I saw the whole series of 21 episodes twice and thought it was VERY good. Actually, I dare to say, better than most higher-budget series. Yes, effects are mediocre and it is visually way cheaper than most TV shows we see today. But, disregarding the visual effects department, this show has something to say! All the main characters have purpose in it, and all actors give very believable performances.Eric Johnson is a 'bingo' for Flash, as he gives the regular guy/fearless hero mixed interpretation, which was astoundingly right on the whole time. He is a hunk, sportsman, hero and adventurer, but at the same time confused about the new planet, peaceful, idealistic and surprisingly funny. Actually, this is the rare opportunity to see a main guy being the one who saves things, eye-candy and also comic-relief. Rest of the main team is also funny and likable, Gina Holden as beautiful Dale, Jody Racicot as somehow confused Zarkov and a newcomer main character, not seen in comics, Baylin, performed perfectly by Karen Cliché. Surprisingly how Baylin's humor, which is half way between action star and Temperance Brennan from Bones, is exactly what the main team needs in the stressful situations. Also, I must say that Giles Panton is great as Joe Wylee, character which can be very likable at times, but sometimes also kind of an A... Steve Bacic and Ty Olsson as Barin and Vultan also give something new to the characters which I liked.And the villains are just as good, maybe even more realistic. This time, Ming isn't a comic-bookish, Bond-type megalomaniac, but more like Lex Luthor or real-life dictator. He knows he's evil, but he simply loves power too much. John Ralston is very charming and very chilling at the same time performing him as 'The Benevolent Father', who is a tyrant, but also a sleazy politician, whose power could be overthrown at any time. The whole Mongo is not a system of planets, but a sole planet, divided by cantons. Each canton has it's people and it's leader, while Ming's 'central' rule is not always stable and besides being evil, he must be very silverthounged and witty. He controls the planet by sources of clean water, which he distributes. That is very realistic approach, since those things are already happening on Earth in some parts. Ralston's Ming interpretation kind of reminds me of Hans Landa from Inglorious Basterds, which is a good thing.Ming's second in command is Rankol, instead of a movie Klytus. Although I was skeptical at first, Jonathan Lloyd Walker's cold intellectual puns, deep mystical look and political games he's controlling made him one of my favorite characters in the show, maybe he's even better than Klytus. He's not as evil as Ming, but he does things for him. Since he is probably the smartest character, you never know what is he actually thinking and what is his hidden agenda. Besides Mind, the most evil character in the show is Queen Azura, played by beautiful Jody Thompson. She is the only person who can say to Ming whatever she pleases, since she is a powerful dictator herself.And IMHO, the best and most elaborated of the characters is Princess Aura, played by beautiful and underrated Anna Van Hooft. She has so many levels, immaturity, intelligence, frustration, love, respect and hatred towards her father, desire, respect and rivalry to Flash Gordon. She is a spoiled brat, potentially bigger threat than Ming, and still, the most valuable ally Flash Gordon has. And the way her character (well, all characters, but her especially) goes is very complex and unexpected.The main plot is great, the side stories are some good, some mediocre, but overall don't distract much from the main thing. There is humor, and occasionally cheesy puns, but not as near as the reviews describe. Personally, I thing that many professional reviewers base their opinion on what they are told, quality of the visual and first impression of the first half an hour, which is a shame. They should have given this show another season, since it's so good! There wasn't much budget in it, but it has heart, and most importantly, they have given so much good new stuff to the Flash Gordon universe, which I hope the future generations will appreciate.If you like SCI-FI, highly recommended show.

I just finished watching the last 4 episodes of this series and thought everything came together pretty well. See, I'm not a purist like most of the commenters on this board, so I didn't know what to expect. Taking their budget into account, everything was as well done as could be expected. Sure, they didn't go all out with effects, but when that happens series tend to be incredibly short-lived (BSG). When shortcuts are taken and they don't adversely affect the storyline much, it's fine that there isn't a lot of CG and everything is more of a standard variety.That said, I enjoyed the 1st season & I hope there are more seasons to come.

I generally don't pass comment much on movies or shows here on IMDb but I felt compelled to write a few words of support following the terrible things getting written about this show.It is not that bad. In the UK we have just had the third episode aired and I am beginning to get into the characters and enjoy the show. Granted, it could do with a lot more money spending on it, but it is early days, and no doubt the show has to demonstrate it has legs in order to ensure further commitment and a bigger budget.I'll keep watching because I think with more time the show will definitely improve. It has a lot of the elements needed for good TV. It just needs more development to fully bring them out.

I love this show!!! I love that it's a bit campy.Cast is great!!! I would love to see this show for more seasons.Eric Johnson as Flash is just perfect.Anna Van Hooft as Aura is very likable. She plays her part very well.John Ralston adds just enough "evil".It seems that every member is really getting into the characters that they play.I think it's way cool that they are spending so much time on developing the characters and adding new groups of people every week.The story is believable and has continuity.I'm not sure why we need 10 lines.GO FLASH!!!