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Post by mummifiedstalin on Apr 16, 2011 23:14:06 GMT -5
I think the backlash against "Meltdown" has more to do with mood than plot -- all the other "people" set a different atmosphere than the four+ stuck on a ship. I agree with you: I think it's great, but the mood is very harsh. Rimmer isn't just a jackass; he actually seems pretty evil. I like that, though, because it gives his personality a chance to go to its logical/absurd conclusion. But I think it turns Rimmer into something that the show tried to do differently: in relation to Lister, he's actually a likable guy. Lister turns him into someone who is a "friend," even if it's a really awful friend. Lister humanizes him. But that Rimmer is just pure megalo-awful. It isn't really the same character...it's an "idea" of the character in extreme circumstances, and it doesn't quite ring true.
I get that. I still think it's a fun episode.
But, in the end, that leads the episode to seem a bit more thoughtful than funny, and that may be why people snag on it. I mean, Winnie the Pooh being executed by fire squad? As Lister says, "No one should ever have to see that."
And I should just say: "Marooned" ties "Back to Reality" for my favorite episode ever. The chemistry between Lister and Rimmer while they're stuck is the best in the show, period. Sure, I miss a bit of Cat and Kryten, and the four of them reflecting on themselves in "Back to Reality" gives me that...but Cat and Kryten are secondary to Lister/Rimmer...and Marooned is that relationship in its purest form.
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Post by siamesesin on Apr 18, 2011 15:42:39 GMT -5
And I should just say: "Marooned" ties "Back to Reality" for my favorite episode ever. The chemistry between Lister and Rimmer while they're stuck is the best in the show, period. Sure, I miss a bit of Cat and Kryten, and the four of them reflecting on themselves in "Back to Reality" gives me that...but Cat and Kryten are secondary to Lister/Rimmer...and Marooned is that relationship in its purest form. Yes. Yes. Yes. Still my favorite episode of all time, bar none. I liked the series before this episode pretty well, but this one pushed it over the edge into obsession for me. Brilliant. And I don't get the hate on "Meltdown". I like the level of reprehensible Rimmer sank to, because it was still pathetic overcompensation. And some killer one-liners in the episode too. (I love your reviews so far, MJ. Keep going!)
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Post by Mighty Jack on Apr 18, 2011 23:39:19 GMT -5
Season Five: 1992Starring: Chris Barrie, Craig Charles, Danny John-Jules, Robert Llewellyn, Hattie Hayridge Written by: Rob Grant & Doug Naylor Directed by: Juliet May & Grant/Naylor HoloshipRimmer looks to join the crew of a ship run by Holograms - and while it’s his dream come true, he’ll make the ultimate sacrifice out of concern for another. Thoughts: Dwarf amps up the sci-fi elements in season 5. This years season opener echoes Camille (season 4s opening episode)- this time with Rimmer mirroring a movie sacrifice. I don’t hear a lot about this episode, but I’ve always considered it one of Dwarf’s best. It’s an interesting and extremely sharply written tale that includes a glimpse of Rimmer's sweeter side. I enjoyed the relationship he had with Nirvana Crane (he and actress Jane Horrocks were very good together). Yeah, I'm a sap, and into stories like this... but Arnold being Arnold, doesn't allow it to go overboard. Of Note: The Holo evaluation of the Red Dwarf crew reminds me of the one in MST3K with an Observer observing the crew of the SOL. High points: Rimmer learns about sex on a Holoship. Later, Kryten finds this sex thing tacky (but Cat & Lister don’t agree). Meet brainy Arnold. The boys interview potential holographic crewmembers to join them after Arnold leaves. Arnold’s goodbye (“I came to regard you as, people I met”). Rimmer’s expression after he says something sentimental at the end. Low points: There were several cuts made to this episode in order to keep it under a half hour – many of these scenes were very funny or provided strong character bits and it’s unfortunate they were edited out – I’d love to see an extended version. The InquisitorA being travels the galaxy passing judgment on people who failed to live a worthwhile life. On trail this week is the crew of Red Dwarf, Thoughts: This one gives another spin on the “Justice” idea, as well as past timeline episodes. Despite the derivative aspects, the Inquisitor is a top notch story. A clever space adventure, with laughs and action and character moments a plenty. Lister and Kryten are a dream team; I loved watching them work together to outsmart the villian. High points: “Is that you mother?” - Kryten tells the legend of the Inquisitor. Cat’s trial is funny ("I have given pleasure to the world because I have such a beautiful ass"), Kryten’s is philosophical (and Llewellyn delivers his lines like a pro) Low points: Nothing jumps out at me. Though, once again, cuts eliminate some funny bits and sadly its Holly and Cat who suffer most (Holly does a wide scan, by rolling her eyes – Cat attempts to knock out Lister & Kryten with a shovel). TerraformThe guys have to try to rescue Rimmer from a planet that has reformed