Red Dwarf season 1 episode 1 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

Lister and Rimmer, technicians on the spaceship Red Dwarf, clash over mundane tasks and Rimmer's authoritarian attitude. Lister's aspiration to retire to Fiji contrasts Rimmer's career ambitions. After Lister's pet cat leads to a choice between surrendering it or stasis, Lister chooses stasis. Awakening three million years later, he discovers the crew is dead from a radiation leak. Rimmer, resurrected as a hologram, blames Lister. They encounter The Cat, a stylish humanoid evolved from Lister's cat, and decide to return to an uncertain Earth.

Full Episode S01E01 Recap

### Opening Scene: Lister and Rimmer in Corridor 159 - **Lister hums a tune while pushing a trolley**, annoying Rimmer. - **Rimmer threatens to report Lister** for humming and making sounds. - They discuss their maintenance job: unclogging a chicken soup dispenser. ### In the Corridor - Rimmer continues to berate Lister for minor infractions. - **Rimmer dreams of promotion**, but Lister mocks his inability to pass the engineer's exam. - They argue about Lister's cigarette, leading to another report by Rimmer. ### Captain's Office - Rimmer files numerous complaints against Lister, citing various offenses. - Captain Hollister questions why they can't get along. - Lister calls Rimmer a "smeghead," further escalating tensions. ### Tribute to George Mclntyre - The crew attends a funeral service for George Mclntyre. - Mclntyre is resurrected as a hologram, a source of discomfort and humor among the crew. - George's return as a hologram is celebrated with a reception and a humorous speech. ### Lister and Rimmer's Quarters - Rimmer prepares for his exam by writing notes all over his body. - Lister reveals his plan to buy a farm on Fiji, expressing his simple life aspirations. - Rimmer and Lister argue about the feasibility of Lister's plan. ### The Exam and the Captain's Office - Lister is caught with an unquarantined cat, leading to a choice between surrendering the cat or going into stasis. - Rimmer takes his exam but is filled with anxiety and self-doubt. ### Lister Enters Stasis - Lister chooses stasis over giving up his cat. - Holly, the ship's AI, explains the mechanics of the stasis booth. - Lister enters stasis, unaware of the impending disaster. ### Lister Emerges from Stasis - Lister wakes up to find the ship deserted and learns everyone is dead due to a radiation leak. - He discovers that Rimmer, now a hologram, blames him for the disaster. - Lister struggles to come to terms with being the last human alive. ### Encounter with The Cat - Lister meets a humanoid descendant of his cat, evolved over three million years. - The Cat, vain and self-absorbed, is more interested in his appearance than the larger situation. - Lister, Rimmer, and The Cat form an unlikely and dysfunctional crew. ### Conclusion: Heading to Earth - Lister decides to return to Earth, despite Rimmer and Holly's skepticism about what they might find. - The episode ends with the crew setting a course for Earth, uncertain of what awaits them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Rimmer threaten to report Lister for?

Humming, clicking, and being quiet.

Why is Rimmer obsessed with maintenance tasks?

He believes it's vital for his career and the ship's well-being.

What causes friction between Lister and Rimmer in the Captain's office?

Lister's numerous offenses and Rimmer's strict adherence to rules.

How does George Mclntyre return after his funeral?

As a hologram.

What is Lister's dream?

To buy a farm on Fiji and breed horses.

How does Rimmer prepare for his engineering exam?

By writing notes all over his body.

What dilemma does Lister face with his cat?

Surrender the cat or go into stasis.

How long is Lister in stasis?

Three million years.

What is the consequence of the poorly repaired drive plate?

A lethal dose of cadmium 2 kills the crew.

How does Rimmer become a hologram?

He's resurrected as a hologram after his death.

What is The Cat's interest upon meeting Lister and Rimmer?

He is more concerned with his appearance.

How do Lister, Rimmer, and The Cat decide to proceed after meeting?

They form a crew and set a course for Earth.

Who blames Lister for the disaster on the ship?

Rimmer blames Lister for his death and the crew's demise.

What is the state of Earth when the crew decides to return?

It's unknown; they set a course with uncertainty.

How does Lister describe his plan to The Cat?

As a trip to Fiji, which he confuses with the Cat's religious belief in Fuchal.

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The End