Cameron Cuffe stars in “Krypton” as Superman’s granddad.
Years after the success of the Batman prequel series “Gotham,” a show centering on Superman’s largely unknown ancestors and culture makes its debut. “Krypton” (Warner TV, Thursdays at 9 p.m.) aims to explore the circumstances leading to the planet’s destruction and the heroes who played a part in saving the as yet unborn Man of Steel.
The sci-fi saga follows Seg-El (Cameron Cuffe), who witnessed the execution of his scientist grandfather, accused of crimes he didn’t commit, 14 years ago. The El family, stripped of rank and name by the ruling elite, settles in the slums where Seg would later become a brawling, boozing hothead.
The sudden appearance of a stranger, wearing present-day Earth clothes, changes his life anew. Given a crystal key to a secret fortress and a story of impending doom, Seg questions the state of his world further—and eventually suffers the consequences.
“Krypton,” developed by “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” screenwriter David Goyer, depicts an Earthlike environment off the bat. There’s corruption belying the progressive and infrastructure-heavy city of Kandor, where the governing class is located.
Seg, long-acclimated to a life as an exile, is romantically linked to rookie cop Lyta-Zod (Georgina Campbell). He’s also chosen as a mate for Nyssa-Vex (Wallis Day) by her father, Daron-Vex (Elliot Cowan), the magistrate who had Seg’s grandfather terminated.
Apart from that potential love triangle, the series mostly has characters with familiar customs and English accents, so it doesn’t entirely transport viewers to a more alien world. Also, the more sophisticated surroundings, while sleek, possess a cold, mechanical quality. Costumes are “Star Trek”-esque, and technology looks inspired by a combination of sources, from “Farscape” to “Doctor Who.”
Despite the derivativeness and lack of truly regal and otherworldly aspects, “Krypton” takes a risk with its time-travel angle, directly connecting it to our knowledge of the DC Universe, and established Superman mythos. This can make or break the show—the portrayal of the mystery hero played by Shaun Sipos is already a bit off and goofy, but it’s understandably a reimagined version.
So, the question remains—is this a promising show? Yes, but an episode into the first season, it already needs to strengthen potentially complicated storylines and give it the sense of mystery and visual resplendence it deserves.
“Gotham” has its hit-and-miss moments, but Bruce Wayne is already there as a kid, evolving. Still, “Krypton” is about Superman’s grandfather, and it isn’t the superhero’s story. How far, and how inventively the show will explore that conceit, only time will tell.