Economic division rules Krypton in “The Rankless Initiative,” but an even bigger threat is on the horizon

In our third hour on the distant planet Krypton, we learn more about the planet’s society and politics. Lyta, in particular, is torn between the politics of her house and her own moral compass. As the episode progresses, she finds her balance, and reminds the audience why we already love her. Meanwhile, Seg (Cameron Cuffe) and Adam (Shaun Sipos) deal with the piece of Brainiac scout discovered by Adam and Kem (Rasmus Hardiker) last week. Val tells them how dangerous it is, explaining that the sentry will take over the first body available upon its opening.

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Unfortunately, it appears they are too late — it has already been opened, and the search is on to discover who has been possessed by the sentry. This brings us to the junkers — those who venture to the Outlands in order to collect materials to sell. Turns out that Rhom, Kem’s relative, is the unlucky junker who has been taken by the sentry. Brainiac’s affect on her is the only thing keeping her alive, and to make matters worse — she was able to get out a signal. Brainiac is on his way.

Who better to break down Brainiac’s appearance than our Krypton roundtable?

Tasmin (@aspiringkrypto) – Superman Superfan and Collector; Writer and Editor at The Aspiring Kryptonian blog

Evarwyn (@Evarwyn) – Owner of Quest Gaming Network, show host of “Elder Scrolls off the Record” and “Quest Gaming: Magic the Gathering” podcasts and life-long Star Wars, X-Files and Superman fan!

Christina (@Knowngoodgeek) – Lover of all things Bat family related and unapologetic DCEU fan.

Amanda (@oliverbiird) – Nonconventional comic book fan (has watched plenty of comic book movies and comic book shows, but has not read a comic book yet!)

Haroon (@CinemaCure) – Founder of Cinema Cure, Batman-Eminem fan, addicted to movies and shows that inspire me

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1. What did you think of Seg’s anger toward Lyta over her risking her life? Is he right, or is he out of line for being upset about it?

Tasmin (@aspiringkrypto): A little bit of both, I think she did the right thing, she saved lives. It is sweet that he was worried, but she came out victorious, he should be happy for her – I sure am!

Evarwyn (@Evarwyn): Seg cares for Lyta, that much is obvious. I understand why anyone would be upset in his position, and I think he was very reasonable. However, the answers to his questions were very easy and straight forward! I don’t know Lyta just didn’t say “Because the leader was going to kill a bunch of Rankless and I was trying to protect you!” The conversation between Seg and Lyta, here, was very emblematic of their interaction in most of this episode. If they just explained to one another in the most simple and straight forward way possible, what their motivations were, none of this fake tension about trust between them would have been necessary! It was frustrating to see it happen between them all through the episode and I really saw this moment as a low point in the writing.

Christina (@Knowngoodgeek): Now we know where Kal-El gets it. Clark is always angry at Lois for going off and doing dangerous things as a reporter to find the truth behind corruption. This is a similar situation Seg thinking of a single person’s well being but not what the action will mean for the greater good. I say he is in character but that doesn’t mean he is right. Seg asking Lyta to trust him at the climax of the show seemed to be something that Clark would ask Bruce after he berated Bruce for being a vigilante. That is very much in character of Seg’s grandson, so in turn it makes sense for Seg to show the same traits (flaw?).

Amanda (@oliverbiird): Seg has every right to be upset with Lyta, this wasn’t the exact answer to their plan.

Haroon (@CinemaCure): Lyta risked her life to protect the rank less and that’s something a Zod would never do but Lyta is different.

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2. Have you noticed the set design of this show? Incredible, right? Which pieces of set design/architecture have stood out to you?

Tasmin: How could I miss it? I absolutely love it, The Fortress of Solitude is definitely my favourite! Its beautiful! Also, The Vex Office is very well designed too. It’s so well thought out and designed, not what you usually get from a TV show.

