When I first heard that Sci-Fi Channel was doing a new, updated Flash Gordon series, I felt a twinge of dread. For those familiar with the old serials/comics/movies, you're probably aware that Flash Gordon's nemesis is Ming the Merciless, evil ruler of the planet Mongo. I'm not making this up. Basically, he was a space version of the old Fu Manchu racial stereotype. And usually, he was played by a white guy in really bad makeup. Thankfully, this new series will apparently be going in a completely different direction, purposely steering clear of the usual racial cliches: Flash Avoids Stereotypes. That said, it doesn't look like there are any Asians in the regular cast...
