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| Zixx | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Sci-fi Cyberpunk |
| Created by | Jeffrey Hirschfield |
| Developed by | Bonita Siegel |
| Starring |
|
| Country of origin | Canada |
| No. of seasons | 3 |
| No. of episodes | 39 |
| Production | |
| Production companies |
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| Original release | |
| Network | YTV |
| Release | January 17, 2004[1] – August 31, 2009[1] |
Zixx (full title is Zixx: Level One for season one, Zixx: Level Two for season two, and Zixx: Level Three for season three) is a Canadian television series that aired on YTV. This series was developed by Savi Media and The Nightingale Company & Rainmaker Entertainment (formerly Mainframe Entertainment in seasons 1–2) with YTV Original Productions. The series was created by Jeff Hirschfield.
The show consists of a mixture of live-action real-world sequences interspersed with computer-generated scenes set inside a virtual realm. In Zixx Level One, Elliott Digital used the game engine LithTech to create the animation, the first time this had been done for a television show.[2]
For Zixx: Level Two, the production had to move to British Columbia when Thunderbird Films Inc. joined the team. Mainframe Entertainment came on board to do the animation, and IDT Entertainment, the company that owns Mainframe, took over distribution of the show. It is the first-ever Mainframe series to combine live action with computer animation. The crew would stay for season three.
Plot
[edit]Zixx is an Intergalactic Network (simplified as the Network) agent who has crash-landed on Earth with her partner, Flanngo. As luck would have it, Earth also happens to be a hotbed of activity for the evil Onccalon and the Hargokk Empire. Zixx has no intention of letting him win, so she and Flanngo need to find a way to access the Network and make sure they can get to the next level of the Keep before Onccalon's henchmen do.
Level 1
[edit]Zixx and Flanngo need to find a way into the Keep, a transdimensional antimatter field (a cyber dimension resembling a video game), the last legacy of the ancient Gaanth race, the leaders of the Network (reminiscent of Tron). The difference is that death is permanent if they die in the keep. Reluctantly accepting the help of Earthlings Adam and Griff, the four need to move fast and finish level one of the Keep; to do so they will need to recover the six fragments of a crystal that are scattered throughout the level. When the crystal is whole and combined with the crystal base, it shows the map to the three neuropods buried deep within the level that, when solved, show the path to the next level. They must accomplish all of this before Onccalon's henchman Deeth does.
Level 2
[edit]Having made it to the shifting labyrinth of level 2, Zixx and Flanngo have gotten a nice inventory upgrade, but seem to have lost their pals Adam and Griff. Finding their new Earth location outside the Keep to be a quiet rural town called Glen River, they find themselves forming a new team composed of their new friends, Riley, Meghan, and Dwayne. Zixx needs to keep one step ahead of her foes. Unlike the previous level, level 2 changes layout randomly making it difficult to find locations again.
Zixx and her new team must find the key to the golden gate, the portal to the next level, but it is not easy because the gate also shifts around. They will need to hurry and beat various new agents of the Hargokk Empire. As well as finding out that Onccalon is still alive and regenerating, now they need Adam and Griff's help.
Level 3
[edit]Zixx is thrilled when her team enters Level Three intact. The challenges of Level Three turn out to be far greater than those of the previous levels, requiring puzzle-solving to gain upgrades. Somewhere on this level in the Keep, Onccalon is growing ever stronger and is about to be resurrected. Only the most powerful weapon of all time can defeat Onccalon, and so the race is on to find the Sword of Gaanth, which is split into a hilt, a blade, and six Vortrian gems. If they fail, then the last remaining Gaanth who resides within the sword will destroy the entire universe before Onccalon can rule it. In the end, Onccalon is destroyed by Zixx using the Gaanth, and Zixx, Flanngo, and Tarphex go back to their home planet.
Characters
[edit]- Barbara Mamabolo as Zixx Phunkee Zee : A smart tough Intergalactic Network agent from Halik-7 of the Aphex Galaxy. She's the last person you want to mess with; relentlessly determined, generous, resourceful and with an extremely dry sense of humour. She's a true hero and will do anything in her considerable power to defeat the Hargokk Empire. She is a stereotypical loner, reluctant to accept help from anyone. She carries the multi-purpose APUT Network tool, which was upgraded to a Gaanthean Proton Scanner in Level 2.
- Jeffrey Hirschfield as Flanngo: Zixx's investigative partner and mentor for several eons, he is a cynical, wise-cracking, thick-skinned detective from the same planet as Zixx. While Zixx is the brains of the pair, Flanngo is the brawn; he's fast, tenacious and, like Zixx, someone you don't want to mess with. He is surly and has the appearance of a theropod dinosaur. He tends not to use inventory or weapons other than shields, preferring his natural bodily abilities. In level 1, Flanngo can't go outside the Keep, except inside Zixx's backpack, because breathing Earth's air is toxic to him. However, in Level 2, Flanngo couldn't leave the Keep until he was accidentally ejected from the Keep in the form of a teenage boy in a dragon costume.
- Onccalon: The leader of the Hargokk Empire. Years ago he was destroyed in a battle with the Network, but he survived. He is somewhere inside the Keep and has been regaining his power. His followers are devoted to resurrecting him and have engaged Zixx and her team in the Keep.
- In Level 2 it was revealed that Onccalon is regenerating and is more than just a pile of space goo. He is getting stronger each day as the pieces of his remains find their way to him. He has spoken in Level 2 and in Level 3, his hand was shown in a sphere where he was regenerating. Also, he can sense and feed on fear. If Onccalon is resurrected then the universe is doomed.
Level 1
[edit]- Jamie Johnston as Adam Frake: Bright and intuitive, 12-year-old Adam is an only child who has never known his father and lives with his uncle. His mother is an archaeologist who "disappeared" under mysterious circumstances, which Adam believes resulted from evil aliens kidnapping her. Despite being impulsive, stubborn, and volatile, he is a natural sleuth and more than capable of taking care of himself in the Keep. He and Griff were absent during season 2, however Adam made a brief appearance as a glowing ball of energy when he saved Zixx from Jayda and explained he and Griff hit a vortex when they reached Level 2. He supposedly made it home in the same episode. It is unknown if he will appear again to help Zixx or if Adam will ever find out the truth about his mother.
