Sci-fi gem, Lexx, spots undervalued status: A blend of Farscape's adventure, Star Wars' space epic, and Red Dwarf's humor
In the vast expanse of sci-fi television, "Lexx" stands out as a unique gem, available to watch on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Plex. This four-season series, which ran from 1997 to 2002, offers a fresh take on the genre, blending elements from shows like Red Dwarf, Star Trek, and more.
The show follows the exploits of a starship crew, led by the unassuming Stanley Tweedle, a security guard. Accompanying him are Zev Bellringer, a part-lizard love slave with a penchant for investigating mysterious signals, and Kai, an undead assassin with a knack for delivering memorable lines such as "Being dead means not having an opinion" and "The dead do not poo." Rounding out the crew is robot head 790.
The central character of the show, however, is the Lexx itself - a sentient, dragonfly-shaped planet-killer, accidentally bonded to Stan. The Lexx's Divine Order, responsible for the resurrection of an ancient insect by murdering the population of 20,000 planets, provides the series with a dark and intriguing backdrop.
"Lexx" was created to distance itself from the heavy, preachy, moralising sci-fi of shows like Star Trek: TNG. Its creators aimed to create distinctive characters like Kai-Stan-Xev (plus a robot head) and a black comedy that flips the familiar sci-fi set-up on its head. Green screen and CGI were used to enhance the show's prop and costume design, resulting in a mid-budget sci-fi aesthetic that, while quaint today, is still charming.
Throughout its run, "Lexx" presented viewers with a variety of challenges and villains. Season 2's big bad was a self-replicating cloud of drone arms controlled by The Human Centipede's Dieter Laser. Guest star Barry Bostwick even wore an outfit reminiscent of his role in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Despite its unique style and engaging characters, "Lexx" is not currently planned for a reboot due to concerns about creative exhaustion. However, the series has left a lasting impact on sci-fi television, with its immersive storytelling and distinctive characters continuing to resonate with fans.
While some viewers felt that the final season, Season 4, with its 24 episodes, was unnecessary and strained, the overall reception to "Lexx" has been positive. The show's ability to immerse viewers during dramatic moments, without relying on knowing winks or audience laughter, has made it a favourite among sci-fi enthusiasts.
With its ear-pleasing blend of accents and unique costume design, "Lexx" stands out as a joint Canadian/German production. Its characters, plot, and aesthetic all have a character all their own, making it a must-watch for any sci-fi fan. So, if you're looking for a bizarre-but-brilliant sci-fi series to add to your watchlist, look no further than "Lexx."
- The four-season series "Lexx," available on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Plex, offers a fresh take on sci-fi television, incorporating elements from shows such as Red Dwarf, Star Trek, and news about its unique blend is widely shared among fans.
- In addition to its unique style and engaging characters, "Lexx" also presents a variety of food for thought through its dark and intriguing backdrop, making it an interesting addition to any news and opinion sections.
- The show's central character, the Lexx itself, is a sentient, dragonfly-shaped planet-killer, and its history with the Divine Order provides a dark and intriguing foundation for the series.
- "Lexx" stands out as a distinctive work in the realm of sci-fi-and-fantasy entertainment, with its uniquely designed characters and black comedy that flips the familiar sci-fi set-up on its head.
- For science enthusiasts, "Lexx" presents a novel exploration of the genre, with its use of green screen and CGI to enhance the show's prop and costume design resulting in a mid-budget sci-fi aesthetic that is both charming and groundbreaking.
