana than Durka Returns, IMHO, and it's a good episode all around. Also a big turning point for John. Not necessary, but if you have time, it's a sensible choice.
8/9) Nerve/The Hidden Memory
A pair of episodes I don't need to explain the importance of. I think you could just show Premiere/Human Reaction and jump straight to this ... but then, it probably does have more impact if you know John.
10) Family Ties
It's kind of mean to show this if you can't follow up with Mind the Baby, but if you're going to show anything from Season Three you need to explain what's going on with Crais. It's probably faster to watch this and then explain Season Two than it is to describe the events, and it shows the impact the Aurora Chair had on John.
Of course, you probably don't have time for all of that, especially if you want to fit bits of Season Three in as well, but it's something to think about at least.