- Alex Hood as Griffin "Griff" Chalanchuk : A stereotypical "geek" who enjoys sci-fi and computer gaming as much as Adam, 12-year-old Griff is Adam's polar opposite in terms of personality, which also makes him the stereotypical "sidekick" character. He's level headed and cautious, patient and analytical, though he is known to be as stubborn as Adam. While he seems far too timid compared to Zixx and Adam, he has been known to show real courage and resourcefulness when it counts.
- Earl Pastko as Deeth: One of the evil aliens, the leader of the Hargokk contingent on Earth. He's the one who chases down Lew, steals the crystal from Adam, and generally makes things extremely difficult for Zixx and the gang. A dedicated servant of the dark overlord Onccalon, Deeth is rabidly determined to see his master rise again and the universe enslaved. He disguised himself as a school janitor when on Earth. He was killed by the final monster when he walked into the boss room on Level 1.
- Lew: A homeless man with serious mental instabilities. He seems to know more than he should, things that both Zixx and Deeth want to know. He is constantly on the run from his past, but becomes a frequent source of help and advice for Zixx and the others.
- Uncle Murray: Adam's uncle, a well-meaning man who doesn't have a clue how to raise children, who has been looking after Adam since Adam's mother disappeared. He tends to be bumbling and self-absorbed, but he genuinely cares about Adam and worries that he is in denial about his mother's "disappearance".
- Anna Frake: Adam's mother, a lively and dynamic archaeologist who disappeared without explanation. Adam believes that she was abducted by aliens, especially now that Zixx and Deeth have appeared. However, it is unknown what really happened to her (i.e., if she was "abducted by aliens", or if something more... "serious" happened to her). She has communicated twice to Adam, and only once has she been successful, having distracted Level One's final guardian to give an opening for Adam to defeat.
- Charlotte Arnold as Sarah Mills: An alien mercenary employed by the Hargokks to befriend Griff to locate the clubhouse where the crystal fragments and weapons are located. She later claims to be remorseful of her actions, showing them Deeth's weapons inventory. However, she was actually trying to locate the remaining fragments but the team was suspicious and Griff used Zixx's watch to condense her, turning Sarah into a pile of goo. If Zixx makes contact with the Network, then Sarah will be detained for her crimes.
Level 2
[edit]- Ephraim Ellis as Riley Kiniston: A newcomer to the neighbourhood, 16-year-old Riley is quick, charismatic and daring. He tends to overlook crucial details and tends to be suspicious about things concerning Zixx. A natural in the Keep, his hand–eye coordination and his ability to make intuitive connections make him invaluable as the ultimate non-linear problem solver. Raised by a single mom, Riley is embarrassed by his father, a devotee of a flaky group who believes they're in contact with aliens. In Level 3, his Keep form is empowered with superstrength.
- Brenna O'Brien as Megan: Riley's 13-year-old cousin, a sensible and incredibly bright girl who is witty and perceptive. She is calm and takes a more calculated approach to problem solving and a brilliant tactician. Although her jokes sometimes confuse Zixx, she and Zixx have a warm appreciation for each other. She has a different understanding of Flanngo than the boys, and even glimpses the soft side that exists in spite his curmudgeonly personality. In Level 3, her Keep form gains a jetpack.
- Reece Thompson as Dwayne Welland: Thirteen-year-old Dwayne is Meghan's geeky pal and a science-technology wiz. He ignores all criticism and is rather thick headed, diving head first into any situation without realizing the real danger. While he only seems to inspire annoyance (especially in Riley and Flanngo), he has proven to be as valuable as Riley and Meghan. Near the end of Level 2, Dwayne became to Key to exiting Level 2, making his Keep form golden. In Level 3, he gain a multi-use tool that enables him to translate the languages of other beings.
- Agam Darshi as Jayda: Disguised as a cool, sardonic 18-year-old juice-bar girl, matching wits and weapons against Zixx and her team, she's the toughest opponent Zixx has ever faced. Brilliant, manipulative and resourceful, Jayda is also utterly ruthless and can also sing. She was trapped in the center of Level 2 after she destroyed Sirenelle during the final test and became the guardian of level two.
- Michael Eklund as Earl: A heavy metal listening mullethead with very bad taste in cars, Earl works for the enemy (while attempting to relive his teen years). He's a complete idiot with a bad temper, but he's still someone Zixx and company need to keep an eye on. He also has a pet monster called Dickenson, which can turn into a dog. Markko froze both in the Keep to try to gain Riley's trust. He made his last appearance on Boegarian Chess set with Dickenson but was knocked off and Dickenson was frozen and smashed.
- Tyler Johnston as Markko Killborn: A shapeshifter who works for the Hargokk Empire. He was a friend of Riley, but when they met in the Keep Markko showed his ability to shapeshift and tried to undermine the team. Markko was eventually flattened by Jayda's psychic powers due to his failures. He suddenly appeared at the Boegarian chess set as Zixx but was cast out into oblivion.
- Mr. Brown: The local librarian, he's really old, really wise and he keeps giving Zixx and the gang clues. Mr. Brown turns out to be greatest adventurers the world has ever known: The Archaeologist. He promised Zixx he would locate the Gand's book,
- Chris Gauthier as Narnapharn Verg: An alien that found Zixx using a communicator device by locating the high Keep activity on Earth. He arrived in a "one-man Bubble Ship" and seemingly lived in a dumpster beside a portal until Zixx came through. He is a stereotypical fanboy, changing his Keep-venturing alien as his idol. Unfortunately, he likes to trap his heroes inside the Keep by sealing the portal with his device so that he can watch them forever in action. Jayda wants to destroy him after he trapped her for eons, doing various cruel acts to him in vengeance. He was first imprisoned in a card but was later released. Zixx recently sent him to an alien rehabilitation clinic to cure his fanaticism and protect him from Jayda.
