The announcement that Series XI is to be immediately followed up with the back-to-back shooting of Series XII provided an extra dollop of chutney on top of the triple fried egg, chilli and chutney sandwich that was the news of the show's recommission. Presumably this means that Naylor has plenty of ideas for episodes and storylines, as well as - potentially - a narrative arc that can traverse both seasons. Series X did feel slightly isolated, given that it avoided the ending of Series VIII, made little reference to Kochanski or Back To Earth, featured no Holly and generally lacked a series "arc" (like, for instance, the crew return in VIII, the search for Red Dwarf in VI and VII, etc.). Having two series back-to-back suggests that efforts are being made to create a lengthier and more comprehensive story that connects the episodes together. It's also just exciting because... Well... It means 12 more episodes are GUARANTEED instead of just a measly 6! Imagine the characters that could return! Mr. Flibble? The GELFs? Ace Rimmer? Please no more Duane Dibbley, though... Whatever happens, let's just hope Doug Naylor doesn't forget about Space Corps Directive 34124. That's a disaster waiting to happen.
