In the fourth collection of episodes from the second series of Lexx the crew finally acknowledge that they're worried about Mantrid taking over the universe, and decide to test "The Uncertainty Principle" to be found at the centre of the universe. The Lexx is ensnared by "The Web", and everyone begins behaving peculiarly. Worst of all--Stanley can't find his hat. This extremely clever instalment should be watched back-to-back with the following "The Net", where all is revealed. It's the same show all over again, but with extended shots and external footage of what is happening to the Lexx. Some TV shows cobble together a "clips episode" in order to save budget. Lexx proves itself different yet again with this ingenious idea. The difference continues into "Brigadoom", which is a musical: a theatre appears from nowhere to put on a show telling the tale of the Brunnen-G. Kai and Xev take to the boards, and singalong quite oblivious to the fact TV SF usually can't pull this sort of thing off. They do. Desperate to call Mantrid's bluff, the Lexx crew are even prepared momentarily to trust his old tutor the Bio Vizier "Brizon". They know he has some treacherous agenda, but never guess what until it's almost too late. The storyline links straight into "End of the Universe", and the season finale sees every player of Mantrid's game attempting checkmate. 790 builds a counter army of drone arms, but it's Lyekker's efforts that once again save the day. The show ends with the very definition of a Big Bang, and leaves everything under one enormous question mark.
On the DVD: Lexx Series 2 Vol. 4 has the most extras yet. There's one last commentary from Brian Downey (Stan) and writer Lex Giggeroff on the episode "End of the Universe". The humour remains, but it's fun to hear their awe for the CG interpretation of their original idea: putting 790's head on a Drone Arm. We also learn about the writer's arguments about the physics. Also featured is a gallery of stills, some hilarious text "FAXX" about all five episodes, four Sci-Fi Channel character spots, a fascinating interview with composer Marty Simon, biographies of 790, The Lexx, Brizon and Mantrid, and a story so far recap. Best of all, is a Sing-A-Long-a-Brunnen-G karaoke lyrics option for "Brigadoom", surely one of the greatest ideas ever had for a DVD. --Paul Tonks