Strange things are afoot in the Dark Zone.... (Watson, hand me my Inverness. We're going for a walk....)
This second film is much slower paced than the first, which is a relief in a way. It serves to define, establish and begin to explore the interrelationships between our brave band of anti-heroes - and in doing so, of course, it raises yet more questions!
The initial premise is something of a clutching at straws. More than somewhat hopefully, Zev suggests that Kai's original homeworld might furnish some clue as to how he may be able to live on out of cryostasis, so, with Kai's help, and Giggerota's interference, they head for Brunnis.
I believe that at this point Kai is suffering from a combination of disorientation and the sudden, dreadful realisation of what he has been forced to do over the last two thousand years. He has killed his master. He has not yet come to terms with his situation (which is hardly surprising. I can count the number of people who could on one finger), he is still trying to assimilate the memories of the His Shadow who killed him - a lot of which aren't Kai's in the first place! - and he knows full well that the time left to him - to make amends, to have the Brunnen-G equivalent of a good time, to say goodbye - is very, very limited. Somehow, his comment that he does not seek help comes as no great surprise...
So the Lexx - eventually - lands on Brunnis. (And if I may interject a very personal comment here, I love the music that accompanies the moth-flight to the memory catacombs. From the whole of a wonderful and wholly apposite soundtrack, this is probably my favourite.) And we catch our first glimpse of a second alien civilisation....
The Brunnen-G are fascinating. On the one hand, we have a civilisation sufficiently technologically advanced to build stabilisers to prevent their sun from going supernova (and which are still working over two thousand years later) and find a way (probably in vessels of some kind, though we don't know that for a fact) from the Dark Zone into the Light Universe. On the other hand, it appears that if there is a perverse (or should that read 'perverted'?) way to do anything, the Brunnen-G will find it!
It shows in everything about them, from their insanely complicated clothing to their unbelievably bizarre way of attaining "immortality". (Let's face it, even if being embraced in your personal "burst of life" prevents you from feeling pain, being sawn slowly in three is not exactly a sophisticated way to die. Sadistic, perhaps; crude, probably. Fair enough, as a method of having your life flash before your eyes it may prove extremely effective - but surely there are other, less messy methods!) (Another personal note - I actually have a great deal more to say about the Brunnen-G (see The Brunnen-G) But I can't resist adding that I found Kai's gloriously understated look of withering disdain on first seeing Poet Man absolutely wonderful!)
Zev's 'burst of life'.... I sometimes feel that I am the only person on the face of the planet who actually liked the fantasy dance sequence. I don't understand why everyone finds it so laughable. This was Zev's fantasy, her dream, dredged up from a deeply buried part of her, a part that she had had no other choice but to try to obliterate at a very early age. A beautiful, romantic, innocent dream, acted out in her mind, short-lived but destined to remain with her forever. The whole scene was charming. And I really pity you poor dweebs who have never experienced the overwhelming pleasure that can be had from such a simple, sweet and fulfilling experience. Cluster Lizards upon you all....!!
Of course, we weren't privileged to see the culmination of the fantasy. Damn it.....
Talking suns.... An excellent way to introduce the overall oddness that typifies the Dark Zone, and reinforce the status of the Brunnen-G as legends in their own right. Well, do you know any suns who can call you by name? (That being said - have any of you ever read Jane Palmer's The Planet Dweller and Moving Moosevan? Allow me to recommend them. Read them and you'll no longer find the idea of celestial bodies with personalities odd....)
The episode ends on a strangely bittersweet note. Giggerota has obviously damaged the cryogenic capsule (don't the other two work?), and while it is not stated that this will cause Kai any problems, the perceptive viewer can't help but wonder. And that half-smile at the end... Zev has failed in her hopes, but is still determined to bring Kai back to life. He is less than sanguine about her chances - but for the first time really appreciates her concern. I find it very touching. And (unlike most people, apparently) I find myself hoping that everything works out for the two of them.....
Questions That Should Probably Be Left Unasked!
It is irresistible to ponder what Kai's 'burst of life' fantasy would have been. Assuming, of course, that a dead man was actually capable of such a thing. In fact, it raises the question of exactly what Kai will be capable of - in all spheres....
Where does Giggerota keep her tongue?!
Did the unnamed questioner ever find out about the mineral deposits on Irillium?
How (and more to the point, why) did the Brunnen-G put up with Poet Man for so long?
© 1999 WordWrights.