Regarding AJ’s Uniform worn in series 3,4 and 5

[Tonguetied]

Now we all have our preferences and criticisms of outfits used throughout Red Dwarf. However this post is chiefly focusing on the costume change for Rimmer; as we know he had cotton shirts, trousers as per series 1-2 space core uniforms, with of course his trusty tie. Now come series 3, and of course fans could barely recognize the show, for virtually everything had changed from series 2, changed of sets, costumes actors. But I am mainly concerned about Rimmer’s new uniform, I can’t find any information regarding it’s origins. So what is it; a generic hologram uniform stating status of being a projection; a higher, perhaps ceremonial space corp officer’s uniform? We know for one that we can rebut ideas that it is a custom made uniform by AJ himself, because as per series 5 episode Holo-Ship, we know that other holograms have it by default, just look at the interview scene for dead crew members. Seems awkward therefore that in series 1, rimmer did not have a red default uniform, rather he came back in his cottonesque look, tie and all. So what are your views on the green uniform introduced in series 3, and by extension his latter red uniform if you may.

Topic

[Seb Patrick]

For changes like that, which were done for purely cosmetic reasons without the bother of actually attempting to explain them in-continuity, it’s best to go with the generic explanation : that series III onwards are set in a slightly different parallel universe.

[pfm]

> we know that other holograms have it by default, just look at the interview scene for dead crew members.

It’s simply to emphasise that they’re Rimmer’s replacements.

> So what is it; a generic hologram uniform stating status of being a projection; a higher, perhaps ceremonial space core officer?s uniform?

D’you know, I couldn’t give a rat’s ass.

[Pete Part Three]

Yes.

[Andrew]

> Still I view the series as a whole, as one overall continuity

That’ll be yer problem right there.

> I would just like your views on what that green/red costume were, where did they come from?

Howard Burden’s his name. Lovely fella.

> I mean there is a logical explanation I?m sure

There is no continuity explanation. The logical explanation, though, is that the show’s makers changed them because they looked better.

[Tonguetied]

I don’t mean where did they come from literally Andrew, everyone who loves dwarf know who howard burden is. You honestly don’t think I know my Dwarf inside out do you? I mean what was the template in the story. ie Rimmer’s template for series one and 2 is space core issue. Still I believe Rob and Doug officially see the show as one continuity it is not disputed anywhere I believe. Except of course from the series 3 opening crawl which is mainly for gags. Plus I would argue that series 1- 2 combatesque uniforms were ultimately better. But that is my opinion of course.

[Andrew]

> You honestly don?t think I know my Dwarf inside out do you?

I have to be frank, I haven’t given it much thought.

Does that make me a bad person?

> I mean what was the template in the story.

Ah, clearly you misunderstood my post when I explained that there isn’t one. Because there isn’t one. :-)

[Tonguetied]

Ok, it’s fine. Still do you think that series 1 takes place in the same dimension as the latter series, Andrew, as an official siter it would be interesting to hear your opinion on that particular aspect of Dwarf mythos.

[Pete Part Three]

> You honestly don?t think I know my Dwarf inside out do you?

It’s Space *Corp*

[Tonguetied]

Still I view the series as a whole, as one overall continuity. I have to say without a doubt that my favourite Rimmer uniform is his original space corp cotton duds. Those costumes gave the early series a sense of navy/militaristic feel. The latter series bar series VIII of course, felt very surreal with costumes, not just Rimmers but guest characters. The pastel look was believable. I just thought it would be an interesting part of Dwarf Mythos, I mean there is a logical explanation I’m sure, but it’s where he got the idea to change from his 2nd technician uniform into something that seems to have branched out from nowhere. I would just like your views on what that green/red costume were, where did they come from?

[Tonguetied]

easy mistake my man, easy mistake. Especially when you type as fast as I. Doesn’t hinder my knowledge of le Dwarf. But since your looking at every word so carefully, tell ya what i’ll do; I’ll go back and edit them, how is that for you fellow Alan Partridge fan?

