Meltdown (Red Dwarf)

Meltdown is the sixth episode of the fourth series of the British science fiction sitcom Red Dwarf. It originally aired on February 21, 1991.

The episode's plot centers on the discovery of a derelict wax-droid theme park orbiting a red dwarf star. Within the park, historical figures, brought to life as wax droids, have descended into a brutal, internecine war. The droids are divided into two main factions: "The Goodies," led by Mahatma Gandhi and Abraham Lincoln, and "The Baddies," a coalition of notorious historical villains including Adolf Hitler, Eva Braun, and Vlad the Impaler.

The Red Dwarf crew, consisting of Dave Lister, Arnold Rimmer, Cat, and Kryten, become entangled in the conflict after Lister accidentally insults Hitler, triggering a full-scale battle. Kryten, being a service droid, is obligated to serve all humans, leading him to attempt to provide polite service to both sides of the war, causing him considerable internal conflict. The episode explores themes of morality, historical revisionism, and the absurdity of conflict. It also examines Kryten's programming and his struggle to reconcile his inherent politeness with the actions of undeniably evil historical figures.

A subplot involves Rimmer's attempts to control the situation and establish himself as a leader. His efforts are largely ineffective and contribute to the comedic chaos of the episode. Ultimately, the Red Dwarf crew manage to escape the theme park, leaving the wax droids to continue their pointless and violent conflict.