Claire

[Claire]

Robert should team up with Craig for his second appearance – the man’s very competitive which can only help when they’re playing for charity.

[Claire]

I have a feeling that programme was made 10 years ago for the 40th anniversary. You can tell from Chris and Robert’s respective hairlines. ;)

Not to sound as though I believe the “RD is being snubbed” thing – it seems pretty obvious that that was a misunderstanding.

[Claire]

Interesting point about how things would have been if Kryten had been there from the start. I find it hard to imagine, actually.

Please carry on with these; they’re fun to read.

[Claire]

Danny, who’s currently appearing in BBC hit “Death In Paradise”. Um… :o

Although Robert’s blog does seem to demonstrate that the cast were looked down upon by some in the BBC higher echelons. It clearly rankles.

[Claire]

Well, fuck. :(

When you read tweets and blogs from two cast members and Doug all under the same impression and then someone sets up a petition, you assume those concerned know what they’re talking about.

It’s annoying and embarrassing the way a few people have behaved, but I suppose the petition does demonstrate the widespread love people have for the show.

Thanks for the reply. :)

[Claire]

*Raises hand* My Twitter feed is full of argument and confusion (which I’ve had no part in). Was the programme everyone’s talking about the same one this petition was about?

[Claire]

Duly signed. Thanks for posting the link, Pecospete.

Robert’s blog just confirmed my suspicions about the snobbish dislike of RD by some in the BBC upper echelons. Sad and mystifying. :(

So how many signatures do these petitions need before anyone takes any notice? It’s been up about an hour and already has 250, but I imagine that’s nowhere near enough.

[Claire]

Actually the site’s fine, it’s just that there’s something wrong with that link. Click the TOS one and it’ll take you to the home page.

[Claire]

Agreed that the novel’s changing of the “Old Lister” scene was for the better. Young Lister’s lack of concern about Bexley’s death definitely came across as callous. I’m glad they changed it to Lister’s grandson too.

I like Lister’s silent guffaw when he sees what Holly’s done to Rimmer’s hair – it’s well played.

[Claire]

Thanks for posting here too – I wasn’t the one who requested it, but I’d rather discuss it here as I don’t have to censor myself. :)

Your point about Craig not making eye contact is a very good one which I never noticed. I imagine it was probably nerves and fear of forgetting his lines? I know he’s very good at that now, but maybe not right at the beginning.

I imagine Shane’s told you about producer Paul Jackson asking Craig if he thought Cat’s character was racist and that being how Craig found out about the role of Lister and asked to audition for it? As a Craig fan, all I can say is – thank you, Mr Jackson. :) I know Craig’s acting was shaky at the start (he admits that himself) but he grew into the role really well.

[Claire]

Hi, Heath. :) It’s a bit quiet here atm, but things will liven up when we get more info about Series XI.

[Claire]

Welcome, Angela. I’m the one who tweets at you. :)

[Claire]

This is very good news. :)

[Claire]

So nobody wants to talk about this? Or are we all waiting for more information?

[Claire]

I think either “Krytie TV” or “Only The Good…” had that unwelcome distinction.

[Claire]

They liked “BITR” Part 1 as they thought it was promising, but were severely let down by the rest of the series.

They enjoyed “BTE” a lot more.

[Claire]

It’s OK, Blisschick. I got that you were taking the smeg out of the “Yes, it’s on / No, it isn’t” fiasco a few weeks ago. :)

[Claire]

Yeah, I’m not saying it’s necessarily a reliable source. Just drawing people’s attention to it.

[Claire]

*Lol* I think Annie’s pretty much summed it up. I was there and heard what Doug said. I don’t blame Robert for basically repeating that for the benefit of those who weren’t there.

I understand that Doug’s presumably contractually bound to deny this until the official announcement, but you can’t blame fans for getting excited.

[Claire]

I enjoyed it. Shame about the final question, but they did really well.

[Claire]

Neither do I. *Engages innocent whistle mode* :)

[Claire]

I’m pleased that Heath and Angela like 7 so far, although it does make me wonder if they’ll hate 8 as it’s so dramatically different.

It’s refreshing to hear opinions of RD which are honest but not cynical. Their enthusiasm for “Stoke” reminded me that it’s actually pretty good and suffers critically from its place in an unpopular series. I always enjoy 7 more than I think I will when I actually watch it.

[Claire]

I’m torn, tbh. I would like to see Holly back in some capacity, but I’d rather it was Hattie. Not so much because of Norman’s past behaviour (which he seems to regret now), more because I always preferred her version.

Someone on TOS suggested a one-off ep bringing them both back, which could be a nice tribute to the character and would also be fair to both actors.

[Claire]

Performingmonkey has a point. Not because of the swearing (if that bothered me I wouldn’t be here), but the nastiness and personal attacks might well put off newcomers.

Up to the admins, of course.

[Claire]

On the subject of Doug intending to direct Series XI (assuming we get it, of course), at DJ he implied that was because he didn’t feel that anyone who wasn’t used to RD would be able to handle it. He specifically mentioned Ed Bye as someone who obviously could.

Maybe the reason Doug intends to direct is less to do with ego and more because Ed’s unavailable or costs too much. We’re constantly told how minuscule the budget is so perhaps Doug feels it’s better to put that money elsewhere in the show.

