Trojan is the opening episode of the most recent series of Red Dwarf (Red Dwarf X), which first aired in 2012. Trojan fires on all cylinders, starting out with one of the funniest gags in the entire series, it is a stroke of complete genius.
The “it’s a moose!” gag is one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen. The best part of it is when the Cat knows the answer to the exam question.
After the crew decide to don the uniforms of the Trojan crew, Rimmer’s brother, Howard, teleports onto the ship and is introduced to the crew. The Cat is the navigator known as Gerald Hampton, David is the flight coordinator called, David Listertonsmithe. And the best one is Kryten Krytenski. When asked if he rebuilt and restored him, Rimmer claims he adopted a much funnier approach...
The second best part of this episode starts a little bit after the initial moose joke scene. It's when the Red Dwarf enters the shopping zone for All Droid. Here we get a gag that runs throughout the entire episode, Lister is put on hold due to a queue. Later he gets Kryten to show him how to “stay calm”.
While Sim. Crawford is trying to get the Quantum Rod, a voice comes on through the phone finally telling Lister that he’s gotten through - his reaction is one of the greatest moments in the series.
Another of my favorite moments in Trojan is when Rimmer has a resentment attack, and the Cat, who couldn't care less about Rimmer, is worried about not ever getting a chance to write on someone with a marker. So Kryten and the Cat play a game with Rimmers face and the marker, and Lister, who initially is opposed, decides to join in with the fun. When Rimmer wakes up he is told that it “Took longer than we thought to rub off the felt tip!”
Undoubtedly one of the most original gags in the episode, and in the entire tenth series, is after Howard has had a resentment attack and Sim. Crawford suggests that they go to the All Droid repair station. Rimmer asks “On this ship?”. He doesn't know how to move the ship so he gives the problem to the flight coordinator, Lister, who gives the issue to the navigation officer, the Cat. He also asks “On this ship?”. As he isn’t the brightest life form in the universe he points to the right and says, “Moving right now, mam. Moving RIGHT, now.” The entire crew leans in unison with the Cat to the right, giving the appearance that they are moving.
In the end of the episode Howard throws himself in front of a blaster bolt from Sim. Crawford, protecting his brother, Rimmer. As he dies they give homage to Rimmer’s defining moment on the show, with the background music.
Any excuse I can have to include that song in an article is well worth it!
Join me next Friday as I take a look at number six on my top ten Red Dwarf countdown!
Previously
10. Meltdown
9. Polymorph
8. Tikka To Ride
Smegging Brilliant
The World loves a bastard!
A look at Kryten 2X4B-523P
Five fantastic moments with the Cat
Dave Lister: The man who fathered himself
Top Ten Episodes: The one's that just missed the mark
Andrew Jero is 18, lives in Iowa and has a very strong love of both Red Dwarf and Doctor Who. He enjoys acting and writing plays, television scripts, and short stories. Follow Andrew on Twitter.