Evarwyn: The set designs are definitely cool, but I feel lacking in color. However, what I’ve really been impressed by, each time I see it, is Brainiac’s ship! It looks like it’s as large as a planet and is a VERY cool concept!

Christina: I’ve noticed that all the symbols for the houses of Kandor have curves in them. There is a similar design in the set. I love that they are reminiscent of both Donner and Snyder’s versions of Krypton. The fortress probably is my favorite set piece at the moment.

Amanda: I’m in love with the hidden room where Val-El’s hologram hides (in The Fortress of Solitude.) The walls and even the flooring has such depth and story that I personally want to find out about. The entire room is just beautiful.

Haroon: The Fortress of Solitude.

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3. Krypton isn’t assigned to any particular preestablished DC universe. Therefore, it doesn’t technically have to adhere to a set canon. Do you think it’s possible that the show will actually rewrite known history? By preventing the explosion, or, even something much less consequential?

Tasmin: It doesn’t have to, but I don’t think it will change anything – I can imagine Superman fan’s outroar haha! I think it will keep it in line with the original story of Krypton, we have a long way to go until the planet explodes so there is still a lot they can do with it.

Evarwyn: It’s so easy to forget, but there is a “Time Travel’ component to the narrative of the show, with Adam Strange. I would LOVE to see concrete, canon, events go away due to an event and the characters using time travel to set the timeline right, again. Even seeing Seg die, then watching Superman’s cape totally disappear, and watching Strange turn back time to save him in a crucial moment would be an AMAZING story arc!

Christina: It is what they’ve done in Arrowverse and in film and animated shows, changed comic story (slightly) to their character’s story needs. I’m fine with small changes, Zod and El being close before Jor-el & General Zod, for example. To have house of El on earth before Kal-El or destroy Krypton too soon I fear would hurt the show in the long run. Will Jor-El be born? Or will they slow down the story like Smallville and never get to “that” moment.

Amanda: I think they might change the timeline in a less consequential way. It’s too early to determine that because it’s only the first season and I personally want to see this show last with 5+ seasons.

Haroon: David Goyer told us to forget everything we know about Krypton. We know that time-travel is involved thanks to Adam. Everything happening in the show is happening now that is the present. For me, it’s not a prequel. The story changes in the future that we won’t even know what will happen to Krypton. The stakes are rested & Krypton’s destiny has been thrown into the shade immediately after the show began..And hopefully, Seg & co will prevent the iconic explosion.

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4. If you woke up on Krypton tomorrow and had to join a particular family, or “house,” which one would you join? Why?

Tasmin: ZOD, of course! They are so badass, and Lyta is my favourite character. She is strong, merciful, moral and a great yet underestimated leader.

Evarwyn: Superman has, literally, been my hero since before I could remember. I would LOVE to be a member of the House of El! Even if it meant I was Superman’s cousin, twice removed! 😀

Christina: I’d be assigned to the science guild because I’m not a fighter or a politician.  As of now only science guild members we know of are House of El, Since my last name has El in it I’d say I’m qualified to be part of that house.

Amanda: Joining a Kryptonian House seems like a lot of pressure to me, but moral wise I’d say the El House sounds about right for me.

Haroon: I would join the house of Zod and that’s only if Lyta is the commander. I’ll do anything for her! And the house of El is the house of shame right now, so I’ll pass.

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5. There is clearly a severe economic divide between the ranked and the unranked. How do you think (or hope) the show will explore this dynamic in the remainder of the season?

Tasmin: I’m not sure, I’d like to see it equal out or the tides turn on the ranked. The unranked aren’t bad people, they just are in bad circumstances and I think they will come out on top.

Evarwyn: I don’t want it to. Economic divides between people in society is just a simple fact of human history. “Krypton” chose to use it as a narrative device to ground Krypton and its civilization in the minds of the audience. If the show explores this dynamic further, other than its surface presence on the show, I’m afraid it would make “Krypton” needlessly political. We all have our political opinions and I’m happy to listen and engage. However, not when I’m watching “Krypton”. That’s a moment for me to unplug from Earth!