- Tiffany Lyndall-Knight as Sirenella : An entity who appears as a shimmery spirit or an apparition who possesses Meghan and other people's bodies. Her allegiances are unknown. She is the guardian – or "boss" – of Level Two. During battles she acts exactly like a supercomputer because she is the physical manifestation of Deep Crimson, a supposedly undefeatable program designed to play Bognorian Chess against living opponents (inspired by the real world chess supercomputer Deep Blue). However, she couldn't compete with chaos and was knocked off the set by Jayda who unwillingly took her place as the guardian of the Golden Gate. As she fell into emptiness, Sirenella shouted she was finally free.
Level 3
[edit]- Peter Abrams as Dewey Welland: Dwayne's father and owner of an electronics store. He is very cheery and hopes to win a local robotics competition, which he achieves between episodes 8 and 9 of Level Three. Knowledgeable about technology, he displays great interest in Zixx's intellect.
- Tammy Hui and Spencer Maybee as Magda and Thar: Onccalon's henchmen on Level 3, a duo of fraternal twin siblings. Magda, the older twin, has the appearance of an Asian girl and is able to jam inventory and cause electronic equipment to go haywire. Thar, the younger twin, appears on Earth as various small animals and can possess anyone unless surrounded by enemies. Their form in the Keep allows them to merge into one being. On Earth, they can leave an intangible, invisible slime that can only be detected by Zixx's Ocuscope. One of their weaknesses is getting wet, which causes them to become a blob of goo.
- Lance Champion: A member of a race of beings who are said to have an elixir that can grant instant courage. Lance was a spokesperson on Earth who was criticized as a failure by Zixx's team, although Flaango thinks highly of him. However, it turns out that there is no elixir, merely a lie to keep their homeworld safe. In the Keep, he has the appearance of a small bat.
- T. Roy Kozuki as Tarphex Suki-Tee: One of Zixx's oldest and closest friends. He managed to find a backdoor to Level 3 after learning of Zixx's disappearance. He strongly disagrees with Zixx's alliance with humans but soon began to trust them. He has a device that can alter memories. Later on, he is discovered to be allied with Onccalon and then betrayed him and join back on Zixx team again.
- Britt McKillip as Amy: The annoying daughter of Meghan's mother's best friend. She is obsessed with shopping and is a very big klutz. When she "accidentally" breaks Tarphex's communicator beyond repair, the team wonders if there is more to her than meets the eye. The Vortrium gem that illuminated hidden things, like inner desires, revealed Amy's desire to become Riley's girlfriend. She accidentally fell into the Keep, though Tarphex later erased her memory.
- Michael Eklund as Merle: Earl's twin brother, who is a sales clerk in Glen River Mall selling cell phones. Though he isn't working for Onccalon, he captures Zixx, Tarphex and Riley and traps them in his van, using interdimensional technology in an attempt to send them into a black hole to avenge his brother's death. However, they return to their dimension by hotwiring his car, just as Dwayne stole his keys. They then incapacitate him and then alter his memory so that he'd take his van straight to an institute that hates loud noise.
Episodes
[edit]Level One
[edit]- "Phunkee Zee"
- "In For a Penny"
- "Parched"
- "Plant Life"
- "The Key Ring"
- "Anna"
- "Symbiosis"
- "Stuck on You"
- "Four's A Crowd"
- "Losing Griff"
- "Larry"
- "Revenge is Sweet"
- "Boss Monster"
Level Two
[edit]- "Welcome to The Funhouse"
- "Dwayne's World"
- "Trust No One"
- "Now You See Him, Now you don't"
- "Lost Pets"
- "Walk Like An Egyptian"
- "Nerds of a Feather"
- "Spin Cycle"
- "Beware the Man Eating Chicken"
- "The Rod of Lethor"
- "The Key"
- "Deal with the Devil"
- "Guardian of Level Three"
Level Three
[edit]- "Oncallon's on Switch"
- "No Man Is An Island"
- "The Only Thing To Fear"
- "Old Friends"
- "Who's That Girl?"
- "Riley's Bad Date"
- "My Name Isn't Earl"
- "When Good Robots Go Bad"
- "Gifted Horse"
- "While the Iron is Hot"
- "The 'I' in Team"
- "Then There Were Five"
- "The Fate of the Universe"
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "YTV monthly CRTC Television Program Logs - February 2000 to November 2015". November 2015. Retrieved September 11, 2022.
