Back to Reality

Starbug is attacked by a sea creature on an ocean covered moon.

In my opinion Back To Reality contains a truly excellent sci-fi concept, explores some interesting themes and in addition it manages to make me laugh.

The sci-fi concept at the time of writing was pretty original and how it's incorporated into the story is flawless. Considering everything happens in less than 30 minutes, it's an exceptional piece of film-making. When I first watched it as a boy I came away with my head spinning. I won't go into plot detail not to spoil.

Other themes such as the nature of reality and the power of the totalitarian state are not explored in massive depth but they are used perfectly for what the episode requires and do enough to capture the imagination.

All performances are excellent and for once you truly sympathise with all four main characters in the situation they are put in. There is one scene where Craig Charles, Chris Barrie, Robert Llewelyn and Danny-John Jules have to physically perform something together and it works brilliantly for the plot and as a hilarious sight-gag. This is something you could see actors doing on a theatre stage in one of those minimalist productions where props are not allowed. In addition, Timothy Spall has an an excellent and memorable cameo.

Back To Reality for me is where Grant and Naylor peaked and is not just an essential episode of Red Dwarf but is also a classic BBC.