Calling the pilot of this series "bad" would be missing a prime opportunity to use the word "execrable."  Considering that the show is based in part on a lousy if classic comic strip and in part on a campy '80s film, the pedigree has in fact won out over considerations like "making it better this time."  (see Battlestar Galactica)

 

The bright side is that Gina Holden can act, and so can Eric Johnson.  One of several downsides is that neither was given any opportunity to do so.  John Ralston's Ming the Merciless came off as Ming the Somewhat Vexed.  Aura was interesting for about three scenes.  Baylin looks like she could grow into an interesting character (she's got a good premise anyway) but since I dearly hope not to see more of this show, I doubt I'll find out.  Jonathan Walker's Rankol was ineffectually scary except for when he briefly channeled the spirit of Count Rugen. 

 

By the time Flash and Dale were brought before Ming, Mr. Merlin had already figured out that the "Imex" was the watch; I kept thinking, "It's that place where we go to watch the movies on the really big screen.

"  While I'm pleased that they didn't try to come up with a stupid reason why Flash's dad would have a chip that coincidentally contained all the knowledge in the universe on the watch he gave his teenaged son, I am already annoyed on behalf of whatever stupid reason will eventually be pulled from the air for same.

 

It wasn't quite as bad as it could have been.  The line "They'd hit the Rock n' Bowl," saved a good half hour of otherwise rote dialogue (pity it was a ninety minute broadcast).  The fight in Flash's kitchen with the saucepans and rolling pin was cheestastic and fun, and I was glad when Dale electrocuted the robot; Mr. Merlin yelled at the screen that she'd be shocked while she rigged the wiring, while I was hoping she'd simply unplugged the cord first.

 

This could still be a good show.  The writing needs an overhaul, and given more to do, the actors could rise to the material.  The effects are dumb but I've seen worse on this channel and I can forgive a lot in the name of good storytelling.  At the moment, there is no good storytelling.

 

Overall, if you want to watch a series where the drinking game is based on saying the characters' lines before they do and figuring out the plot twists several commercial breaks ahead of schedule, then by all means, revel in the familiar.  When they do something new, give me a call.