Red Dwarf X – Episode 6 – Set Report Features Posted by Jonathan Capps on 28th January 2012, 21:53 A final episode of Red Dwarf has been recorded in front of a studio audience for the 8th time in over 24 years. This article discusses Red Dwarf X whilst adhering to G&T’s spoiler policy. Please ensure your comments do likewise… Episode 6, then. I knew it’d be big, I knew it’d be significant and I hoped to fuckery it’d be funny. I’m glad to say it was all of those things, and more. The significance of this episode is impossible to convey without dropping the most massive spoiler this series has to hide, so forgive me if I’m even more vague this week than usual, but there’s a lot to protect. As with episode 3, the audience were directed into the far end of the studio as the guest set had grown a little too close to the normal entrance. It’s a very minimal set and its purpose was impossible to guess when I first saw it half built last week. It’s first introduced in a VT for an early and very funny scene, featuring two guest stars and none of the main cast or characters. There are a couple of scenes shot like this in this set, and it’s amusing to see how efficiently the proper actors can get through a scene with barely any mistakes. Speaking of VTs, the first scene of the episode was technically shot on location, even though it’s clearly some random corridors and a room in Shepperton Studios. Again, this scene features guest actors only and, again, it’s very funny. This opening scene is very important to the development of one of the crew and there are two performances here that are absolutely spot on, despite the fact that they’re very difficult roles to get right. When we arrived at the studios, Jay from Lost in TV mentioned that we’d be going in a bit later because the crew were still “rehearsing”. Bobby then tweeted saying they were actually still shooting a scene. The scene in question turned out to be one that was heavily action focused and required lots of reactions to special effects that weren’t actually there, which resulted is some very funny physical acting. Bizarrely, the final moment of this scene strongly reminded me of something that happens in Rob Grant’s novel Backwards. When they originally tried to play through this VT, the sound wasn’t working at all so there was a glorious moment where the cast were preparing to read in the lines as it played. Annoyingly, the sound issues were sorted and we were deprived of what would’ve been a wonderfully bizarre and hilarious experience. At this point it’s worth mentioning another guest star, who appears in the first 10 minutes or so of the episode (including the action scene just described) and threatens to steal the show, and probably would’ve done if he’d been in it more. The actor and the character will almost certainly go down in Dwarf history after this episode has aired, for a number of INTERESTING and incredibly SPOILER LADEN reasons, but his appearance holds a great amount of significance to the nature of the plot, despite only being there to set everything up. Back to the sets, now, and there’s been a very interesting change. You’ll recall from previous reports that there are two standing sets, the bunk room and the Red Dwarf drive room and the latter of those has been completely replaced for this episode. Well, I say replaced, it’s actually a very heavy redressing but it was one that was instantly noticeable as we walked in and it’s a set that will make a lot of people very happy. In addition to that, there’s an entirely new section constructed round the back, out of sight of the audience, that expands on the new set. This location is heavily used in the second half of the episode, and the scenes it hosts are amongst my favourite stuff in this series. The way they’re written and performed is exactly right. Before recording started, Doug came out do his normal pre-filming patter, but this time explained that they’ve been having some big difficulties this week with power cuts affecting the production and Robert apparently has had problems with his eyes that presumably meant he couldn’t be in the mask much for pre-records (as evidenced by the fact that Robert was only in one pre-recorded scene, and that was one shot just before the audience arrived). So, once again there were a few missing scenes, but this week it was handled very well, with Robert (still in character) and Craig taking the mic to explain the missing scenes when needed. Robert did this especially well, turning the explanation of the difficulties they’ve had and the scene recap into a routine. Another nice side effect of the fraught production was a scene that was supposed to be filmed in the Red Dwarf drive room but, as that set had now been re-purposed, couldn’t be done shot on the night. So, for the benefit of the audience they staged this scene in the new set and even went to the trouble of properly setting up the cameras and recording it, despite the fact it’s entirely unusable for the show (but, presumably, an excellent