Ep 1. Cured

In the season 12 premiere of Red Dwarf, titled Cured, the crew finds themselves involved in a mind-bending adventure that delves into the complexities of sanity, morality, and the essence of what it means to be human—or, in their case, humanoid. Set aboard the infamous spaceship Red Dwarf, the episode begins with a seemingly straightforward mission: to rescue a team of scientists who have been conducting a controversial experiment on a remote planet.

As the crew – consisting of the eternally optimistic Dave Lister, the neurotic and hyper-cautious Arnold Rimmer, the flamboyant Cat, and the ever-loyal mechanoid Kryten – embarks on their latest escapade, they are thrust into an unexpected crisis when they discover that the scientists have been working with some decidedly dangerous psychological concepts. The planet they’ve landed on is anything but ordinary; it serves as a treatment facility for the galaxy's most notorious, yet misunderstood, criminal minds—those afflicted with mental disorders that led them to commit heinous acts in the past.

Things take an intriguing twist when the crew encounters a range of deeply bizarre and eccentric characters who challenge their perceptions and beliefs about sanity and criminal behavior. Each patient has a story to tell, ranging from the ludicrous to the tragic. It's a rollercoaster of emotions and comic scenarios that push the boundaries of the show's trademark humor, leading to thoughtful reflections on the nature of villainy and redemption.

As they interact with these colorful inhabitants, Lister and the gang are forced to confront their own past actions and moral compasses. Rimmer, notorious for his self-serving tendencies, faces a particularly humbling confrontation when he finds himself entangled in a debate around his own personal failings. The Cat, naturally more concerned with his own allure and style than the philosophical implications of their circumstances, provides a hilarious counterbalance with his arrogance and vanity.

Kryten, as always, wrestles with his sense of duty versus his evolving understanding of what it truly means to care for someone, adding layers of emotional depth to the comedic landscape. As the crew navigates the bizarre rhetoric of the disturbed, the episode cleverly weaves together comedy, sci-fi, and poignant moments that resonate with viewers long after the credits roll.

Cured masterfully explores themes of identity, particularly through its paradoxical approach to sanity. Lost amidst absurdity and dark humor, the crew learns that even the most troubled individuals can carry traces of their inherent humanity. It cleverly examines how perceptions of mental illness and criminality can be shaped by societal norms and personal experiences, thus inviting the audience to question their own beliefs about the nature of good and evil.

What sets this episode apart is its ability to blend comedy with introspection, allowing moments of genuine pathos to emerge from the absurdity of the situation. The script is rich with witty dialogue and clever wordplay that will have fans chuckling while also provoking thought about the more serious implications of the plot. The humor retains the show’s essence, with slapstick moments and tongue-in-cheek references that longtime viewers will revel in, while still remaining accessible to newcomers.

Visually, the episode maintains the series' signature aesthetic, combining low-fi charm with imaginative sci-fi elements. The production design effectively captures the atmosphere of a derelict facility hosting a uniquely offbeat group of characters. The costume design further enhances the humor of the episode, especially regarding the eclectic looks of the patients, adding an extra layer of visual gags to the proceedings.

As the plot unfolds, the stakes escalate in a delightfully unpredictable manner, engaging the audience with numerous twists and turns that only the Red Dwarf crew could dream up. “Cured” cleverly employs both its comedic roots and the science fiction genre to explore complex themes without losing touch with the lighthearted energy that defines the series.

By the end of this episode, viewers will be left with much to ponder regarding the intersecting realms of comedy, morality, and the human condition, all while being thoroughly entertained by the eccentric escapades of the much-loved characters. It's an audacious and hilarious beginning to season 12 that reinforces Red Dwarf's legacy as a cult classic, blending clever writing and brilliant performances into an unforgettable viewing experience.