Krypton stars Cameron Cuffe as Seg-El, Georgina Campbell as Lyta Zod, Ian McElhinney as Val-El, Elliot Cowan as Daron-Vex, Ann Ogbomo as Alura Zod, Rasmus Hardiker as Kem, Wallis Day as Nyssa-Vex and Aaron Pierre as Dev-Em.
The series airs of E4 here in the UK and on SyFy in North America.
Synopsis
After suffering a tragedy, Seg must adjust to a new life, a new rank and a new threat.
Review
The sheer fact you are here reading this review means that you have most likely watched a Sy Fy network show at some point in your life. We all know them well: a large scale pilot leads in to a middling show which never quite makes good on its promises. Well that certainly does NOT describe Krypton.
“House of El” proves beyond doubt that this show means business. The visual continue to be outstanding. I could happily stare at the CGI landscapes of the planet Krypton for hours. There is so much detail in the imagery of this series it’s stunning to watch.
It’s not just the CGI work either. The sets are also elegantly constructed in a way which really makes Krypton look unique. The ruins of the El family house, seen in the last episode as Seg’s home, feel filled with the ghosts of family life. Whilst the chambers of Kandor have a grandeur about them fitting for the followers of Rao.
One aspect of SyFy network television which I’ve always admired is the take-no-prisoners attitude to storytelling. After what is always an unrelenting pilot (reviewed here for Krypton) there’s little time to waste before getting down to the nitty gritty of the story.
“House of El” is no different in that respect. This episode moves the plot on leaps and bounds as the impending threat of Brianiac looms large. But what this episode also does is prove that the carat of characters surrounding Seg-El are worthy of calling Krypton as ensemble piece.
Standouts in this episode Lyta-Zod (Georgina Campbell), Nyssa-Vex (Wallis Day) and Adam Strange (Shaun Sipos).
It’s the character of Adam Strange who moves the plot furthest. Writer Cameron Welsh uses the character as the audience POV whilst dishing out some serious exposition. But it’s all done in ways which don’t ultimately reveal the mechanics of what makes the show tick. It’s done in a very slick, very SyFy manner.
There are plenty of storylines bubbling under the surface of Krypton. Introducing what we’re calling the Strange-effect means this show can literally go anywhere it wants. The only caveat being the Superman myths must in tact at the end of it.
The mix of science-fiction, drama and action has already struck a balance which many shows struggle to find in their first season let alone their first two episodes. All credit to the production team for knowing their voice and sticking to it.
Don’t be mistaken however; there’s still plenty of story to tell and plenty of miles left in this concept.
Verdict
Krypton‘s second episode “House of El” proves this show deserves its place in the DCTV hall of fame. It’s able to break out from the stereotype of being a Sy-Fy network show and introduce a scope which makes it an intriguing and exciting watch.
7/10
In the next episode…
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