Red Dwarf - Series 6 (1989)

Series 6 is possibly the most eagerly awaited of the Red Dwarf DVD sets, due to its acclaimed third episode, "Gunmen of the Apocalypse," which earned the program an International Emmy Award in 1994. However, the five other episodes in the series have their own share of absurd laughs, and the two-disc set features enough supplemental features to keep even the most demanding RD fan happy. The crux of series 6 is that the Red Dwarf has been stolen (no thanks to Lister, who can't remember where he left it), and the crew must recover it; their pursuit brings them in contact with brain-consuming aliens ("Psirens," with guest star Jenny Agutter), a polymorph that turns Rimmer and Cat into their alternate identities from Series V ("Emohawk--Polymorph II"), the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse tricked out as gunslingers ("Gunmen of the Apocalypse"), an army of Rimmer clones ("Rimmerworld"), and finally, their own future selves, who turn out to be particularly awful (worse than the present-day ones, that is), and cause a cliffhanger ending that just might spell the end for the Red Dwarf crew.... In short, series 6 more than earns its popular status among Red Dwarf's fanbase, thanks to its sharp writing (sadly, it would be the last series to feature scripts by co-creator Rob Grant) and energetic performances. And the double-disc set matches the quality of the programs with some terrific extras, including commentaries by the RD crew and fans (the latter on "Gunmen of the Apocalypse" only), and featurettes on composer Howard Goodall and series director Andy de Emmony; these are rounded out by the usual collections of "smeg-ups" (bloopers), deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes footage, and another episode of the "Dave Hollins, Space Cadet" radio sketch that inspired the show. And again, the most patient of viewers will find Easter eggs on the menus (happy hunting). --Paul Gaita Amazon.com essential video

The Best!

Series 6 is arguably the best series of Red Dwarf. Every series has their gems, but this one is switched on from the start. Another great thing about this particular series is the commentary track. It's just the four main leads this time and it's too too funny. I honestly can't decide what's funnier the show or the commentary. This series is a must have for any Red Dwarf fan. May 27, 2008

Best of the series

OK, I officially own all 8 seasons now. 1-8, they kept getting better and better. I was sure I would enjoy 7 & 8 even more than 6 bc of the larger budget. Wrong!
What I immediately discovered is that even though the effects were way better for 7 and 8, the stories just weren't as good. (I thought season 7 was somewhat of a letdown. Season 8 was much better however). Later, I came to find out that 1 of the shows 2 creators left, Rob Grant. Although the shows were still quality, I found myself not laughing at anything like I did with Season 6. (I don't think I laughed once during viewing of the entire 7th season.) I'm guessing Rob Grant was the humor behind the shows and Doug Naylor was the sci-fi dude. By humor, I'm not meaning the slap-stick jokes littered throughout each show but the actual story plots themself.
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MY POINT IS that Season 6 is Red Dwarf at its finest so treasure this season. My favorite episode out of all 8 seasons is on this disc, "Legion". (I kept thinking the 3 Stooges brilliance has returned in the form of a British space comedy with Legion) My 2nd favorite of all time "Psirens" is also in season 6.
It's a shame the BBC didn't continue with Red Dwarf but you have to admit, it was expensive for a measily 6 to 8 shows per season. I mean, what major US network could carry a series with only 6 shows per season? So PBS got Red Dwarf probably by default.
Still I think there are enough fans of the show to justify more. They could scale down the effects budget and just go back and concentrate on a good script. March 26, 2008

Mixed bag of ok and good.

A mixed bag. We now know they get their act back for the later seasons. If you like British silly sci-fi comedy, you will love this series! The early and the later seasons were the best. Some of the middle seasons had good episodes, but not all of episodes were good. I own all of the series and can't wait for the movie. May 15, 2007

The best of both worlds.

Some people will tell you to stay away from series 6,7,and 8. I will say that for the best of Sci-fi and Comedy this is by far the best season! there are "running" jokes in this season. Yes some are funny and some are tasteless but none of them take away from the series as a whole. Ayone who enjoyes a laugh or a well thought out sci-fi series will be able to jump right in with both feet in this series. You don't have to watch the first 5 series (however I highly recomend you do) to enjoy this series. It starts out very much the same way as series one, albeit not quite the same. Dave Lister wakes from a long stasis sleep to find he's forgotten who he is. The writers do an excellent job of reinventing the show via this amnesia intro. The other characters are simalarly introduced and a summary of their character types are given. So, like I said if you've never seen Red Dwarf, Don't Panic (to rip off another sci-fi/comedy great) you will be able to enjoy this classic series without doing your homework. This has just recently become my favorite series as I just watched again last week. Throughout series 6 you'll get long laughs, great sci-fi and Arnold Judas Rimmer, Rimmer to ryme with scum. July 7, 2006

Beginning of the end.

This season had its moments but it was mostly the same jokes and gags each episode. If you want to end on a high note then don't watch this season. But whatever you do, don't watch past season 6! September 20, 2005

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