- ^ Welcome to Zixx Level One Archived June 12, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
External links
[edit]Overview
Premise
Zixx is a Canadian science fiction television series centered on Zixx Phunkee Zee, an agent of the Intergalactic Network, who crash-lands on Earth alongside her robotic partner Flanngo while pursuing a mission to thwart the expansionist Hargokk Empire. Led by the tyrannical Onccalon, the empire has targeted Earth as a strategic foothold in its interstellar conquests, forcing Zixx to adapt her high-tech abilities to the planet's environment. To counter this threat, Zixx must access a virtual reality construct known as the Keep—a trans-dimensional antimatter field—and complete three progressive levels of challenges designed to dismantle the empire's control.[6][5] The series blends live-action sequences depicting everyday life on Earth with computer-generated imagery (CGI) for the immersive virtual realm adventures, creating a dynamic contrast between ordinary human experiences and otherworldly battles. This hybrid format underscores the narrative's exploration of virtual reality as a metaphor for broader interstellar conflicts, where digital simulations serve as battlegrounds for cosmic stakes. Aimed primarily at young audiences, Zixx emphasizes themes of heroism, the power of friendship across species, and resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity, encouraging viewers to see gaming-like challenges as opportunities for growth and unity.[5][6] Structured across three seasons titled Zixx: Level One, Zixx: Level Two, and Zixx: Level Three, the series progresses through escalating levels of the Keep, with each installment building on the previous to advance Zixx's quest without resolving the overarching conflict until the finale. This episodic yet serialized approach mirrors video game progression, reinforcing the premise's innovative fusion of sci-fi adventure and interactive media elements tailored for tween viewers.[5]Broadcast and Release
Zixx premiered on YTV in Canada on January 1, 2004.[1] The series consisted of 39 half-hour episodes divided across three seasons, each structured as a "level" with 13 episodes per level.[1] Season 1, titled Zixx: Level One, aired from January to April 2004.[1] Season 2, Zixx: Level Two, followed from September to December 2005.[1] The third and final season, Zixx: Level Three, was originally planned for summer 2008 but premiered on January 10, 2009, and concluded in April 2009.[9][10][1] Internationally, the series had a brief run on Cartoon Network in the United States, premiering on December 29, 2005, with only episodes from Season 1 airing through April 2006.[8] It has since become available on streaming platforms, including Netflix.[6]Production
Development
Zixx was created by Jeffrey Hirschfield, a Canadian writer and producer who also provided the voice for the character Flanngo across multiple episodes.[11][9] The series was developed by Savi Media and The Nightingale Company in association with YTV Original Productions, with additional involvement from Thunderbird Films and Rainmaker Entertainment for animation and effects.[9][11] The concept originated as a tween sci-fi adventure blending live-action and computer-generated imagery, centered on an alien agent named Zixx Phunkee Zee who recruits Earth teenagers to navigate the Keep—a trans-dimensional labyrinth functioning like a strategy video game, where players use tactical skills to battle threats.[11] Initially pitched as a single-season project for YTV, a Canadian youth broadcaster, the narrative evolved into a three-level structure to prolong the storyline and heighten escalating challenges, with the Keep's virtual realm adapting dynamically across seasons.[9][12] Following the success of Level One, which aired in 2004 and gained popularity on YTV before international distribution, Levels Two and Three were greenlit to expand the saga, introducing enhanced animation via Digital Alchemy and shifting production to Vancouver for the later seasons.[9] To refresh the ensemble and sustain engagement, cast changes occurred between levels, replacing initial protagonists with new teenage recruits while retaining core elements like Zixx and Flanngo.[12] As a modest Canadian co-production targeting the youth market, Zixx emphasized accessible storytelling over high-cost spectacle, though its conclusion after Level Three left some narrative arcs open-ended due to funding constraints typical of the era's children's programming.[9][11]Technical Production
The production of Zixx employed a hybrid approach combining live-action footage with computer-generated imagery (CGI) to depict the contrast between the real world and the virtual Keep. In the first season, Zixx: Level One, the virtual sequences were rendered using the LithTech game engine by Elliott Digital, representing the inaugural application of this technology for television animation. This engine facilitated game-like CGI environments tailored for a kid-friendly sci-fi aesthetic, allowing dynamic, interactive-feeling virtual realms.[13] Subsequent seasons shifted animation responsibilities to Mainframe Entertainment, which specialized in CGI for the virtual Keep and integrated these elements seamlessly with live-action segments. The live-action portions incorporated practical effects, such as prosthetics and costumes for alien disguises, to ground the extraterrestrial characters in the Earth-based narrative. Post-production at Mainframe Studios emphasized compositing the CGI overlays onto live footage, enhancing the immersive blend of realities. Additionally, Mainframe Studios acquired the distribution rights to the series in 2005, supporting ongoing animation and post-production efforts.[14] Filming for Season 1 took place in Toronto, Ontario, leveraging local studios like those associated with The Nightingale Company and Elliott Animation. For Seasons 2 and 3, production relocated to British Columbia following a partnership with Thunderbird Films Inc., a Vancouver-based company, which handled live-action shooting starting in early 2005. This move enabled cost-efficient collaboration amid British Columbia's growing incentives for film and television production.[15][14]Plot
Level One
Level One of Zixx comprises 13 episodes broadcast on YTV from January to April 2004, chronicling the protagonists' quest to recover six scattered crystal fragments within the virtual Keep to assemble a complete crystal and unlock the path to the next level.[5] Each episode advances this arc through individual fragment hunts and challenges posed by antagonists like Deeth, blending live-action school scenes with CGI-rendered virtual environments unique to Level One's cyber-dimension themes, such as elemental hazards and puzzle-based neuropods.[1]| No. | Title | Air Date | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phunkee Zee | January 17, 2004 | Zixx Phunkee Zee crash-lands on Earth, recruits brothers Adam and Griff to access the Keep, and begins the hunt for the first crystal fragment against Onccalon's forces.[16] |
