The Beginning

Series X, Episode 6
Recorded: 27.01.2012, Shepperton Studios
First Broadcast: 08.11.2012 (Dave)
DVD Release: 19.11.2012 (2EDVD 0718)
Blu-ray Release: 19.11.2012 (2EDBC 0187)

Written & Directed by Doug Naylor

Synopsis

Hiding in an Asteroid, surrounded by a Simulant Death Ship and a fleet of Annihilators, the Dwarfers begin to wonder whether this is the beginning of the end. Only one man can save them. Unfortunately, that man is Arnold J Rimmer.

Cast

Chris Barrie (Rimmer), Craig Charles (Lister), Danny John-Jules (Cat), Robert Llewellyn (Kryten), Richard O'Callaghan (Hogey the Roguey), Gary Cady (Dominator Zlurth), Alex Hardy (Chancellor Wednesday), Colin Hoult (Chancellor Thursday), Simon Treves (Lecturer Rimmer), Taylor James (Big Simulant Advisor), Philip Labey (Young Rimmer), Joanne Gale (Wendy)

Did You Know?

Simon Treves takes the place of the late John Abineri in the role of Rimmer's father. Meanwhile, Philip Labey becomes the third actor to play Arnold Rimmer, filling in the age gap between the adult (Chris Barrie) and child (Simon Gaffney) versions.

Series X Co-Producer Richard Naylor appears uncredited as two different students in the Io Polytechnic scene - in different costumes, shot from different angles!

This episode uses some elements drawn from drafts for the Red Dwarf movie script - with Richard O'Callaghan finally getting to play Hogey the Roguey some years after first reading for the character.

The final line of the episode deliberately echoes the final line of the show's very first episode, The End. But you knew that.

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