A friend of mine recently introduced me to a SyFy.com original series titled Riese: Kingdom Falling. I wasn’t sure why, but I checked it out and in the first few seconds understood completely. This series, although not the most well-written or best acted, is definitely a fine example of using Steampunk as an aesthetic and applying it to an otherwise generic fantasy story.

The series consists of 10 webisodes, each approximately 9-11 minutes in length. It takes a while to get the story going, which is a shame, but creating backstory and developing characters is difficult in 9 minute segments. What I found most striking were the visuals. The costuming and set design are decidedly Steampunk – lots of gears/cogs and leather corseting. Oh, and goggles, of course!

According to the show’s informational site, the network is billing it as a Steampunk series.

Herrick and his “relics”

The character of Herrick (played by Ben Cotton) has the most Steampunk elements incorporated into his costume, which are referred to as “relics” of the Sect according to the character profile provided on the show’s website. However, most of the other characters also enjoy the benefits of truly awesome clothing. I wouldn’t mind wearing most of it!

I doubt I would set my clock by this show, but I will definitely keep it in mind when looking for something entertaining to view or when I need a quick little steamy fix.

Watch it at syfy.com or on hulu.com.

The overview from syfy.com: “Riese: Kingdom Falling takes place in Eleysia, a dying kingdom where distrust and anxiety have clouded people’s minds, causing a regression into primitive ways of thinking. Rituals and mythology have resurged, and the darker side of mankind has begun to reveal itself. Riese, a wanderer, travels across the decaying land with her wolf, Fenrir. Marked as a heretic by religious group The Sect and the new Empress, Riese must evade their assassins and discover their true intentions for Eleysia.”

-M of the frenzygals