I’m not saying he’s right or wrong, but I’ve noticed an assumption here and elsewhere that he’s actively choosing to continue directing. Maybe he doesn’t feel he has a choice.

[Claire]

Damn, sorry about the double post. I can’t seem to delete it. :/

[Claire]

That’s ironic, because I was about to ask Mabel if she secretly IS Craig – in reference to the staying up till 5.30 bit. ;)

[Claire]

That’s ironic, because I was about to ask Mabel if she secretly IS Craig – in reference to the staying up till 5.30 bit. ;)

[Claire]

It was nice meeting you, Mabel. I was around till about 1.30 on Saturday night – you should have said something. Annie and I would’ve let you crash on the floor again. :)

[Claire]

Hope you managed to edit out my coughing fits – I have hayfever. That’s my excuse for only uttering two syllables. ;)

Thanks for inviting us on the Dwarfcasts.

[Claire]

Craig.

I’ll be there with Annie. :)

[Claire]

Ah. Well, I can’t remember everything I read. :p

@Ben Paddon – it also means nobody can hurt him, which you’d think would make him braver, but never did in the series. Odd.

[Claire]

Well, five are Spice Girls. ;)

You’re right, he looks way too brave. :)

[Claire]

> Save us before I wet me kecks.

The part of you that lusts after meaningless sex.

Lister, you’ve got the brain of a cheese sandwich.

[Claire]

Maybe. If I can bring myself to watch “Krytie TV” again. ;)

[Claire]

I haven’t watched “Freaks” for years either, but I believe the message is indeed supposed to be what you say. That’s how I interpreted it.

However, I have read reviews which cast doubt on this and say the film exploits the “freaks”, so really it’s a question of making up your own mind.

[Claire]

@ Phil – Yes, it’s a nasty shock when you realise that it can be looked at in that light. There was a lengthy thread about it on TOS.

I always thought that McGruder must have been discharged from the medibay by a doctor and was therefore sufficiently “with it” to know what she was doing. Just my personal opinion.

Or if you prefer, you can accept the “Last Human” retcon.

[Claire]

Thanks for the heads up. This sounds a lot of fun. :)

Unfortunately all my meagre spare cash atm is going towards DJ.

[Claire]

I’m a big fan of this ep. I loved it when I first caught it on a repeat run and still did when I rewatched it for the Silver Survey. In fact I ended up placing it in my top 10 rather than top 20 as I originally intended.

I’m female (in case it’s not obvious from my username) and I don’t find it sexist. It’s clear the joke is supposed to be on Dave and Arnold and their lack of self-awareness. If I’m going to pick a fault, it would be that Deb’s reaction to Dave’s pregnancy doesn’t seem quite right. It’s supposed to mirror what Dave’s would be and I don’t see him reacting quite that casually.

But it doesn’t spoil the ep for me. And I haven’t even mentioned “Tongue Tied”. Never fails to make me smile. :) And the great performances from Suzanne Bertish and Angela Bruce.

[Claire]

– We’re all really sorry, bud. Apart from me and him and him.

[Claire]

Mabel – pleased that RD helped you through a difficult time in your life. I’ve always found it great comfort viewing – some eps more than others, of course. :)

[Claire]

I ranked C&P, WFG and The End next to each other in the mid-30s, but the other 3 eps a lot higher. I like all of Series 1, but there is a definite difference in quality when you watch FE and Me2.

I ranked Balance Of Power quite high though. I’ve just always liked it. :p

[Claire]

I’m curious as to which Series 1 ep you ranked 39, if not Waiting For God, which seems to be the least popular in that series.

[Claire]

Top 10:

1. Thanks For The Memory
2. Back To Reality
3. Dimension Jump
4. Quarantine
5. Polymorph
6. Future Echoes
7. Gunmen Of The Apocalypse
8. Parallel Universe
9. The Beginning
10. Trojan

Bottom 10:

52. Back To Earth Part 1
53. Back To Earth Part 2
54. Back In The Red Part 3
55. Back In The Red Part 2
56. Pete Part 1
57. Beyond A Joke
58. Nanarchy
59. Epideme
60. Pete Part 2
61. Krytie TV

[Claire]

I’m honestly not sure as my elder sister was into it first. The earliest joke I remember laughing at is Talkie Toaster’s “So what else is new?” line in “Waiting For God”, but I’m not sure if that was the original broadcast.

I also have strong memories of the end of “Meltdown”, Low Rimmer’s appearance in “Demons And Angels” and “Parallel Universe”, which I loved (still do).

[Claire]

He’s turned into Brannigan, the ship’s psychiatrist.

[Claire]

Good, I thought it was, but I’m not familiar with how the BBFC works. Hopefully we will get a cast commentary then. :)

[Claire]

I’m concerned about this too. Red Dwarf episodes without a cast commentary just wouldn’t feel right.

Danny did tweet that he’s due back in the UK in the first week of October. Given that the DVD’s out in November, would that leave enough time for recording commentaries and getting them cleared by the BBFC?

[Claire]

Belated thanks for that link. My internet’s been down.

[Claire]

So there will be a same day repeat of the new eps. Good. :)

Where did you find those listings? Dave’s website?

[Author]

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