Red Dwarf: Discovering the TV Series: Volume I: 1988–1993 by Tom Salinsky
(Pen & Sword Books, 2024)
Reviewed by Andrew Openshaw
Red Dwarf: Discovering the TV Series by Tom Salinsky takes readers on a detailed journey through the early years of one of Britain’s most enduring sci-fi comedies. Covering the series from its debut in 1988 to 1993, Salinsky’s book is both a homage to the brilliance of Red Dwarf and a nuanced critique. He balances reverence for creators Rob Grant and Doug Naylor with an unflinching look at the series’ imperfections and quirks. This first volume brims with insight, humour, and a wealth of behind-the-scenes anecdotes, making it an essential read for fans and newcomers alike.
Salinsky’s admiration for Red Dwarf is evident from the opening dedication, jokily directed at the show’s creators: “Please don’t be cross with me.” This sets the tone for a book that is both affectionate and analytical. While Salinsky’s admiration is clear, he also brings a critical lens, diving deeply into the creative process behind the show, beginning with the pilot episode, “The End.” A meticulous examination of the various iterations of the pilot—including the original broadcast and commentary versions available on YouTube—highlights the evolution that shaped the show’s early identity. Salinsky’s thorough research offers a fresh perspective on how Red Dwarf was built from a blend of science fiction, working-class wit, and offbeat satire that defied the BBC’s initial hesitations.
Salinsky places Red Dwarf within the larger context of British television history, noting how groundbreaking it was in the 1980s to mix sci-fi with gritty, working-class comedy. He argues that Grant and Naylor didn’t simply create “Star Trek with jokes” but instead brought to life “Porridge in the stars”—a show that used its sci-fi setting to explore social themes and existential questions with irreverent humour. This approach marked a new wave of “alternative comedy” that redefined British sitcoms and influenced a generation of television.
Throughout the book, Salinsky praises the chemistry between Red Dwarf’s central duo Craig Charles (Lister) and Chris Barrie (Rimmer). He describes their dynamic as a blend of uptight absurdity and laid-back charm that grounds the show’s often surreal narratives. Salinsky delves into the layers of these characters, from Rimmer’s self-important insecurities to Lister’s moral conflicts, showing how their flawed yet relatable personalities create a distinctive and enduring friendship at the show’s core. He argues that this character-driven focus is essential to Red Dwarf’s appeal, providing an emotional anchor even as the series grows increasingly bizarre.
Taking a critical view of the show’s evolution, Salinsky notes how Red Dwarf shifts from its character-centred roots to more fantastical plots as it gains popularity. While he acknowledges that such changes were necessary to keep the series fresh, he remains ambivalent about this shift, suggesting that the emphasis on surreal storytelling occasionally undermined the character dynamics that initially defined the show. Yet, as he points out, Red Dwarf’s charm lies in its willingness to embrace its inconsistencies, prioritising humour over strict continuity. The show’s appeal, he argues, often comes from its beautiful mess of quirky, unpredictable storylines that delight fans despite—or perhaps because of—their lack of coherence.
Several behind-the-scenes tales bring the production’s scrappy origins to life. Salinsky recounts memorable moments like the infamous “Queeg” episode, written last-minute in a pub, and the physical trials faced by the cast, such as filming in landfill sites or enduring harsh studio conditions. These anecdotes add a human dimension to the series’ mythology, underscoring the camaraderie and resilience that transformed a low-budget sitcom into a beloved cult classic. Particularly delightful are moments like Craig Charles playfully chastising Chris Barrie during a gruelling shoot, saying, “Shut up, man, we’re supposed to be space heroes!” These glimpses into the challenges of the production process reveal the resolve that fuelled Red Dwarf’s success.
In Red Dwarf: Discovering the TV Series, Tom Salinsky has crafted a rich, amusing, and insightful exploration of the show’s first five years. For both dedicated fans and curious newcomers, this book is more than a retrospective—it’s a rediscovery of the irreverent charm that made Red Dwarf a cult phenomenon in British television history.
Review from BSFA Review 25 - Download your copy here.