Ocular Parabola

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The domes found on the surface of Lexx’s eyes are Ocular Parabolae.
Enlarge
The domes found on the surface of Lexx’s eyes are Ocular Parabolae.

In the science fiction TV series LEXX, Ocular Parabolae are the principle component to the Lexx’s main weapon system. They are linked into complex arrays and have two functions: one is to serve as a massive network of compound optical receivers (hence, the ocular portion of its name) to allow the Lexx to see into space, and the other function is to act as a mass parabolic emitter for its weapon.

Inside the interior of the Lexx, thousands of optical nerves line the inside of its two eyes. These optical nerves must also be able to change in function to accommodate the Lexx’s planet-killing capabilities.

The "Ocular" component of the Lexx tends to be in the form of the common insect compound eye. In one episode when the Lexx was caught in a web-like parasitic creature, the Lexx demonstrated its ability to see the creature with incredible accuracy, well into deep space (season 2, "The Web"). Further into that episode, the crew members of the Lexx where instructed to go to the receptors, where they tapped into one of Lexx’s optical nerves. There they received sight from only one Ocular Parabola. This was done in response to the creature's ability to physically enter the Lexx’s exoskeleton and brain, to change what the holographic view screen was depicting.

When the weapon system is energizing, the Ocular Parabola must flip from the common sight usage, to the dish-like structures synonymous with the Lexx (hence, "parabola" like a parabolic dish).

[edit] Further Information

  • The phrase "Ocular Parabola" has only been mentioned once in the series (season 1, "I Worship His Shadow").