itself based on Arnold’s subconscious. Can they escape Rimmer’s twisted mind? Thoughts: Season 5 continues to roll on with another good one. While the episode doesn’t offer any new revelations, it is loaded with memorably funny moments (as mentioned bellow) High points: One of the all time classic scenes: Lister and Cat at the computer as something crawls up Dave’s leg. Rimmer is oiled up. Cat locates Rimmer’s charm. Kryten lists Rimmer’s bad points. Jet powered rocket pants? Krytie, Cat and Dave butter up Rimmer to try and boost his confidence. Low points: The 3 Musketeer thing at the end was cheesy. Quaratine"Mr. Flibble is very cross" - Rimmer picks up a holo-virus and holds the other 3 captive Thoughts: The sci-fi elements continue to grow, here the boys launch a scouter beacon. This is an unforgettable episode for many reasons and primarily for one. Quarantine starts off hilarious, with mad hologram Dr. Lanstrom - and only gets better with a quarrelsome Cat, Kryten & Lister held in quarantine by an infected Rimmer. Arnold opens the show whiny, shifts into smeghead mode before going hilariously insane (in red checkered gingham). Mr. Flibble became one the shows enduring images, with Flibble puppets being clamored for by Dwarf fans. High points: Cat’s reaction to a graphic warning sign. As our favorite riffers have often mentioned, Cat makes note of that old sci-fi oddity when he wonders why they can never meet anyone who can shoot straight. Mr. Flibble. The King of the potato people Low points: Lapse in logic – wouldn’t a ship the size of the Red Dwarf already have had a doctor (as well as holo disc) on board? Lister’s odd/irritating crazy guy noise and dance at the end was embarrassing. Demons and AngelsKryten’s triplicator extracts the best and worse of the item it’s imitating… which after an accident, now includes the Red Dwarf and its crew. The gang meet themselves at their very best, and their very worst. Thoughts: Oh the endless possibilities that presents themselves with this premise. D&A is a mixed bag. Not everything works (the evil versions sometimes act less evil and more like naughty schoolboys) but when it does click it’s damn funny. The best part of the episode was the good Dwarfers, their excessive kind-heartedness never got old. High points: The angelic Dwarf crew put on a show. Later they meet their evil counterparts ("He’s accidentally shot me 5 times, oh how I love him!") The first time we see evil Rimmer in fishnet stockings (GAH!). Kryten sneaks up on Lister ("Surprise me now!") Low points: Lister’s evil side has an irritating laugh. Some of the humor is childish (the show’s punch line is Cat making Lister slap himself?) Back to RealityWas Red Dwarf was simply a virtual reality game? Are crewmembers completely different people who all live extremely different lives? Thoughts: I’ve always considered season 3 the funniest of the series, but after watching season 5, I feel it challenges 3 at least on the basis of offering consistently good shows week in and week out. And in one instance, it exceeded everything Dwarf had ever done and would ever do. What City on the Edge of Tomorrow is to Star Trek, what Manos is to MST3K – Back to Reality is to Dwarf. Whether it’s your #1 favorite or not, it’s the episode everyone talks about when they talk about the best aspects of the series. It starts off like it’ll be a straightforward funny and scary sci-fi adventure. Starbug 2 is a submersible (cool) and a despair squid attacks… and that’s when everything changes and the episode swings into high. I got one belly laugh after another; tears squeezed from my eyes every time dorky Cat was on screen: Those teeth, that hair -- the thermos! But all the alternate personalities were a kick. Plus, the mystery novel reader in me loved Kryten as a hard-boiled detective... er, Traffic cop. This is the best and funniest the show has ever been. It’s a great story with great interaction between the characters. Note: Harry Potter regular, Timothy Spall is here in a small role. According to the cast, he got a bad case of the nerves and struggled with his delivery. What we see is the second take (and it’s a funny scene). High points: Everything – but especially Duane Dibbley Low points: That it had to end.
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Post by The Mad Plumber on Apr 20, 2011 0:03:45 GMT -5
After my sister had shown me Netflix, I have had the opportunity to watch virtually all of the Red Dwarf episodes. However, there's one episode that says it's unavailable and I skipped the last two episodes of the sixth season. "Emohawk" just seemed like such a cynical exercise that I didn't feel like finishing up that season.
As far as a favorite episode goes, I'm more inclined to lean towards "Quarantine". When you see Rimmer in that gingham getup with a sock puppet on his hand as he bellows that sound of disgust at utter random, it's comedy gold. "Because the King of the Potato People won't let me."
I also have an odd appreciation for "The Inquisitor" because the villain is a thought-provoking one. He says he's improving society, and yet he replaces Lister and Kryten with Lister and Kryten. How is that improving upon society? The trial of the four characters stands as the best part of the episode, especially when Kryten deflects questions back at the Inquisitor.