extra for the DVD). Robert was reading all his lines from a script, so the scene was made even more bizarre by Kryten wearing a pair of modified reading glasses throughout. Basically, the way the production dealt with all the problems was excellent and, for the first time, I didn’t feel having missing scenes was at all detrimental to the recording experience. Richard Naylor said on Twitter that this episode was very different to the previous five, and he’s right. While it felt comfortably part of the series, the plot itself was much denser and more involved than what we’ve seen before, and I would say it’s the funniest episode I’ve seen this series. The plot contains big consequences for one character in particular and a revelation that could prove to be controversial, and it’s certainly something I wasn’t sure about. Then I saw where it was going, and how it leads up to genuinely one of the best end lines Red Dwarf has ever had. It wouldn’t be wise for me say whether or not it ends on a cliffhanger, but I will say it ends very well and I can’t imagine many fans having issues with it. So… I guess that’s it. Audience recordings for Series X are done. Anything that’s left to shoot will be done over six days next week, which I’m sure will be an ‘interesting’ experience for all concerned. I’m curious to see how they’re going to deal with a lack of a real laugh track for these scenes, so maybe we could hope for a few audience screenings sometime in the summer so the laughter gaps can be properly filled, especially in the case of episode 5 which is missing about 10 minutes. Never mind all that tot, though. I’ve seen enough of Red Dwarf X to get a good initial feeling of how I think it will turn out and I’m going to hang my big hairy balls over the fire and say now that it’s going to be great. Of course it’s not without its issues and there are plenty of elements I’m not too keen on but there are so many things they have got just right, and I think episode 6 is a culmination of everything that’s great about Red Dwarf X. I really like this series, but I love this episode. TINY TEASER: We’re Fucked MASSIVELY APPROXIMATE SCENE COUNT: 15 (Total so far: 86) SMEG COUNT: 1 (Total so far: 7.5)
Nice dodge on the first guest star there. I can see that being one of the most speculated upon elements of the series.
If that Tiny Teaser is a line of dialogue… I strongly suspect, however, that it’s merely your attempt at trying to find something you can actually share with us. Oh, cracking report, Cappsy, by the way. Well done.
Read all the set reports now and I have to say they more than make up for not being able to go to any of the recordings, which is a surprise to me considering how spoiler-free they are but I’m not looking for any spoilers. Brilliantly written stuff and I think they’ll be a big help in what I’m sure will be an agonizing wait for broadcast.
>it’s actually a very heavy redressing but it was one that was instantly noticeable as we walked in and it’s a set that will make a lot of people very happy woohoo if my guess is right
Thanks for these great reports over the last 7 weeks, they have been very encouraging even when I know I’ll enjoy them anyway (well I have yet not to enjoy any Dwarf up to now). My expectations are exponentially high for X thanks to VI being the series most compared with. I’d have thought that they’d just use other laughter recorded by the audience for scenes they are filming next week. It isn’t ideal but it is at least genuine laughter.
Oh, and just one extra note. Tom Price was on warm up duties again and quoted a #dwarffact as an interesting bit of trivia.
Brill report!! To say I’m verrry intrigued is an understatement… I’m more determined than ever not to seek out spoilers! Seriously, September can’t come soon enough!
>I’d have thought that they’d just use other laughter recorded by the audience for scenes they are filming next week. It isn’t ideal but it is at least genuine laughter. I think you’ll find that’s “canned laughter”.
>>I’d have thought that they’d just use other laughter recorded by the audience for scenes they are filming next week. It isn’t ideal but it is at least genuine laughter. >I think you’ll find that’s “canned laughter”. Not in the conventional sense of just some random laughter but rather audience reactions recorded from the episodes they are shooting. Besides, hasn’t it been done in the past? Certainly Series VIII had some reshoots after the audience recording had finished (when they filmed the new endings to ‘Only the Good…’). And didn’t Series V have some re-shoots after audience recording had ended?
Using a laugh-track that wasn’t caused by what’s on screen but by something else entirely is canned laughter. It doesn’t matter two shits if it’s from the same show.
Anyway – great report. Interested to see what this re-dressed set Is all about. The sets that I saw during the ep 4 recording were awesome.
Reading this report is in my opinion a form of sadomasochism. Putting myself through the pain of excitement.
