Red Dwarf: Series VII
Here's what you'll find in the seventh season ofRed Dwarf: the truth behind the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the return of Ace Rimmer (or a reasonable facsimile), an emotional rollercoaster created  from real emotions, a very seductive virus, and numerous mishaps involving dimensional accidents, wormholes, nanobots, and male-female relationships. If that makes perfect sense to you, you're undoubtedly a fan of the cult comedy/science fiction series, but even if you're not, there are plenty of laughs to be had. Of course, not everyRed Dwarffan will be in accordance--Series 7 has been the subject of much controversy since its original airing in 1997-98, due mostly to the departure of co-creator Rob Grant, the departure of Chris Barrie's Arnold Rimmer, and the arrival of new castmate Chloe Annett as Dave Lister's ex-girlfriend, Christine Kochanski (who had been played by another actress, Clare Grogan, in earlier episodes). But no matter which side you happen to pick for this debate, there are still enough amusing and thought-provoking moments in each episode to please even the most demanding fan.Highlights for the season include the opener, "Tikka to Ride," which turns a trip for curry into a visit to Dallas circa '63; "Blue," which addresses the departure of Rimmer and the uncomfortable relationship between Kochanski, Lister (Craig Charles), and Kryten (Robert Llewellyn), and "Nanarchy," in which the aforementioned microscopic robots create more havoc than actual repair. Supplemental features have always been one of the main attractions to the Red Dwarf DVD sets, and Series 7 doesn't disappoint: included are commentary by the cast (including Norman Lovett, the original Holly) on "Nanarchy"; "Back from the Dead," a 90-minute featurette with new interviews and previously unseen footage; a pair of short films made by fans for a competition; extended editions of three episodes (with no laugh track); 40 minutes of deleted scenes; early effects footage; and lots more.--Paul Gaita