Ep 1. Pilot

Flash Gordon is a science fiction television series that follows the adventures of the iconic comic book hero, Flash Gordon. The show is set in the fictional universe of the planet Mongo, which is ruled by the evil tyrant, Ming the Merciless.

Season 1 Episode 1 of Flash Gordon is titled Pilot and it serves as the introduction to the show's world and its characters. The episode opens with a scene of a commercial plane flying through a stormy sky, when suddenly, a blinding flash of light strikes it and sends it crashing to the ground. The camera then cuts to Earth's stratosphere where a massive, glowing purple force-field appears, which is surrounded by several smaller orbs. The force-field and the orbs combine to form a vortex that sucks up various objects from Earth, including a hot air balloon, a car, and a small plane.

Meanwhile, on Earth, Flash Gordon (played by Eric Johnson) is a young and rebellious athlete who has recently dropped out of college after a dispute with a professor. Flash's girlfriend, Dale Arden (Gina Holden), is a journalist who is covering a science convention when she sees the mysterious vortex in the sky. Flash and Dale soon find themselves on the same flight to a remote African location where their paths cross with the mad scientist, Dr. Hans Zarkov (Jody Racicot).

Dr. Zarkov has been monitoring the vortex and believes that it is the result of an alien invasion. He convinces Flash and Dale to join him on his rocket ship to investigate the phenomenon further. Flash, Dale, and Dr. Zarkov's ship are soon sucked into the vortex and transported to the planet Mongo where they encounter the evil ruler, Ming The Merciless (John Ralston).

Ming is a ruthless dictator who rules over Mongo with an iron fist. He has enslaved various factions of the planet's inhabitants and rules through the power of technology and magic. Ming is fascinated by Dale and orders her to be taken to his palace, while Flash and Dr. Zarkov are sent to a prison camp where they meet several rebels who are planning an uprising against Ming.

The prison camp is run by Vultan, the King of the Hawkmen (played by Jody Racicot). Vultan is intrigued by Flash and his rebellious spirit. He offers to help Flash and Dr. Zarkov escape so that they can find a way to defeat Ming. The episode ends with Flash, Dr. Zarkov, and Vultan planning their escape from the prison camp, while Dale is being held captive in Ming's palace.

Overall, the pilot episode of Flash Gordon sets up the show's premise and introduces the main characters, as well as the major villain. The episode is filled with action and adventure, and it does an excellent job of establishing the show's unique universe. The special effects are impressive, and the acting is solid. The show is clearly inspired by classic sci-fi serials, and fans of the genre will likely enjoy it.