With regards to the laughter issue. Richard Naylor says there might be screenings. Excellent. It’s a shame he’s only started tweeting this week, because he’s been excellent.
> Smeg total should be 7.5, no? MAYBE. Actually, speaking of the smeg total. It’s a bit rough, and obviously doesn’t cover all the scenes, but it’s surprisingly low, isn’t it?
I’m sure they’ll get the laughter in somehow if they don’t do a screening….I mean, The Flinstones never had trouble. Indistinguishable from a genuine audience. Unless it was genuine and the animators were just very quick….
Just noticed someone berating Doug on twitter after getting, ‘mixed instructions from a guy called Nick Micouri,’ and not getting in. Aside from the obvious point of why one earth would to tweet Doug about that, I just thought it’s worth adding at this end of recording wrap up how good Lost In TV have been overall in sorting out the tickets for this series. I can think of plenty of ticket companies that wouldn’t go out of their way as Nick and Jay did to get as many people in as possible. Kudos to them frankly and I hope that they get used again when/ if series XI rolls around.
I think most would have just issued 150% of the required tickets and said first come, first serve. Well played by them in trying to fill all seats, but not risk turning away. A real achievement.
>I’m sure they’ll get the laughter in somehow if they don’t do a screening….I mean, The Flinstones never had trouble. Indistinguishable from a genuine audience. Unless it was genuine and the animators were just very quick…. We’re all quick when we’re thinking of Wilma.
Firstly well done on the 6 great set reports. Have a question, dont know if it’s answerable… “a scene that was supposed to be filmed in the Red Dwarf drive room” Did this info come from anything other than what was said to the audience, my impression was it was a set that was not there, but that I got a feeling that a certain other set similar to the one used on the night, relevent to the three consectutive missing scenes mentioned and what was said about them, was likely to be used for this. And possibly other gaps in the series thus far.
That series X kryten mask is terrible around the mouth area. It’s almost as if there is a mazzive hole in it.
I attended the last show. I’m amazed you actually could form a report with every thing that happened! Congratulations on that. An open mind is always best in these situations. The cast performances were spot on, the voices were exact to previous shows, the acting likewise, dialogue evenly spread, although Rimmer got a little more. Extra, extra spleen all about it. Sets, beautiful but no height. Looking at VII you had many low shots looking up to the gantry, and in reverse. But there was nothing of height to produce this from what I saw. But there was a crane camera on set lowered. Production wise, top notch apart from a dead battery, which made the shot to be re taken and lost the first reaction to a good joke on the re take. From a visual representation it is going to look like VII, mainly in the way it’s shot, 5 cameras. Very filmic. I think, but the sets tell you other wise. From my perspective it was funny, it had some good jokes, not so many one liners, and had running gags taken to the limit. And one jaw drop. My only negative is that it didn’t seem clever, the plot was formulaic, it followed it’s natural coarse albeit with a reveal. I’m very happy for the future of Red Dwarf, it’s not going to please every one, how can it? But from a personal view this is going look, sound and laugh just like any previous incarnations.
Good points. One thing about Friday, I can’t really recall Lister doing much, both eps I’ve seen have been what I would class Rimmer eps.
We watched the series VIII DVD documentary last night. It’s honestly quite startling how much better X is, on pretty much every level. Karl, do you think your negative reaction might be down to be being burned once with Only the Good…? It’s really thrown me how much you didn’t like the episode.
Another fantastic set report, thank you Cappsy! I am so excited to seeing this episode, it sounds like it will be a great one. “Speaking of VTs, the first scene of the episode was technically shot on location, even though it’s clearly some random corridors and a room in Shepperton Studios. Again, this scene features guest actors only and, again, it’s very funny. This opening scene is very important to the development of one of the crew and there are two performances here that are absolutely spot on, despite the fact that they’re very difficult roles to get right.” When I read this I was instantly reminded of the opening of Dimension Jump for some reason. “Back to the sets, now, and there’s been a very interesting change. You’ll recall from previous reports that there are two standing sets, the bunk room and the Red Dwarf drive room and the latter of those has been completely replaced for this episode. Well, I say replaced, it’s actually a very heavy redressing but it was one that was instantly noticeable as we walked in and it’s a set that will make a lot of people very happy. In addition to that, there’s an entirely new section constructed round the back, out of sight of the audience, that expands on the new set. This location is heavily used in the second half of the episode, and the scenes it hosts are amongst my favourite stuff in this series. The way they’re written and performed is exactly right.” The Starbug set, perhaps? That would make me VERY happy =D
On the one hand, I wish I had spoilers to read. On the other, I know I don’t really want them. Good job on the six reviews and authors who truly have not given me ANY clues what to expect, but in an enticing way so far! :-) Reading the one mini review right above me here, do any of you G&T official reviewers feel the episode(s) you watched were formulaic, and if so, to what degree? If not, can you say what broke it from a formula?