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Post by Mighty Jack on Apr 21, 2011 0:05:13 GMT -5
Season Six: 1993Starring: Chris Barrie, Craig Charles, Danny John-Jules, Robert Llewellyn Written by: Rob Grant & Doug Naylor Directed by: Andy de Emmony PsirensLister wakes from a deep sleep and learns that Red Dwarf was stolen and the boys are in Starbug chasing after them. This sets them on course towards a confrontation with mind-altering aliens that suck out your brains with a straw. Thoughts: With this season Dwarf continues the trend of pushing their sci-fi personality, and it also offers a running storyline. Holly was gone, as was Red Dwarf itself and things felt a little off because of it. There were laughs at any rate; new gags include Rimmer’s uproarious space corps directives, Cat’s nasal powers and “deader than…” lines. (Cat gets more to do overall) While the monster here is ‘part pleasure Gelf/part Polymorph’, Psirens is another good season opener, with many laugh out loud moments as well as a clever bit with Lister and his guitar. Jenny Agutter, still looking fantastic, has a cameo as Kryten’s creator. Clare Grogan makes her final appearance as Kochanski. High points: Lister makes out with a space bug. Which Lister is the real Lister? A compacted Kryten. Low points: Holly and Red Dwarf M.I.A. LegionThe boys explore a space station where they meet a being of great genius and sophistication. This alien can only take form when others are around so it seeks to keep the guys on board for eternity. Thoughts: This has always been one of my top 5 favorite episodes and acts as the introduction to Rimmer’s ‘hard light’ tech, which makes him solid --- which of course the comedy exploits. I loved the story, and the interesting looking being that the Dwarfers confront is one of the series most fascinating (and the actor had a great voice). Additionally the show is a riot, with many quotable quips and sidesplitting bits of physical humor. Judging by my laughter, this is equitable to the comedy to be had in Season III. High points: Rimmer wants to go to red alert (“Sir, are you absolutely sure, It does mean changing the bulb” – Kryten). Dinner with anti-matter chop sticks. Kryten tries to knock out Rimmer. Rimmer tries to buy Legion’s light switch. The reveal of the face drawn on the sculpture. Low points: Though the conversation was funny, Lister eating Space Weevil was icky Gunmen of the ApocalypseKryten (and the rest) battle a computer virus, all of which manifests itself in a western motif. Thoughts: It’s another tale of virtual reality, and another solid ‘fan favorite’ to boot. I’m a western fan so I got a kick out of watching Red Dwarf tackle the genre. They have fun with the archetypes, each Dwarfer gets a special skill (and Danny John-Jules is a standout with that little dance and quick guitar lick. He said he wanted them to throw a guitar at him and he’d play the bit each time, and then he’d throw the guitar off screen again – that would have been a hoot and a half). This is the show that won Dwarf an Emmy. High points: Lister romancing a gal in VR, Kryten has to interrupt. Lister & Cat attempt to trick a human hating simulant using an old gag. The Rivera kid uses his special skills to keep Kryten from leaving town (now that’s good physical humor). Low points: Nothing glaring. Emohawk – Polymorph IIOn the run from the law, Starbug crashes onto a Gelf planet. In negotiating for a much-needed part, Lister gets roped into taking a gelf wife. When he ditches her, an Emohawk (Polymorph) is sent out to plague the crew. Thoughts: There are a lot of funny bits and the concept is top notch, but its parts are better than the whole. Stitched together, it feels a bit off to me. That’s not to say that it’s a terrible episode, not at all - and it’s great to see Duane Dibbley and Ace Rimmer again. Though it does give the episode the air of being rather fanfic-esque. High points: "Well, at least Mr, Lister’s guitar survived intact..." - Lister’s marriage. The action team of Duane Dibbley and Ace Rimmer! Cat’s line, "I have got hair like yours, just not on my head"Low points: Some of the banter came off forced (and unfunny) at the start (Cat’s Hula skirt, Lister’s butt cleavage and Kryten’s Japanese instructions- lines) RimmerworldThe guys are under the gun from a simulant. Rimmer cowards out, ditches his pals and jumps in an escape pod. He winds up on a planet for 600 years, which he terraforms in his own image. Thoughts: Once again the writers are drawing from past episodes, this is a bit of Terraform and Meltdown and while that tactic has worked in the past, there’s something indistinct about this episode. It doesn’t stand out and make the leap from good to great - though there are several stand out lines… High points: Rimmer’s medical test and Kryten’s diagnosis. The worry balls (”Grind those balls sir, grind them!”) Cat says, “What do they have against me Derrick and Titan?” Lister forms an elaborate escape plan; before Kryten injects that they could just use the teleporter. Low points: More butt crack jokes… boy they really like ‘em this season. Also, there’s a lot of exposition. Out of TimeStarbug runs into a false reality and later, the boys discover a time machine and learn that their future selves are dickweeds. Thoughts: I remember watching this the first time it aired, and how I’d hoped we’d finally find Red Dwarf and re-unite with Holly - - only that didn’t happen, instead everyone blow’d up, they blow’d up real good. I liked season 6 a lot, but I hated the way it ended (and then we had a 4-year wait for another season). Watching it again - divorced from that upset, I was able to see that this had some damn hysterical sequences. The first half is a hoot. The final act though? Despite Llewellyn’s terrific turn in dual roles, I just didn’t care for the future Dwarf crew or the sudden shift in tone in that overly melodramatic finish High points: The way Kryten reacts to the news that Lister is a robot, and later his shame when he discovers it was a false reality. The guys run through a series of unreality pockets. Kryten’s joy over the time machine… which doesn’t take you anywhere but where you are. Low points: Their future selves and that ending
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Post by Mighty Jack on Apr 22, 2011 1:09:20 GMT -5
