Seeing it seems to be mentioned almost every podcast, I’m quite surprised to see no thread for Red Dwarf - the greatest of British sci-fi comedy.
I’m particularly interested in hearing the views of non-Brits about how they understood or did not understand it.
Please reply, or Mr. Flibble will be very angry…
I love Red Dwarf (see my sig), I’ve been watching for years. Thankfully it’s been repeated on television quite a lot. There have been rumours for years about a movie but it doesn’t look like it will be happening though
I put off watching Red Dwarf for ages, but finally decided to watch and am through Season 1 so far.
Its amazing how they manage to spin storylines with only a cast of 3 (plus the computer, some occasional appliances, and the service bots). Just shows how far good writing can really bring a show. You don’t need a big cast or amazing settings, just a good story and some actors who really grok their parts to make a show work.
That was the charm of it for me - the later series were not as good as the budget had increased, however that should not put you off watching the rest - there are some classic moments…
Really? I liked the later series a lot, especially 7 and 8. The show had evolved, but I thought it was still great. Man, I LOVE season 8 when they get back to the 'Dwarf and end up in the brig…bringing back Rimmer was a huge plus.
The first time I watched Red Dwarf, I was about 19 and had little to no experience listening to and understanding various British dialects (other than the “BBC” proper voice). I had a LOT of trouble understanding Lister in the first few episodes, and didn’t get a lot of the cultural jokes. But a little time and experience, years later it seems completely natural. And the more British comedies I’ve watched, the more I appreciate the cultural references and UK-specific words. (Common words like “nappy” were completely foreign to me and it took Black Adder to help me suss it out.)
One of the greatest things about Red Dwarf is that almost every episode can be traced directly to an episode of Star Trek: TNG or Star Trek: Voyager. When rewatching Voyager episodes a while back, we’d laugh constantly, making Red Dwarf references throughout.
“Would you like some toast?” 
I don’t know. I really didnt like them bringing in Kochanski, I dont think she was right for the tone of what had come previously. Losing Rimmer took it on a downward spiral (however you could argue it was well worth it for Rimmerworld) and with that a lot of the humour was lost as I thought Red Dwarf was all about Rimmer and Lister’s relationship, which may also be why I didnt like kochanski as she came between them and as we all know, three is a crowd. I think because I knew and loved the first few series, the last two ruined it for me in some respects.
Worthy of a bonus or direct to archive podcast maybe? (I know there are many many things that have been suggested so i dont expect it will happen anytime soon).
I’ve just finished Series 1 from Netflix and waiting for the Series 2 disc. I saw some of the show years ago but our PBS station quit showing it. Love it so far.
I liked it but its hard to find it here in the great white north on a reguar basis
just a side question Pixielass, a fan of the Pixies or just coincidence?
It came about in the time of the whole Lord of the Rings fandom thing a few years back and it kinda stuck around as my online name. The pixie part was just as an alternative to elf and lass means girl/woman/lady in my part of the world.
I too am a huge Red Dwarf fan from the States. While I don’t get every joke because the cultural differences, I’ve seen enough British TV to understand most accents and such.
My favorite episode is Backwards! I just think it is the most hilarious episode, and it’s really cool on the extras DVD because they’ve included the show that you can watch it FORWARDS! Funny stuff! i also love the Better than Life Episode!
J
Could this possibly coincide with the much-awaited movie release?
I totally hope this turns out to be true. I also hope they go back and do more of a Series 3-6 style of show. I think it will probably have a huge showing over in the UK and then we will finally eventually get a DVD over over here probably sometime in 2010. Oh i do hope this is true.
Curry and chicken vindaloo for everyone!!!
just found this out today http://www.denofgeek.com/television/846259/red_dwarf_new_series_now_100_confirmed_due_2012.html
And for those of you who want/need to catch up, it’s on Netflix streaming.