Sci-fi gem 'Lexx' deserves more recognition, blending elements of Farscape, Star Wars, and Red Dwarf in a compelling narrative
In the vast expanse of space, a group of misfits embarks on an extraordinary journey aboard a sentient, living spaceship named Lexx. This unique sci-fi television series, available to watch via Amazon Prime Video, Plex, and various other streaming services, is a cult classic that offers a blend of dark humor, philosophical undertones, and surreal storytelling.
The crew of Lexx consists of a convicted killer, Kai (an undead assassin who is prophesied to end the Divine Order and is largely indifferent to Xev's feelings), a love slave, Zev/Xev (a part-lizard character who suggests investigating mysterious signals instead of blowing them up), a cowardly captain, Stanley Tweedle, and a robot head, 790. Together, they navigate through a series of bizarre and chaotic universes, often encountering existential themes and surreal scenarios.
One of the standout features of Lexx is its titular ship, which is organic and almost a character on its own, capable of destruction and transportation across space. The series also boasts a mix of dark, campy humor and philosophical undertones, with risqué and outlandish storytelling that sets it apart from conventional space operas. The settings vary wildly from episode to episode, presenting surreal, sometimes grotesque sci-fi worlds that are unlike many other shows in the genre.
Lexx also blends various genres, including sci-fi, comedy, horror, and fantasy in unconventional ways. The show's creators used green screen and CGI extensively to bring the show's budget-friendly sci-fi aesthetic to life. Notable guest stars include Barry Bostwick, who wore an outfit reminiscent of his role in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Despite its unique blend of genres and distinctive style, Lexx is not extensively detailed in terms of its plot. However, the series is recognised as being "deeply underrated" and equal to other pioneering sci-fi shows. The final season, despite some superb performances, felt strained, with multiple episodes where the show was treading water.
The series concluded with Season 4, and further seasons were not planned due to concerns about creativity being exhausted. Lexx, with its bizarre-but-brilliant mix of genres and its memorable characters, shares DNA with Red Dwarf, Star Trek, and other sci-fi media, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
- The show's creators used a blend of green screen and CGI techniques to bring the unique and budget-friendly sci-fi aesthetic of 'Lexx' to life, reminiscent of Barry Bostwick's outfit in 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show'.
- 'Lexx', a cult classic, offers a combination of dark humor, philosophical undertones, and surreal storytelling, making it a must-watch for sci-fi fans who appreciate shows like 'Red Dwarf' and 'Star Trek'.
- The series is recognized as being "deeply underrated" despite its standout features, such as the titular ship Lexx, which is organic, almost sentient, and capable of destruction and transportation across space.
- When discussing the history of pioneering sci-fi shows, 'Lexx'—with its blend of genres like comedy, horror, and fantasy—is undeniably a significant addition, contributing to the entertainment landscape alongside shows like 'Red Dwarf' and 'Star Trek'.