Season Seven: 1997Starring Chris Barrie, Craig Charles, Danny John-Jules, Robert Llewellyn, Chloe Annett Written by: Doug Naylor, with Paul Alexander (2,7,8), Kim Fuller (5), Robert Llewellyn (6), and James Hendrie (8) Directed by: Ed Bye The team of Grant and Naylor split and this changes the Dwarf dynamic. Grant was considered the more ‘joke’ centered writer and without him the stories boost the drama elements. That’s doesn’t mean there aren’t great laughs to be had. I wont be jumping on the bandwagon to bash these next 2 seasons simply for committing the sin of not being “Dwarfy” enough (whatever that means). All I ask of the show is that it entertains me. That I have a laugh, enjoy the story and characters and have a good time. For me, Red Dwarf did not stop being Red Dwarf after season five or six. Tikka To RideA trip to the past to restock Lister’s curry and vindaloos, causes the crew to inadvertently foil the Kennedy assassination. They sadly have to put things to order. Thoughts: It’s a dicey subject, especially for American, maybe more so for older Irish-Catholic American’s who loved JFK (my family). But the Brits aren’t too disrespectful even though this is one of Dwarf’s black comedies. The episode is not perfect, it takes too long to get started, there’s excessive exposition. But I like it a lot. The bit with altered Kryten doing all manner of naughty thing makes me howl, and the story is well told and even a bit touching. High points: Head 2’s head opens like a car hood. Kryten acting completely out of character is side splittingly funny, black comedy at its finest (smoking, drinking, saying “you bet your ass” and cooking a corpse). The scenes with Lister and Kennedy. Low points: There’s too much dry explainin’ (exposition) Note: They showed this to American audiences and the only thing we had a problem with was the cannibalism.Stroke Me A ClipperAce Rimmer returns to train Arnold to take over in his place. Thoughts: Chris Barrie’s last full episode for the season is a goodie - this episode is both bawdy and over the top as well as a heartfelt tale of a man embracing his destiny. They change the Ace mythos, but that’s par for the course for the series (ala the ever shifting Lister/Kochanski relationship) and not that upsetting for me. High points: The Bond-like opening with Ace. Lister of Smeg and Kryten in Camelot (Brian Cox plays the King). Rimmer’s widow at the funeral. Low points: The blurry flying FX. The shaking tent was a bit overboard on the lowbrow. OuroborosA tear in time and space traps an alternate universe Kochanski on board. And we learn the truth about Lister’s birth. Thoughts: No, Kochanski was no Rimmer, but she shouldn’t have to be – I missed Barrie a lot (as did the series) but liked Chloe well enough. The episode is a bit wobbly, much of the humor fails, but as a sci-fi drama I thought it was an interesting tale with some decent human shading here and there. This is Dwarf in later M*A*S*H-like stage. Not the same as it was, but not without its own merits. High points: Kryten’s gelf speak. Kochanski shows off her competence in escaping the gelf ship. Lister lies to Kryten. The line about the obscene phone call. Low points: It’s a bit rough around the edges. A lot of the jokes fell flat. Kryten’s jealousy and whining got old fast – I didn’t enjoy seeing him act petty with Kochanski at the end. She had just lost everything. (On the other hand, I applaud the show for not turning our heroes into plaster Saints) Duct SoupKryten’s jealousy causes the crew to be trapped with a meteor shower on the way. To get out of a locked room they make their way through the air ducts. Thoughts: The drama and interaction is this episodes strength, making what I feel is a superb character study. We learn something new about these folks, in particular Lister and his claustrophobia. Season 5 & 6 were great, but they were starting to repeat themselves. Season 7 offered a few fresh spins and surprises and personality traits. And I mostly liked that - even if it meant that some of the new personality traits weren’t very becoming (Kryten’s petty actions, born from fear that he’ll lose Lister to Kochanski). This is one of my favorites from the year due to the skillfully written exchanges and first-rate performances. High points: Kryten learns how to deal with a crying woman. Kochanski & Lister bond in the air duct (and Cat spoils the calm). Kryten and Christine air their differences in the duct. Cat hears noises, whirling, windy noises. Cat and Lister watch Kochanski’s laundry like it’s a TV show. A parting gift gone wrong, is it Kryten or Cryten? Low points: Not a laugh riot, but that’s a small matter in this well told character study. BlueLister’s feeling down and missing Rimmer Thoughts: This is a dry one and after the nice bonding in the last episode, all the quarrelling here feels like a step backwards. There is one, huge, must see classic moment - a song and video that is one of the funniest sustainable moments in comedy, any comedy, that I’ve ever seen. High points: The Rimmer Experience! The kiss. Game night on Starbug. Low points: Too much bickering, Kryten going on and on about Kochanski’s laundry -- he’s become more whiny than Rimmer. lol Beyond A JokeKryten meets his brother Able, a drug addicted bot owned by a rogue simulant, who has discovered a devastating secret about the series 4000 mechanoids. Thoughts: One of the reasons I stopped visiting Dwarf forums, was that I tired of the endless (and I mean endless) grousing about season 7. This episode took a lot of heat and to me the complaints were starting to reek of mere obstinence. Fanboys bitched about wanting more humor, and then they bitched when they got it? Robert Llewellyn co-wrote this one and it’s a heck of a funny show. But it also continues the character study theme that is prevalent in this season. Here we learn a little more about Kryten’s world. High points: Jane Austin and Red Dwarf - as a fan of both, I’m in heaven as the gang enters Pride and Prejudice Land - laugh my ass of too (BTW - PMT is British slang for Premenstrual Tension). Doing a good Tom Servo impression, Kryten’s head explodes. Cat gives his useless opinion after being asked a question, so Christine consults with the wall instead. Cat and Kochanski as Gelfs. Also - I like that Kochanski adds a level of class, intelligence and competence to the crew. Low points: Able is irritating, but not in a fun way. Don Henderson (Star Wars/The simulant here) died shortly after filming. He was in the later stages of throat cancer, which is why his voice sounded gravely (that wasn’t a sound FX) EpidemeLister contracts an intelligent space virus. Thoughts: I enjoyed the feeling of camaraderie that develops in this episode. One of Dwarfs strong suits is that it gives us flawed, ordinary protagonists who forge ahead -sometimes clumsily, but as heroically as they can- against impossible situations. And this is evident in this episode, a season highlight. The vibrant script is smart and funny. The storyline and performances are all top notch. Gary Martin was brilliant as the voice of the virus and Annett really shines here. High points: Christine thinks science is “Fab-a-roo”. Kryten’s triple take when he realizes Kochanski isn’t hiding out in Dave’s quarters. Epideme’s conversations in general. Kochanski beats Epideme. Low points: Dave’s gross out kiss with a walking corpse (it was funny though) NanarchyContinuing on from last week. Kryten figures his missing nanites could rebuild Lister’s arm… in searching for the little buggers they discover that the nanites were the ones who stole Red Dwarf. Thoughts: The final episode has some fun moments and it finally leads us back to Red Dwarf. It was nice seeing Norman Lovett as Holly too. There was some respectable interaction. Cat is especially dense here - Kochanski is fitting in nicely as one of the crew. The humor is hit and miss, some of it is pedestrian. High points: Famous armless people? Training the arm. Christine and Dave having a nice conversation (and a laugh) while waiting out a storm. Holly’s return. Low points: Cat’s ‘Olympic custard finals’ line, that was a lot of words for such a lame joke.
