Backwards is the first episode of the third series of the British science‑fiction sitcom Red Dwarf, and the thirteenth episode of the programme overall. It originally aired on BBC2 on 14 November 1989. The episode was written by series creators Rob Grant and Doug Naylor and directed by Ed Bye.
Plot summary
Following the events of the series‑two episode “Parallel Universe”, the crew of the mining ship Red Dwarf—Dave Lister, Arnold Rimmer, the Cat, and the resurrected service mechanoid Kryten—encounter a time anomaly while Kryten is taking a piloting test in the new shuttle Starbug. The anomaly transports Rimmer and Kryten to an alternate Earth in which the flow of time runs backwards.
On this backwards Earth, people speak and act in reverse, and written signs appear mirrored. Holly, the ship’s computer (now portrayed by Hattie Hayridge under the name Hilly), identifies the planet as a future version of Earth where temporal direction has been reversed. Rimmer and Kryten initially find the environment repellent but soon exploit their forward orientation to become a novelty entertainment act known as “The Sensational Reverse Brothers”.
Lister and the Cat eventually locate their companions three weeks later, but the backwards nature of the world creates confusion and physical injury that appears to heal in reverse. After a series of mishaps—including a reversed bar‑room brawl and a comically disastrous attempt at using a restroom—the group decides to return to their own time, restoring the normal flow of events.
Production
Backwards introduced several significant changes to the series:
- Kryten’s regular status – Robert Llewelyn’s mechanoid became a main‑cast member.
- Holly’s replacement – Hattie Hayridge took over the ship’s computer, now called Hilly.
- New starship – Starbug replaced the earlier “Blue Midget” shuttle, providing a larger set and more visual flexibility.
- Enhanced production values – The series adopted a new opening credit sequence with a rock‑guitar version of the theme, updated logo design, and more elaborate special effects, including bluescreen backgrounds and stunt work.
- Costume redesign – Costume designer Howard Burden updated the crew’s wardrobe, notably adding a stylised jacket for Lister.
Location shooting took place around Manchester, with scenes filmed in Tatton Park and other local sites. The episode’s title sequence and many visual jokes were conceived by Grant and Naylor, who sought to give the show a fresh aesthetic for its third series.
Reception and legacy
The episode is frequently cited by fans and critics as a classic of the Red Dwarf canon, praised for its inventive premise, comedic set‑pieces, and the successful integration of Kryten as a core character. It marked a turning point that solidified the series’ cult status and set the tone for subsequent episodes in Series III and beyond.
Related media
Backwards was later adapted into a novel of the same name as part of the Red Dwarf book series. In 1998, the episode, along with the rest of the first three series, was remastered for re‑release, featuring updated visual effects and audio improvements.