[Andrew]

> do you think that series 1 takes place in the same dimension as the latter series,

Yep – our dimension. Where the fictional TV series is filmed. :-)

It’s the same characters all the way through. Elements change because the show is managed with an eye to quality; the makers strive to improve. And they won’t let ties to pointless continuity get in their way.

When I was 16, the changes mattered to me. At 31, all I care about is being entertained well. I don’t need to believe that Kryten rebuilt Starbug’s interior over 200 years to enjoy Series VI, and I don’t need a reason for Rimmer to change outfits between II and III. Or IV and V. Or V and VI. Or to know why his tie is different in Parallel Universe. Or why the crew uniform changes in flashback during Ouroboros. Or why the Series VIII uniforms don’t entirely match the ones for I…

Which is NOT to say it’s not fun to make them up. I was reminded of the Bongo Tranter Talike Toaster piece on rd.co.uk recently – and I had some fun there, toying with some fan theories. But that’s all they are, and I doubt any of my stuff gets accepted as ‘canon’. Plus, I guess, I had all these discussions a dozen times in the 90s; we’ve worn them out.

BTW, you should probably avoid editing your posts unless you have to – it moves them down to the bottom and completely knackers the continuity of conversation. (What? It happens!)

[Seph]

A logical explanation could just be that Rimmer decided he wanted a better looking uniform, since there was no-one around to make him wear the official JMC one he designed one himself, after all, he invented his own salute.

[Seb Patrick]

>Still I believe Rob and Doug officially see the show as one continuity it is not disputed anywhere I believe.

It’s fairly commonly debated among fans, actually. Many people take “THE SAME GENERATION… NEARLY” as justification for all the changes between series II and III, because it allows for the possibility that we’ve jumped into a parallel dimension. I’m not saying it’s necessarily right, but it’s a definite possibility. The point is, parallel timelines are firmly established throughout the series’ history, so it’s not too much of a stretch to use them as a catch-all explanation for the discrepancies.

[pfm]

> I don?t need to believe that Kryten rebuilt Starbug?s interior over 200 years to enjoy Series VI

You also don’t need to believe in the Tooth Fairy to find money under your pillow, but it makes it all that more satisfying.

[Tanya Jones]

Well, quite, but I bet you haven’t held conversations on the tariff she uses and how close it’s been pegged to inflation, or, indeed, if she discriminates on a socio-economic basis.

[Somebody]

>It?s Space *Corp*

Actually, it’s Space *Corps* (which is pronounced ‘core’) not Corp as in Corporation. :p

[Tonguetied]

Indeed Somebody, indeed it is. Well done to that man, or woman?

[Dave]

>It?s Space *Corp*

It’s Spacecaw

[Danny Stephenson]

Corps Blimey!!!

[mick]

There is clearly some faggotry occuring in this thread.

this has been a drunken message froim the STFU foundation

[pfm]

> There is clearly some faggotry occuring in this thread.

Fuck you.

Now THAT would be faggotry.

[Phil]

Nostalgia.

Tonguetied sure did bring out the best in us, didn’t he?

[Smeg4Brains]

Where’d he get to? It’s been a while since we had a good old argument.

[Dave]

Tonguetied is no longer interested in the audience G&T used to attract

[pfm]

> D?you know, I couldn?t give a rat?s ass.

> Fuck you.
> Now THAT would be faggotry.

Seriously, what the hell kind of a person AM I???

[Zombie Jim Undead]

Why was you all so horrid to him?

[Arlene Rimmer BSc SSc]

…because he was a shitcock.

[Zombie Jim Undead]

Oh yes. I see now.

[Rushy]

They’re three million years in the future, which means the Space Corps presumably existed for at least a few centuries after they left the solar system. During which they would have updated their uniform style. Rimmer probably found some clue to the later-era uniforms from a derelict or just by asking Holly. 

[Technopeasant]

Nostalgia.
Tonguetied sure did bring out the best in us, didn’t he?

Ah the elder days, when only a year’s gap was considered cause for nostalgia…

Not to mention all the trolls to come and go since.

[Author]

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