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Post by Mighty Jack on Apr 23, 2011 15:10:24 GMT -5
Season Eight: 1999Starring Chris Barrie, Craig Charles, Danny John-Jules, Robert Llewellyn, Chloe Annett, Norman Lovett Written by: Doug Naylor & Paul Alexander (5,7) Directed by: Ed Bye Back in the Red - Part 1The gang find themselves back on Red Dwarf and discovers the original crew alive and well. Thoughts: Though this season opener told a good story and was funnier than what we got from season 7, I have problems with returning the crew to their origins. I’ve watched these people develop over the years, watched them become competent and brave and go through all types of character building adventures. To be stuck back on the ship, with a season 1 style Rimmer and the rest of the crew -- Hell, it would be like me moving back with my mother, where I’d sleep in a crib and eat Gerber’s for meals… It’s a step backwards. I’ve moved on y’know. High points: Kryten’s psych evaluation, Cat’s heartbeat Low points: The entire premise and Lister crudely mimicking a sex act. Back in the Red - Part 2The trail and an escape attempt. Thoughts: Despite my reservation about the premise – To be honest, that is neither here nor there if the story is good. And I can’t deny that the story was good in this ep - plus it had me laughing my ass off. Though much of the gang has been split into different factions, the camaraderie -when they group together- is stellar. I especially liked seeing Christine and Kryten do some bonding. So while I’d prefer they’d not have gone in this direction, the writing and performances were crisp. I was entertained. High points: Rimmer kisses Hollister’s butt (figuratively). Kryten’s physical. Kryten’s laughter at seeing his nemesis’s on the can. Rimmer the love machine. The Dibbley family. Low points: Captain Hollister’s an ass Back in the Red - Part 3We conclude with a failed escape attempt and a prison sentence Thoughts: They pushed this story one episode too far. There’s a lot of padding, the laughs are few and far between and it’s a depressing, unhappy conclusion. For me, this is one of Dwarf’s weakest. High points: Seeing the cast in claymation was interesting. Major Tom and Mr. Socks? Low points: Cat’s dance with the Blue Midget was cheesy padding. Have I mentioned that Captain Hollister is a major league ass? Note: Back to the Red works better when viewed in the extended cut, which combines all 3 parts into one movie length episode.CassandraThe gang mistakenly joins a suicide squad and on their first assignment, come in contract with a computer that knows the future. Thoughts: The Canaries was a neat idea as was the storyline - Cassandra is cool cerebral action packed comedy. The crew spends most of the show together and the episode gives a taste of how good this season could be when it stayed focused on the primary stars (and off Hollister) High points: The conversations with Cassandra are all a gas. Cat tests a theory, on the back of Lister’s head. When Lister says he wont kill Rimmer -despite Cassandra’s prediction- Kochanski says, “Oh but she promised” Low points: Have I mentioned that I’d like to kick Captain Hollister in the nuts? Other than that there’s nothing wrong with this one. Krytie TVThe male canaries reprogram Kryten so that he’ll film the women in the shower (Kryten was designated a woman and forced to live in the women quarters). But Rimmer and Lister wont have anything to do with it because they are trying to appeal their sentence. Thoughts: Yes this is terribly sexist, and I should be ashamed at myself for laughing so hard… but I can’t help it, it’s amazingly funny – from one sequence to the next I was in stitches. Even Holly was a snort. Saying that, there are times when my guilt chip kicked in, and altered Kryten was pretty scummy (and the pubic hair bit is just flat out terrible) High points: Mail Day with Rimmer & Lister, which includes Dave getting a string-less guitar. Dave and the other male Canaries frozen in time? The 50’s alien invasion trailer was cute. Lister plans to send Kochanski flours (a bit later seen in the movie “Stranger Than Fiction”). Kryten wonders how Lister couldn’t have heard news about Miss Kochanski and her ex-boyfriend Tim! Rimmer reads the results of the appeal. Low points: The actually shower scene wasn’t graphic, but the male inmates reactions made me uncomfortable. Much of the humor was childish, ala the yucky pubic hair bits (a series lowlight). Pete – Part 1Lister and Rimmer act like naughty schoolboys and get called to Principal Hollister’s office time and time again, they wind up in the brig where they meet a prisoner with a bird named Pete. Meanwhile the others find a time freeze device while on assignment, which turns Pete into a Dinosaur. Thoughts: Season 8 had drifted away from the character-based jokes, to more pranks and silliness. Sometimes the goofy worked, and sometimes, as with Pete, it failed miserably. The other problem with Pete is that is features a lot of Hollister and the guards – this unlikable bunch squeezed all life and joy out of any episode they appeared in. Lord how I prayed for the Inquisitor to come and wipe them out of existence. But the main cast flounders as well, and boy, Dave has become excessively stupid. High points: Holly’s mime artist bit. Low points: Just about everything: The basketball game is one of the worst sequences in series history. The frozen crewmembers stop and start (real cheesy looking) Pete - Part 2The dinosaur runs amok, more Hollister ramblings Thoughts: And the suffering only increases. Rewatching the series, I’ve found that even weaker episodes had something to enjoy. Sadly, while there are superb episodes in season 8, it also harbors 3 of the