DwarfCasts (a Red Dwarf podcast)

"Nic Farey is why we have to take off our shoes in airports" Even by the standards of the Red Dwarf DVDs, the series VI release was special and probably represents the arguable pinnacle of the original set of releases. As such, Cappsy, Danny and Ian had a marvellous time reliving an absolutely packed release of musical insight, more SFX behind the scenes goodies, plus a very amusing and previously unknown tale regarding Craig and horses! Show notes Ian's reviewCappsy's reviewSonic The Hedgehog music theoryHoward Goodall: How Music WorksHoward's 30th anniversary songLaredo's websiteLionel Blair rides barebackBee Gees vs Chaka Khan

"There's two scythes to every story." In this very exciting instalment of our journey through all things Smegazine, Cappsy, Danny and Ian are joined by two very special guests - Chris Barrie's nipples. Listen along as the five of us discuss neural networks, yuppies, Kochanski's giant forehead, Norman Wisdom's popularity in Albania, whether or not Back To Reality was actually any good, and how The Inquisitor is accidentally responsible for the crimes of Jeffrey Epstein. It's best to have the magazine in front of you as you listen. If you don't have an actual copy, scans are available on archive.org or Stasis Leak, you freeloading bastard. Show notes G&TV covers CyberzoneEpisode OrdersRed Dwarf Broadcast Guidea bit of C5's coveragInquisitor vs Judge Dredd comicall the changes made in the Red Dwarf OmnibusG&TV covers The Reconstructed Heart

"If it wasn't shit, it would be perfect." We thought we ought to do something slightly out of the ordinary for our landmark 169th episode, so here's two specials in one - it's time for some Christmas Waffles. Once again our lovely listeners slash readers provided us with a veritable smorgasbord of tasty topics, which we gobbled up whilst writing fan-fiction about the ship's Secret Santa, sharing our ultimate Red Dwarf Christmas wishes, pondering the best box sets of all time, weighing up the current state of the fandom, and coming up with a really good idea for a Christmas special. Plus, like all great festive episodes, we end on a good old sing-song. We apologise for nothing. Show notes The Garbage PodcastEveryone's Dead DaveShipwrecked & ComatoseBetter Than LifeRed Dwarf NerdGallifrey GalsAll the leaves are brownChristmas Countdown

"Disgustingly Northern" As we continue our series revisiting the now decades-old DVD releases, the main thing we re-disc-over this time out is that Series V tempts us down conversational side roads like nothing else. So join Cappsy, Danny and Ian as we discuss Juliet May's short-lived tenure as director, attempt to get to the bottom of conflicting stories about Red Dwarf USA, and uncover more examples of institutional racism within the Metropolitan Police. We also speculate as to what the visual effects workshop smelt like, hunt down pictures of Timothy Spall dressed as a pig, and confess the real reason behind our lukewarm response to the fan commentaries nearly twenty years ago. Strap yourself in, this is a waffley one. Show notes Ian's reviewwhat "crossing the line" meansIt's a fucking emuhe Tale of Little Pig RobinsonHoloship Xtended - Pete Part Three did a complete edit while John Hoare posted one scene from his version.Ian's slow motion faceCreating new lines from existing dialogue

"Magnum Ed Bye" It's been far too long, but we are finally back on the Rack to continue our odyssey through the wonderous world of early 90s publishing. Join Cappsy, Danny and Ian as we take a deep dive into the epic Jake Bullet story that graces the cover, welcome another legendary Red Dwarf fan writer to the fold, marvel at the versatility of Chris Barrie's face, discover an obscure sci-fi writer that none of us have heard of, and attempt to figure out why a parody of Red Dwarf USA bears absolutely no resemblance to Red Dwarf USA. Mostly though, we rip the absolute shit out of everyone who took part in the all-episodes survey. Without looking, see if you can guess what the people of 1992 thought the second worst episode ever was. The 1992 idiots. Show notes famous Casablanca posterThe Last Temptation of KrytenOh BosanquetNot The Nine O'Clock Newswhat became of Hoggle from LabyrinthKryten tissue dispenserthis article on Gazpacho Soup

