Red Dwarf

The Red Dwarf sapce ship as seen in series 10

Red dwarf cast series 10

Red dwarf usa 9

Red Dwarf is a British science fiction television sitcom that first aired on BBC Two on 15 February 1988. The series was created by Rob Grant and Doug Naylor, who also wrote the majority of the episodes. Red Dwarf is set in the distant future and follows the misadventures of the last human alive, Dave Lister, who is stranded three million years into deep space on the mining ship Red Dwarf. Alongside Lister are Arnold Rimmer, a hologram of Lister's dead bunkmate; Cat, a lifeform that evolved from Lister's pet cat; Kryten, a service mechanoid; and Holly, the ship's AI.

Plot

The series begins with Dave Lister, a low-ranking technician on the mining ship Red Dwarf, being placed in stasis as punishment for smuggling a cat aboard. While Lister is in stasis, a radiation leak kills the crew, but he is safely sealed away. He is revived millions of years later to find the ship's computer, Holly, has released him, and he is now three million years into deep space and the last human being alive. Holly has also brought back a hologram of Lister's despised roommate, Arnold Rimmer, to keep him sane. They encounter the Cat, a vain, self-obsessed creature descended from Lister's pet cat, who has evolved in the ship's hold. Later, they are joined by Kryten, a service mechanoid they rescue from a crashed spaceship.

Characters

• Dave Lister - The main protagonist, a slobbish and laid-back last human being alive.
• Arnold Rimmer - A hologram of Lister's officious and cowardly former bunkmate.
• Cat - A narcissistic, fashion-conscious being who evolved from Lister's pet cat.
• Kryten - A service mechanoid rescued by the crew, known for his strict adherence to protocol and morality.
• Holly - The ship's computer, originally with an IQ of 6000, but now significantly reduced.

Themes and Reception

Red Dwarf blends elements of black comedy, satire, and science fiction to explore themes of existentialism, loneliness, and the human condition, often through the lens of absurdity and humor. The show has been praised for its originality, clever writing, and the chemistry between its characters. It has developed a cult following and has influenced many other works in science fiction and comedy.

Production

The show's production was marked by its innovative use of models and special effects for the time, as well as its reliance on sharp, witty dialogue and character-driven humor. Over the years, Red Dwarf has seen various changes in its production team, cast, and even broadcaster, moving from BBC Two to Dave, a British television channel, for its later series.

Legacy

Red Dwarf has had a significant impact on British television, contributing to the popularity of science fiction comedies. It has spawned novels, a radio series, magazines, and merchandise. The series has also been the subject of academic studies and has a dedicated fan base that continues to grow.