10 Red Dwarf Episodes You Absolutely Must See
2. Back to Reality
OK folks, time for one of the most beloved Red Dwarf episodes of all time - Back to Reality. Frequently topping fan polls and currently sitting as the highest-ranked Red Dwarf episode on IMDb (9.3/10), there is no doubt that this episode is an absolute classic.
The episode starts off in a fairly familiar way, with the Dwarfers investigating a derelict ship on an ocean moon. However, they quickly discover that the entirety of the ship's crew committed suicide, a result of a hallucinogen that triggers despair. They soon come under attack from the creature that was responsible - a Despair Squid - and flee in Starbug, only to crash and seemingly die.
But this is where the first twist kicks in. After the ship explodes the words "Game Over" begin to flash on the screen and the boys are shown waking up in a grimy room, seated in virtual reality gaming gear.
Yes, that's right, apparently, the Boys from the Dwarf aren't from the Dwarf after all, but have actually spent the previous four years playing the Red Dwarf total immersion video game. As they attempt to reorient themselves and learn their "true" identities, each Dwarfer becomes disgusted with their "real" life for one reason or another. Which leads them to consider the unthinkable...
To further elaborate how the episode plays out would spoil a truly brilliant story. Suffice to say though that it is a clever, funny and inventive tale that has no shortage of twists or fan-favourite moments.