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Red Dwarf: Discovering the TV Series: Volume I: 1988-1993
Explores the unique journey of the long-running British sitcom, detailing its creation, cast changes, and enduring legacy through critical analysis and behind-the-scenes insights.
Red Dwarf is virtually unique among British sitcoms. It began in 1988 and was still releasing new episodes in 2020, making it one of the longest running sitcoms of all time, but the core cast has remained largely unchanged. And its science fiction flavor contrasts strongly with the drawing rooms and sofas which were the norm when it launched, and the fast-cut mockumentary style which is popular today. And yet, this is a show which nobody wanted to make, and which only barely made it to our screens at all. In this work, Tom Salinsky will look at exactly how it came to be; who was considered for the cast but didn’t make it; how it was radically reinvented for the third, sixth, seventh, ninth and tenth seasons; how it survived the breakup of its key creative partnership, the loss of the original spaceship models, BBC strikes, the departure of a major cast member, and the seemingly self-defeating rules which the writers imposed on themselves. But this isn’t just a behind-the-scenes account. It’s also a detailed critical analysis, examining why the best episodes succeed and why the less impressive episodes struggle, while also finding time to ask just how a hologram made of light can smell burning camphor wood, why a creature evolved from a cat is familiar with Wilma Flintstone, or just how long Lister and Kochanski were dating for. How can all this possibly be contained in one book? It can’t! Volume I will cover the first six series and Volume II will conclude the story of Red Dwarf on television as well as looking at the novels, comic strips, computer games and more.
Red Dwarf is virtually unique among British sitcoms. It began in 1988 and was still releasing new episodes in 2020, making it one of the longest running sitcoms of all time, but the core cast has remained largely unchanged. And its science fiction flavor contrasts strongly with the drawing rooms and sofas which were the norm when it launched, and the fast-cut mockumentary style which is popular today. And yet, this is a show which nobody wanted to make, and which only barely made it to our screens at all. In this work, Tom Salinsky will look at exactly how it came to be; who was considered for the cast but didn’t make it; how it was radically reinvented for the third, sixth, seventh, ninth and tenth seasons; how it survived the breakup of its key creative partnership, the loss of the original spaceship models, BBC strikes, the departure of a major cast member, and the seemingly self-defeating rules which the writers imposed on themselves. But this isn’t just a behind-the-scenes account. It’s also a detailed critical analysis, examining why the best episodes succeed and why the less impressive episodes struggle, while also finding time to ask just how a hologram made of light can smell burning camphor wood, why a creature evolved from a cat is familiar with Wilma Flintstone, or just how long Lister and Kochanski were dating for. How can all this possibly be contained in one book? It can’t! Volume I will cover the first six series and Volume II will conclude the story of Red Dwarf on television as well as looking at the novels, comic strips, computer games and more.
- GenresNonfiction
224 pages, Hardcover
Published November 11, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 26, 2024
As the author makes clear, this is one for the fans - amongst which I count myself. I can still remember in the late 80s, workmates enthusing about the BBC SF sitcom Red Dwarf. As a result, I first encountered it in series 3, where it really found its feet, but later revisited the whole show from the delightfully titled first episode, The End.
There are broadly two types of content in Tom Salinsky's slim book - a history of the making of the series and the episode guide. The history part - an overall section, followed by a piece on the making of each series - would appeal to anyone with an interest in TV, and particularly TV science fiction. By contrast, the episode guide is very much for people like me - it's geeky detail, such as circumstances when Rimmer appears more solid than he should be, anachronistic mentions and lack of in-series consistency.
Salinsky gives each show a rating - for an enthusiast he's quite harsh on episodes that others might regard as perfectly acceptable, but it's always interesting to see someone else's reviews of a favourite show.
My biggest criticism is that this is a distinctly thin book - about 150 pages before getting to the end material. It only covers series 1-6, with the rest coming in a second volume. Personally, I'd rather have got the whole lot in one go.