very worse - with Pete the nadir of the entire series. Repetitive, unfunny, lowbrow bathroom humor garbage. The bummer, for budgetary reasons this was expanded to 2 parts so they could get their monies worth for the dinosaur… but this meant cutting the original season finale which would have seen the Dwarfer’s returning to Earth. So we lost that neat idea -the goal of the characters for the entire series- and got this horror instead. High points: Holly’s “Your finished” and “Bye”. Low points: You name it, it’s bad Only the GoodA killer microbe has infested Red Dwarf. To save the day Rimmer enters a mirror universe. Thoughts: After the nightmare of Pete, this is a work of genius… but not quite. There are some good laughs and a decent story but it leaves you in the lurch at the end. Though the scene with death is great - I would have much much MUCH preferred the alternate original ending they filmed -- with the gang back in control of an empty Red Dwarf (I love Rimmer’s smug look as Hollister stares back helpless from a blue midget). That would have been poetic. So season 8 in a nutshell: I liked 3 episodes (Krytie TV, Back in the Red pt 2, with Cassandra the highlight). I thought 2 were okay (BITR pt 1, Only the Good) and I felt 3 were the worse things ever broadcast from the series (BITR pt 3 and both Pete’s) High points: Have a fantastic period! Professor Cat reciting the antidote (Cesiumfrancolithicmyxialobidiumrixydixydoxidexidroxhide). Rimmer vs Death. Hollister wasn’t completely unlikable this time out and that was refreshing. Low points: That it gives another open end, similar to season 6. The prank and drunk scene with Dave & Arnold.
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Post by Mighty Jack on Apr 26, 2011 0:27:17 GMT -5
Season ?? 2009Starring Chris Barrie, Craig Charles, Danny John-Jules, Robert Llewellyn, Chloe Annett Written and Directed by: Doug Naylor Back To EarthA rehash of “Back to Reality”, this time the guys discover they are fictional characters in a TV show. Can be watched in 3 parts or as a movie. Thoughts: When released this was considered the season after season X (there was no season 9 or 10) If they do film another season, rumor has it that these 3 episodes will be considered season 9. So --- No audience, a story that felt like a minor retread and jokes that were hit and miss. I loved seeing everyone together again, but this was all rather –M’eh. Plus, while I enjoy references to past episodes, I enjoy it in small quantities. The way they shoveled them in here felt like pandering. By the time Cat sang his little fishy song at the end, I groaned at the excess. The charm of it had worn off. This came off like fanfic. All told it’s just an episode – neither here nor there, it shines a few times, but not enough to push it into greatness. High points: Craig Charles did a genuinely outstanding job of acting here. In his scenes where he remembers, or speaks with Kochanski, my heart broke for the poor guy (“I never wanted to wake up” – “Then don’t”, was one of the series finest moments and one of its finest lines). The 2nd show in this 3-parter was the strongest and offered the best laughs. I didn’t understand the Coronation Street material, but it was a cute sequence regardless. Rimmer dealing with the Russian Hologram was killer... Literally. Low points: I missed the audience – as I’ve stated with CT, I love live comedy: Whether I’m there in person, or listening to a record or watching on TV/DVD. An audience’s joyful reactions add to my mirth and fun - and without them, these episodes rang hollow. Dave irons with his sneezes. The scenes with the creator were blah. And that’s all she wrote for now. It is official though, the gang will return to film another season this November. My Dream Season In lieu of a traditional top 10, I decided to build the perfect Red Dwarf season. This is mine, what would yours look like? 6. Dimension Jump (4) 5. Marooned (3) 4. Holoship (5) 3. Polymorph (3) 2. Legion (6) 1. Back to Reality (5) My Weakest SeasonWhile I enjoy something about nearly every episode – these 6 lean on the lesser side of things.1. Pete Part 2 (8) 2. Pete Part 1 (8) 3. Back to the Red Part 3 (8) 4. Bodyswap (3) 5. Confidence and Paranoia (1) 6. Thanks For The Memory (2) 10 of my Favorite Moments10. “Everybody’s dead, Dave” - Holly (The End) 9. Mr. Flibble and the King of the Potato People (Quarantine) 8. Cat & Lister communicate via the computer as something crawls up Dave’s leg (Terraform) 7. Ace Rimmer does James Bond (Stroke Me A Clipper) 6. Cat’s Tongue Tied song (Parallel Universe) 5. Cat and Lister discuss Wilma Flintstone (Backwards) 4. Duane Dibbley – simply for being Duane (Back to Reality) 3. Kryten’s line about having to switch light bulbs when Rimmer wants to go to red alert (Legion) 2. Kryten struggles to remove Listers underpants -- then Rimmer walks in (Polymorph) 1. The Rimmer Experience (Blue)
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Post by mummifiedstalin on Apr 26, 2011 0:48:11 GMT -5
Oh, why not. My best season:
7. Duct Soup - this one, to me, gets at the heart of what RD is about in terms of character. If it was funnier, it'd be higher. 6. Gunmen of the Apocalypse - Red Dwarf is both funny and doing thoughtful sci-fi idea mongering. Sweetness. 5. Better Than Life - I love what Rimmer does to himself and the rest. Character and comedy. 4. Balance of Power - This is the one where it seems like they figured out the character interaction formula that would work -- and it's based on how successful this one was. 3. Camille - Kryten on parade. 2. Marooned - Ideal, distilled Rimmer/Lister interaction. 1. Back to Reality - character, "lost"-ness of the "existential" themes of Red Dwarf, and damn funny. Perfect.
