Krypton Season 2 Episode 10 Review: The Alpha and The Omega

This Krypton review contains spoilers.

Krypton Season 2, Episode 10

After that season finale, I think we can officially retire the phrase “prequel series” in relation to Krypton. If you haven’t already, that is. But “The Alpha and the Omega” is nothing short of a stellar episode that brings a satisfying conclusion to the General Zod threat while opening a DC Universe-sized can of worms, and setting up an epic third season.

But first, let’s begin with: “General, would you care to step outside?”

Holy Rao, this moment elicited an audible “Yasss!” Cameron Cuffe delivers the same pre-Zod/Supes fight line uttered by Christopher Reeve 1980’s Superman II (also the same Kara says to Earth-X’s Overgirl in Supergirl). And I love the little moment of Seg setting his hands on his hips.

Though my favorite, this is far from the only classic geek moment in the finale. I mean, Adam Strange in his classic suit ranks up there. (And Lobo is back! And are those Thanagarians or parademons in the skies above Rann?!)

But before we get all of that, we begin with what turns out to be a pre-credits switcheroo — Zod jumping into Earth’s orbit with his warships, before the action dials back to 12 hours earlier. Chunks of the obliterated Wegthor rain down on Kandor, and Zod raves in typical Zoddy fashion about wanting to hunt down the rebels because he’s “Krypton’s last chance.”

read more: Every Superman and DC Comics Easter Egg in Krypton Season 2

I adore Colin Salmon’s work as Zod, and think his performance will be remembered as the best interpretation of the villain. Still, it’s pretty satisfying when Val succinctly calls him an asshole (before later getting soused). Like grandfather, like grandson, I suppose.

Insults aside, Zod remains a brutal threat, and executes a Sagitari Thur, despite offering him his life a moment earlier. Although it’s no surprise at this point, it remains interesting how Dru was at point honest, but calculating. Now all pretense about being honest has fallen away. Zod hasn’t been redeemable for a long while now, but the show is making a strong case that he is too dangerous to even live (Especially after the chilling warning he’s seen what happens when people are given the freedom of choice.)

After the Star Wars-esque strategy session, Seg (and Lyta, as it turns out) proves that while one does not simply walk into Mordor, one can walk right into Kandor, and call Zod out on his front yard. Seg delivers a good speech straight to the people of Krypton, and draws out Zod. But then Lyta arrives, and wins them over.

What really connected with me about the raw fight sequence between these three is that Seg is our main hero, but as far as he’s come, he’s not a soldier like Lyta. She is the Primus, and can fight Zod like a Sagitari martial artist, as Seg fights like a Rankless brawler. I think Lyta could best Zod on her own, but not Seg.

There is a lot of juicy dialogue in the throw down. Zod seems downright triggered by Seg’s “step outside” taunt (I’m guessing even this version of Dru has heard this one before). He rages that Seg thinks he is the Man of Steel, but he is no Superman.

read more: The Flash Season 6 & The Genesis of Bloodwork

And Zod is correct. Seg is ultimately still far more mortal than his grandson Kal. But his tenaciousness, and courage gets under Zod’s skin much as the boy who fell to Earth does. Meanwhile, Lyta delivers her own verbal daggers by saying she isn’t his mother anymore. (He deserves it but still: Ouch.)

Zod will never kneel, before Kandor or anyone, and I think the writers invite the viewers to almost be ok with Seg choking him out. But Seg will not murder in cold blood. Still, one wonders if being condemned to the fantasy of the Black Mercy (which explains the pre-opening credits scene) is a more humane sentence. And as we all know, that fantasy can be broken. Between Zod and Doomsday, there are now two very powerful baddies on Krypton that are on ice (one literally).

As her daughter put the hurt on Dru, Lyta-Zod commands the rebel forces (and Outlands, including the lovable rascal Bouncer) in a battle against the Sagitari. Just as Nyssa had her action hero moment last episode, Lyta tears through these punks like a hot knife. I love warrior Lyta, and that kiss between her and Dev felt earned. These two give the impression that they would take on the world together. And Dev got an impressive number of great lines (including “Nothing changes unless we change it,” a relevant statement for our times).

One could say the Dru-Zod threat was dispatched a little too easily in the episode, and I partially agree, but it was a long time coming. Plus, the episode set up, and knocked down a lot while laying the groundwork for next season.

read more: Krypton Season 2 Episode 9 Review

For instance, Kem deserved the Irish/Krypton wake (and yeah, now that his name is officially Kem-El, that raises a lot of comic book related questions, which we’ll get to later). And the briefly paralyzed Adam (healed too soon, in my opinion, even if I think it’s rad he now has his classic suit) earned the touching moment that Krypton is his home now, and that Seg & Co. are his family.

Of course Adam also goes into a lot of detail about his Zeta-Beam device (a “little dick puncher” that comes with consequences), the planet Rann, and scientist Sardath. How could Nyssa not play him to steal the thing, and bounce off to find Jor-El (a stupid name, as Lobo later notes)?

Speaking of Lobo, his return is perfect. Urinating on the wall, he turns to face Seg with his, ahem, “weapon” exposed. The exchange of Seg’s “…Good for you” at seeing what Lobo was packing, and the “Grew it meself” helps wrap up the season with a laugh out loud moment. And I am pleased to see these two strike up a deal to take on Brainiac together.

Brainiac is just one of two major cliffhangers. The timeline once again appears to be ready for upheaval as Brainy arrives in Earth orbit (but in what era) with his new “son” Jor-El. It is almost sweet that he wants Jor to be a god among men. Too bad, so sad for Earth, however, as this is a huge moment.

And Last but certainly not lease, there is Nyssa’s side mission. This is a thrilling juxtaposition to the action on Krypton because it takes her from the dark tones of Kandor/Wegthor/Outlands, and places her on sunny Rann (or the coast of Northern Ireland, where Krypton films, and a practical setting the show should use more often). As soon as she finds those charred bodies, it’s obvious something is up – literally. I was almost expecting Brainiac’s skull ship, even if barbecue isn’t really his style.

In a truly shocking moment, Krypton goes big with the Omega sign painted in blood on a cave, and an army of winged figures flying overhead. I get into what this all might mean in a separate post, but one thing is certain: The world of Krypton just got a whole lot bigger.

Krypton deserves a super-sized helping of kudos for this season, and season finale. They left it all on the field, while whetting the appetite for another season of adventures. Last year the show broke the prequel series mold, and revealed how different it can be, and once again it has upped the stakes, and blown Krypton wide open (though not literally – yet, that is).

Keep up with all our Krypton season 2 news and reviews right here!

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