Not for everyone by any means, then, but if the mention of Red Dwarf brings a smile to your face, then it's for you. I certainly learned plenty in the history bits. I hadn't realised, for example, that none of the three original main characters had been actors prior to the show, being as they were a performance poet, an impressionist and a dancer from West End musicals. Indulgence, yes - but enjoyable indulgence.
There are broadly two types of content in Tom Salinsky's slim book - a history of the making of the series and the episode guide. The history part - an overall section, followed by a piece on the making of each series - would appeal to anyone with an interest in TV, and particularly TV science fiction. By contrast, the episode guide is very much for people like me - it's geeky detail, such as circumstances when Rimmer appears more solid than he should be, anachronistic mentions and lack of in-series consistency.
Salinsky gives each show a rating - for an enthusiast he's quite harsh on episodes that others might regard as perfectly acceptable, but it's always interesting to see someone else's reviews of a favourite show.
My biggest criticism is that this is a distinctly thin book - about 150 pages before getting to the end material. It only covers series 1-6, with the rest coming in a second volume. Personally, I'd rather have got the whole lot in one go.
Not for everyone by any means, then, but if the mention of Red Dwarf brings a smile to your face, then it's for you. I certainly learned plenty in the history bits. I hadn't realised, for example, that none of the three original main characters had been actors prior to the show, being as they were a performance poet, an impressionist and a dancer from West End musicals. Indulgence, yes - but enjoyable indulgence.
August 22, 2024
A book about the iconic Red Dwarf? I’m in!
But I was so disappointed. The author doesn’t seem to actually like Red Dwarf and it’s basically a book about its weaknesses, failings and how bad the set was. Come on! It was the 1980s, there was no AI back then! Things like reference to the wire pulling the skutters being visible - that’s Red Dwarf! It’s one of the things we loved!
When writing about “Backwards”, the author criticises the signpost to London reading NODNOL and states that time running backwards wouldn!t have reversed the sign - well, WE DIDN’T CARE! We laughed heartily and still enjoy a trip to Nodnol to this day!
In relation to series IV, he’s states, “At halfway through the series, we seem to have settled into a not altogether satisfactory groove. Three stories in a row have given us ten minutes of largely irrelevant messing about”. He really, really doesn’t “get” Red Dwarf!
I don’t know what age the author is, but I remember when Red Dwarf started and myself and my school friends, at 14 years old, were obsessed! I wonder whether the author watched it originally and understood the hype?
Since then, I have rewatched it numerous times, latterly with my husband and, many, many years on, I still quote the series regularly!
I did enjoy the background to getting the series into production in the beginning and then the commissioning of subsequent series. Unfortunately, the writing in the book is bland, the author’s boredom with Red Dwarf comes across strongly and I just couldn’t enjoy it. I’m off to rewatch Red Dwarf now, to cheer myself up and remind myself of how utterly brilliant it is!
This is not really a book for fans of Red Dwarf, however it may appeal to BBC historians, who care about the budgets, production challenges and viewing figures, but if you’re looking for a nostalgic reminded of a cult TV show, this isn’t it.
2 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher, for an ARC in return for an honest review.
But I was so disappointed. The author doesn’t seem to actually like Red Dwarf and it’s basically a book about its weaknesses, failings and how bad the set was. Come on! It was the 1980s, there was no AI back then! Things like reference to the wire pulling the skutters being visible - that’s Red Dwarf! It’s one of the things we loved!
When writing about “Backwards”, the author criticises the signpost to London reading NODNOL and states that time running backwards wouldn!t have reversed the sign - well, WE DIDN’T CARE! We laughed heartily and still enjoy a trip to Nodnol to this day!
In relation to series IV, he’s states, “At halfway through the series, we seem to have settled into a not altogether satisfactory groove. Three stories in a row have given us ten minutes of largely irrelevant messing about”. He really, really doesn’t “get” Red Dwarf!
