Series 1

Okay, the first time through there was an odd vibe about it; the audience never seemed terribly enthralled by anything, the humour was hit and miss, and Rimmer was not as developed as he would be later on, so the way he was conveyed had a slightly different light to it (Craig Charles mentions in the commentaries that Rimmer seems much more of a spiteful jerk, which he feels was toned down in later series). Some episodes has an almost meandering vibe to them, due to the rather casual plots, portraying a more slice-of-life perspective than the more dedicated adventures you would see later on... but I like it. It's got an interesting, raw charm to it, and was back when the series still treated its concept with mystery and gravity.

The characters are lost in space with no other life to be found or quick way of getting home, and although most of the plots are just Rimmer being a smeghead and Lister getting back at him in some manner, you can see that's really what keeps their lives exciting. Sure, there's the future echoes and mutated illnesses, but all other plots are prompted by their own actions, which emphasises just how lonely and depressing it is out there. That would be downplayed later on for obvious reasons (it's depressing!), but the first series also sports a wonderful aura of mystery around it, with the changes that have happened over three millions years - not many, of course, but still. It too would be downplayed later on, to my personal chagrin.

The End

A cute and functionally sound episode, if rather slow-going. Serves as a great introduction to the premise, and still flows nicely even on multiple watches.

Future Echoes

Not exactly high on laughs, but a very entertaining story with intrigue and mystery that really helps define the series' niche.

Balance of Power

Probably the first Rimmer-centric episode, and our first meaty sample of the great bickering between the two. Otherwise a rather take-it-or-leave-it episode, though.

Waiting For God

It's a little lacking in comedy, but I find the story truly memorable - the cat culture is tragic but intriguing and it's our first look at the deeper depths of the ship.

Confidence and Paranoia

The comedic writing is a step up from the norm and the bizarre scenaro is pretty neat, though the story feels a little half-baked in some places.

Me²

The Rimmer episode, the one that truly defines his astounding ability to be so loveably unloveable. Great laughs, and for all his immature foibles, it's almost sad to see Rimmer so emotional.