'I guess the adventure isn't quite over', was Flash Gordon's closing line of the season. This after Flash, Dale, Zarkov and Baylin had found themselves trapped on Mongo following the destruction of the Rift Generator. Let's hope it isn't quite over yet, because Flash Gordon was a show that has really delivered, despite a shaky start.
I've rarely seen a show be so universally criticised. I get the feeling that people wanted to hate it, rather than actually having a genuine dislike for the show. This is in contrast to say, Bionic Woman, where it was clear that many people wanted it to be something that it wasn't, putting up with boring dialogue and woefully mediocre story-telling. I think I fell in love with the show mid-way through its 2nd episode. I suddenly got it. Sure it was silly, ridiculous and crazy, but it was also a great adventure with likeable characters that didn't ask to be or need to be taken seriously. Exactly what you want from some Friday evening science fiction.
With Flash and the gang hopping between Mongo and Earth for the majority of the first half of the season, it could certainly be said that it lacked direction. There were a couple of really stand out episodes though, 'Till Death' springing to mind most prominently. The action changed in the second half of the season, as it became a show that was set almost exclusively on Mongo, with great results.
The change of format facilitated a greater exploration of what has proven to be a very rich world. Each of the cantons featuring a unique and original people to learn about, each adding to a tapestry of people ravaged by the sins of the past, the problems of the present and the prospect of a future under Ming. This Ming isn't quite the maniacal lunatic of previous versions. He's clever and attempts to live up to his title as the 'Benevolent Father'. It all begins unwinding though, particularly as his daughter, Aura, seeks to betray him in the name of a better future for the people of Mongo. In desperation he poisons a reservoir of water in order to blame it on the Deviates and his son Tarik, who had sought to take revenge on a father that abandoned him as a child due to his deviation. When the people of Mongo learn the truth, it really is the beginning of the end for Ming as the people rise against him.
Aura and Tarik succeed in de-throning Ming, going so far as to execute him. Though obviously it'd be no good to do away with him for good. He seemingly teleports himself out of the gas chamber to fight another day. It's a good thing really as I'm sure his bid to re-gain power will make for some intriguing stories. It'll also be interesting to see how Aura handles her new found responsibility, away from the spectre of Ming
With Flash stuck permanently on Mongo, it's likely that he'll spend a large amount of time trying to find a way back home to his recently re-united parents. I'm sure he'll have plenty of trials to go through to succeed in that quest, as well as the occasional crisis to deal with.
This is of course assuming that the show gets picked up for a second season. I hope it does because Mongo has proven to be an intriguing place, particularly when considering its mystical elements. This ranges prophetic monks, to a deep seeded spirituality bringing about a willingness to learn from past mistakes in order to secure a better future. Baylin performing the Ceremony of the Sorrow was a very poignant example of that and I hope that an extra 20 episodes will allow for further exploration of that.
I'm sure the show will be re-run over the next few months and I really recommend that everyone gives it a second chance. Get over your hang ups and enjoy a really fun adventure.
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