Ep 1. Tikka to Ride

After six seasons, the crew of the mining spacecraft Red Dwarf returns for another adventure in season 7. Episode 1, titled "Tikka to Ride," begins with the four main characters -- Dave Lister, Arnold Rimmer, Cat, and Kryten -- playing poker and discussing their upcoming trips.

Lister is planning to visit Fiji in the 23rd century, while Rimmer wants to go back in time to prevent himself from failing an important exam. Cat, as usual, is more focused on his appearance than anything else, but Kryten has a surprise for everyone. He's discovered a "time drive," which can take the ship back in time to any point in history.

The crew decides to use the time drive to get some tikka masala from a famous Indian restaurant in London in 23 AD. However, things don't quite go as planned. When they arrive, they find themselves in the middle of Rome and are mistaken for emissaries from India. They are brought before Emperor Nero, who wants them to perform their famous Indian dances.

What follows is a hilarious romp through ancient Rome, as the crew tries to find a way back to their own time. Along the way, they run into famous historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci, who offers to help them with their time drive, and Robin Hood, who steals their wallets.

The episode is full of classic Red Dwarf humor, with witty one-liners, physical comedy, and absurd situations. The cast, as always, is fantastic, with each actor bringing their unique style to their role. Chris Barrie is particularly brilliant as the uptight and neurotic Rimmer, who is given plenty of opportunities to showcase his comedic chops.

There are also some surprisingly emotional moments in the episode, as the crew begins to realize the true consequences of messing with time. Lister, in particular, is forced to confront the fact that his actions have real-world effects, something he's been able to avoid in the past.

Overall, "Tikka to Ride" is a fantastic start to season 7 of Red Dwarf. It's hilarious, clever, and genuinely touching at times. Fans of the show will love it, but newcomers will also be able to enjoy the episode's humor and wit without any prior knowledge of the series. It's a testament to the show's enduring popularity that it can still deliver such top-quality episodes even after so many years on the air.