| 2 | In for a Penny | January 24, 2004 | The team delves deeper into the Keep to locate the second crystal fragment, navigating initial traps and learning the rules of the virtual game.[5] |
| 3 | Parched | January 31, 2004 | Facing dehydration-themed perils in a arid sector of the Keep, the group pursues the third crystal fragment while evading Deeth's interference.[5] |
| 4 | Plant Life | February 7, 2004 | The protagonists battle overgrown vegetation and symbiotic creatures in the Keep to secure the fourth crystal fragment, highlighting Zixx's reliance on human allies.[5] |
| 5 | The Key Ring | February 14, 2004 | Unlocking puzzle mechanisms with a key ring artifact, the team advances toward the fifth crystal fragment amid escalating threats from the Hargokk Empire.[5] |
| 6 | Anna | February 28, 2004 | Involving a new ally named Anna, the group tackles interpersonal dynamics while searching for a remaining crystal fragment in a deceptive Keep subdomain.[5] |
| 7 | Symbiosis | March 6, 2004 | Exploring symbiotic partnerships between Zixx, Flanngo, and the humans, the episode focuses on retrieving a key fragment through cooperative challenges in the Keep.[5] |
| 8 | Stuck on You | March 13, 2004 | Adam misuses a Keep item on a classmate, creating a mindless slave that disrupts the team's efforts to collect another crystal fragment. |
| 9 | Four's a Crowd | March 20, 2004 | Griff befriends Sarah, unknowingly revealing the hideout to Deeth's spy who steals vital items, hindering the pursuit of the next crystal fragment. |
| 10 | Griff in Danger! | March 27, 2004 | With Griff targeted by enemies, the team rallies to protect him while racing to secure a critical crystal fragment before Deeth.[5] |
| 11 | Larry | April 3, 2004 | Introducing complications from a character named Larry, the protagonists navigate betrayal risks en route to recovering a final fragment piece.[5] |
| 12 | Revenge is Sweet | April 10, 2004 | Seeking retribution against Deeth's schemes, the group consolidates their collected fragments in preparation for the level's climax.[5] |
| 13 | The Boss Monster of Level One! | April 17, 2004 | Having assembled the crystal, Zixx and the team confront the boss monster of Level One to solve the neuropods and escape the Keep.[17] |
Level Two
The second season of Zixx, subtitled Level Two, premiered on YTV in Canada on September 7, 2005, and concluded on December 7, 2005, consisting of 13 episodes that explore the shifting labyrinth environment introduced after the crystal collection from the first season. Returning core characters Zixx and Flanngo team up with new human allies Riley, Megan, and Dwayne to navigate the dynamic maze, facing episode-specific challenges such as trap navigation, ally conflicts, and artifact hunts amid threats from the Hargokk Empire. Production for this season relocated from Toronto, Ontario, to Langley, British Columbia, after Thunderbird Films joined the team, impacting the live-action sequences with new local scenery and facilities that enhanced the labyrinth's visual variability.[1][18] The episodes emphasize mid-series exploration, with the labyrinth's random layout changes forcing adaptive strategies and interpersonal tensions among the group.| Episode | Title | Air Date | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Welcome to the Funhouse | September 7, 2005 | The team enters the chaotic funhouse-like traps of the labyrinth, introducing new dynamics and initial navigation hurdles.[19] |
| 2 | Dwayne's World | September 14, 2005 | Dwayne's personal backstory influences a conflict with labyrinth illusions, testing group trust.[1] |
| 3 | Trust No One | September 21, 2005 | Ally suspicions escalate during a betrayal-themed challenge involving deceptive maze paths.[1] |
| 4 | Now You See Him, Now You Don't | September 28, 2005 | Invisibility traps force the team to rely on senses beyond sight for trap evasion.[1] |
| 5 | Pet Project | October 5, 2005 | A rogue creature in the labyrinth creates pet-like alliances and conflicts during pursuit sequences.[20] |
| 6 | Talk Like an Egyptian | October 12, 2005 | Ancient-themed riddles and hieroglyph traps require decoding to progress through pyramid sections.[1] |
| 7 | Nerds of a Feather | October 19, 2005 | Intellectual puzzles unite unlikely allies in a tech-heavy labyrinth zone.[1] |
| 8 | Spin Cycle | November 2, 2005 | Rotating maze elements lead to disorienting chases and coordination challenges.[1] |
| 9 | Beware the Man Eating Chicken | November 9, 2005 | Humorous yet dangerous creature encounters disrupt a seemingly simple supply run.[1] |
| 10 | The Rod of Lethor | November 16, 2005 | Quest for a powerful rod artifact involves combat and ethical dilemmas in guarded chambers.[1] |
| 11 | The Key | November 23, 2005 | Search for the golden gate key heightens tensions with rival forces in shifting corridors.[21] |
| 12 | Deal with the Devil | November 30, 2005 | A tempting alliance with a deceptive entity leads to moral conflicts and trap ambushes.[1] |
| 13 | Guardian of the Golden Gate | December 7, 2005 | Climactic defense of the portal gate against final labyrinth guardians and betrayals.[1] |
Level Three
Level Three, the final season of Zixx, comprises 13 episodes that originally aired on YTV in Canada from January 10, 2009, to April 5, 2009.[1] This season centers on Zixx and her team's urgent quest to reassemble the shattered Sword of Gaanth, a powerful artifact sought by the villainous Onccalon to unleash destruction across the universe, while contending with new threats like the Magdathar and shifting alliances within the Network.[7] The narrative escalates through sword fragment hunts, personal betrayals, and regenerations of key characters, culminating in the empire's downfall and fulfillment of an ancient Gaanthian prophecy.[22] The episodes are as follows:| Episode | Title | Air Date | Overview |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-01 | Onccalon's On Switch | January 10, 2009 | Zixx and her team arrive on Level Three, only to discover that Dwayne is missing, setting the stage for their pursuit of the Sword of Gaanth fragments amid Onccalon's schemes.[22] |
| 3-02 | No Man is an Island | January 17, 2009 | Racing against time and the new enemy the Magdathar, Zixx and the team struggle to locate a crucial piece of the Sword of Gaanth.[22] |
