Red Dwarf X

Now in its third decade, this uproarious BBC sci-fi sitcom (arguably the masterpiece within this micro-genre), encores for a 10th cycle, after what would have seemed a farewell feature, 2009's three-part Back to Earth. The fun continues with the last bit of mankind—working-class ne'er-do-well Dave Lister (Craig Charles), and his non- and semi-human companions—aboard the gigantic space-mining hulk Red Dwarf, drifting through a hostile universe many years in the future. Alien dangers mix with bad situations brought on by the crew's bickering, as Dave imperils the ship while role-playing as his long-lost, alcoholic father; ugly creatures lock Dave in an explosive chastity belt because of a dispute over gambling debts; android warships attack the Red Dwarf in force; and the team time-travel to Earth in A.D. 23 and meet a young Jesus (which turns out to be not as blasphemous a farce as some might fear). The biggest developments in the ongoing mythology concern would-be officer and hologram Arnold Rimmer (Chris Barrie), who learns truths about his family and upbringing that make him the hero type that he truly is—petty, self-pitying, and incompetent. And yes, the hatch is left open for a Series XI. Although still a cultural UFO to many viewers outside the U.K., Red Dwarf has a definite cult following in North America. Compiling all six episodes from 2012, extras include a “making-of” featurette, deleted scenes (with optional audio commentary), and outtakes. Highly recommended. (C. Cassady)