Red Dwarf (TV Series) Meltdown (1991) User Reviews

Red Dwarf channels Monty Python

[grantss · 9/10 · 3 October 2023]

The crew of Red Dwarf accidentally end up in Waxworld, a theme park filled with famous people. Unfortunately they've walked into the middle of a war between famous villains - Hitler, Mussolini, Caligula, Al Capone - and famous entertainers, scientists and people known for doing good - Einstein, Pythogaras, Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Noel Coward, Elvis Presley. The villains have the upper hand and it's up to Rimmer to whip the good guys into shape.

The most inane episode of the show which, for me, makes it the best episode of the show. I am a huge fan of Monty Python and there were several Python similarities here, to the point of possibly borrowing from some of their skits - The Spanish Inquisition, the Drill Instructor, The Piranha Brothers.

Insanely funny at times and generally great, off-the-wall fun. A pity all episodes couldn't be like this.

Season 4

[ametaphysicalshark · 28 May 2008]

Season 4 is another great season of Red Dwarf although it feels more settled and less fresh than season 3. All the episodes are excellent but "Dimension Jump" stands out as a series classic and one of the best-written episode. "Meltdown" is probably one of the most fun episodes of the entire show with a unique concept and fun execution (the Elvis impersonator being quite impressive especially). Ed Bye, the director of this series, brings the various locations to life quite well.

Just a whole load of fun isn't it?

Series average based on ratings of all episodes: 8.83/10

I like the antiwar sentiment, but it's not the strongest episode

[snoozejonc · 6/10 · 4 December 2020]

Kryten discovers a 'matter transporter' device and it takes the crew to a planet populated by waxwork droids.

I enjoyed the themes explored in the episode and the anti-war sentiment, but it's not as strong as some of the episodes in Series 4. I think the comedy is pretty hit and miss and the sci-fi concept is relatively average.

It feels like a cross between Westworld and one of those Star Trek episodes where the main characters find a planet with two species at war with each other. There are plenty of enjoyable pop culture references, particularly to war movies. If the humour was better I think it would have worked for me, but personally I think it's a one-joke gimmick of historical and celebrity figures fighting each other in battle. Given the importance of the show's themes I was disappointed with the overall result.

Performances are as strong as ever and the cast make the best of the material. I liked the Cat's reaction to the prospect of torture and execution. However, as I always say about comedy, it is very subjective and others may find it funnier than I did.