I was able to finally get my hands on Red Dwarf: The Promised Land….and boy was I not expecting it to give me so many feelings.
I’ll just start listing the parts that felt so different but also so integral to the characters development.
First off- I’ve been waiting for a very Cat centered story and really loved this storyline that was silly but accurate for the show/ Cat’s humor.
The obvious religion satire tickled me. ‘I only saved my cat three-million years ago out of kindness you’ve turned me into something I’m not’
The theme of comradery felt more sincere, but with the obvious jabs at one another which was appropriate, and the damn humor in this show is so sharp if you disregard the general gags. Kryton has some of the best lines that are just dry explanations of situations.
I’m a huge fan of tangible sets and props.
Now let me get down to the part that oddly made me big feels.
Rimmer having his existential crisis. Chris did that so well just how Rimmer would respond to that feeling he hadn’t thought of on a deeper level. Cat mocking him. Kryton concerned about the impact his emotions would have on the situation…and Lister concerned for him and takes a moment to tell Cat to knock it off despite being in such a desperate situation.
Then we have of course the moonlight/ Sun scene. Which was one of the most endearing acts of love (platonic or romantic whatever you choose) I’ve seen. Lister was explaining to Rimmer ‘there is no me without you’ I love that Rimmer was brought back to keep Lister alive because they were anything but alike. The Computer even says how much more time he’s spent with Rimmer than anyone else. They bicker they argue and still seek one another out- and share a room for a very long time. (I get that filming in two rooms wouldn’t work but it works for the story in the long run.) I love shipping those two, but the show really captures a strong platonic agitating love so well and that just makes it even stronger.
Rimmer was for once the hero he always wanted to be. He saves the ship and he (somewhat reluctantly but we all knew he would) save Kryton. When they see him apparently sacrifice himself to save them Cat says, “I didn’t like him…but I liked not liking him.” Which to me is so cute…you become so familiar with someone the idea of their annoyance being gone is a loss you never thought you’d feel. It also gave Cat a moment- for once- honesty and only a smidge of sarcasm in only a way Cat could.
This whole special episode/movie was a really wonderful way to end it (I’d watch more if they wanted obviously) and I love how they’ve aged with their characters. I mean realistically Kryton and Rimmer wouldn’t have to- and instead of using cgi to portray that they just had these cute old men continue to evolve their characters they’ve played for ever.
The laser pointers distracting the Cats. Amazing.
Chris Barrie’s wig was literally perfect game of thrones could never.
Cat choosing to stay with The Boys From the Dwarf was such a big arc as well. They’ve been together too long! That’s his family!
Anyways. Really enjoyed this so much it was a huge pick me up and this show is so silly and smart and has such a big found family theme which is one of my favorite tropes (Star Trek Voyager is my favorite example of this.) I found this show in the late 90’s when I was scouring for anything science fiction and I always loved when it comes back into my life because I sometimes forget how delightful it is.
