Sneak Peek: Flash Gordon
Classic Comic-Strip Remake Premieres Tomorrow
There’s lots of buzz surrounding Sci Fi Channel’s reintroduction of the Flash Gordon character to the small screen, some good, some bad, and some rather indifferent. If you’re one of the many people who are excited about the new version of the series, let me assure you that you have every right to feel that way … as long as you agree with executive producer Tom Rowe’s assertion that the series is meant to be “light, goofy fun.” The description, from the “Flash Forward” article featured in the August 13–19 print edition of TV Guide, accurately sums up what viewers can expect from the show (my review of the first three episodes will follow before the premiere).
Other good news accompanying the series’ debut concerns the immediate DVD release subsequent to Friday night’s pilot. The limited-edition product streeting on Tuesday, August 14, will include the 65-minute pilot episode (which runs 90 minutes long when commercials are added; thus, Friday night’s 9-10:30pm EST time slot), deleted scenes, storyboards and sketches, an advance look at the rest of Flash Gordon‘s 22-episode first season, and a special preview of the forthcoming Sci Fi original mini-series Tin Man starring Zooey Deschanel (Elf) Alan Cumming (X-Men 2), Richard Dreyfus (Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Jaws—oldies but still goodies), and Neal McDonough (Traveler). All of that for the list price of $19.95.
Flash Gordon is based on the original science-fiction comic strip created by artist Alex Raymond in 1934. Sci Fi’s version stars Eric Johnson in the title role, Gina Holden as Dale Arden, John Ralston as a blonde and mustache-less (!) Ming, Jody Racicot as Dr. Hans Zarkov, Karen Cliche as Baylin, Jonathan Walker as Rankol, Anna Van Hooft as Princess Aura, and Panou as Nick.
Whether you’re anticipating the series or not, you can check out several clips of interest below, or click on the titles to jump to the videos if the players aren’t visible.*
Flash Gordon and Dale Arden
Flash Gordon and Dale Arden go one-on-one.
Flash Gordon and Nick
Flash Gordon and Nick hang out in the garage.
Flash Gordon and Dr. Zarkov
Flash Gordon and Dr. Zarkov have a friendly chat.
Flash Gordon, Dale Arden, and Ming
Flash Gordon, Dale Arden, and Ming mingle.
*These videos do not include closed captions or subtitles for the deaf, hard of hearing, or non-fluent in English.
Related News: Gina Holden of ‘Blood Ties’ Cast as ‘Flash Gordon’ Lead | ‘Smallville’ Alum Eric Johnson Is the New Flash Gordon
Flash Gordon will air Fridays on the Sci Fi Channel at 9pm EST
Flash Gordon photo courtesy of the Sci Fi Channel
