This series seems to be marmite, but I've absolutely been loving the return of the Dwarfs. Although I have seen episode 5 and think that's the weakest episode so far.
I'm enjoying the new series but it's lacking the clever and thoughtful character-driven humour that used to be such a big part of the early series, The early series had less in the way of special effects, so the writers had to put more 'effort' into character interaction.
Having re-watched series 2-4 recently - in honour of the new series starting - the best Rimmer-centred episodes are the ones that are an equal mix of him being his usual smeghead self and the more tragic elements of the character as a result of his childhood, which Give and Take briefly touched upon again a week earlier. Rimmer's character used to create equal amounts of annoyance and sympathy in viewers thanks to clever and thoughtful writing and this was missing in the latest episode, it was just Rimmer being a smeghead as he became obsessed with having a bit of power. I found some scenes funny and/or interesting but in terms of character writing, it's not as good as early series Rimmer episodes.
Dimension Jump was a great episode partly because of Chris Barrie's ability to create two very different characters and party because the audience was finding it tragic to watch Arnold behave in the jealous way that he did over Ace and Lister being friends, which came on top of the 'sad' episode opening where Lister, Cat and Kryten are attempting to sneak off the ship without Rimmer waking up. The humour and sympathy came from that, rather than being forced.
I'm enjoying the new series but it's lacking the clever and thoughtful character-driven humour that used to be such a big part of the early series, The early series had less in the way of special effects, so the writers had to put more 'effort' into character interaction.
Having re-watched series 2-4 recently - in honour of the new series starting - the best Rimmer-centred episodes are the ones that are an equal mix of him being his usual smeghead self and the more tragic elements of the character as a result of his childhood, which Give and Take briefly touched upon again a week earlier. Rimmer's character used to create equal amounts of annoyance and sympathy in viewers thanks to clever and thoughtful writing and this was missing in the latest episode, it was just Rimmer being a smeghead as he became obsessed with having a bit of power. I found some scenes funny and/or interesting but in terms of character writing, it's not as good as early series Rimmer episodes.
Dimension Jump was a great episode partly because of Chris Barrie's ability to create two very different characters and party because the audience was finding it tragic to watch Arnold behave in the jealous way that he did over Ace and Lister being friends, which came on top of the 'sad' episode opening where Lister, Cat and Kryten are attempting to sneak off the ship without Rimmer waking up. The humour and sympathy came from that, rather than being forced.
I agree. Actually the most recent episode was probably my favourite of the current series and it's not a coincidence that it doesn't involve RImmer too much.
I would have thought that the reason is simply the absence of Rob Grant since season six.
I agree. Actually the most recent episode was probably my favourite of the current series and it's not a coincidence that it doesn't involve RImmer too much.
I would have thought that the reason is simply the absence of Rob Grant since season six.
He always had that though when he had any sniff of power. To me, he was acting like he did in Quarantine when he has that Holographic virus. Mind you I thought Barrie was on top form in "Officer Rimmer"
He always had that though when he had any sniff of power. To me, he was acting like he did in Quarantine when he has that Holographic virus. Mind you I thought Barrie was on top form in "Officer Rimmer"
He was, which is why I did enjoy the episode, just not as much as the previous one Give or Take. I haven't seen Krysis yet.
The best Rimmer episodes are those where he's mostly a smeghead but with a glimpse of humanity / sympathy thrown in.
I agree. Actually the most recent episode was probably my favourite of the current series and it's not a coincidence that it doesn't involve RImmer too much.
I would have thought that the reason is simply the absence of Rob Grant since season six.
I agree and think and thought Backwards was superior to Last Human (both alternate sequels to Better Than Life).
Grant is the better writer in my opinion - seven and eight had their moments but were not a patch on one through six.
This series is enjoyable enough but lacks depth - and the endings are far too abrupt for my liking - I would like to have actually seen the Rimmer Monster blasted to kingdom come.
For the record Dimension Jump may very well be my favourite episode of all time - both comic and tragic in equal measure and with a poignancy that is very personal to me.
Just goes to show. I thought Zapped was good (never seen Yonderland) but find The Peep Show poor and not worth watching.
Yonderland is special its quirky and sweet, peep show is often very sad, I may have liked Zapped if I didnt watch yonderland, but it couldnt stand up to it
This series is enjoyable enough but lacks depth - and the endings are far too abrupt for my liking - I would like to have actually seen the Rimmer Monster blasted to kingdom come.
THIS. They're edited to death. Really need to be 15 minutes longer.
This series seems to be marmite, but I've absolutely been loving the return of the Dwarfs. Although I have seen episode 5 and think that's the weakest episode so far.
Agree, again it's a bit of a rehash of previous episodes. This one is based from Legion.
Episode 5 was one of the weakest of the series for me, I only raised a smile a few times and I only found half the storyline interesting. The mind boggles at those people saying this series could be the best EVER..
I still think part of the problem - for me - is that with the better special effects these days, there's less focus on the characters themselves generating the humour, which is what the show relied on back in the 80's and 90's.
Kryten had a few poignant moments and Rimmer was almost - almost - nice but I didn't enjoy the episode that much.
Episode 5 was one of the weakest of the series for me, I only raised a smile a few times and I only found half the storyline interesting. The mind boggles at those people saying this series could be the best EVER..
I still think part of the problem - for me - is that with the better special effects these days, there's less focus on the characters themselves generating the humour, which is what the show relied on back in the 80's and 90's.
Kryten had a few poignant moments and Rimmer was almost - almost - nice but I didn't enjoy the episode that much.
It goes to show how different taste impact our view as episode 5 was my favourite of the series so far.