"Ribs and Pipes and Penises (oh my!)" Our voyage of re-disc-overy continues, as we tackle a most unusual release; the one that was out in the US before the UK, and that Young Cappsy managed to review before Young Ian for once. We rake over this bitterness as well as embarking on not one, not two, but three commentaries, forgoing the tradition of focusing on one big extra in favour of covering a handful of little bitty ones, the regular features that would otherwise be glossed over. Once again, we ensure that every single aspect of the release is discussed, and along the way we re-evaluate Hattie Hayridge's return to the role of Holly, try to get to the bottom of why the cast commentaries are so difficult to get through, and attempt to comprehensively solve the issues of both war and racism. Show notes CappsyIanIanSeries IV Deleted Scenes commentarystock footage in Red DwarfSmeg Ups Rough Cutferal parakeets in Great BritainSexual assault of men played for laughsDizzy on Top of the PopsCan't Smeg Won't Smeg commentaryPip Madeley's remastered trailers

"Doctor Fitzwilliam: Village Rectologist" At 6:30pm on Tuesday 23rd August 1983, unsuspecting Radio 4 listeners were ambushed by the very first episode of a seminal new sketch show. Featuring a hugely talented cast, performing the work of two writers who were on the fast track to greatness, it was notable not only for its inherent quality, but for what it would eventually spawn. The programme was, of course, Son of Cliché, without which this podcast would not exist. So in a break from the usual format, we present our fortieth anniversary tribute in the form of a documentary, showcasing some highlights from the series, analysing what made it so great, and of course focusing on the moments that had the biggest influence on Red Dwarf. Think it was just Dave Hollins: Space Cadet that Rob and Doug drew upon? Think again. Show notes Cliché and Son of Cliché on archive.orgoriginal "Father of Dwarf" articleold SoC sectionHistory of a Jokethe original Radio Times listings for the show

"The Manly Adventures of Buff Squidward" Rejoice, for our journey through the Smegazine archives continues with quite possibly the best issue yet. The first ever Duane Dibbley comeback! Tonnes of dirt on Red Dwarf USA! Loads of exciting news, some of which actually ended up happening! Some tedious prose pieces to keep us all grounded! Plus, we think we've uncovered the first published work of an acclaimed comics writer and Red Dwarf fan. All this and more, in far too much detail even by our standards. Show notes Colin Howard's artworkRemade in America: The reality of remaking UK sitcomsGrowing the BeardWeather Watchthe worst official tie-in magazine interview of all timeIce to see yousign for Melchester RoversTighten up the graphics on level 3

"The Gall of Gary Barlow" The third Red Dwarf DVD was released twenty years ago this November. It's time for another voyage of re-disc-overy, as we cast our minds back to a time of the online retail wild west, blossoming friendships and intense fansite rivalry. Although in practice, we probably spend more time reminiscing about our early Dimension Jump experiences than anything else, thanks to the choice of extra to receive the commentary treatment this time round, Hattie's DJ Diary. The surrounding, extremely waffley discussion takes in such topics as Red Dwarf's history with the AA, Craig Charles's overdue royalty payments, and farting in Ronnie Corbett's face. Each and every special feature is covered, we just hope that whatever you're using to watch your DVDs these days can actually access the menus... Show notes Celebrity Home Secrets was the programme in which Craig Charles revisted his former houses, but we couldn't find a copy online.Backwards Forwards commentarySaturday morning quimSeries III deleted scenes commentaryJim Lynn's VHS Video Vaultthe fake DVD cover the subsequent explanation.