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Post by Mighty Jack on Apr 26, 2011 2:10:14 GMT -5
Great season. I dig all of those, also like reading your reasoning behind each. And refreshing to see a season 7 ep on the list.
I was going to do a top 10, but then that became a top 15, a top 20... 26 - Finally I said to hell with it, "...just force yourself to pick a season's worth."
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Post by Mighty Jack on May 13, 2011 2:16:02 GMT -5
Our Black HeartsMy song "Less Than Human" is in part, inspired by 16-year-old Sylvia Likens, who -in 1965- was being disciplined for some foggy teenage wrong she committed. For her punishment she was abused, brutalized to such extremes that she died from her injuries - The lyrics also draw from other dark events, including the Cheryl Araujo case. (4 men raped Cheryl while others cheered and laughed and did nothing). Sylvia’s abusers included school children –kids she attended Church with- that would stop by to burn cigarettes on her skin and beat and kick her. She was even made to eat her own fecis and drink her own urine while tied up in the basement. Court transcripts show that when the kids where asked why they did this, they all answered the same… They didn’t know. Most of them grew up to have normal regular lives. A home, a job, kids… no cycles of violence. The guys involved with Araujo say that it was like they were in a daze – that, they weren’t like that in every day life. And for the most part their histories bear that out. It makes me wonder, is darkness inside all of us, waiting for a particular trigger before it can emerge? Is it inside me – placed in the same circumstances would I have been a participant, would I have been one that would have cheered? Or like the neighbors who heard the screams and ignored them? Most of us would shake our heads and state emphatically that no, they wouldn’t have done these things, they would have stopped it! But I wonder how we can know this for sure? I provide no answers in “Less than Human”. In the song I try to balance it by noting the good men do -- but the line feels stiff and out of place. I know we can do great good. But why do we do great evil? Maybe that’s too hard a question, maybe it’s better if we bury our heads under the covers and pretend it doesn’t exist. Click on the title to listen – Less Than Human (Raw demo)People say they're human; they wear their human masks They show you their teeth in an easy smile, and go about their mundane tasks They are capable of great good; yes I’ve born witness to their golden souls But I’ve also turned the page and seen the rage when their eyes became black holes -Chorus- We have become, something other than human And we confess, we acted less than human We shake our heads as if in a fog, and wonder how we came to this state? A lifetime of tears Men take their pleasure while others cheer School children put out a cigarette... On a friends skin and later send their regrets (That’s just human) I’ve seen our shining hearts And I’ve seen us pulled apart I’ve seen such cruelty And it’s left its cancer in me -Chorus- -Bridge- And when I look inside, what will I find (someone less than human?) (What makes us human – how do we slip, slip into that abyss?) -Chorus-
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Post by Mighty Jack on May 20, 2011 5:45:34 GMT -5
List Threads
I remember my first list thread; it was my top 200 albums. I did it because I was going through a painful divorce and needed to do something to occupy my time and my mind. Initially I thought it a terribly egotistical idea. Who gave a shirt what my top albums were. But the thread sparked much discussion, and turned out to be a ton O’ fun.
I don’t know if that was our boards first list thread, but it opened up the floodgates. I’ve been on other boards, but rarely seen anyone do things like it. Blogs yes, but not so much on a forum. The closest things are “question threads” what are your favorite albums, movies, books… ?
What I thought was an egotistical exercise (and it probably is) has none-the-less become an entertaining part of the board.
Doing one takes some commitment and investment of time. And we have had a few that get started only to languish abandoned and unfinished. But the authors who stick with it have offered up some great reads: Sol’s exhaustive piece on Chaplin, Cali’s superb book/short story threads, Mr. Atari’s entertaining and informative look at the songs of the 70s to name just 3 goodies.
For me, it’s not just about the list, it’s about the information – all meant to open up discussion. And it’s also about the look. I’m an arty type and while I’m limited to formats on this forum, I still spend time on making sure it’s clear, easy and pleasing to the eye. I’m not above stealing either. I liked Cali’s centered headers so much I used that idea on my “25 Days of Hitchcock” thread. Which has become one of my babies I’m most proud of.
Now I’m doing a look at a decade worth of film. It’s the most time consuming, overwhelming project I’ve attempted.
The idea first took form in 2007 and came alive in 2009. A season I enjoyed so much I made it a goal to search and out and watch as many movies from the year that I could. Then I found some old list threads and wondered, “What were my top 10 from 05, 04, 03?” and from this bloomed the idea that I could do something with all these lists.
I had no idea how I’d present it, or where, or what I was doing exactly. I just kept watching movies. Last year I thought I’d tie up all these loose ideas and turn it into something. In January I took my library card and loaded DVD after DVD in my holds. Started a Blockbuster account and went through lists after lists of top rated films.