Being burned I can identify with. Having been in the audience for Series VIII, it’s definetely made me a bit more wary of how X will turn out on broadcast. Both the X and VIII’s recordings were brilliant fun though. After seeing the rough cut of X episode 1, I am much more optimistic.
With regards to that opening scene, was I the only one who didn’t really feel it added anything to the episode? I was waiting throughout for the ideas in it to become somehow relevant, but I never felt they *did* really…
It’ll be interesting if they change in the run. As it’ll be the first time we’ve EVER known of an episode title shift during production… Yeah, the fact that we’re more privy to the production of the episodes now is actually what’s making me excited to see the Behind the Scenes docco and other extras on the DVD too. I know it may sound silly mentioning the DVD NOW considering they’re still working on the eps, but I think we’ll get more footage than we got in previous documentaries. Any stories or complications during production they talk about we could actually get to SEE now too. Plus, memories will be clearer so no possible exaggerations or mistakes or anything like that. I presume we’ll see that and more since we did get to see more of the BtE production process on the DVD. I’m also interested to see what Nathan Cubitt will bring and how different his work may be in comparison to Andrew Ellard’s.
With regards to that opening scene, was I the only one who didn’t really feel it added anything to the episode? I was waiting throughout for the ideas in it to become somehow relevant, but I never felt they *did* really… Really? Because to me it seemed fairly logical in setting up the rest of the plot.
Hmmm, I was there and reading the opening paragraph, I’m utterly clueless as to what the massive spoiler is. Interesting Worst part of the night – I ‘Arg’-ed first! If the rules weren’t suddenly changed, I’d have won that bastard hat. Other than that I enjoyed the evening. Having only seen this ep recorded, I’m cautiously optimistic about series x. Initially, watching the first few scenes I was doubtful, but by the end I’d laughed enough to have my doubts assuaged. In conclusion I think I saw the bare bones of what is potentially a good episode of Red Dwarf, it just remains to be seen whether that potential will be realised.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed these reports guys, thanks for posting. I’m glad they’re largely positive as I know you’re not opposed to being critical of this show no matter how well loved. (I say that because I have read ‘it’s Dwarf so it’ll be good’ comments elsewhere although there aren’t many of them). So if you like ’em, I probably will too. Especially as I’m probably more easily pleased anyway. Not that I’m a member of the ‘it’s Dwarf so it’s good’ crowd*, but I did like Series VII and some of VIII. *Well, group. Or individual. Or that bloke on the end there.
Hmmm, I was there and reading the opening paragraph, I’m utterly clueless as to what the massive spoiler is. Interesting The one about the guest star?
Actually, I think I may have figured something out regarding the massive spoilery nature of the episode and if I have, well yeah, interesting :-). But probably best if I just shut up at this point
keeping it brief. it was a fantastic experience ( my 1st RD recording or any TV recording for that matter ) i thought the entire cast were spot on..my worries for Kryten’s Look from the negative response on previous reports disappeared quickly when he appeared. to me the overall feel of the episode was very series VI ( My Favorite series) and from the parts of the episode we did see i thought it was much better than anything from VII-VIII BTE ( and i like aspects of all 3 of those ..well perhaps not VIII to much) it is hard to judge an episode that we did not see in complete form but from what i saw i have a good feeling for RDX it was nice to meet a few of the G&T crew too :) well done for doing a great Job on all the Set Reports! Bring on September.
