Back to Earth (Part One)

I don't usually write reviews but all these rubbish comments denigrating an exceptional effort have me miffed.

After a decade and several weak seasons Red Dwarf returns to its core with the 4 main characters doing what they do best, dealing with the trials and tribulations of being 3 million years in deep space.

The story is solid as Doug Naylor delivers a great script. The Blade Runner references are both smart and funny, but they won't confuse it if you've never seen Blade Runner. The special effects are excellent despite a very limit budget. The actors are all spot on.

I for one was thrilled to have Red Dwarf return. Perhaps Doug, Chris, Danny, Robert and Craig deliver best with a tight budget and the odds against them.

Darn the movie – Make more shows like these!

All those in the UK who have seen this have already started to either tear it apart or embrace it as something amazing. I, on the other hand, am in the US... and had to take a few extra steps to see this. First, those of you who are expecting a canned laughter to tell you which spots are funny, none here... if you'll miss it, you probably won't like it that much. Second, those of you who bought or downloaded the books-on-tape of the Red Dwarf series (as read by some of the stars of the show) and enjoyed them... you're in for a true treat. Without the audience laughter, it felt like they were performing just for me. It had a very intimate feel to it, I can't say much more without giving away anything... then again, if you're a true fan in the UK or US, you've already seen it or found a way to see it. Just brilliant.

Afficianados who attend conventions, call each other smegheads and think Kochanski is a cost-effective substitute for Viagra, may have been disappointed by this resurrection - aptly on screen at Easter. But after a slow start, with the arrival of the Russian Hologram and surrealistic twists and turns, I think we got our moneyworth.

Topical comments about the banks abounded, the aforesaid Ms Kochanski made an appearance towards the end and the aging performers gave it plenty of oomph. There's such a dearth of decent comedy on television, when vintage stuff like this materializes, it takes a while to acclimatise.

I think the metaphysical notion of searching for your maker to extend your life is entirely plausible. Had Luc Goddard directed, instead of Doug Naylor, it might have made media studies courses. True there were not many huge belly laughs...but it's not that sort of comedy. A good effort, a reminder of our past successes before the degeneration into "character" comedy with little or no situation. And a lesson for all of us. You may think it's all over...it is now.

Really not that good. I suggest skipping this season, and going straight to season 10.

In the words of Public Enemy may I urge you, Don't Believe the Hype! Having been a fan of the old days (when Rob Grant collaborated) I was looking forward to this with a healthy dose of cynicism. Sadly, I wasn't proved wrong. It all seemed a bit tired - tired actors, tired scripts... The banter seemed strained and flowed about as much as my non-existent tears of laughter. The introduction of the nubile new hologram to add some interest was a bit embarrassing - it didn't work with Chloe Annett as Mk2 Christine Kochanski and doesn't work now as far as I'm concerned. I'm reserving judgement, however, at least until part two. This instalment left me a bit cold and instead of excitedly anticipating the next part I'm more inclined to dig out some DVDs and reminisce about the good old days!