| 3-03 | The Only Thing to Fear | January 24, 2009 | The team enlists Zelbotian elixir expert Lance Champion to conquer their fears and retrieve the blade of the Sword of Gaanth.[22] |
| 3-04 | Old Friends | January 31, 2009 | Riley grows suspicious when Zixx's former Academy classmate Tarphex unexpectedly appears on Level Three, complicating the sword hunt.[22] |
| 3-05 | Who's That Girl | February 7, 2009 | Zixx and the team suspect that Meghan's childhood friend Amy has been manipulated by Onccalon, forcing them to investigate amid rising tensions.[22] |
| 3-06 | Riley's Bad Date | February 14, 2009 | Riley fails to isolate Amy from the team as required, leading him to seek their aid in rescuing her from the Tri-Tentacled Terblucor.[22] |
| 3-07 | My Name Isn't Earl | February 21, 2009 | Earl's twin brother Merle kidnaps Zixx, Riley, and Tarphex, leaving Danger D-Wayne to mount a rescue and protect the group's progress.[22] |
| 3-08 | When Good Robots Go Bad | February 28, 2009 | Magda steals the robot N.U.F.A.S. from Dwayne and Dewey, sabotaging their entry in the Robotic Challenge and diverting focus from the sword quest.[23] |
| 3-09 | Gifted Horse | March 8, 2009 | A mistimed jump fuses Thar and Dewey into one entity, requiring Zixx, Riley, and Tarphex to devise a separation method while evading Onccalon's forces.[22] |
| 3-10 | While the Iron is Hot | March 15, 2009 | A perilous cure restores Zixx's lost memories, enabling the full team to unite in rescuing Meghan from Onccalon's clutches.[22] |
| 3-11 | The 'I' in Team | March 22, 2009 | Disgruntled Network Lieutenant Kalleektra Daak-Vashall seizes the Sword of Gaanth, abducts Dwayne, and witnesses Tarphex's betrayal of Zixx at a critical juncture.[22] |
| 3-12 | Then There Were Five | March 29, 2009 | Tarphex's bid to shatter the Sword of Gaanth propels him and Zixx into a Gaanthian dimension, prompting Meghan to rally Riley and Dwayne for retrieval before Onccalon intervenes.[22] |
| 3-13 | The Fate of the Universe | April 5, 2009 | With under 24 hours remaining, Zixx and the team must eradicate the Magdathars, rescue Tarphex, complete the Gaanthian prophecy, and vanquish Onccalon to avert universal catastrophe, wrapping the series with the Hargokk Empire's collapse.[22] |
Characters
Core Characters
Zixx Phunkee Zee, portrayed by Barbara Mamabolo in live-action sequences, serves as the central protagonist and a brave agent of the Intergalactic Network from the planet Halik-7 in the Aphex Galaxy.[6] Capable of adapting her appearance in virtual environments through the show's CGI techniques, she exhibits a punk aesthetic with bold, edgy styling that reflects her rebellious spirit, driving the narrative as the determined leader combating interstellar threats.[24] Her resourcefulness and unyielding resolve position her as the strategic force guiding missions against the forces encroaching on Earth.[25] Flanngo, voiced by Jeffrey Hirschfield, is Zixx's loyal partner, depicted as a quirky, bird-like alien resembling a theropod dinosaur with a surly demeanor.[26] Tech-savvy and inventive, he provides essential gadgets and technological support throughout their adventures, often delivering comic relief through his impatient and tenacious personality while serving as the physical powerhouse of the duo.[18] Confined to the Virtual Keep except when transported in Zixx's backpack due to Earth's toxic atmosphere, Flanngo relies on his natural abilities like speed and shields rather than conventional weapons.[27] Onccalon emerges as the ruthless emperor of the Hargokk Empire, the primary antagonist whose manipulative tactics seek to dominate the galaxy, including Earth.[28] Initially destroyed in a prior battle with the Network, he possesses a remarkable regeneration ability, particularly prominent in Level Three, where his body reassembles from remnants, growing stronger over time as his forces pursue ultimate power.[29] His cunning strategies exploit weaknesses in opponents, making him a persistent and escalating threat across the series.[30] The Hargokk Empire's minions function as generic extensions of Onccalon's rule, primarily consisting of drones and other automated soldiers that enforce the empire's cruel control.[6] These faceless enforcers, lacking individual agency, swarm in battles within the Virtual Keep, symbolizing the empire's vast, oppressive machinery designed to overwhelm Zixx and her allies through sheer numbers and coordinated assaults.[18]Level-Specific Characters
In Zixx Level One, the primary human allies are the 12-year-old best friends Adam Frake, played by Jamie Johnston, and Griff Chalanchuk, played by Alex Hood. Adam, a tech-savvy and intuitive boy living with his uncle after losing his father, contributes his strategy gaming skills to help Zixx and Flanngo navigate the labyrinthine Keep and battle its threats.[11] Griff, more skeptical but resourceful, provides complementary support through quick thinking and loyalty, forming a core team that aids the aliens in completing the first level's objectives.[11] Secondary figures ground the narrative in everyday family dynamics, underscoring the boys' transition from ordinary life to interstellar heroism. Shifting to Zixx Level Two, a new group of Earth teenagers replaces the previous allies, introducing Riley Kiniston (Ephraim Ellis), a 16-year-old charismatic newcomer who brings daring and agility to the team's efforts against regenerating antagonist Onccalon.[31][32] Riley's cousin, 12-year-old Meghan (Brenna O'Brien), offers intelligent, level-headed analysis and problem-solving, often using her perceptiveness to decode virtual puzzles in the unstable Keep.[31][32] Rounding out the trio is Dwayne Welland (Reece Thompson), a humorous electronics store employee whose comic timing and gadget knowledge provide comic relief while assisting in monster confrontations and level progression.[31][32] This ensemble's collaborative roles emphasize adapting human ingenuity to aid Zixx's mission, fostering bonds through shared virtual trials. Markko, a shapeshifter working for the Hargokk Empire, appears as a deceptive antagonist who impersonates allies.[18] For Zixx Level Three, the Level Two human team—Riley, Meghan, and Dwayne—returns with matured dynamics, having grown more cohesive after prior successes and facing intensified challenges in a more treacherous Keep environment.[33][9] Their evolved interactions highlight deeper reliance on each other's strengths, such as Riley's leadership, Meghan's strategic depth, and Dwayne's inventive humor, to counter advanced threats.[33] Minor supporting allies, including Dwayne's father Dewey Welland (Peter Abrams), an electronics store owner who occasionally supplies tech resources, further enhance the group's real-world support network without overshadowing the core trio's central contributions.[33] This continuity allows for arcs of personal resilience, as the characters confront escalating virtual perils that test their growth from initial recruits to seasoned defenders allied with Zixx and Flanngo.[9] Tarphex, a recurring Network agent, provides occasional guidance and support.[18]Cast
