Red Dwarf: Smeg Ups is a hilarious and chaotic collection of outtakes that offers fans a behind-the-scenes look at the show's best bloopers. Hosted by Kryten (Robert Llewellyn), the special is packed with flubbed lines, forgotten cues, and on-set antics that highlight the cast's chemistry and comedic timing. While Red Dwarf is known for its sharp scripts and sci-fi wit, Smeg Ups proves that even in deep space, things don't always go as planned.
One of the highlights of Smeg Ups is seeing the cast break character, with Chris Barrie (Rimmer) and Craig Charles (Lister) often unable to hold in their laughter. Danny John-Jules (Cat) delivers some of the best reactions when things go wrong, while Llewellyn himself struggles with Kryten's elaborate dialogue, resulting in some of the funniest moments in the collection. Watching the actors lose it over mispronunciations, prop malfunctions, and mistimed gags adds a new level of appreciation for the effort that goes into making Red Dwarf.
Beyond the bloopers, the special is well-paced and doesn't just throw clips together randomly. The framing device with Kryten provides fun context and makes the whole thing feel more like a proper Red Dwarf experience rather than just a compilation of mistakes. The inclusion of rare outtakes from earlier seasons is also a treat for long-time fans, offering a nostalgic look at the show's progression over the years.
If there's one minor drawback, it's that some of the bloopers run a little long, with a few repeated mistakes that don't add much beyond extended laughter. However, the sheer joy of seeing the cast genuinely enjoying themselves makes up for it. Smeg Ups is a must-watch for any Red Dwarf fan, offering a lighthearted, behind-the-scenes perspective on a show that thrives on both scripted brilliance and spontaneous hilarity.
Final Score: 8/10 - A fun and essential watch for Red Dwarf fans, packed with laughs and memorable behind-the-scenes moments.
