What happened to Red Dwarf?

When Red Dwarf returned this week, after a decade-long hiatus, it became clear that the big issue is not the social acceptability of sci-fi - but simply that this is a pitifully weak revival.

Oh smeg yes. After a decade in limbo, the sci-fi comedy series returns with a new three-parter, showing on consecutive nights over the Easter weekend. All the main cast members are present and correct which means no radical rework of concept or characters - Lister is still a loveable punk-poet slob, Rimmer a pugnacious coward, the Cat vain and stupid and Kryten riddled with neuroses.

The creators have definitely pandered to the hardcore fans, so anyone hoping for any character development will be sorely disappointed. But this is a comedy not a highfalutin' drama and so long as fresh mayhem is unfolding, nothing else really matters. The plot involves the foursome returning to Earth (for reasons that can't be divulged here) where, among other things, they pay a visit to Craig Charles's real paymasters on Coronation Street. A welcome return.

For Craig Charles, one of the highlights of making this three-part special was finding he could still fit into the leather jacket and trousers that he wore as Dave Lister 21 years ago.

All the cast (minus Holly in either of his / her incarnations) are here, too - Chris Barrie as hologram Arnold Rimmer, Danny John-Jules as Cat and Robert Llewellyn as Kryten - for this much-anticipated reunion.

The sci-fi comedy ran for eight series on BBC2 between 1988 and 1999, picking up an International Emmy on its intergalactic travels. So well done to Dave (the channel, that is, not Lister) for doing what the BBC never managed - getting the crew of the Red Dwarf back to Earth.

Actually though, that's down to guest star Sophie Winkleman - a comedy favourite thanks to her Peep Show appearances. She plays the new holographic Senior Science Officer Katerina Bartikovsky, who works out a way to send Lister to a new dimension.

Katerina's arrival is bad news for Rimmer - this spaceship's not big enough for two holograms - but good news for Lister as, being the last surviving human, it will be his job to go forth and multiply.

Tonight's episode might feel a bit flat as the crew battle a sea monster but, in the next two instalments - tomorrow night and Sunday - there'll be plenty of surprises as they arrive on Earth in the year 2009 and find themselves on a Manchester street you'll certainly recognise.

Back To Earth (Part 1) Review

While a lack of laughter is definitely a huge problem for a comedy series, I have to commend the visual effects and production design teams.

First Look: Red Dwarf: Back To Earth

First things first. It looked amazing. It has been filmed in HD and has dispensed with the laughter track, so, in essence, it looked like a proper film.

New 'Red Dwarf' - Is it better than smeg?

Packed with more emotional content than before, and bolstered by a moving performance by Craig Charles as the urine recyc-guzzling last human, Red Dwarf: Back To Earth will hopefully lead on to more adventures from the quartet. The joy of seeing the cast back together is immense, but this good will won't last too long unless some fresh writing blood manages to board Red Dwarf.

My ambivalence towards the brief return of Red Dwarf for a three-part reunion special has been noted previously, but after seeing the picture of Lister, Rimmer et al wandering down Coronation Street, my heart of ice melted. A little. It looks like a fun catch up with some old friends if truth be told, but I hope that won't stop Doug Naylor writing some lines that are actually funny. Remember, every sitcom needs equal measure of sit and com! But perhaps the world does need the return of Red Dwarf after all. The three-part special continues over the Easter weekend, with various documentaries and clips shows to celebrate being back in the Red one last time.

Sophie Winkleman injects glamour into Red Dwarf

This attractive rival should certainly bring Red Dwarf's Arnold Rimmer down to earth with a bang. Actress Sophie Winkleman, who is due to marry Lord Freddie Windsor this autumn, will inject some glamour into the cult sci-fi comedy and give uptight hologram Rimmer (Chris Barrie) some stiff competition.

Eureka!: Red Dwarf: Back to Earth

Advances in digital ushered in a new era for Red Dwarf, says co-creator Doug Naylor.

The return of the space slobs

Cult comedy Red Dwarf is returning to TV, 21 years after its initial launch. BBC News pulls on a giant space helmet and goes behind the scenes at Shepperton Studios. Warning: may contain minor plot spoilers.