It goes to show how different taste impact our view as episode 5 was my favourite of the series so far.
I could understand this series being a favourite with those people who'd never loved the early series because of a lack of special effects etc but when I re-watch episodes like Queeg, Marooned and Camille, the quality of character writing just doesn't compare. Since Kryten is one of my favourite characters, I wasn't expecting to be disappointed as much as I was.
Oh well, hopefully I'll enjoy the next one - last in the series - more.
A good solid series. After watching them all a couple of times, Give and take, Can of Worms and Samsara were my faves followed by Twentica, Officer Rimmer and Krysis. Looking forward to XII (shame didn't get to see the filming this time, saw Lemons from X). XIII and XIV are more or less a certainty now.
I could understand this series being a favourite with those people who'd never loved the early series because of a lack of special effects etc but when I re-watch episodes like Queeg, Marooned and Camille, the quality of character writing just doesn't compare. Since Kryten is one of my favourite characters, I wasn't expecting to be disappointed as much as I was.
Oh well, hopefully I'll enjoy the next one - last in the series - more.
It's all relative I suppose:
If I was ranking the different series I say in general that:
Season 1: B+
Season 2-5: A+
Season 6: A
Season 7: B-
Season 8: C
Back to Earth: B
Season 10: C+
Season 11: B-
I just thought that episode 5 was the best of a mediocre bunch.
I thought that it was an odd one to end on too, but there were some great episodes there.
Still waiting for Norman Lovett and Hattie Hayridge to be brought back. Please make it happen!
Comments
I'm enjoying the new series but it's lacking the clever and thoughtful character-driven humour that used to be such a big part of the early series, The early series had less in the way of special effects, so the writers had to put more 'effort' into character interaction.
Having re-watched series 2-4 recently - in honour of the new series starting - the best Rimmer-centred episodes are the ones that are an equal mix of him being his usual smeghead self and the more tragic elements of the character as a result of his childhood, which Give and Take briefly touched upon again a week earlier. Rimmer's character used to create equal amounts of annoyance and sympathy in viewers thanks to clever and thoughtful writing and this was missing in the latest episode, it was just Rimmer being a smeghead as he became obsessed with having a bit of power. I found some scenes funny and/or interesting but in terms of character writing, it's not as good as early series Rimmer episodes.
Dimension Jump was a great episode partly because of Chris Barrie's ability to create two very different characters and party because the audience was finding it tragic to watch Arnold behave in the jealous way that he did over Ace and Lister being friends, which came on top of the 'sad' episode opening where Lister, Cat and Kryten are attempting to sneak off the ship without Rimmer waking up. The humour and sympathy came from that, rather than being forced.
I agree. Actually the most recent episode was probably my favourite of the current series and it's not a coincidence that it doesn't involve RImmer too much.
I would have thought that the reason is simply the absence of Rob Grant since season six.
He always had that though when he had any sniff of power. To me, he was acting like he did in Quarantine when he has that Holographic virus. Mind you I thought Barrie was on top form in "Officer Rimmer"
He was, which is why I did enjoy the episode, just not as much as the previous one Give or Take. I haven't seen Krysis yet.
The best Rimmer episodes are those where he's mostly a smeghead but with a glimpse of humanity / sympathy thrown in.
I agree and think and thought Backwards was superior to Last Human (both alternate sequels to Better Than Life).
Grant is the better writer in my opinion - seven and eight had their moments but were not a patch on one through six.
This series is enjoyable enough but lacks depth - and the endings are far too abrupt for my liking - I would like to have actually seen the Rimmer Monster blasted to kingdom come.
For the record Dimension Jump may very well be my favourite episode of all time - both comic and tragic in equal measure and with a poignancy that is very personal to me.
Yonderland is special its quirky and sweet, peep show is often very sad, I may have liked Zapped if I didnt watch yonderland, but it couldnt stand up to it
I hope ep 5 of red dwarf is better than 4
THIS. They're edited to death. Really need to be 15 minutes longer.
I still think part of the problem - for me - is that with the better special effects these days, there's less focus on the characters themselves generating the humour, which is what the show relied on back in the 80's and 90's.
Kryten had a few poignant moments and Rimmer was almost - almost - nice
It goes to show how different taste impact our view as episode 5 was my favourite of the series so far.
Yes, the slot is 40 minutes but the ep rarely runs longer than 31/32 minutes including ad break.
I could understand this series being a favourite with those people who'd never loved the early series because of a lack of special effects etc but when I re-watch episodes like Queeg, Marooned and Camille, the quality of character writing just doesn't compare. Since Kryten is one of my favourite characters, I wasn't expecting to be disappointed as much as I was.
Oh well, hopefully I'll enjoy the next one - last in the series - more.
It's all relative I suppose:
If I was ranking the different series I say in general that:
Season 1: B+
Season 2-5: A+
Season 6: A
Season 7: B-
Season 8: C
Back to Earth: B
Season 10: C+
Season 11: B-
I just thought that episode 5 was the best of a mediocre bunch.
Upon a re-watch, episode 5 wasn't quite so bad.
An episode of Red Dwarf that's just OK is still better than most so called sitcoms these days.
Odd episode to end the season on though.
Still waiting for Norman Lovett and Hattie Hayridge to be brought back. Please make it happen!
Anybody want any toast?
It will never reach the height of series 3-6 again (which were 8.5, 10, 10 and 10 respectively), but is still very entertaining.
I just wish there was a bit more depth and far more structured endings which seem to be too abrupt.
But it's better than I would have expected.
Good stuff.
UKTV online put them up a few days earlier.