I don’t know what age the author is, but I remember when Red Dwarf started and myself and my school friends, at 14 years old, were obsessed! I wonder whether the author watched it originally and understood the hype?
Since then, I have rewatched it numerous times, latterly with my husband and, many, many years on, I still quote the series regularly!
I did enjoy the background to getting the series into production in the beginning and then the commissioning of subsequent series. Unfortunately, the writing in the book is bland, the author’s boredom with Red Dwarf comes across strongly and I just couldn’t enjoy it. I’m off to rewatch Red Dwarf now, to cheer myself up and remind myself of how utterly brilliant it is!
This is not really a book for fans of Red Dwarf, however it may appeal to BBC historians, who care about the budgets, production challenges and viewing figures, but if you’re looking for a nostalgic reminded of a cult TV show, this isn’t it.
2 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher, for an ARC in return for an honest review.
August 18, 2024
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Red Dwarf: Discovering the TV Series is an unauthorised but respectfully curated monograph on the hysterically funny classic Grant/Naylor SF series from the 80s and 90s put together by Tom Salinsky. Due out in the UK 30th Aug 2024 from Pen & Sword on their White Owl imprint, it's 192 pages and will be available in hardcover format. Book is due out outside the UK 30th Oct 2024.
Red Dwarf (aka RD), is an absolutely iconic comedy show from the fevered imaginations of Doug Naylor and Rob Grant via the auspices of the BBC. Scratch virtually -any- SF nerd and you'll find memorised dialogue, often recited verbatim usually with accompanying tears of mirth. Even "hard" SF/classic fans are often huge RD fans. Additionally, the show was a vehicle for many (many!) BBC stars including Frances Barber, Mark Williams, and Clare Grogan in addition to the central cast.
This book does a good job of bringing back those memories. The author has assembled insider stories, reminiscences, continuity, influences, and a host of interesting trivia. There is an episode guide with a host of facts and data for each of them (and best gag/worst visual effect, in the author's opinion). For readers who have not seen absolutely all the episodes 500 times, there *are* spoilers, so fair warning.
Four and a half stars. This is the first volume of two volumes (the second grew out of the sheer overwhelming volume of *stuff* / resources, and stories and will be published in future). It's undeniably a niche choice, but would be great for public library acquisition, home use, or gifting (especially to trivia nerds and fans of the series). There was a huge amount of info here which was new (to me).
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Red Dwarf: Discovering the TV Series is an unauthorised but respectfully curated monograph on the hysterically funny classic Grant/Naylor SF series from the 80s and 90s put together by Tom Salinsky. Due out in the UK 30th Aug 2024 from Pen & Sword on their White Owl imprint, it's 192 pages and will be available in hardcover format. Book is due out outside the UK 30th Oct 2024.
Red Dwarf (aka RD), is an absolutely iconic comedy show from the fevered imaginations of Doug Naylor and Rob Grant via the auspices of the BBC. Scratch virtually -any- SF nerd and you'll find memorised dialogue, often recited verbatim usually with accompanying tears of mirth. Even "hard" SF/classic fans are often huge RD fans. Additionally, the show was a vehicle for many (many!) BBC stars including Frances Barber, Mark Williams, and Clare Grogan in addition to the central cast.
This book does a good job of bringing back those memories. The author has assembled insider stories, reminiscences, continuity, influences, and a host of interesting trivia. There is an episode guide with a host of facts and data for each of them (and best gag/worst visual effect, in the author's opinion). For readers who have not seen absolutely all the episodes 500 times, there *are* spoilers, so fair warning.
Four and a half stars. This is the first volume of two volumes (the second grew out of the sheer overwhelming volume of *stuff* / resources, and stories and will be published in future). It's undeniably a niche choice, but would be great for public library acquisition, home use, or gifting (especially to trivia nerds and fans of the series). There was a huge amount of info here which was new (to me).
