Backwards (Red Dwarf)

"Backwards" is the title of the third episode of series 3 of the British science fiction comedy television series Red Dwarf. The episode originally aired on 28 November 1989 on BBC2. The plot revolves around the crew discovering a time anomaly on a planet where time is running in reverse.

The crew of Red Dwarf—Lister, Rimmer, Cat, and Kryten—discover a derelict ship containing dead bodies arranged in a specific order, suggesting a backwards sequence of events. Upon investigating a nearby planet, they find a town where people are seen un-eating food, un-drinking beer, and engaging in activities in reverse order.

The central comedic element of the episode lies in the crew's attempts to adapt to this backward reality. This involves learning to speak backwards, which leads to numerous humorous misunderstandings and situations. Lister and Rimmer exploit the backward nature of the planet for financial gain, opening a bar that serves customers already drunk and takes payment up front.

The episode is notable for its clever writing and physical comedy, particularly in the scenes involving backward movements and speech. It is considered by many fans to be one of the strongest and most memorable episodes of Red Dwarf.