I’d hoped to publish in Feb --- but found another truckload of “ must view” movies. Month by month I pushed back the date until I started to see a little light at the end of the tunnel. I could at least post the year 2000.
If that sounds like more work than it’s worth, you’re probably right. But hell, what else is an old fart like me going to do with all this spare time? In truth only a small corner of the world will even see the thread. Only a handful of people might read it. And of those, who knows who really cares.
So you know, it’s not like I’ll win friends or gain accolades and immortality through the piece. It’ll be forgotten in time. But it’s like that donut I treat myself to on occasion. It won’t last, but it’s a treat while you have it. And who knows, maybe someone will see a movie, or read a book or discover a song that becomes a new favorite for someone out there.
Keep writing, I'll keep reading.
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Post by Mighty Jack on May 27, 2011 2:35:34 GMT -5
So today I’m 50 years old.
I remember when I was a teenager 50 seemed such a far, far way away. In fact I don’t think I really believed I’d ever get there. Teenagers are a shortsighted bunch.
I remember seeing the movie Sunset Boulevard in my 20s – Norma was so old and crazy. I’d never be that old, ever ( crazy, sure, but old?) Norma Desmond was 50 years old in that flick. And Christ, here I am right with her.
It was only 4 short years ago; I was living with a woman half my age. It seemed okay, seemed perfectly natural. I wasn’t old – at least I didn’t feel old. But today, yeah I feel ancient. It was like age just leap on my back all of a sudden and “POOF” – Here I am feeling every bit of those 50 years -- and the idea of dating a woman in her late 20s… well it makes me feel exhausted thinking about it.
I look at the back of my hands and see these new, blooming liver spots. (Where did they come from?)
Now I frequently find my sleep interrupted by a pleading bladder.
And oh, my aching bones. Hurts like hell creaking down the stairs in the morning.
My flowing locks of Thor-like hair has dwindled to a few feeble strands draped across my noggin. My eyes are weak, my teeth are gray…
The strange thing about all of this – is that I accept it all. My body is breaking down, I’m on the down swing but – it’s okay. It’s part of the natural course of things. When I was young I hated endings, I would resist them. Bang my head against the wall and cry and shake my fist. But today, all things end, I accept that now.
My perspectives have changed: I still want to enjoy the time I have left, I still like coming on the board and offering my opinions, still like writing about my favorite things... only now I see all this as rather absurd. Fun for sure, but not all that important or lasting – much like cotton candy of the brain.
The men in my family don’t live long – and I don’t take care of myself very well. Gramps died at 60, dad at 66 – Jiminy, I might only have 10 to 16 years left on this Earth. That’s kind of sobering. Not in a “woe is me, the end is nigh” kind of way – but in a quiet, peaceful "that's life" kind of way.
I wont lie, it sometimes sucks getting old and -gasp- I sure hope adult diapers aren’t a part of my future. Eh, but lets not think about that – today is today and this Saturday I’m going to my brothers for a BBQ to celebrate hitting the big 5 – 0. I’m going to spend time with my family, have myself a Smirnof and huge slice of cake and uh, some Imodium A-D to help with the angry bowels of hell.
It's all good.
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Post by Mighty Jack on May 31, 2011 0:09:41 GMT -5
I've been attempting to restrict my TMI posts to the blog - so be warned, this is covers personal territory.This is a song about a junkie. Not a story song, more one of my mantras where I circle around the same idea. Started off acoustic, but that version was putting me to sleep, so I electrified it and that seemed to work better. It might be a little dry, but is one of my personal favorites. Though I figure it might not have the same impact for the casual listener. I was listening to it today, it was on a CD with a bunch of other tracks and it stood out. So I felt like sharing it, but I don’t have a lot to say about it. As it played all the memories of detox stations (which are David Lynchian) and the Rehab clinics (where the workers aren’t as gray and lifeless) sprung to my head. I remember the other people, the waiters – the ones like me who were there for a loved one, a spouse or a child etc. We’d catch each other’s eyes on occasions and see a shared expression. There’s no word I’ve found that adequately described that look. It’s a collision of conflicting emotions - a little hope, a little hopelessness, a callused heart due to all the lies you’ve absorbed, a little compassion because your there out of devotion – a whole mix of emotion stirred together. I wish I could find one word for it. Click on title to listen… Ms MarvelHey Ms. Fury, always in a hurry You scattered your atoms in a moment of panic, now you wish you could take it all back Hey Ms. Marvel, you had ‘em all under your spell Now you wish you could put a cap on that bottle because it’s more than you can handle You block out the bodies, you block out the regrets You pretend you can’t remember, but you never can forget And you’d like to be a stone cold bitch You’d like to be a stone cold bitch ‘Cause it’d be easier that way Hey Ms. Perception (misperception), you bought your own deception Now you wish you could break every mirror in the house so you could see things a little more clearly Hey Ms. Marvel, you had me under your spell Now you wish you could put a veil over my eyes, ‘cause they’re more than you can handle You block out the promises, you block out the regrets You pretend you can’t remember, but you never can forget And you’d like to be a stone cold bitch You’d like to be a stone cold bitch ‘Cause it’d be easier that way
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Post by mummifiedstalin on May 31, 2011 0:43:41 GMT -5
Nice line. It's not where you expect that metaphor to go. And the superhero names work perfectly. (What they mean literally, how they relate to the wish-fulfillment, the "stone cold bitch," etc.) I tip my hat: lyrics here are superbly crafted, especially for ones so brief.
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