Play

I was digging out some video tapes of Red Dwarf to give to my coworker, Gordon. Several months ago, I'd mentioned the Cat to him. "I want fish." I can't remember how this came up.

Anyway, as I was pulling out the tapes, I was thinking that one of the things I like about the first coupl'a seasons of Red Dwarf is that it plays with classic science fiction plots. Remember this great dialog from the classic Trek episode, "Mirror, Mirror":

Not our universe. Not our ship. Something -- parallel. Parallel universe, coexisting with ours on another dimensional plane. Everything's duplicated -- almost. Another Enterprise, Spock with a beard ..

Most science fiction television feels like it needs to explain the essence of the plot. 'Cause, y'know, science fiction is so complicated.

There's something about the nature of play, though. The makers of Red Dwarf say, "I know this plot, and I know you know this plot, and I'm gonna find humour in toying with expectations." (I'm wondering if I can say this without reference to Derrida. D'oh!)

Buffy was great for that, too.