"The fascist junta of the potato people" Back in the distant mists of time, when Ian first dreamt up the idea of getting Danny and I to read through all the Smegazines and record a podcast series about it, no doubt issues like this were front and centre of his mind. Historically significant pieces on ancient DJs? Check. Some hot Wraggy action? Check. Potatits? You bet ya. *gestures vaguely at insane original comic strips*? Uh-huh. Needless to say, this was a fun one. Show notes Danny's brother on Bad InfluenceWiffle Lever To Full by Bob Fischersomewhat bigger and grander than our initial research suggestedburnt down in 2012 and is currently being redevelopedClip from Parallel 9 with Robert and CraigA good blog about the making of Parallel 9The Abso-smegging-lutely Unofficial Red Dwarf CookbookIan looking discerningly at a bowl of gazpacho soupcomprehensive guide to the edits made in the OmnibusG&TV: The Reconstructed HeartBrian Harvey vs baked potatoesG&T's 2004 interview with Peter TylerBeyond The TouchlineRoy of the Rovers other football comics

"Could you make Patrick Stewart come in the middle of my television programme, please?" The second Red Dwarf DVD was released twenty years ago (as of a month and a half ago). Any bets as to whether we can get the next one done before this November? Back in early 2003 we had barely had chance to watch the first DVD more than two or three thousand times before another release was thrust into our sweaty palms. As is expected, the Series 2 DVD was very closely related to the first so you'd be forgiven for thinking this release might be a little less interesting, but as you will hear Danny, Ian and Cappsy still had plenty to talk about as they continue on their voyage re-disc-overy. Show notes breakdown of the A-ZDalek 63•88James O'Brien reveals all on RHLSTPSaint and Greavsie meet Donald TrumpTom Scott talking about sync claps and thatwhinging about the Alternate Personalities featurette

"I've got a lot of Red Dwarf to give." Well then, this is a little bit special. Fresh from the fantastic news that the Red Dwarf legal kerfuffle is officially resolved, we speak exclusively to Rob Grant himself - the co-creator of the programme, who's now returning to the franchise after an absence of close to 30 years. We found out exactly what the legal resolution means for the future of the show, got clarification on the new status quo for Rob and Doug, discovered what new projects are being pursued, discussed possible collaborations with established cast and crew, and touched upon merchandise, continuity, technology, Marilyn Monroe, and much much more. Show notes William Hartnell wasn't dead by the time Patrick Troughton took over as The Doctor, but we're too cowardly to correct the actual co-creator of Red Dwarf to his face.an American approachon TwitterDoug's Radio Times interviewTwo and a half hours

"Let wideons be wideons" Show notes A collection of 1970s tumble dryers. We couldn't find the clip from You Bet! of the German man identifying stamps purely from the taste of the glue, but trust us, it's phenomenal.

This is a most unusual DwarfCast following a most unusual weekend for your intrepid G&T team. The three of us gathered together in the same place for this first and only time this year, and that place was Liverpool. The reason? Seb Patrick's 40th birthday, and we weren't going to let the small detail that he himself has passed on stop us from celebrating. We wanted to share the festivities with some of the people who knew Seb, be they friends, family or just those who knew him through his work, in the Red Dwarf community and beyond. So join us for a somewhat experimental travelogue, taking in Danny's first ever football experience, a trip to a certain Liverpudlian pub, a game of pool on a very important table and our first visit to Seb's memorial bench at Crosby Beach. We promised to record a DwarfCast there if the petition was successful, and thanks to your help, it was. Show notes Twitter thread of our pics from the weekendThe Aigburth Arms plaquebenches at the AigburthSeb's benchinformation and supportThe SamaritansNHS mental health services

