Lemons (Red Dwarf)

"Lemons" is the third episode of science fiction sitcom ''Red Dwarf'' series X, originally broadcast on the British television channel Dave on 18 October 2012. In the episode, the crew are marooned on Earth in 23 AD, where they meet a peace-loving do-gooder called Jesus.

Plot

After attempting to assemble a Swedish flat-pack "rejuvenation shower", the crew are unexpectedly shot back to Earth, Britain, in AD 23 when the rays of the sun hit them accidentally.Red Dwarf Series 10 – 3. Lemons
www.radiotimes.com. Retrieved 24 October 2012 The Dwarfers need an 8-volt battery to power up their Returner Remote and get home. Remembering a lesson from school, Rimmer suggests that they make a battery out of potatoes. When Kryten points out that Britain in 23 AD doesn't have any potatoes, Rimmer suggests making a battery out of lemons, but the nearest lemons are in India, 4,000 miles away.Lemons
www.reddwarf.co.uk. Retrieved 24 October 2012

Their journey leads them to a crowded market square in India, where they run into a peace-loving do-gooder called Jesus (played by James Baxter). Rimmer is particularly excited about meeting him, as Rimmer has the middle name Judas – when the others question why Rimmer would be given such a negative name, Rimmer explains that his mother belonged to the "Church of Judas", who believe that Judas was Jesus' twin brother and took his place at the Crucifixion, thus allowing Jesus to return after his apparent death. The Dwarfers end up befriending the stranger and eventually wind up back on the ship with the apparent son of God in tow when escaping Romans.TV Review: RED DWARF X Episode 3 'Lemons'
www.starburstmagazine.com. Retrieved 24 October 2012

Whilst recovering from a kidney stone removal by the whole Red Dwarf crew, Jesus gets a preview of his status as the central figure of Christianity and is horrified by the number of wars to be waged in his name. Jesus returns to Earth and proceeds to rant against the Ten Commandments, in an attempt to damage his reputation and thus avoid his fate. In a final twist, however, it turns out he is not Jesus of Nazareth, but rather "Jesus of Caesarea", and thus not the son of God at all. Lister advises him to use what he saw in the future to make something of his life – so Jesus starts making and selling bags.

While briefly delaying their return to the future so Lister can have a curry, the Dwarfers spot two twin brothers going by the names of Jesus and Judas. Rimmer goes to get up, only to be shouted at by the others and told to "stay put."

Production

This was the only episode in Series X to include location filming – the forest scenes were shot in the back-lot of Shepperton Studios.

This episode was Chris Barrie and Robert Llewellyn's favourite episode of the series.10 Things We Learnt About Red Dwarf X From “We’re Smegged”
www.sfx.co.uk, retrieved 19 February 2013

The lemon battery actually did work, and delivered 8 volts of electricity.

Critical reception

Reception for the third episode were mixed. SFX magazine gave it 3 stars out of 5 stating that the episode "has its moments, and the four main stars are on top form again (especially Chris Barrie who could make comedy gold out of Rimmer reading 50 Shades of Grey out loud) but overall the episode feels a little formulaic and a missed opportunity. But again, it may have felt that way because we’ve been spoilt so far." Starburst magazine gave it 6 stars out of 10, and said that the episode "had enough quality moments to ensure that the series maintained its winning streak thus far, even if it wasn’t an instant classic." IGN was more positive, awarding the episode 8.5 out of 10, calling it "classic Dwarf, with a ridiculous plot and some great gags. But perhaps the greatest quality of the episode is the chemistry of the four main characters."Red Dwarf: "Lemons" Review
uk.ign.com. Retrieved 24 October 2012

References

External links

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{{Red Dwarf episodes

Red Dwarf X episodes
2012 British television episodes
Television episodes about time travel
Portrayals of Jesus on television
Television episodes set in India