Christina: Both Lyta and Seg from different perspectives see the problems that the economic divide causes and in their own way are trying to resolve it. I’m curious if the other cities are as bad. I think it is an important part of why Black Zero is around and probably will be used throughout the first season. Similar to how certain recent comic book films have explored more negative sides of humanity, I hope they continue to show this side of Kandor.

Amanda: I just hope for cooperation from everyone. Everyone should work together to save their planet from invasion, Rank or No Rank.

Haroon: The rank-less deserves importance and that’s something I hope they get in the future episodes. I want the rankless to help Seg in his journey against Brainiac. Seg & co won’t get any help from any of the houses, so the rankless is the way to go!

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6. Lyta continued to struggle with the wishes of the House of Zod and her own moral compass this week. What do you make of her choices this episode?

Tasmin: I think she did the right thing, again. She doesn’t have much choice in what happens, but she did what she could. It seemed that Seg over-reacted, I understand his anger, but it shouldn’t be towards her.

Evarwyn: VERY telling of her character. Frankly, I was proud of Lyta and her choices. Lyta was professional in mostly all moments without sacrificing her “humanity”. She made the tough calls when they needed to be made and showed leadership as a result. Lyta was sympathetic toward the rankless without letting them overwhelm her. She held her army accountable to Kryptonian law and proved to her superiors that she will voice an unpopular opinion, while following orders she disagrees with, and maintain a sense or moral responsibility.

Christina: Lyta is becoming more of a moral compass then I first thought she would be. Trying to balance multiple ideals of her house, rank and her own beliefs. She is becoming a force to be reckoned with and a hero in her own right.

Amanda: I think Lyta did good, but she dropped the ball a bit with keeping an eye on her team.

Haroon: That was the best part of this episode. Her choices were both surprising and perfect. Lyta is a badass and she doesn’t care about the orders given to her. She is going to be in a lot of trouble because of her affection to Seg & her respect to the rankless

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7. The signal has been sent to Brainiac! And we got our first look at him — what are your thoughts on the iconic villain?

Tasmin: He is DEADLY! I cannot wait to see more of him, I really can’t. I have waited a long time to see him represented well on TV and I think this is going to be it! Even his voice gave me chills!

Evarwyn: He’s scary…and I hid behind my couch again. In fact…I’m still there now, typing this. Is it safe to come out? I’ll just be here till next week.

Christina: He looks very different then what we have seen before on the small screen. He looks similar to Star Trek’s Borgs. I’m hoping we get to see more of him soon.

Amanda: I’m scared and anxious to finally meet him in the show, I wonder who he’d meet first & how that would play out.

Haroon: Brainiac is the perfect villain for Krypton to begin with. Brainiac has finally been done justice on the screen and I can’t wait to see him in action.

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All of the houses of Kandor have a lot to deal with — Brainiac is on his way, Lyta risked everything for what’s right, and the rankless continue to be targeted during the hunt for Black Zero

Krypton continues to be a unique addition to the television line-up. Unlike anything else in scope, story, and set design, Krypton has carved out a space for itself and is filling it beautifully. Lyta’s story has proven to be compelling from the start, and her eternal struggle between house and heart is a joy to watch, largely thanks to Georgina Campbell’s incredible performance.

With the introduction of Krypton’s Brainiac, the show pulls us ever further into the Superman mythos while simultaneously taking a step away. It’s clearer now than ever that Krypton is bound by no rules — canon does not matter here, and anything can happen.

There may be a bit too much going on too early. With so many characters to get invested in, its difficult to keep up with the various plotlines being carried out throughout every episode. If we had one piece of advice for the writers behind Krypton, we’d ask them for focus. Focus on the things the audience is already invested in, and whittle down the rest.

Even if the episodes are a bit overstuffed, the things that work really work, and we are incredibly invested for a show still in its first episodes.

Krypton airs Wednesday, April 11th at 9/8c on SYFY.