The first Red Dwarf DVD was released twenty years ago today. Yes, we regret to inform you that you're old. The fourth of November 2002 is a date indelibly printed on the brains of fans who spent months being teased and tantalised into a frenzy. Kids today with your YouTubes and your Netflixes and your Ministry of Sound may not appreciate just how big of a deal it was for Dwarf to join the digital revolution in such a wholehearted way, so gather round and listen to your Uncles Cappsy, Danny and Ian as we kick off a new series of DwarfCast retrospectives. For each edition of Re-Disc-overy, we're going to be sharing our memories of each DVD release, looking back on the media and fandom landscapes of the time, and of course revisiting and reassessing the many, many special features. Plus, we've picked out one extra per series to receive the commentary treatment, and this time it could only be Launching Red Dwarf. So get that lovely red box off your shelf, remove the dust from your ageing DVD player and join us as we discuss Red Dwarf's greatest unsung hero, unicycling jugglers, embarrassing Dimension Jump memories, the glory of Woolworths and much much more. Show notes "Because the Red Dwarf movie's happening at the moment, we thought now would be an ideal time."Ian's contemporary reviewCappsy's contemporary reviewcompiled subs for Launching Red DwarfLaunching Red Dwarfthese pictures from the commentary sessiondouble page spread from the Making Of bookEeeeeeggs dot comRed DwarfThe MatrixTOS's Easter Egg guideOriginal BBC Two continuityanalysis of the Drunk featuretteold Lee & Herring website Rob Sedgebeer's Mudhole

Hello hello and welcome back onto the rack. In a shock twist that even we didn't expect, we've actually come good on our promise to start up our regular DwarfCasting routine again. This time Cappsy, Danny and Ian are going page by page through Issue 6 of the Smegazine, which gives them plenty of opportunity to be all smug and self regarding about those early 90s idiots and their casual ableism and homophobia. Hurrah!

In my own personal and humble opinion, Red Dwarf fans are very lucky to have something like the US pilots. The mystery and excitement of them during the 90s and the black market in increasingly terrible copies are a defining part of many of our fandoms. Despite the fact we've still been unable to source a decent quality copy of either pilots, the time has come for Ian, Danny and Cappsy to commentate on these pilots 30 years after they were ill-conceived. Show notes Pilot #1Pilot #2Malcolm in the Middle30th anniversary message for Dimension Jump XXABC's The Best TV Shows That Never WereThe early editversion of the RD USA theme tuneWikipedia entryto return to America?

Surprise! We didn't plan to have a summer break, but a summer break we indeed have had in order to recharge our batteries and hide from the dreaded Burnout Monster. We've got a bit of editing catchup to do, though, so we're breaking with tradition and giving you another Smegazine Rack today while editing on the Red Dwarf USA episode is finished (well, started). Grab your complementary copy of the mag here. Show notes 'Smegopoly' boardhis interview with Vox Magazine@reddwarfzone@plus_hautDoctor Who Night sketchRed DwarfBourbonhenge

It seems a lot has happened since our last episode of The Smegazine Rack. We've launched and re-launched our incredibly original game Smegle and... well, that's about all that has happened, hasn't it? Yes, yes, definitely. Anyway please join your incompetent (by design) hosts, Ian, Danny and Cappsy as they climb up into the cab, fire up the slumbering beast and crack on... with the job of reading through every episode of the Smegazine. Show notes Danny's mysterious co-star revealed

If you're reading this then there's a decent chance that at some point in your childhood or early adulthood you sat down on a Friday night and enjoyed the feast of mechanical violence that was Robot Wars. For older Millennials and young Gen Xers watching this show went hand in hand with being a Red Dwarf fan, not least because the host was, from series 2 onwards, Craig Charles himself. And it's for that reason Robot Wars qualifies for our series of 'Dwarf-adjacent' commentaries as we seize with both hands the opportunity to talk at length about a show very dear to our hearts for... quite a long time. Show notes Christopher Wickham's Ludicrously Niche blog posts on Robot WarsRobot Wars Series 1 trailer, featuring Norman LovettCheesoid hate self. Cheesoid kill selfyes it's on YouTubehas a little stropJeremy Clarkson was nearly decapitatedgets the G&TV treatmentEvery Craig Charles outro poem, Part 1Part 2