Red Dwarf Series X Confirmed
I thought since Doctor Who had its own thread, I'd make one about Red Dwarf.
As of the 15th of April Doug Naylor confirmed that a new series is deffnitley in production with channel Dave. Other good news the episodes will be 30 minutes instead of 23 minutes and will be shown in a 40 minute block with ads. The broadcast is slated for September 2012.
So what do people think? Excited or hesitant? Should Holly return? Should the laugh track return? Should bunk scenes return? Will there be dillicious warm buttery toast?
As of the 15th of April Doug Naylor confirmed that a new series is deffnitley in production with channel Dave. Other good news the episodes will be 30 minutes instead of 23 minutes and will be shown in a 40 minute block with ads. The broadcast is slated for September 2012.
So what do people think? Excited or hesitant? Should Holly return? Should the laugh track return? Should bunk scenes return? Will there be dillicious warm buttery toast?
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Comments
Now I just have to hope that it airs in the US.
That's what made 1 - 6 great is that they both had different writing styles and comedy styles and when working together, produced some of the best and funniest Red Dwarf moments.
I'm sure most Red Dwarf fans already know this, but I still wish that Rob Grant would just come back and both of them put their differences aside so we can get some brilliant Red Dwarf work again instead of just OK stuff.
Anyway, great news. Red Dwarf is one of my all-time favorite shows. Also, thanks for reminding me I should get back to my plan of rewatching it all.
Also, I really hope they can get Norman Lovett back as Holly.
But yeah, colour me interested by this. I don't watch much TV these days, so this should get me stuck in front of the TV again. I just hope Doug Naylor realizes that, as great an ideas man he is, he needs help with the whole... 'comedy' thing. The last few series haven't been so hot with that.
You are aware that Doug Naylor co-wrote series VII and VIII with various other writers aren't you? Personally, I really enjoy series VII and 'Back to Earth' (which was written solely by Naylor), although I do despise '2 Pints of Larger and a Packet of Crisps in Space' (aka series VIII). There's no denying that the show was a lot funnier when Rob Grant was on board though.
I'm looking forward to the new series but I hope Doug is able to resist writing 2 or 3 part episodes and go back to the shows self contained singular episode roots. As for Holly, Norman Lovett is unlikely to return now he has fallen out with GNP again (in fact he slagged off BtE and stated that he was glad not to have done it and that he isn't interested in returning again). I believe that leaves Hattie as the most likely candidate, which would be pretty cool seaming as we haven't seen her as Holly since the end of series V.
It's worth noting that Doug is aiming to get the live studio audience back. I kind of have mixed feelings about that; the show would benefit from cast members performing to the very best of their comedic abilities and the show would have a livelier feel once again (although series VIII was filmed with an audience and it hardly made it a better show). On the other hand it would mean largely sacrificing the cinematic look seen in series VII and BtE and after seeing just how fantastic the exteriors and interiors of the crimson-short-one looked in BtE, I feel that would be a huge shame.
Regarding Kochanski; I really hope that she doesn't appear as a regular crew member again because I always felt that, much like the entire crew of Red Dwarf being resurrected for series VIII, that messed up the core appeal and concept of the show, which is at its greatest when it's running with the idea of a bunch of males, lost in deep space, with Lister as the last human alive. This made for the SIT part of the SIT-COM and also provides moments of poinency and pathos.
Instead, following the reveal of Kochanski's whereabouts during BtE, I would like the story arc for series X to focus on Lister's continual hunt for Kochanski. As the crew follow her trail they get into a new adventure each week, with episode 6 concluding with her return (just think along the lines of the structure used for series VI as the crew search for the hi-jacked Red Dwarf).
One last thing; it's high about time that the Cat got his own episode (other than Waiting For God from series I and the only partially produced, canned series VII episode The Identity Within). The episode could revolve around the crew coming across the Cat race's Ark spaceship last talked about in series I. The Cat would finally get to talk to his own people and discover what fate befell the Ark and it's kitty inhabitants. Also, maybe Lister and the Cat people have a conflict, seeming as they wrongly believed Lister to be their God whilst he was locked up in stasis.