>to me the overall feel of the episode was very series VI ( My Favorite series) and from the parts of the episode we did see i thought it was much better than anything from VII-VIII BTE ( and i like aspects of all 3 of those ..well perhaps not VIII to much) this is what i want to hear
>>With regards to that opening scene, was I the only one who didn’t really feel it added anything to the episode? I was waiting throughout for the ideas in it to become somehow relevant, but I never felt they *did* really… >Really? Because to me it seemed fairly logical in setting up the rest of the plot. Agreed, seemed logical to me.
>>With regards to that opening scene, was I the only one who didn’t really feel >it added anything to the episode? I was waiting throughout for the ideas in it >to become somehow relevant, but I never felt they *did* really… I did find the process of tv recording meant that obviously the lenght of time it took for the plot of that scene to resurface again or pay off, came hours after it, so left you a long time wondering what was the point of that scene. So i felt that gap, way more than would wonder during condensed edited finished product TV veiwing. But if you think of the character in that scene as well as the concept within the dialouge, both things are relevant in later scenes, and then in resolution, quite cleverly so I think, which is why most are raving about this episode being great. The lack of ability to rewatch after experiencing, which is something I would do with broadcast has certainly left me with gaps in my understanding of some of the more subtle undertones in some of the writing, with both episodes I’ve had little things dawn on me at later stages, once I get away from the night out seeing a play like part of the experience and start to remember the scene’s more like remembered TV. My appreciation grows of the shows as a result.
What I’m gathering here…is that there’s some kind of big twist or idea in this episode that some people either got or they didn’t, at least not fully, maybe due to how long it took in the recording to get to the payoff.
> The Starbug set, perhaps? That would make me VERY happy =D If it’s the Starbug set, I don’t get the secrecy. Doug already stated publicly that Starbug would be present in the series. Though we don’t know (though maybe those who attended do…) whether he simply meant model shots or interior too, Mr Writer confirmed its a part of the mix. So saying “there was a Starbug set” should be no more a spoiler than saying “there’s a bunkroom set”… which makes me lean towards it not being Starbug. Which baffles me as to what it could be.
>genuinely one of the best end lines Red Dwarf has ever had. agree 100% with this statement and i hope it is not changed before Broadcast.. i thought it was Perfect. >>With regards to that opening scene, was I the only one who didn’t really feel >it added anything to the episode? I was waiting throughout for the ideas in it >to become somehow relevant, but I never felt they *did* really… i thought this Briefly but i think that was due to the long gap between seeing the start of the ep and the end. to me it all made sense in the end.
Re: the opening scene… I felt the characters in it were obviously relevant to the plot, but not the concepts introduced. The group I went with weren’t able to explain it either, but as you say, it was a long recording – it’s possible there’s something we missed!
Re: the opening scene… I felt the characters in it were obviously relevant to the plot, but not the concepts introduced. The group I went with weren’t able to explain it either, but as you say, it was a long recording – it’s possible there’s something we missed! Just to be totally clear here, are you are referring to the VT shown before filming started, not the first scene filmed live aren’t you?
> Bizarrely, the final moment of this scene strongly reminded me of something that happens in Rob Grant’s novel Backwards. The last line of the episode (which I agree was excellent) made me think of something from very near the end of that novel.
>Just to be totally clear here, are you are referring to the VT ?Are you are or are you ain’t ma baybeh… Sorry, couldn’t resist. (:
That’s right, yeah… It was nice, but felt superfluous to requirements by the end of it. Fair enough. I still think it ties in pretty well. I’ll grant you that the joke at the end was unconnected however. My fear is that that scene will be one of the first considered for cutting, which would be a shame as the central performance was very good and the gag at the end was a good solid laugh.
It’s thrown me too Capps! Fandom is a bloody odd thing. The idea of becoming so attached and involved in something that I have in fact spent part of the weekend in some form of denial. The rough thought process being, G&T would say if it was poor. It must just be me. Yes, that’s it. I’m at fault! I do think I may like it more on broadcast. That last line is a winner. I kind of wonder if my psyche sort of rebelled due to my dislike of the warm-up. Inside I was driven to sarcastic little jibes by his mostly awful (just one opinion, others are available) patter. So much so that when it came time for shooting I became similarly over critical of the scenes. Crazy.
