[Review] Krypton Season One, Episode 3 - The Rankless Initiative

The story of Seg-El continues as we see what happens now that our trio of unlikely heroes, Seg-El, Adam Strange and Kem, have discovered one of Braniacs scout parasites. The story picks up right after where we left off in episode two, as Seg and Adam take the scout shell to the Fortress of Solitude to seek the help of Seg's grandfather Val-El, who tells them all they need to know about what they've found.

Val-El, Adam Strange and Seg-El in the Fortress of Solitude

This episode gives us a time jump to show us what has happened with brainiacs little scout just three days prior, as the mystery begins to reveal itself about where the parasite is now, which will eventually lead to Kryptons, and Kandor's impending doom of destruction and enslavement.

Seg-El, Adam Strange and Val-El begin to form a plan in order to find the parasite but not before a bit of drama between Seg and Lyta-Zod about her recent fight to the death with her former Captain, due to a disagreement about the Rankless Initiative which gives this episode its title. Though it seem that the initiative has not been stopped so easily as we soon see The Voice of Rao talking about it with Daron-Vex who continues, along with his daughter Nyssa-Vex, to reamain a troubling duo for our hero Seg.

The performances of all the cast remain completely solid as the characters evolve and grow either more heroic or more menacing. Daron-Vex (Elliot Cowan) continues to be a strong leader, with the coward only being portrayed whilst he is in the presence of The Voice of Rao, which gives the still mysterious and very creepy character of The Voice of Rao, a true menacing power over the other characters.

For Lyta-Zod, this episode is all about what is demanded from her peers, and what she believes is right. As the new commander of the law enforcement, she has her orders to take her officers to the rankless slums where Seg-El and Kem live, but she also now has the power to avoid what her previous Commander would have let happen, which is the slaughter of innocent bystanders. However, it appears that her soldiers still find a way to use force, and this causes drama between Lyta and Seg. Once again, Lyta has to choose between what she is ordered to do and what she believes is right.

Lyta-Zod and her mother Jayna-Zod

This episode concentrates less of Superman lore and more on the planets operations from it's corrupt ranked members, to its trigger happy law enforcements to it's innocent rankless, and everything in between that make the planet feel like it's already doomed to be destroyed, not by some off world alien but by it's own inhabitants. There are those willing to do what is right and that gives us a sense of heroism for charcaters like Lyta and Seg, who are doing all they can to keep the peace in these troubling times.

The law enforcers abuse their power over the rankless

The writing of this show is spot on with plenty of drama and action to keep us as an audience, fixed to our screens wanting more with every second that passes. It provides a very realistic civilization that feels human, although more advanced with it's time which makes us remember it's still sci-fi.

If there's one thing I love about this show, it's the design of it all. From sets, to props, and of course costumes. The law enforcement feel like the Stormtroopers of Star Wars but differ enough to stand as their own characters. The costumes for them look awesome and feel very intimidating which is exactly how it should feel especially when in the presence of the rankless, who wear rags. It also makes them appear and feel less human which is always scary, as the masks make them void of any emotion, so that we cannot see if they have any regret or remorse for their actions. Seg's costume portrays his ranked upbringing, despite having lived in the slums for many years, which makes him stand out.

Kryptons Law Enforcement

Seg's new mission is to now save his planet, whilst also trying to save his friend, who is now under the control of Brainiac. Though we have still seen very little of the green intelligence collector himself, his influence and presence is felt in this episode, and it is terrifying.

The answer to Krypton's question 'Is there other life in the universe?' has now been answered, but the high council still have no idea what's coming.

Seg Confronts the host of Brainiac's parasite

This episode gets an 8/10 from me mostly for it's well written, hard hitting drama that helps us see the many dimensions of each of the focal characters. We see Lyta's caring side, whilst also getting a glimpse of her rebellious and commanding side. For Seg, we see his heroic side shine a little more with his determination to save whoever he can rather than simply eliminate them for being under the control of someone else, which is something that would make us all question what is right. There wasn't much action in this episode but it does prove that there doesn't need to be in order for it to be exciting.