Rex (Primeval)

Infobox Primeval Creature
name = "Coelurosauravus"


image_caption = Rex the Coelurosauravus.
period = Permian
first_appeared = Episode 1
number_through = 1
returned = Temporarily in first episode, but returned to become Abby's and Connor's pet.

Rex is a major recurring character from the ITV science fiction cult series "Primeval".

Characteristics

"Coelurosauravus" are roughly iguana sized lizard-like diapsid reptiles native to the Permian period. It has specialized wing-like structures allowing it to glide. These were rod-like structures with skin stretched over them; this features is unique to this genus. The average length of the specimens were 30 cm (although Rex is portrayed as roughly twice this size) and the body was long and flat, suitable for its gliding nature.

History

Rex is the first creature seen in the series. He is discovered in the Forest of Dean by a young boy, Ben, who contacts the zoo where Abby Maitland is working. When she arrives at the boy's home he suggests he may be the modern gliding lizard "Draco volans", but Abby discredits this theory, saying the child may have discovered a new species.

The two journey into the Forest of Dean to see if they can find out more about Rex where they discover a dead cow lodged in a tree. When Rex runs away from Abby she follows him and becomes separated from the boy. In the process of trying to recapture Rex she discovers that he can fly, or at least glide very well. The others find Rex shortly after discovering the "Scutosaurus".cite episode
title = Episode One
series = Primeval
serieslink = Primeval (TV series)
network = ITV
station = ITV1
airdate = 2007-03-17
season = 1
number = 1]

When Nick Cutter goes through the Forest of Dean time anomaly, he tries to take Rex with him, but Rex sneaks back through shortly before the anomaly closes and is taken home, secretly, by Abby and kept as a pet. In Episode 5, he escapes Abby's flat and follows Connor to an anomaly site, where he gets chased by a pterosaur and escapes into the forest. He is soon found by Abby and Connor. By the end of season 1, Rex seems to have clearly latched onto his two new owners as they have to him. Connor even calls himself Rex's "daddy".

Rex appears briefly in Episode 8, still living in Abby's flat and having an intent dislike to Caroline Steel, snapping at her with his jaws. In Episode 9, it is revealed that Caroline is sending pictures of Rex taken on her cellphone to Oliver Leek as part of his plans revealed in Episode 12.

In Episode 10, Caroline shuts Rex into Abby's freezer. When found by Abby, Rex is nearly frozen to death, but is quickly nursed back to health by Abby.

In Episode 11, Caroline continues her cruel streak towards Rex by hitting him with a tennis racquet into a punchbag, knocking him unconscious and taking him to Oliver Leek.

In Episode 13, Rex is kept with Oliver Leek's captured creatures but eventually escapes. He escapes the base with Connor, Abby, Caroline and Jenny, but not before sustaining a gunshot wound. Rex survives when his former captor Caroline and Abby help heal him. Rex will return in series 3.

References