It’s thrown me too Capps! Fandom is a bloody odd thing. The idea of becoming so attached and involved in something that I have in fact spent part of the weekend in some form of denial. The rough thought process being, G&T would say if it was poor. It must just be me. Yes, that’s it. I’m at fault! I do think I may like it more on broadcast. That last line is a winner. I kind of wonder if my psyche sort of rebelled due to my dislike of the warm-up. Inside I was driven to sarcastic little jibes by his mostly awful (just one opinion, others are available) patter. So much so that when it came time for shooting I became similarly over critical of the scenes. Crazy.
>My fear is that that scene will be one of the first considered for cutting do you mean the Final Scene ?? i sure hope not
do you mean the Final Scene ?? i sure hope not No, I mean the VT we saw before the recording started on set.
Unlikely. I think it’s more crucial to the episode as a whole than people are tending to realise. There’s other stuff in the ep that I could see being cut first.
There is something in that VT, that reappears in some form later in the episode, and although it’s been referenced in dialouge by that point, it would not have the same impact as it visually reappearing for the 2nd time to the eye of the viewer giving greater recognition at that point. For this reason and arch of the story I dont see it being cut either. Plus. I think it was bloody wonderful.
> my dislike of the warm-up. Inside I was driven to sarcastic little jibes by his > mostly awful (just one opinion, others are available) patter. I think this is one reason I enjoyed this less than ep4. If he’d done another moment of self aware, “oh look at me im being funny” or “that joke was funnier than the reaction it got”, on the spot dancing, I might have had to slap him. Policeman or no policeman.
So glad that wasn’t just me! I don’t really like being negative about anyone, but when your trapped in a room with something you’re really not enjoying it can get tough.
Tom Price did an okay job; he kept the jokes coming between scenes, which is pretty much his job as a warmup fulfilled. However, he did have a very different style to the sadly unavailable Ray Peacock, who clearly had much more of a rapport with the cast and crew, and whose lively childish anarchy was exactly what a long recording like that needed. By comparison, Price seemed a lot more pedestrian, but I don’t think he was actually bad by any stretch of the imagination.
Bit of a delayed reaction but so excited about these new episodes. Rewatching series one and two this week and I’ve loved this show for over half my life. Just noticed Craig corpsing during Cat’s S.E.X. Song in Confidence and Paranoia BTW
Richard Naylor said on Twitter that this episode was very different to the previous five, and he’s right. While it felt comfortably part of the series, the plot itself was much denser and more involved than what we’ve seen before, and I would say it’s the funniest episode I’ve seen this series. The plot contains big consequences for one character in particular and a revelation that could prove to be controversial, and it’s certainly something I wasn’t sure about. Then I saw where it was going, and how it leads up to genuinely one of the best end lines Red Dwarf has ever had. It wouldn’t be wise for me say whether or not it ends on a cliffhanger, but I will say it ends very well and I can’t imagine many fans having issues with it. It’s perhaps worth mentioning that this paragraph could also rather nicely sum up “Out of Time”. Just throwing that out there.
It’s perhaps worth mentioning that this paragraph could also rather nicely sum up “Out of Time”. Just throwing that out there. The comparrison was made quite a bit after we left the recording.
Cant wait to see The Begining go out. I think now I’ve seen pretty much but not quite all of the series. I can probably say that I think my favourite joke from the series is in Episode 6.
Cant wait to see The Begining go out. I think now I’ve seen pretty much but not quite all of the series. I can probably say that I think my favourite joke from the series is in Episode 6. So I’ve been wondering, what joke is it?
I can’t remember! Possibly the “we’re smegged” line but on the night it was delivered as “we’re fucked”.
I can’t remember! Possibly the “we’re smegged” line but on the night it was delivered as “we’re fucked”. Please say that’s true! Or did they actually say “We’re cunted”?
I can’t remember! Possibly the “we’re smegged” line but on the night it was delivered as “we’re fucked”. As i remember it, which could be wrong, Craig said it at the end of a scene on one take yeah. In the final episode this were smegged line is cut back to. So it’s tacked on like from another take or reshoot.
