‘Smallville’ Star’s Forgotten 21-Episode Sci-Fi Reboot Deserves Your Next Binge
SyFy’s 2007 *Flash Gordon* reboot, starring former *Smallville* actor Eric Johnson, ran for 21 episodes but struggled to attract viewers and left little mark. The article argues that, despite its weak start and reputation, the series eventually found its voice and merits reconsideration as an overlooked science-fiction show.
The story follows Flash Gordon to the alien planet Mongo, where he confronts the dictator Ming the Merciless alongside Baylin, Dr Hans Zarkov and Dale Arden. The article criticises the show’s writing, editing, acting, limited budget and focus on Flash’s Earthbound personal life, but says later episodes improved as the series leaned into the wider world and supporting characters.
In short
- SyFy’s 2007 *Flash Gordon* reboot ran for 21 episodes.
- Eric Johnson led the series as Flash.
- The article says it improved after a weak start.
Explained simply
Flash Gordon began as a comic strip hero who travels to the planet Mongo, a world ruled by the dictator Ming the Merciless. The character has been adapted for film and television several times, with stories often following Flash and his companions as they face Ming’s rule.
The 2007 SyFy series starred Eric Johnson, who had also appeared in Smallville, as Flash. Its story brought together Dale Arden, scientist Hans Zarkov and Baylin, a warrior from Mongo; the series’ reception reflects the challenge of adapting a long-running adventure for television on a limited budget.