Review: Red Dwarf X 'Trojan'

So last Thursday Dave premiered a brand new spanking episode of Red Dwarf, marking the beginning of the tenth series and the first proper series since 1999’s series 8 (er, perhaps it’s best to gloss over Back to Earth). When I heard it was coming back, I was both unreasonably excited and rather worried. Having been introduced to it in the late 00’s, I watched all eight series through and cried with laughter at it all. However, it had been years since it had been on air. Was it still relevant? Would it still be funny? Were the cast just too old to play the same characters again? I sat down to watch Trojan (4th October 2012) with what could be at best described as mixed feelings.

First off, check out that fancy new set eh? In true Red Dwarf style, there’s no explanation as to why everything is now red rather than military grey (or was that ocean grey), but it’s looking good. I especially like the new bunk set, let’s hope there’s more bunk scenes to go with it in future episodes.

In fact, no continuity is explained whatsoever. We dive straight in to a scene between Cat and Lister discussing moose accidents in the 1970’s. Kind of weak, but OK. After this, it becomes painfully obvious that Holly just wasn’t coming back. Sure, he/she wasn’t in Back to Earth, but they’d bring him/her back for the new series, right? Nope. I’ve heard it explained that by the end of series 5 they had run out of things for the character to do, so they had to get rid. It’s a good point, but it’s still a bit sad we’re not going to see Holly again.

As for the episode itself? Actually, it’s ok. After a rather disappointing start, and a rather overwhelming laugh track (ok guys, it’s funny, we get it!), it builds up into a good story about Rimmer’s resentment of his older brother. It harks back to the older episodes of series one and two, where Rimmer was a boiling pot of resentment and paranoia. Add in a quick dig at what I assume was Apple, and you’re onto a winner. It feels as if they’re reaching out to the old school fans, the ones who remember the show from their formative years and would appreciate this dose of nostalgia the most.

So, Trojan wasn’t the best episode yet, but it was a good opener and I have high hopes for future episodes. More please!