The 55th episode of the science fiction comedy Red Dwarf airs on BBC 2. This is the conclusion of a three-part story commissioned by UK comedy channel Dave. The story receives sharp criticism for completely breaking down the “fourth wall”, and for borrowing heavily from the movie Blade Runner. Despite the fan criticism, Dave begins putting together financing to a full season of six episodes, which won’t appear until 2012. 
Following a tenuous trail of clues to find the creative mind to whom they must plead their case for their continued existence, the crew find their way to the set of Coronation Street, where they track down actor Craig Charles – the man who portrayed Lister on the televised version of Red Dwarf. After dismissing the Dwarfers as either his castmates gone mad or a cocaine flashback, he reluctantly points them in the direction of the writer who created them. But when they confront him to demand to be kept alive for further adventures, the discussion quickly becomes a more violent confrontation. Can the crew escape “cancellation” if the mind behind their existence is dead?
written by Doug Naylor
directed by Doug Naylor
music by Howard GoodallCast: Chris Barrie (Rimmer), Craig Charles (Lister), Danny John-Jules (Cat), Robert Llewellyn (Kryten), Simon Gregson (himself), Michelle Keegan (himself), Richard O’Callaghan (Creator), Chloe Annett (Kochanski)
Note: The crew’s visit to Coronation Street plays off of the fact that Craig Charles stars in both shows, and the “real” Craig Charles’ mention about cocaine flashbacks isn’t entirely unfounded in reality, as the actor’s battles with drug addiction are nearly legendary. “Carbug” was a smart car customized with a green heat-shrink wrap (instead of a paint job) and planted-on prop pieces; the tightly-budgeted production couldn’t afford the car, so writer/director Doug Naylor bought it for himself and “loaned” it to the production.
LogBook entry by Earl Green