Live-Action Cast
The live-action portions of Zixx feature actors portraying human characters on Earth, who interact with the animated alien elements in a hybrid format requiring on-location performances. These roles primarily involve teenagers and supporting figures aiding in the story's sci-fi adventures.Level One (2004)
The inaugural season introduced young protagonists discovering the alien Zixx.| Actor | Role | Episodes |
|---|---|---|
| Jamie Johnston | Adam Frake | 13 |
| Alex Hood | Griff Chalanchuk | 13 |
Level Two (2005)
Subsequent seasons aged up the characters, focusing on high school dynamics.| Actor | Role | Episodes |
|---|---|---|
| Ephraim Ellis | Riley Kiniston | 13 |
| Brenna O'Brien | Meghan | 13 |
| Reece Thompson | Dwayne | 13 |
Level Three (2007–2009)
The final level retained the core trio while expanding ensemble interactions.| Actor | Role | Episodes |
|---|---|---|
| Ephraim Ellis | Riley Kiniston | 13 |
| Brenna O'Brien | Meghan | 13 |
| Reece Thompson | Dwayne | 13 |
Voice Cast
The voice cast for the CGI-animated intergalactic characters and virtual elements in Zixx featured performers who brought the alien agents and villains to life across the series' three levels. Barbara Mamabolo provided the voice for the titular character, Zixx Phunkee Zee, in all levels, delivering a spirited performance as the resourceful Network agent.[5][7] Jeffrey Hirschfield, who also created the series, voiced Flanngo, Zixx's loyal robotic partner, throughout all three levels, infusing the character with humor and mechanical flair.[34][31][33] In Level Three, Troy Everett voiced Tarphex Sukitee, the seasoned Network operative who aids the team against escalating threats.[33] Onccalon, the primary antagonist in Level Three, had an uncredited voice performance, while the Hargokk minions were voiced collectively by various ensemble actors to convey their swarm-like menace.[7] Additional recurring CGI supporting roles, such as narrators in the Virtual Keep sequences, were handled by uncredited ensemble voices.[33]| Character | Voice Actor | Levels Featured |
|---|---|---|
| Zixx Phunkee Zee | Barbara Mamabolo | All |
| Flanngo | Jeffrey Hirschfield | All |
| Tarphex Sukitee | Troy Everett | Three |
| Onccalon | Uncredited | Three |
| Hargokk Minions | Collective ensemble | Two and Three |
Episodes
Level One
Level One of Zixx comprises 13 episodes broadcast on YTV from January to April 2004, chronicling the protagonists' quest to recover six scattered crystal fragments within the virtual Keep to assemble a complete crystal and unlock the path to the next level.[5] Each episode advances this arc through individual fragment hunts and challenges posed by antagonists like Deeth, blending live-action school scenes with CGI-rendered virtual environments unique to Level One's cyber-dimension themes, such as elemental hazards and puzzle-based neuropods.[1]| No. | Title | Air Date | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phunkee Zee | January 17, 2004 | Zixx Phunkee Zee crash-lands on Earth, recruits brothers Adam and Griff to access the Keep, and begins the hunt for the first crystal fragment while facing initial threats.[16] |
| 2 | In for a Penny | January 24, 2004 | The team delves deeper into the Keep to locate the second crystal fragment, navigating initial traps and learning the rules of the virtual game.[5] |
| 3 | Parched | January 31, 2004 | Facing dehydration-themed perils in a arid sector of the Keep, the group pursues the third crystal fragment while evading Deeth's interference.[5] |
| 4 | Plant Life | February 7, 2004 | The protagonists battle overgrown vegetation and symbiotic creatures in the Keep to secure the fourth crystal fragment, highlighting Zixx's reliance on human allies.[5] |
| 5 | The Key Ring | February 14, 2004 | Unlocking puzzle mechanisms with a key ring artifact, the team advances toward the fifth crystal fragment amid escalating threats from Deeth.[5] |
| 6 | Anna | February 28, 2004 | Involving a new ally named Anna, the group tackles interpersonal dynamics while searching for a remaining crystal fragment in a deceptive Keep subdomain.[5] |
| 7 | Symbiosis | March 6, 2004 | Exploring symbiotic partnerships between Zixx, Flanngo, and the humans, the episode focuses on retrieving a key fragment through cooperative challenges in the Keep.[5] |
| 8 | Stuck on You | March 13, 2004 | Adam misuses a Keep item on a classmate, creating a mindless slave that disrupts the team's efforts to collect another crystal fragment. |
| 9 | Four's a Crowd | March 20, 2004 | Griff befriends Sarah, unknowingly revealing the hideout to Deeth's spy who steals vital items, hindering the pursuit of the next crystal fragment. |
| 10 | Griff in Danger! | March 27, 2004 | With Griff targeted by enemies, the team rallies to protect him while racing to secure a critical crystal fragment before Deeth.[5] |
| 11 | Larry | April 3, 2004 | Introducing complications from a character named Larry, the protagonists navigate betrayal risks en route to recovering a final fragment piece.[5] |
| 12 | Revenge is Sweet | April 10, 2004 | Seeking retribution against Deeth's schemes, the group consolidates their collected fragments in preparation for the level's climax.[5] |
| 13 | The Boss Monster of Level One! | April 17, 2004 | Having assembled the crystal, Zixx and the team confront the boss monster of Level One to solve the neuropods and escape the Keep.[17] |
Level Two
The second season of Zixx, subtitled Level Two, premiered on YTV in Canada on September 7, 2005, and concluded on December 7, 2005, consisting of 13 episodes that explore the shifting labyrinth environment introduced after the crystal collection from the first season. Returning core characters Zixx and Flanngo team up with new human allies Riley, Meghan, and Dwayne to navigate the dynamic maze, facing episode-specific challenges such as trap navigation, ally conflicts, and artifact hunts amid threats from the Hargokk Empire. Production for this season relocated from Toronto, Ontario, to Langley, British Columbia, after Thunderbird Films joined the team, impacting the live-action sequences with new local scenery and facilities that enhanced the labyrinth's visual variability.[1][18] The episodes emphasize mid-series exploration, with the labyrinth's random layout changes forcing adaptive strategies and interpersonal tensions among the group.| Episode | Title | Air Date | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Welcome to the Funhouse | September 7, 2005 | The team enters the chaotic funhouse-like traps of the labyrinth, introducing new dynamics and initial navigation hurdles.[19] |