I understood Doug Naylor worked with Paul Alexander but am not aware that he wrote any individual episodes. I found BtE alright but underwhelming. I think the show could do with some newer writers bringing something different here and there. It's not that I doubt Naylor's writing talents but a guy can't always the same as he was 15 years ago.
It's sad that Norman Lovett may not return, his Holly had some of the best lines and Hattie would be likely to do it. I believe she frequents alot of the conventions.
The live audience would be good but agree that its not the magic wand that brings them back to the early seasons and if the writings not there it just becomes a superficious trimming. I didn't like the interiors they didn't have that dirty look to the walls and it wasn't red. I mean Red Dwarf is a mining ship it's not supposed to look clean it serves it's function.
Agree on Kochanski.
Agree on the Cat idea he's really just pushed to the background in the later series.
I agree with you on this (well, except about the interior walls being red...really?!?!), Doug Naylor has stated that he always wanted the sets to look like Ridley Scott's Alien so I'm not sure why the corridors looked so clinical. What I was saying though was that the technical proficiency of those interior shots was pretty special for a UK TV show. Although surely you loved the exterior shots (including that stunning shot from outside the cemetery)? Also. that wide shot of the cargo bay was breathtaking and also suitably grimy.
Don't even start me on the Dwarfers frolicking about on Coronation Street
I do agree to an extent but I was never that bothered by the elements that you mentioned. I almost feel like I should have been but I'm not. I guess it all comes down to the fact that it was all a hallucination in context of the show.
Having said that, I would rather they lost the DVD and Coronation Street references but I'm certainly not too fussed either way. I think I'm just relieved that BtE wasn't offensively awful like series VIII was!
P.S. I'm aware that it's all subjective
I liked series VIII, it done its best to get back to the whole early series vibe with Lister and Rimmer in close quarters.
I mean series VIII was far better than series VII which thought it could do serious sci-fi and be funny. Also, hardly any Rimmer, which didn't go down well with me at all
First let me say that you're not wrong because it's your opinion. Anyway...
I loved the concept of getting back to the Rimmer and Lister bunk scenes but the two of them acted like best friends throughout the series which completely ruined it for me.
I have always believed that those who watch Red Dwarf for the comedy dislike series VII and like series VIII. Whereas people like myself who enjoy Red Dwarf more for the Sci-Fi, character development and drama like series VII and dislike series VIII.
Swings and roundabouts.
I like the sci-fi elements as well, but the comedy comes first and foremost for me. The earlier Series got the tone perfect, Series VII made it all a bit too dark and super-duper serious for me, did I mention no Rimmer?
Apples and oranges
Don't get me wrong, I also love the comedy and not just the Sci-fi. The loss of Rimmer sucked but at least they did what they could to pepper him throughout series VII following his departure.
To each their own.
Oh yeah def, they crammed him in and I lvoed it all. But they should've maybe focused on the Cat rather than bringing in Kochanski, who I thought was a particularly grating character myself
Six to one, half a dozen the other
Bringing in Kochanski wasn't the wisest of moves but at least she had a character in series VII, no matter how grating. The character's personality was MIA in series VIII.
Whatever floats your boat.
P.S. Sorry to repost this but it seems apt considering the thread...
My impersonation of the Red Dwarf crew:
http://kiwi6.com/file/0aljjmrxw7 (You can either download the MP3 or just click on the play button below 'Listen').
Ohohoho, me too
Couldn't think of any quotes like, but whatevz
Hehe, cool. Your Kryten beat mine over the head with his groinal attachment but my Cat squirted milk from all six of his nipples at yours.
I'd say our Listers are about even(ly bad).
Rimmer feels left out and won't speak to you.
Running out of quotes but still... Yeah well, that's just like your opinion man.
Impressions are fun! You know what else is fun? Series of Red Dwarf that have Rimmer
You know what's even more fun? Series of Red Dwarf that don't forgo all character development, focusing instead on cheap sexual innuendos and featuring Rimmer only as a hollow husk of his former self.
I totally agree.