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
September 7, 2024
As a huge Red Dwarf fan, Tom Salinsky's Red Dwarf: Discovering the TV Series Vol. 1 seemed right up my alley, and it was indeed fun to think back on the episodes. I liked the fact that the book considered each series as a whole before zooming in on the individual episodes. I also enjoyed the breakdown of the episodes with mention of any cultural references and continuity errors. However, there were some negative points too. Firstly, I cannot understand the need for two volumes. This first book is less than 200 pages. Assuming the second volume is a similar length, what was wrong with a single book of 400-500 pages? I also got a bit annoyed at the author's negativity at times. I am all on board with pointing out the flaws, but it sometimes felt like complaints outweighed the praise, which could be irritating to fans of the show. As I read, I also found myself thinking some images would be nice to accompany the text. When I reached the end there was a brief selection of images included; however, half of these were not even of Red Dwarf but rather other shows and films that may have inspired some of the episodes, and that felt pointless to me. Overall, I am giving this book three stars. I enjoyed reminiscing about the different episodes as I read, but I thought there was room for improvement in the way the book was presented and in the author's focus if he is wanting to appeal to the show's fans.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2024
I was sent a copy of this book for free in exchange for a review. It was an unedited proof copy and so that might have an impact on the quality. I noticed that the text on the rear cover looked like garbage, for example.
In fact, when I looked at the printed edition when it arrived, I was worried it was going to be a DNF, despite how much I love Red Dwarf. The quality just wasn’t there, but I’ll give the author a pass and assume that the final thing will be better.
The idea here is pretty good, although I’m not convinced on the need to split it into two volumes. I would have preferred a single book that covered the entirety of Red Dwarf from start to finish, or at least the finish that we have to-date.
But I have two main gripes. The first is that almost all of the behind-the-scenes stuff that Salinsky mentions comes from Red Dwarf: The First Three Million Years. The second is that much of the book is just Salinsky saying whether he enjoyed the episode or not. So yeah.
In fact, when I looked at the printed edition when it arrived, I was worried it was going to be a DNF, despite how much I love Red Dwarf. The quality just wasn’t there, but I’ll give the author a pass and assume that the final thing will be better.
The idea here is pretty good, although I’m not convinced on the need to split it into two volumes. I would have preferred a single book that covered the entirety of Red Dwarf from start to finish, or at least the finish that we have to-date.
But I have two main gripes. The first is that almost all of the behind-the-scenes stuff that Salinsky mentions comes from Red Dwarf: The First Three Million Years. The second is that much of the book is just Salinsky saying whether he enjoyed the episode or not. So yeah.
October 13, 2024
Complicated one this, love the subject matter immensely but the author seems intent on slagging off what to me is every minor thing they dislike about the show so the overall tone is fairly negative. Has made me start a rewatch of Red Dwarf though so that's a positive
September 9, 2024
Note: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
As a breezy overview of Red Dwarf’s production, peppered with chatty opinions on each episode, this does well enough. What wears a bit thinner are all the fannish, fact-listing bits. The episode-to-episode observations on Rimmer’s holographic status would have been better handled as a single sidebar (TL;DR it’s inconsistent); the notes on dated cultural references could have been interesting with a bit more analysis, but as it is, they are just lists of each episode’s less funny gags. Thirty-six years in the future, we still await the definitive account of the mining ship Red Dwarf.
As a breezy overview of Red Dwarf’s production, peppered with chatty opinions on each episode, this does well enough. What wears a bit thinner are all the fannish, fact-listing bits. The episode-to-episode observations on Rimmer’s holographic status would have been better handled as a single sidebar (TL;DR it’s inconsistent); the notes on dated cultural references could have been interesting with a bit more analysis, but as it is, they are just lists of each episode’s less funny gags. Thirty-six years in the future, we still await the definitive account of the mining ship Red Dwarf.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews