TV episode review
US airdate 16 November 2007 (Sci Fi Channel)

A rescue attempt ends up revealing a cache of secrets...

Finally this series is starting to fire on all cylinders. The action sequences work, the humour is actually funny – and well-directed, which makes a real change – and the mythology doesn't just rely on knowledge of previous Flash Gordon incarnations, but starts to use the freshly-minted characters.

Rankol may have started life as a Klytus clone (from the 1980 movie) but he's now becoming an intriguing character in his own right. There's an interesting encounter between him and Flash which leaves the Earthman, and the audience, surprised by his lack of action.

The rapport between Flash, Dale, Barin and Baylin comes across very strongly, and it's probably no coincidence that this is the first episode without the dubious pleasures of this version of Dr Zarkov. He's nearly always the third party in any scene, and they work much better without him.

The relationship between Ming, Aura and Barin also comes under scrutiny. Ming is frightened of Barin, despite his bravado, while Aura allows herself to be manipulated by him. Revelations about Aura's parentage are promised for future instalments, and it'll be interesting to see if the producers take the daring route that's hinted at in this episode.

Overall, a major improvement. Paul Simpson

VERICT: 7/10