You could tell they were desperately trying to bring back the character development and pathos from the first two series. The role of the bunk scenes is to have an intimicy between Lister and Rimmer. But just because you have got that intimacy you still need good writing. Personally I didn't like either series VII or VIII, both having epsiodes I see as the worst of Red Dwarf "Beyond a Joke" and "Krytie TV"
For a show that has a gag about sex dolls in nearly every episode the cheap innuendo didn't annoy me so much. Also the whole Kochanski and Lister all of a sudden having a flow-blown relationship in the past despite everything we've heard previous being introduced in Series VII was a bit herp derp.
But let us not focus on the engative, tell me people. What's your favourite series? I love Series 1 and 2, and I adore series 5 (Quarantine's prolly my favouritest episode ever) but at the end of the day I love them all, even Series VII and VIII
There's some awesome and very comprehensive DVDs available. Just saying.
My favourite series is series II. As for my favourite epsiodes (I like them all aside from series VIII so this is just my personal highlights)...
Series I
Future Echoes - Great use of a Sci-fi plotline.
Me² - Very funny and it also provides an interesting thought in the form of; what would you do if you were stuck with an exact copy of yourself? When you're Rimmer you know the results won't be good!
Series II
Thanks for the Memory - Easily, one of the most clever stories told within Red Dwarf. Plus, the scene with a drunken Rimmer and a fried egg and chilli chutney sandwich is a classic.
Queeg - Norman Lovett's episode. The twist at the end is brilliant and hilarious.
Series III
Marooned - A wonderful character study between Lister and Rimmer. Essentially, one extended bunk room type scene.
Polymorph - Red Dwarf's unique spin on Alien and its ilk. Also featuring an extremely fake looking snake.
Bodyswap - A great concept which revolves around Rimmer and Lister swapping bodies, only for Rimmer to abuse his host's (already shaky) temple.
Series IV
DNA - It features a psychotic curry man, made from mutton vindaloo (who can only be defeated with lager; the one thing that will kill a curry). What's not to love?!
Series V
Quarantine - A fantastic episode that's funny, creepy and full of character conflict all at once. The fact that it features Rimmer in a gingham dress certainly helps.
Awesome
Demons and Angels - An unnerving look into the demonic sides of the Red Dwarf crew. The fact that it features Rimmer in stockings and suspenders certainly helps.
Awesome?!
Back to Reality - An all time classic. Actually led people at the time to think that this was the end of the show due to its portrayal of the boys from the Dwarf having been in a videogame this whole time.
Series VI
Gunmen of the Apocalypse - An award winning show and rightly so. A tremendous mash up of the Science Fiction and Western genres (18 years prior to Cowboys and Aliens no less).
Rimmerworld - A planet full of Rimmers?! Better get those worry balls on the go!
Out of Time - A nailbiting cliffhanger is proceeded by an episode stuffed with more gags than old-Rimmer's belly is stuffed with roast suckling pig.
Series VII
Tikka to Ride - Aside from a huge continuity error that sees the time drive able to travel through both time AND space, this episode is very clever and finally answers the question of who shot J.F. Kennedy.
Stoke Me a Clipper - Ace Rimmer returns and fills the crew and audience in on the characters true origins via a very poignant scene.
Blue - Following Chris Barrie's departure from the series, it was not only nice to have another Rimmer episode but also a wonderful one that expands upon Lister and Rimmer's patchy relationship. Also happens to have Rimmsy and Listey kissing and a wonderful song at the end.
Beyond a Joke - Kryten at his most prissy, which you either love or hate. I love!
Series II
Better Than Life - A fantastic script is sadly let down by a limited budget (where Rhyl beach doubles for paradise).
A vision of Heaven. I think I'd rather go to Hell
Series III
Backwards - This was amazing back in the day. However, sadly the episode has not aged too well due to the backwards effect being old hat these days.
Series IV
White Hole - I just feel that the jokes fall a bit flat on this one. However, playing a game of Pool using planets is a genius concept.
Meltdown - Another fantastic script let down by budget problems. A planet far out in deep space looks exactly like a park in London apparently. Still, the jokes are wonderful and the ending is dripping with pathos.
Series V
The Inquisitor - Not bad, not great. Just is.
Series VIII
All 8 episodes. I won't harp on about the reasons though.
Quarantine - I just think this episode contains all the very best elements of Red Dwarf. Oh, did I also mention it has Rimmer WEARING A FREAKIN' GINGHAM DRESS!
