“Secrets and Lies”

Another small step beyond the usual rift of the week event takes place even though the contrivances to continue the story along are a little questionable at best.

We open with Zarkov achieving dimensional travel at the points of contact where it is least likely to cause damage to the dimensional barriers. He proves it to Flash by opening one before informing Flash that it will close on it’s own unless something jumps through it. When Flash sees a postal worker coming, he realizes that she is going to see the open rift. In order to keep them a secret, he grabs Zarkov and jumps through.

As they attempt to find another point to jump home they witness Garus, a Dactyl who Flash had met on a previous journey being chased by blue skinned warriors with spears. Flash brings a relucant Zarkov along as we see a woman in charge want to sacrifices the Dactyl. Using Zarkov’s knowledge, they are able to create a smokescreen and free Garus, bringing him back to his tribe.

Flash discovers that someone in Dactyl dress raided the water supplies being sent to the Zurn (the blue boys and girls). Vultan denies that they ever did such a thing and that the Zurn are savages who just want warfare. Flash believes Vultan and since Zarkov has to track down a new rift point, decides to investigate.

Ok, Flash is helpful, yes, and I know he’s the hero so he’s supposed to do this kind of thing, but if felt a bit more forced than usual.

Anyways, Flash is able to fortuitously (a little TOO easily) track down a man who sold Dactyl uniforms that were used in the set up. Flash also discovers that Ming has set up a peace summit between the Dactyl and the Zurn to avoid war. Although in truth, it is simply a way for Ming to prove that he has tried his best, when in reality he was the one to spark the war, hoping that a few thousand casualities might just hide the fact that there are shortages in source water.

Flash foils Ming’s plan though by disguising himself as a Patriot soldier and bringing the costumer forward. In an interesting twist Rankol notices Flash’s watch, realizing who is behind the patriot mask, yet he says nothing to Ming about it. Both the Zurn and the Dactyl declare a vow of peace, but Azura, leader of the Zurn orders the attack anyways claiming that their god Ra is speaking through her and demands Dactyl blood.

The Dactyl’s are routed before Vultan and Flash return, and Zarkov has been captured. To trick the naive Zurn, Flash paints his skin blue and puts on a tribal mask of Ra. Using the rift generator he shows up in the Zurn cave, proclaiming that he is Ra and that Azura has lied to them. The Dactyls are not at fault. He then demands Zarkov as a sacrifice. He takes Zarkov and they both jump home, knowing that they may have avoided a true war.

Meanwhile back on Earth, Joe tries to tell his captain all about Mongo and presses so hard that the captain questions his sanity. After Dale refuses to back him up, Joe has to give up his badge and gun.
It’s a forgettable portion of the show and really only serves to show that they are still there and some reckoning will be forthcoming.

Interestingly enough Azura comes to Ming afterwards and the two share a passionate kiss.

Overall it’s a fine episode as Flash Gordon goes. Nothing particularly wrong with it, although it was nothing to really write home about either. It moved the story along well enough but sometimes you just wonder, what’s the point? Ok we are getting more into the politics of Mongo but that’s even starting to get old now as there isn’t any driving storyline that we’re being led down. It’s all just standalones for the most part.

C

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