Elida and the crew attempt to sneak through a border into Republic space, but meet more challenges than they bargained for, especially when Commander Lazaro shows up.

The main thing that makes Vagrant Queen work is the cast. On the face of it, it’s a show that shouldn’t really be as endearing as it is. The constraints of its budget are clear in the VFX, the plot is full of the sort of clichés that we’ve seen a hundred times before, and it steadfastly refuses to take itself seriously.

But it’s genuinely difficult to root against Adriyan Rae, Tim Rozon and Alex McGregor (Elida, Isaac and Amae respectively) because they all approach their parts with such gusto, and have individual screen presence and shared chemistry that just pops off the screen. This episode feels like the writers maybe even wrote it after seeing the reaction to the previous episodes in some parts, as we have quiet moments between Elida and Amae that will have shippers everywhere clutching themselves with hopeful glee.

As to the story – well, it’s honestly a bit of a mess, as the gang try to sneak through the Republic border using a plan that makes no sense even as they explain it to themselves and then get into all sorts of trouble almost immediately because of course. Clive’s cunning brilliance doesn’t really get them where they need to go and when Isaac ends up falling behind and into the clutches of the guards and then Lazaro himself, things get ugly. Elida, determined never to leave a soul behind, insists on attempting a rescue which just puts her and everyone with her in even more danger.

One thing that stood out to me this time around is the use of freeze frames in large-scale action scenes which feels like a deliberate device to save on visuals, but undoubtedly works anyway because the show carries it off with the same swagger it does everything else. Humour isn’t just the glue, but also a lot of the structure of the show, allowing our heroes to point and wink at clichés, nonsensical plot points and ridiculous conceits and let us know that they’re in on the gag with us.

But it’s just so effervescently likeable that you can’t hold any of what might be its faults against it. The chemistry and commitment of the cast mean it’s never dull, and it honestly doesn’t care whether you’re laughing at or with it as long as you’re laughing. In a sea of po-faced, grimdark sci-fi shows, it’s a welcome dash of colour, in more ways than one.

Verdict: Like an over-enthusiastic puppy, it makes a mess everywhere but you can’t help but love it. I’m hooked. 9/10

Greg D. Smith