"So, let me get this straight. You want to fly on a magic carpet to see the King of the Potato People and plead with him for your freedom, and you're telling me you are completely sane?!"
Overall Least Favourite Episode
Pete: Part 2 - Red Dwarf at its very worst. The moment where a dinosaur egg sprouts legs and runs away in a sped-up Benny Hill motion belongs in an episode of The Teletubbies, NOT Red Dwarf. Horrendous.
================
Doug Naylor took to the floor at this years Dimension Jump fan convention and answered some questions...
* Doug's focus is on a characterful series, coming back down to the 'intimate SF/sitcom' stylings of earlier series.
* Talkie Toaster might make a reappearance.
* Doug hopes to return to model effects - rather than CGI spaceships but this is dependant on budget.
Also I've been trying to think which episode is my favourite but I can't seem to narrow it down to one so here's a top 6, not in any particular order:
Back to Reality
White Hole
Future Echoes
Gunmen of the Apocalypse
Queeg
Dimension Jump
Favourite Episode Hard to say two are dueling in my mind Back to Reality and Better than Life.
Worst Episode Krytie TV. I like Davies description of Series VIII as Two Pints of Larger and a Packet of Chips in Space and this one was the worst. OK let's ignore the fact we're in space and this is sci-fi, lets have a story about a robot using a hidden camera to spy on women in the shower. The story could of been in a script by Chuck Lowe or any other American hack. I was really hopeful before this that there would be more cannary adventures getting back to the traditions of past series, then this comes along.
@Davies Agree about White Hole other than the joke with Cat and the pool with planets thing it's mostly unmemorable. Even though I've seen it around 5 times I only recall the start and end of the episode.
I know, but they're freaking expensive!
The postage would be a bitch, but it may work out cheaper in the end, something to look into
I couldn't agree more. Also, you're right... Series V was an absolute belter!
Well, if you do find some spare change down the back of the couch (and are able to play region 2 DVDs - which isn't really a hard thing to achieve) then I think importing from Amazon.co.uk is the way to go. Here's some choices for you...
Series I - VIII: Just The Shows (no special features) - £22.47
Individual series with all the (fantastic) special features are around £4.99 each...
Series I
Series II
Series III
Series IV
Series V
Series VI
Series VII
Series VIII
Red Dwarf: Back To Earth - Director's Cut
Or a new range of releases has just been launched, which is the individual series without the extras, at an all time low price of £3.97 per series...
You can find the first edition (Series I) here.
Your last option is to not buy any Red Dwarf for the ultra low price of £0.00, which you can simulate by clicking here.
Second tier: far too many to count. Pretty much all of III, IV, V, and half of I & II. Duct Soup - the best episode of VII and severely underrated. The extended version on VHS/DVD adds some great dialogue to scenes that had to be cut/shortened.
Least favourite: Beyond a Joke, and Pete Pt 1 & 2, Only the Good...
Probably should go back and rewatch the whole 9 seasons again at some point.
I still have some Red Dwarf VHS tapes even though I did replace the main series with DVDs...
Ohh, good call. I should have had that on my favourite episodes list. It really bugs me that Duct Soup is generally hated by the fans. When did character based comedy become so hated?!
Long time Red Dwarf fans may recall that for a considerable number of years Red Dwarf was discontinued on VHS. I spent two years hunting down every series (two separate VHS releases per series), I would sometimes have to travel the country to find a needed volume.
Once I finally got the whole collection it was worth £200+ second hand... and then they released the DVDs and my tapes value fell to around £20. Very annoying but I'd be lying if I said I hadn't enjoyed the hunt (it was the first and last time I've spent so long collecting something). Good times, good times...
By the way, what did people think of the remastered series I-III? I thought they were awful myself, some of those "new and improved" special effects were appalling and couldn't hold a candle to the original model shots. The very worst was also the very first addition to Series I, Episode I; two very badly superimposed Scutters cross the screen and look more like a channel ident then a part of the show.
One of them even stops and looks right at the camera and winks. Talk about breaking the fourth wall, I mean why would the Scutter even do this?! I suspect that Doug Naylor was suffering from GLS (George Lucas Syndrome). Also, the classic bulky design of the ship got changed to a long dong / pencil. Horrible.