A lesion in the space continuum results in alternate universes being created from events that never happened, leading Rimmer to start skipping between universes.

“Weird? It’s 1989 Michael Jackson weird.” This fun season of Red Dwarf concludes with this fan-pleasing instalment that is less concerned about its science and more about finding ways to plunder its past to comic effect. Characters and situations from previous episodes populate the alternate reality scenarios, veering from amusing to downright bonkers. With the infinite possibilities on offer, will Rimmer find somewhere where he’s not a loser? What do you think?

Very much Chris Barrie’s episode, while he is the focus for most of the half hour, all four cast members have had their chance to shine this year. The laughs are frequent and not forced, the familiarity of spending time with old friends surely being one of the show’s greatest appeals.

Verdict: This has been a more confident and consistently funny series of six episodes than last year’s and it’s a shame that (unlike last year) there’s not already another six in the can. But based on the impressive ratings and quality of the production we can only hope that the announcement of XIII is just a matter of time. 8/10

Nick Joy