Ep 2. Better than Life

In the second episode of Red Dwarf’s second season, titled “Better than Life”, we see our beloved crew members Rimmer, Lister, Cat, and Holly discovering a virtual reality game that takes them to their wildest dreams. The game, called Better than Life, allows players to live out their most desired scenarios, no matter how improbable they are. Rimmer is overjoyed to be reunited with his father, while Lister is in a relationship with the beautiful Kristine Kochanski.

As the game continues, the crew becomes more and more addicted to its offerings. Rimmer is finally able to put his tormented past to rest, while Lister experiences the joys of a happy family. Cat is able to be the center of attention as a mega-popular rockstar, and Holly is able to engage in a lively intellectual conversation.

However, as the crew continues to play, they begin to realize that the game is too perfect, too enticing. They fail to notice that it’s ruining their lives in the ‘real’ world, as they’re neglecting their responsibilities as crew members on Red Dwarf. When Holly alerts them to the fact that they haven’t moved the ship in over a year, they begin to understand that they’ve been living in the game for far too long.

Desperately wanting to break the hold Better than Life has over them, the crew attempts to exit the game, but they find it increasingly difficult to do so. Kristine Kochanski appears to Lister even when he’s no longer in the game, and Rimmer can’t help but feel guilty for how perfect his life has become. Cat is the only one, having been in the game for the least amount of time, who manages to break away.

In an effort to save the rest of the crew, Cat devises a plan to trick each of them, one by one, to leave the game. But even with their help, getting out of Better than Life seems near impossible.

“Better than Life” is a fascinating episode that explores the idea that too much of anything can ultimately be harmful. While the crew is initially thrilled with their newfound happiness, they come to realize that it is all too easy to get trapped in a virtual world that is too perfect to resist. As always, the show is filled with irreverent humor, zany plot twists, and fantastic performances by the cast. A must-watch for fans of sci-fi and comedy alike.