| 2 | Dwayne's World | September 14, 2005 | Dwayne's personal backstory influences a conflict with labyrinth illusions, testing group trust.[1] |
| 3 | Trust No One | September 21, 2005 | Ally suspicions escalate during a betrayal-themed challenge involving deceptive maze paths.[1] |
| 4 | Now You See Him, Now You Don't | September 28, 2005 | Invisibility traps force the team to rely on senses beyond sight for trap evasion.[1] |
| 5 | Pet Project | October 5, 2005 | A rogue creature in the labyrinth creates pet-like alliances and conflicts during pursuit sequences.[20] |
| 6 | Talk Like an Egyptian | October 12, 2005 | Ancient-themed riddles and hieroglyph traps require decoding to progress through pyramid sections.[1] |
| 7 | Nerds of a Feather | October 19, 2005 | Intellectual puzzles unite unlikely allies in a tech-heavy labyrinth zone.[1] |
| 8 | Spin Cycle | November 2, 2005 | Rotating maze elements lead to disorienting chases and coordination challenges.[1] |
| 9 | Beware the Man Eating Chicken | November 9, 2005 | Humorous yet dangerous creature encounters disrupt a seemingly simple supply run.[1] |
| 10 | The Rod of Lethor | November 16, 2005 | Quest for a powerful rod artifact involves combat and ethical dilemmas in guarded chambers.[1] |
| 11 | The Key | November 23, 2005 | Search for the golden gate key heightens tensions with rival forces in shifting corridors.[21] |
| 12 | Deal with the Devil | November 30, 2005 | A tempting alliance with a deceptive entity leads to moral conflicts and trap ambushes.[1] |
| 13 | Guardian of the Golden Gate | December 7, 2005 | Climactic defense of the portal gate against final labyrinth guardians and betrayals.[1] |
Level Three
Level Three, the final season of Zixx, comprises 13 episodes that originally aired on YTV in Canada from January 10, 2009, to April 5, 2009.[1] This season centers on Zixx and her team's urgent quest to reassemble the shattered Sword of Gaanth, a powerful artifact sought by the villainous Onccalon to unleash destruction across the universe, while contending with new threats like the Magdathar and shifting alliances within the Network.[7] The narrative escalates through sword fragment hunts, personal betrayals, and regenerations of key characters, culminating in the empire's downfall and fulfillment of an ancient Gaanthian prophecy.[22] The episodes are as follows:| Episode | Title | Air Date | Overview |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-01 | Onccalon's On Switch | January 10, 2009 | Zixx and her team arrive on Level Three, only to discover that Dwayne is missing, setting the stage for their pursuit of the Sword of Gaanth fragments amid Onccalon's schemes.[22] |
| 3-02 | No Man is an Island | January 17, 2009 | Racing against time and the new enemy the Magdathar, Zixx and the team struggle to locate a crucial piece of the Sword of Gaanth.[22] |
| 3-03 | The Only Thing to Fear | January 24, 2009 | The team enlists Zelbotian elixir expert Lance Champion to conquer their fears and retrieve the blade of the Sword of Gaanth.[22] |
| 3-04 | Old Friends | January 31, 2009 | Riley grows suspicious when Zixx's former Academy classmate Tarphex unexpectedly appears on Level Three, complicating the sword hunt.[22] |
| 3-05 | Who's That Girl | February 7, 2009 | Zixx and the team suspect that Meghan's childhood friend Amy has been manipulated by Onccalon, forcing them to investigate amid rising tensions.[22] |
| 3-06 | Riley's Bad Date | February 14, 2009 | Riley fails to isolate Amy from the team as required, leading him to seek their aid in rescuing her from the Tri-Tentacled Terblucor.[22] |
| 3-07 | My Name Isn't Earl | February 21, 2009 | Earl's twin brother Merle kidnaps Zixx, Riley, and Tarphex, leaving Danger D-Wayne to mount a rescue and protect the group's progress.[22] |
| 3-08 | When Good Robots Go Bad | February 28, 2009 | Magda steals the robot N.U.F.A.S. from Dwayne and Dewey, sabotaging their entry in the Robotic Challenge and diverting focus from the sword quest.[23] |
| 3-09 | Gifted Horse | March 7, 2009 | A mistimed jump fuses Thar and Dewey into one entity, requiring Zixx, Riley, and Tarphex to devise a separation method while evading Onccalon's forces.[22] |
| 3-10 | While the Iron is Hot | March 15, 2009 | A perilous cure restores Zixx's lost memories, enabling the full team to unite in rescuing Meghan from Onccalon's clutches.[22] |
| 3-11 | The 'I' in Team | March 22, 2009 | Disgruntled Network Lieutenant Kalleektra Daak-Vashall seizes the Sword of Gaanth, abducts Dwayne, and witnesses Tarphex's betrayal of Zixx at a critical juncture.[22] |
| 3-12 | Then There Were Five | March 29, 2009 | Tarphex's bid to shatter the Sword of Gaanth propels him and Zixx into a Gaanthian dimension, prompting Meghan to rally Riley and Dwayne for retrieval before Onccalon intervenes.[22] |
| 3-13 | The Fate of the Universe | April 5, 2009 | With under 24 hours remaining, Zixx and the team must eradicate the Magdathars, rescue Tarphex, complete the Gaanthian prophecy, and vanquish Onccalon to avert universal catastrophe, wrapping the series with the Hargokk Empire's collapse.[22] |
Reception and Legacy
Critical Reception
The Zixx series received generally positive user ratings on IMDb, reflecting its appeal as a youth-oriented sci-fi adventure, though scores declined across seasons. Zixx Level One holds a 7.3/10 rating based on 79 user votes, praised for its engaging virtual war premise and seamless integration of live-action with CGI animation.[5] Zixx: Level Two earned a 7.2/10 from 53 votes, maintaining similar enthusiasm for its continued blend of real-world and digital elements.[35] Zixx: Level Three scored lower at 6.5/10 from 63 votes, suggesting some viewer fatigue with the evolving narrative.[7] User feedback highlighted the show's strengths in innovative production techniques, such as the pioneering use of a game engine for CGI sequences in Level One, which created an immersive kid-friendly sci-fi experience.[36] Viewers appreciated the adventurous storytelling and diverse team dynamics, often citing nostalgia for its 2000s-era charm and educational undertones on teamwork and technology.[36] These elements were seen as minor flaws in an otherwise accessible series for young audiences.| Season | IMDb Rating | Number of Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Level One (2004) | 7.3/10 | 79 |
| Level Two (2005) | 7.2/10 | 53 |
| Level Three (2007–2009) | 6.5/10 | 63 |