Hi again!

Sorry I haven't posted in a few weeks, it's been a crazy time in the world of "Flash Gordon". Where to begin?

As some of you may know (or may not) the Writer's Guild of America is on strike. I've been asked by a few people if this has affected our show and if we will have to stop production like many other series. The answer is yes and no. Our writers who are WGA members have indeed stopped writing and will not write again for us until the strike is resolved. Fortunately we only had five episodes still to shoot when the strike began and the writers were able to finish the scripts for them before their labour action began. Having recently received those last four scripts I can tell you without hesitation that they are amongst the very best "Flash Gordon" episodes I have read this season. So, I'm told by our producers that we will indeed be able to complete the full 22 episode season as scheduled. Shooting of the season finale will conclude around December 19th.

So what tidbits can I tease you with? Well, the season cliffhanger is a great one. Without giving too much away I can tell you that in the coming weeks the growing tenseness between Ming and Rankol will escalate dramatically. Rankol's position of influence with Ming will be challenged by an ambitious rival. Rankol's secret agenda will be revealed. Ming's political situation will be threatened in ways he never expected. Flash will aid a growing movement to challenge Ming's rule. Earth will come under direct threat from Ming's machinations. Friends will become enemies. A main character will be killed in an act of self sacrifice...and a whole lot more! The tone of the show has gotten a little darker, the turbulent world of Mongo much more the focus, and I think (IMHO) you'll find the remaining episodes to be a really great indicator of what this show could develop in to in season two. I hope you tune in.

I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank those of you who have expressed your appreciation for both the show and for my work as Rankol. Science fiction is a tough genre to get right PARTICULARLY when you do a series based on a much loved original property that's been a cornerstone of the genre for more than 70 years. Despite our detractors I think we're growing into that responsibility and making a better show with every week that passes. I'm very lucky to play a layered, deep, complicated and nuanced character like Rankol and I'm having a great deal of fun exploring him scene by scene. I think you'll be surprised by how his story unfolds in the weeks ahead.

For those of you in the U.S., enjoy a safe, peaceful and happy Thanksgiving and best wishes from all of us at "Flash Gordon".